The Maxon FAOD-9 Fortin Modded Overdrive is a Maxon Custom Shop version of the OD-9 overdrive, modified by amp builder Mike Fortin of Fortin Amps. The core change is in the clipping stage: where a standard OD-9 uses diodes, the FAOD-9 uses red LEDs, which Maxon says produce "more organic, amp-like tone" and a more natural-sounding, tube-like clipping than standard diodes1.
The gain structure, in Maxon's description, "ranges from clean boost to sweet, classic overdrive"1. With the Drive control at zero the pedal is a fully clean boost; as Drive comes up it moves into overdrive. Maxon also lists an "extreme output level to push any amp to its limits" and an enhanced upper midrange response for improved note articulation12.
Where it came from
The pedal began at the 2020 NAMM show. As Maxon tells it, "when we ran into Mike Fortin at the 2020 NAMM show, the first thing we did was pitch him on the idea of doing a mod" of the OD-9, and the FAOD-9 followed about a year later1. MusicRadar covered the announcement, describing the Maxon Custom Shop unveiling a new Fortin-modded OD-93, and gearnews noted that "Mike Fortin of Fortin Amps is also releasing a limited edition OD-9 Overdrive"4.
Versions and availability
The FAOD-9 was sold in four batches, all now sold out1:
| Batch | Signature | Shipping window | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Batch | Signed | , | Sold out1 |
| Second Batch | Unsigned | Late January/early February | Sold out1 |
| Third Batch | Unsigned | Late February | Sold out1 |
| Fourth Batch | Unsigned | Late March | Sold out1 |
The FAOD-9 was a limited Custom Shop release, and all four batches are sold out. Godlyke, Inc., which handled the pedal, stopped distributing Maxon in 2021, though it has continued collaborations with Fortin Amplification5.
Related pedals
The FAOD-9 sits in a wider family of Maxon OD-9 variants. Godlyke has also offered a Fortin-modded version of the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer through the same channel1, and Maxon's European limited editions include the OD-9 Blackdrive and OD-9 Creamdrive. For the standard circuit the FAOD-9 is based on, see the Maxon 9-Series Overdrive, and for other takes on the same gain-staging family, see the Maxon OD808 Overdrive and the Maxon Overdrive Pro Plus (OD-9 Pro+). More on the effect type is on the Overdrive Pedals page.
Videos
killertonetexas
Godlyke Inc.
Xander Raymond Charles
Questions
Is the Maxon FAOD-9 true bypass?
Yes. Maxon lists the FAOD-9 Fortin Modded Overdrive with True Bypass Switching, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes straight through without loading or coloring the tone. That matters on a pedalboard where the FAOD-9 might sit alongside other always-on effects, since the bypassed signal path stays clean.
Who is Mike Fortin?
Mike Fortin is an amp builder, described by Maxon as an amp guru, behind Fortin Amps. Maxon pitched him on doing a mod of the classic OD-9 when the two parties met at the 2020 NAMM show, and the result was the FAOD-9 Fortin Modded Overdrive, released about a year later.
Is the Maxon FAOD-9 Fortin Modded Overdrive still available?
No. The pedal was sold in four batches, the first signed by Fortin and the remaining three unsigned, and all four batches are listed as sold out. It was a limited Custom Shop release rather than a standard production pedal, so players looking for one now are into the used market.
How is the FAOD-9 different from a standard OD-9?
The FAOD-9 starts as a classic Maxon OD-9 and adds Fortin's modifications: red LEDs in the clipping stage for a more organic, amp-like overdrive, an enhanced upper midrange response for improved note articulation, and an extreme output level. The Drive control at zero also gives a fully clean boost, which the standard circuit does not offer in the same way.
Can the FAOD-9 be used as a clean boost?
Yes. Maxon says the Fortin mod was designed to offer a fully clean boost when the Drive control is set to zero. Turn Drive up and the pedal moves into overdrive territory, so it covers both roles depending on where the controls are set.
Why does the FAOD-9 use red LEDs?
Red LEDs are the clipping elements in the pedal's drive stage. Maxon says they give a more natural-sounding, tube-like clipping than standard diodes when Drive is increased, which is the core of what the Fortin mod changes about the OD-9 circuit.
Sources (5)
- Fortin-Modded Maxon OD-9 Overdrive, Godlyke, Inc. (maxonfx.com), 2020
- Fortin-Modded Maxon OD-9 Overdrive, Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- Maxon teams up with amp wizard Mike Fortin for a limited edition OD-9 Overdrive, MusicRadar, 2020-12-18
- Maxon debuts new SSD-9 by Susumu Tamura, Fortin launches new OD-9 mod version, gearnews.com, 2020-12-19
- Custom Shop, Maxon
