The Aluminum Falcon Drive is an overdrive pedal with boost capabilities from Piedmont Custom Electronics (PCE-FX), a small builder whose pedals are made by hand. The version covered here is the V2, the second Aluminum Falcon the company created, with upgrades internally and externally over Version One1. Pedal of the Day's reviewer described it as an excellent choice for boost or overdrive, or both at once if you are good with your live footwork1.
Controls
The pedal keeps things simple: Gain, Treble and Output are the only three controls1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of overdrive; dial it back and the pedal works as a boost1 |
| Treble | Shapes the top end; cranked alongside low Gain, it carries the boost role1 |
| Output | Sets the pedal's overall level1 |
Sound, as reviewers heard it
Pedal of the Day's Mike B reviewed the V2 in September 2015 on a demo rock pedalboard provided by West Coast Pedalboard1. He noted a familiar layout, shape and even font on the pedal, suggesting it is loosely based on a certain $2,000 drive, and found it features tones that really mimic that pedal1. On the boost side, he wrote:
"Dial back the Gain and crank the Treble, and you've got one of the best boosts I've come across, and, to my ear at least, it puts your tone on steroids, while retaining all the clarity and presence of both your pickups and your amp settings."
He described the overall tone as smooth and creamy, sparkling and shining for days1. For more on where a pedal like this fits, see the site's pages on boost pedals and overdrive pedals.
Build and versions
The V2 differs from Version One inside and out1:
- Enclosure: heavy-duty steel, powder-coated and silk screened, chosen for more durability than the first versions' enclosures1
- Circuitboards: newly professionally fabricated boards in V21
- Handwork: populating, wiring and soldering are all still done by hand1
The V2's steel enclosure replaced the material used on the first Aluminum Falcons, so earlier and later versions do not look or weigh the same1.
Videos
PiedmontCustomFX
Sam Vilo
Sam Vilo
Questions
What is the difference between the Aluminum Falcon Drive V1 and V2?
V2 is the second Aluminum Falcon that Piedmont Custom Electronics created, with upgrades inside and out. Externally, the V2 enclosure is made from heavy-duty steel for more durability, where the first versions used a different material. Internally, V2 uses newly professionally fabricated circuitboards, while still having the populating, wiring and soldering all done by hand.
Is the PCE-FX Aluminum Falcon Drive handmade?
Yes. The V2 uses professionally fabricated circuitboards, but the populating, wiring and soldering are all done by hand. Piedmont Custom Electronics is a small builder, and the Aluminum Falcon is described as a pedal the company creates itself rather than a mass-produced unit.
What is the Aluminum Falcon Drive enclosure made of?
The V2 enclosure is made from heavy-duty steel, powder-coated and silk screened, chosen for more durability than the enclosures used on the first versions of the pedal.
Can the Aluminum Falcon Drive be used as a boost?
Yes. Pedal of the Day's reviewer called it an excellent choice for boost or overdrive, or both if you are good with your live footwork. Dialing back the Gain and cranking the Treble gives what he called one of the best boosts he has come across, putting tone on steroids while retaining the clarity and presence of the pickups and amp settings.
Sources (1)
- PCE-FX Aluminum Falcon Drive, Pedal of the Day, 2015-09-12