The Nordvang Custom Wingman v2.0 is a dual overdrive pedal from Danish maker Nordvang Custom, a company Delicious Audio describes as focused on building high-quality dual-channel overdrives1. It houses two identical overdrive circuits based on the K-style (Klon-style) circuit, one on the left (side A) and one on the right (side B), and each channel can be used independently or together. Nordvang positions it as a boost and medium-gain overdrive with what the maker calls "loads of headroom and output on tap"2.
The v2.0 is the updated version of the original Wingman, the one pedal in the company's roster with two K-style channels in a single box1. It sits alongside other Nordvang dual overdrives such as the '83 Drive and the Gravity.
What the Wingman does
Each of the two channels is a boost and medium-gain overdrive built on the K-style circuit. Because the sides are identical, the pedal is really two of the same drive in one enclosure: one can act as a clean-ish boost pushing the other into medium gain, or each can run on its own into separate parts of your signal chain. Nordvang says each channel can be used "independently or together to create the ultimate boost and medium gain overdrive with loads of headroom and output on tap"1.
The name comes from military aviation. As the maker explains it:
"Wingman is a military aviation term of 'the plane flying beside and slightly behind the lead plane in an aircraft formation'."2
The controls on sides A and B
Both sides carry the same external control set, with an order toggle switch in the middle of the enclosure21.
| Control | Where | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| GAIN | Side A and side B | Sets the drive amount for that channel |
| TONE | Side A and side B | Shapes the frequency response of that channel |
| VOLUME | Side A and side B | Sets the output level of that channel |
| Low Gain toggle | Side A and side B | Two-position switch that adjusts the maximum gain range in the overdrive gain stage |
| Order toggle | Middle of the pedal | Flips the internal order of the effects, changing the signal path from guitar to amp |
Inside the pedal there is more to configure:
- One set of dip switches per side, labeled "lows," which extends the bass response in that circuit2. Delicious Audio describes these as two internal dip switches for extending the low frequency response, one in the overdrive gain stage and one in the clean signal path1.
- Three internal dip switches that enable the TRS split function2.
The v2.0 also uses TAIWAY toggle switches and VISHAY 1% metalfilm resistors1.
Power: 18V internal headroom
The v2.0's internal supply voltage is boosted to 18 Volt for increased headroom in all gain stages2. Nordvang frames this as a change to the op amp supply rails: all internal op amps now run at +/- 9 Volt, which the maker says gives better signal handling when you stack the two sides2. For a player, that means the pedal is built to stay cleaner and more open at high output levels, particularly when both channels are engaged at once.
What changed in v2.0
The update keeps the buffer from the original Wingman but adds switching options for tweaking it2. The other headline changes:
- Internal supply voltage boosted to 18V, with op amps at +/- 9V for better stacking behavior2
- A TRS split function, added by popular demand, for pedal looper systems like the GigRig, enabled via three internal dip switches2
- VISHAY 1% metalfilm resistors and TAIWAY toggle switches in the build1
The TRS split is the change that matters most for players with switching systems. With it enabled, the two sides can be separated so a looper such as the GigRig can place each channel on its own loop, rather than the pedal always running its two circuits in series internally2.
How it compares in the Nordvang range
Nordvang's roster includes several dual overdrives, and the Wingman is the one that pairs two of the same K-style circuit. The '83 Drive takes a different approach, pairing a Klon-style channel with a Bluesbreaker-style channel, and its V2.0 version also shares some of the Wingman's flexibility, with an AB/BA effect order switch and different clipping options. The Wingman v2.0 itself measures 5.72 in x 4.77 in x 1.39 in (145 mm x 121 mm x 35 mm)123.
The Gravity v2.5 is another dual-channel option in the range, and the company's history goes back to the No.1 Overdrive, its first pedal, released in December 2014, whose refined successor is the No. 1 Signature.
Buying one from the United States
Nordvang sells direct, and the maker notes a cost consideration for US buyers2:
The maker's product page lists the Wingman v2.0 at £319.94 GBP2.
The pedal is priced at £319.94 GBP on the maker's product page2.
Videos
Shawn Tubbs
Questions
What circuit is the Nordvang Wingman based on?
Both of the Wingman's two channels are identical overdrives based on the K-style (Klon-style) circuit. Nordvang describes it as two of the mythical K-style circuit in one box, so each side can serve as a boost or a medium-gain overdrive on its own, or the two can be stacked.
How do I use the Wingman TRS split with a GigRig?
The v2.0 adds a TRS split function for pedal looper systems like the GigRig. It is enabled through three internal dip switches, which let you break the two sides out separately so each can sit on its own loop rather than running in series inside the pedal.
Can I change the order of the two sides on the Wingman?
Yes. An order toggle switch sits in the middle of the pedal between the two sets of controls, and it flips the internal order of the effects, changing the signal path from guitar to amp so you can put side A into side B or side B into side A.
Why is the pedal called the Wingman?
Wingman is a military aviation term for the plane flying beside and slightly behind the lead plane in an aircraft formation. Nordvang chose it because the two circuits can be used separately or stacked together, one supporting the other like a wingman.
Are there import fees on Nordvang orders to the US?
Yes. Nordvang says that based on feedback from US customers so far, import fees of approximately $60 to $100 USD can be expected on orders shipped to the United States due to the current tariff situation, on top of the pedal's price.
Sources (3)
- Pedal Update: Nordvang Wingman V2.0, Delicious Audio, 2023-01-27
- Wingman v2.0, Nordvang Custom
- Nordvang ’83 Drive V2.0 review: A faithful recreation of widely used drive circuits all in one box, guitar.com, 2022-03-08
