The Maxon APEX808 Red-Eye Mod Overdrive is a modded version of the Maxon OD808 Overdrive, an overdrive pedal in the Tube Screamer family. This particular unit is a B-stock example of a rare variant: it combines two separate modifications, the Apex808 mod and the 40th Anniversary mod, into a single pedal. According to Godlyke Distributing, the maker's product page describes the result this way: "In a way combining both mods increases the overall top-end clarity of the overdriven signal."1
This is a B-stock pedal: it shows signs of use and very minor cosmetic damage, and the box is included. The listing was marked sold out as of 26 October 2026.1
What it does
As an overdrive, the pedal sits in the same lineage as the OD808, the Maxon-built overdrive that shares its circuit family with the Ibanez Tube Screamer. The Red-Eye Mod takes that base design and stacks the two mods together. The maker's stated aim of combining the Apex808 and 40th Anniversary mods is increased top-end clarity in the overdriven signal, which is the practical difference between this pedal and a stock OD808.1
The standard Maxon APEX808, from which one of the two mods takes its name, is itself an overdrive in the same 808 line.2
Where it comes from
The OD808 line goes back to Maxon's small-box overdrives. In the original small-box version, both dual op-amps in the pedal are MC1458P chips, which Aion FX notes have "nearly identical specs to the 741".31 The later reissue-series OD808 uses a JRC4558 chip; Guitar World's 2000 review described it as producing "smooth, overdrive tones".4 Guitar Player's May 2000 review of the reissue series noted that "the OD808 uses Overdrive, Output, and Tone controls to deliver outstanding low-to medium-gain tones".5
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Overdrive | Sets the amount of drive |
| Output | Sets the level |
| Tone | Shapes the treble |
Those three controls are the standard OD808 layout reported by Guitar Player; the Red-Eye Mod is a modification of that circuit rather than a different control layout.5
Related pedals
Maxon's 808-family overdrives include the stock OD808 Overdrive, the APEX808, and anniversary editions such as the OD808-40. For the wider picture, see the site's guide to Overdrive Pedals.
Videos
R.J. Ronquillo
Mike Hermans
Godlyke Inc.
Sources (5)
- Maxon Apex808 overdrive, Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- Apex808 overdrive, Godlyke, Inc. (maxonfx.com)
- Stratus Classic Overdrive / Ibanez® Tube Screamer, Aion FX, 2018-09-22
- Maxon Reissue Series Effects Pedals Review, Guitar World Magazine (republished on maxonfx.com / Godlyke, Inc.), 2000-04
- Maxon Reissue Series Effects Review, Guitar Player Magazine, 2000-05
