The Korg OD-KIT is a DIY overdrive effects kit built around the Nutube, Korg's miniature vacuum tube. Korg describes it as the "NUTUBE OVERDRIVE KIT," and the company's pitch is that tube overdrive, long a high hurdle in the world of homemade effects, becomes far more approachable when Nutube is used in its place1. The finished unit is an overdrive in the same family as Korg's other Nutube pedals, such as the Korg Nu:Tekt OD-S.
What it does
The OD-KIT is a solder-together kit: the builder assembles the effect and ends up with a working tube overdrive. Korg positions the Nutube as the reason the project is practical, since the tube overdrive that was once difficult for self-builders becomes, in Korg's words, "グッと身近に" (much closer at hand) thanks to Nutube1.
Two design features shape the sound:
- Single or double Nutube. The Nutube can be switched between single and double configurations, letting the builder choose the preferred sound1.
- SHAPE knob. A SHAPE knob changes the Nutube's distortion tone1.
OD-KIT CUSTOM CRAFT
Korg later released the OD-KIT CUSTOM CRAFT, a DIY assembly-type effect unit that Korg describes as an evolution of the Nutube-equipped OD-KIT2. Its addition is a semi-fixed VOLUME control: turning it allows fine adjustment of the amount of distortion and the tone2.
The OD-KIT CUSTOM CRAFT was offered as a limited-quantity sale in Japan3.
Its connections and battery life, from Korg's specification sheet:
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Connectors | INPUT/OUTPUT terminals (mono phone jacks), DC 9V terminal4 |
| Configurations | Nutube switchable between single and double configurations to choose the preferred sound1 |
Videos
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Questions
What is the Korg OD-KIT?
The OD-KIT is a DIY overdrive effects kit from Korg built around the Nutube, Korg's miniature vacuum tube. Korg says the kit brings tube overdrive, historically a difficult project for DIY builders, within easier reach. The builder assembles the effect themselves, and the finished unit works as an overdrive pedal with a SHAPE knob that changes the Nutube's distortion tone.
What is the difference between the OD-KIT and the OD-KIT CUSTOM CRAFT?
The OD-KIT CUSTOM CRAFT is an evolved version of the Nutube-equipped OD-KIT. It adds a semi-fixed VOLUME control that can be turned to fine-tune the amount of distortion and the tone. It was sold in limited quantities in Japan and uses the same basic Nutube overdrive circuit as the original kit.
Sources (4)
- OD-KIT - NUTUBE OVERDRIVE KIT | KORG (Japan), Korg
- OD-KIT CUSTOM CRAFT, Korg (www.korg.com)
- OD-KIT CUSTOM CRAFT, Korg (www.korg.com)
- Specifications, Korg
