The Maxon SSD-9 Super Sonic Distortion is a distortion pedal carrying the name of the Maxon SD-9 Sonic Distortion, which Maxon also lists as sold out12. Maxon describes its sound as a "Rich, thick amp-like tone with massive sustain"3, and notes that the frequency range of the Tone control was shifted for a greater emphasis on the lows and lower mids while attenuating the 1K range3. The pedal is sold out, listed at £253.00 GBP, with the first 50 units signed by Mr. Tamura43.
What it does to your sound
The SSD-9 keeps the SD-9's basic character but changes two things. First, it has an increased output level2. Second, Tamura shifted the frequency range of the Tone control for greater emphasis on the lows and lower mids while attenuating the 1K range5. Maxon describes the result as a rich, thick amp-like tone with massive sustain5, and the company's press release put it this way:
"Rich, thick amp-like tone with massive sustain"
For a player, that means a distortion voiced darker and fuller than the stock SD-9, with more level to push an amp52.
SSD-9 compared with the SD-9
The SD-9 is the higher-gain sibling in Maxon's 9-Series: Vintage Guitar's review of the line called it "the higher-gain SD-9 Sonic Distortion," a distortion pedal above the OD-916. GuitarPCB's build document for the SD9 circuit describes it as offering "saturated distortion perfect for screaming leads and thick rhythms," providing "smooth distortion, long sustain, and clear articulation"7.
| Maxon SD-9 | Maxon SSD-9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Distortion pedal25 | Distortion pedal2 |
| Circuit | Stock 9-Series design5 | Modified version of stock SD-95 |
| Output | Standard | Increased output level2 |
| Tone control | Stock voicing | Retuned toward lows and lower mids, 1K range attenuated5 |
| Bypass | Not stated here | True Bypass switching2 |
| Power | Standard | Optional 18V DC for increased headroom, less compression, alternate drive signature2 |
| Status | Sold out2 | Sold out2 |
The SSD-9 is sold out on Maxon's product page43. The Maxon SD-9 Sonic Distortion is likewise listed as sold out6.
Where it came from
The SSD-9 was a limited run within Maxon's lineup: the first 50 units were signed by Mr. Tamura, and that signed variant is listed as sold out3. The pedal as a whole is likewise sold out, at a listed price of £253.00 GBP43.
The pedal the SSD-9 shares its name with, the Maxon SD-9 Sonic Distortion, is also listed as sold out6, so neither the SSD-9 nor the SD-9 is currently available from Maxon.
Power and setup
Maxon lists optional 18V DC operation for the SSD-9, which the company says gives increased headroom, less compression, and an alternate drive signature2. Players who find the pedal compressing at its standard operation have that option; the trade-off is a different drive character rather than simply more of the same.
The 18V operation Maxon lists as an option needs an 18-volt DC supply2. A supply that only provides the pedal's standard operating voltage will not provide it, so plan the power supply accordingly.
Videos
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Godlyke Inc.
Questions
Who designed the Maxon SSD-9?
The SSD-9 was developed by Susumu Tamura, the Maxon designer behind the Tube Screamer, working from suggestions by jazz fusion guitarist Scott Henderson. Tamura, described by Maxon as an avid fan of Henderson's playing, set out to build an improved version of the SD-9 based on Henderson's input, and the result was released through Maxon's Custom Shop.
Is the Maxon SSD-9 true bypass?
Yes. Maxon's product page lists True Bypass switching for the SSD-9, so the pedal's circuit is removed from the guitar's signal path when the effect is off.
Can the SSD-9 run on 18V?
Yes. Maxon lists optional 18-volt DC operation, which the company says gives increased headroom, less compression, and an alternate drive signature compared with running the pedal at the standard 9 volts.
How is the SSD-9 different from the standard SD-9?
The SSD-9 is a modified version of the stock SD-9. It has an increased output level, and the frequency range of the Tone control was shifted for greater emphasis on the lows and lower mids while attenuating the 1 kHz range. Maxon describes the result as a rich, thick tone with tube amp-like qualities and response.
Is the Maxon SSD-9 still available?
No. Maxon's product page lists the SSD-9 as sold out. The pedal's role as the Scott Henderson signature distortion was later taken over by the TWA SH9, which Maxon identifies as the SSD-9's successor product.
Sources (7)
- Maxon OD-9, SD-9, and AF-9, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2004-05-25
- SUPER SONIC DISTORTION (SSD-9), Godlyke, Inc. (maxonfx.com)
- Tube Screamer designer Susumu Tamura supercharges the Maxon SD-9, guitarworld.com, 2020-12-18
- Maxon SSD-9 Super Sonic Distortion Now Available, Premier Guitar, 2020-12-21
- SUPER SONIC DISTORTION (SSD-9), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- SONIC DISTORTION (SD-9), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- Microsoft Word, GuitarPCB, 2025-08
