The Mr. Black Bass OD Mk. II is an overdrive and preamp pedal for bass guitar, made by Mr. Black and sold as "the best overdrive/pre-amp available for your bass" on the maker's product page1. It combines an overdrive stage with a preamp section, so it can push a bass signal into mild grind or act as a tone-shaping front end for an amp. Mr. Black describes it as having "all the natural, touch-sensitive grind you can ask for"1.
What it does
The pedal's preamp side carries a two-band active EQ that Mr. Black says is specifically tuned for bass guitar1. An active EQ means the bands cut as well as boost, giving more control over low-end and treble than a passive tone knob. The circuit runs on an internal split rail power supply, which the maker credits with headroom, clarity and feel:
"almost unreasonable headroom, clarity and feel"
Headroom matters for bass in particular, because a low B or E string moves a lot of signal and pedals that run out of headroom can sound stiff or compressed in the wrong way.
Mr. Black describes the pedal as very touch-responsive with active and passive instruments alike, meaning it is designed to react to playing dynamics whether the bass has an onboard preamp or not1. The features the maker highlights:
- Overdrive stage with natural, touch-sensitive grind1
- Preamp section with a two-band active EQ tuned for bass guitar1
- Internal split rail power supply for headroom1
- Works with active and passive instruments1
The Mk. II version
The Mk. II is the current version of the Bass OD circuit. Mr. Black says the Mk. II includes increased transient response and a "faster feel"1, which points to how the pedal handles the attack of each note. The Mk. II enclosure is wrapped in high-gloss chrome powder-coat with the company's proprietary Deep Black finish1.
The Bass OD Mk. II is built to order, with a build time of 1 to 5 business days, and Mr. Black states that all sales are final: no returns, exchanges or refunds1.
The Bass OD family
The Bass OD sits in a family of related Mr. Black releases:
The Bass OD line has appeared in more than one form. The current Bass OD Mk. II comes in a high-gloss chrome powder-coat enclosure with Mr. Black's proprietary Deep Black finish1. One thing to know before ordering: the maker's policy on this pedal is all sales final, with no returns, exchanges or refunds1.
Players looking at the wider category can compare it with other overdrive pedals and preamp pedals for bass.
Price and availability
The Bass OD Mk. II lists at $219.95 USD, shown alongside a sale price of $199.95 USD on the maker's product page as of 26 October 20261. Because each unit is built to order, it is not a stock-and-ship product; the maker gives a build window of 1 to 5 business days1.
Manual
Mr. Black links to a PDF manual for the Bass OD on its product page, hosted at mrblack.jackdeville.com1.
Questions
Who designed the Mr. Black Bass OD Mk. II?
The Bass OD Mk. II is a Jack Deville original design, sold under the Mr. Black name. Jack Deville is the designer behind the Mr. Black pedal line, and the Bass OD carries his original circuit design according to the maker's product page.
What changed in the Mk. II version of the Mr. Black Bass OD?
According to Mr. Black, the Mk. II includes increased transient response and a faster feel compared with the earlier version. The Mk. II enclosure is also wrapped in high-gloss chrome powder-coat with the company's proprietary Deep Black finish.
How much does the Mr. Black Bass OD Mk. II cost?
The Bass OD Mk. II lists at $219.95 USD, with a sale price of $199.95 USD, as shown on the Mr. Black product page as of October 2026. The pedal is built to order, with a build time of 1 to 5 business days.
Does the Mr. Black Bass OD work with passive and active basses?
Yes. Mr. Black describes the Bass OD as very touch-responsive with active and passive instruments alike, so it is intended to work with either type of bass pickup.
Can I return a Mr. Black pedal?
No. Mr. Black states that all sales are final, with no returns, exchanges or refunds. Since the Bass OD Mk. II is built to order, it is worth being sure of the purchase before ordering.
Where can I find the manual for the Mr. Black Bass OD?
Mr. Black links to a PDF manual for the Bass OD on its product page, hosted at mrblack.jackdeville.com. The manual covers the Black LTD Bass OD version of the circuit.
Sources (1)
- Bass OD Mk. II, Mr. Black
