The Nordvang Custom Gravity Deluxe is a dual overdrive pedal that puts two much-copied circuits in one enclosure: a TS10 circuit on side A and a K-style circuit on side B. Nordvang describes it as a dual overdrive specializing in mid push, giving a player the ability to cut through the mix, and both sides can be used separately or stacked into a single signal path1.
The pedal's name and design brief come from a specific sound. Nordvang says its inspiration lies in the later live lead tones of John Mayer, in particular the outro solo tone in his song "Gravity" and the intro in "Belief", where he stacks these two types of pedals for a thick wall of mids1. The Deluxe is based on the standard Gravity v2.5 model, but with an enhanced audiophile component selection, and it comes in a gold and blue graphics enclosure1.
A TS10 and a K-style overdrive in one box
Side A, on the left, is the TS10 circuit, built around an RC4558 operational amplifier. Side B, on the right, is what Nordvang calls a replica of the K-circuit. An ORDER toggle switch in the middle flips the internal order of the two effects, and so the signal path from guitar to amp1.
The two sides can run in series in either order, A -> B or A <- B, or each side can be split out as its own effect for switching systems. Nordvang's own summary of the concept is direct231:
"Gravity is our take on two all-time favorite overdrive circuits, the K-style circuit and a TS10 circuit all in one enclosure."
The gain stacking idea behind the pedal is documented on the maker's Triple Gain page as well: stacking a Klon and a TS-10 the way John Mayer stacked them in songs like "Gravity" and "Belief" provided the inspiration4.
The controls
Each side has its own knob set, and the two sides are separated by the ORDER toggle in the middle1.
| Side | Control | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| A (TS10) | DRIVE, TONE, LEVEL knobs | Set the drive, tone and output level of the TS10 circuit1 |
| A (TS10) | LOWS toggle (3 position) | Changes the bass response of the circuit1 |
| Middle | ORDER toggle | Flips the internal order of the effects and the signal path1 |
| B (K-style) | CLIPPING toggle (2 position) | Toggles between a pair of germanium, schottky or silicon clipping diodes, as well as an open setting with no clipping diodes1 |
Side B's clipping switch is the deep-cut control of the external layout: a player can choose between three diode types or run the circuit open, with no clipping diodes in the path at all1.
Internal dip switches and TRS split mode
Inside the pedal, side A carries a row of internal dip switches for extended tweaking1:
- Output boost (switch #4)
- Clarity (switch #5)
- Brightness (switch #8)
- Clipping (switches #6 + #7)
- TRS split (switches #1 + #2 + #3)
The TRS split function is what sets the V2-generation Gravity apart for players with looper or switcher systems. With the split dip switches engaged, the two 1/4" jacks that serve as input and output in serial mode each become an IN+OUT jack for one side of the pedal, used with a TRS to 2 x TS cable1:
- Right side "IN" jack: IN+OUT for side B, with tip as in and ring as out1
- Left side "OUT" jack: IN+OUT for side A, with tip as out and ring as in1
The external ORDER toggle switch must be in the up position, A <- B, for split mode to work1.
The TRS split function was added to the Gravity line at version 2.0, by popular demand, for use with pedal looper systems like the GigRig. To make room for the split dip switches, Nordvang reduced the number of switching options on the TS side compared to the version 1 pedal3.
Power: 9V, 100mA
The Gravity Deluxe requires a regulated 9-volt DC power supply with a standard 2.1mm jack and tip negative polarity. Maximum power consumption is 100mA at +9VDC1.
The Gravity does not support battery operation, so it cannot run without a power supply1.
History and versions
The Gravity Deluxe is the premium variant of the standard Gravity v2.5, with an enhanced audiophile component selection1. Both sides of the pedal can be used separately or stacked13, and the TRS split mode that separates side A and side B into two independent effects carries over from the Gravity V2 design1.
Nordvang Custom works this dual-overdrive format across its range. The '83 Drive v2.5 also carries an exact replica of the K-circuit on side B5. Players who want the same K-circuit side without the Deluxe component selection can compare the standard Gravity v2.5, which likewise holds a replica of the K-circuit on side B2.
Buying notes for US customers
Nordvang Custom states that, based on feedback received so far from US customers, import fees of approximately $60 to $100 USD can be expected due to the current tariff situation1. The company also does not ship to Norway because of its specific import VAT rules1.
Videos
John Mayer Gear
intheblues
Peach Guitars
Questions
Does the Nordvang Gravity Deluxe take a battery?
No. Nordvang Custom states the Gravity does not support battery operation, so it needs a regulated 9-volt DC power supply with a standard 2.1mm jack and tip negative polarity. Maximum power consumption is 100mA at +9VDC.
Which John Mayer tones is the Gravity Deluxe based on?
Nordvang Custom says the pedal's inspiration lies in the later live lead tones of John Mayer, in particular the outro solo tone in his song Gravity and the intro in Belief, where he stacks a Klon-style and a TS10-style pedal for a thick wall of mids.
How do I use the Gravity Deluxe in TRS split mode?
Set internal dip switches 1, 2 and 3 on side A to TRS split, and put the external ORDER toggle in the up position, A <- B. Each side then gets its own input and output through one jack using a TRS to 2 x TS cable: on the right side, the IN jack carries side B with tip as in and ring as out; on the left, the OUT jack carries side A with tip as out and ring as in.
Do US buyers pay import fees on Nordvang pedals?
Yes. Nordvang Custom says that based on feedback from US customers so far, import fees of approximately $60 to $100 USD can be expected due to the current tariff situation. The company also does not ship to Norway because of its import VAT rules.
Sources (5)
- Gravity Deluxe, Nordvang Custom
- Gravity v2.5, Nordvang Custom
- Nordvang Gravity Drive V2, Delicious Audio, 2022-01-13
- NORDVANG TRIPLE GAIN, Nordvang Custom
- '83 Drive v2.5, Nordvang Custom
