The MojoHandFX Rook is a classic overdrive pedal, released in 2011. It pairs the drive circuit with a Baxandall-driven EQ section and a 3-way voicing switch, a combination MojoHandFX credits with making the pedal unusually versatile for a small, simple four-knob overdrive1. Since its release, the maker says the Rook has been hailed as the "New Standard of Boutique Overdrives"1.
What it does
The Rook sits in the overdrive category: a drive pedal aimed at classic overdrive tones rather than heavy distortion. What sets it apart from a straightforward overdrive pedal is the EQ section. A Baxandall EQ is a tone-control design with independent cut and boost of bass and treble, and the Rook drives its tone stack from that section, alongside a 3-way voicing switch1. MojoHandFX describes the result as a pedal whose "versatility has verged on uncharted territory"3.
The clipping arrangement is a 3-way toggle. On the related Kensrue Rook version of the circuit, the maker describes the up position as delivering "classic overdrive" tones, "filled with rich 'harmonicy' goodness" via silicon diode clipping4. On the Rook Royale, the same toggle offers LED clipping in the up position, no clipping in the center, and silicon clipping down1.
Versions and related pedals
The Rook has spawned variants within the MojoHandFX range:
- Rook Overdrive (2011): the original four-knob classic overdrive with the Baxandall EQ and voicing switch1.
- Rook Royale: an enhanced version announced in March 2013, combining overdrive and boost in one enclosure while keeping the Rook's EQ and voicing approach3.
- Kensrue Rook: a version of the Rook circuit described by the maker as "a classic overdrive paired with a powerful EQ section"4.
The Rook Royale is a separate product from the original Rook: it adds a boost circuit alongside the overdrive, so the two pedals differ in controls and scope3.
What reviewers said
The Rook's reputation among published reviewers has been strong. In a March 2013 press release carried by Premier Guitar, MojoHand FX noted that it was "this combination of versatility, sound/build quality and affordability that led to the Rook being named 'Pedal of the Year' by What's That Dude Play"3. The maker also refers to the Rook as its "award winning" overdrive5.
Stacking with other pedals
MojoHandFX describes the Rook as "one of the most stack friendly drives on the market," whether stacked with various overdrives, fuzzes, or muffs4. For players building a board, that means the Rook can be run into or behind other gain stages: paired with a fuzz for a tighter base, or with another overdrive for layered gain. Players comparing it against mainstream drives such as the Boss SD-1 or Ibanez TS9 can see how the approaches differ in the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison.
Videos
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Questions
What is the MojoHandFX Rook Overdrive?
The Rook is a classic overdrive pedal from MojoHandFX, released in 2011. It pairs the overdrive circuit with a Baxandall-driven EQ section and a 3-way voicing switch, which the maker credits for its versatility. It was named "Pedal of the Year" by What's That Dude Play.
How does the Rook's clipping toggle work?
On the Rook design, a 3-way clipping toggle changes the character of the drive. The up position gives classic overdrive tones with silicon diode clipping, described by the maker as filled with rich harmonic goodness. On the Rook Royale version, the toggle offers LED clipping up, no clipping in the center, and silicon clipping down.
What is the Rook Royale?
The Rook Royale is an enhanced version of the Rook Overdrive announced by MojoHand FX in March 2013. It combines overdrive and boost in one pedal while keeping the Rook's EQ section and voicing switch.
Sources (5)
- Rook Royale, MojoHandFX
- Wonder Filter, Mojo Hand FX
- Mojo Hand FX Launches Rook Royale Overdrive/Preamp, Premier Guitar, 2013-03-13
- Kensrue Rook, Mojo Hand FX
- Odessa - MojoHandFX, MojoHandFX
