The Poly Effects Kanso is a standalone diode overdrive, a saturation boost that gives a pedalboard four clipping voices in one small unit. It is a collaboration between Josh Smith and Poly Effects, and it takes its circuit from the Diodes A channel of the Josh Smith Flat V Dual Overdrive, extracted into its own enclosure12.
Four diode voices, from clean boost to spitty fuzz
The Kanso holds four circuits, and Poly Effects describes the range plainly: "Each of the 4 circuits will go from clean boost to a spitty fuzz by just turning the fknob." The four voices come from four diode types, so each circuit has its own clipping character12. The maker sums up the intent as "Gain Clarity"1.
| Circuit | Clipping diode | Range on the Fknob |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schottky | clean boost to spitty fuzz |
| 2 | LED | clean boost to spitty fuzz |
| 3 | Germanium | clean boost to spitty fuzz |
| 4 | Silicon | clean boost to spitty fuzz |
Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson framed the same idea from the player's side: "You essentially get 4 different saturation voices here - which enhance the output of your pedalboard." In that reading the Kanso sits in the boost and overdrive territory, pushing what comes before it rather than replacing it, though how far you take the Fknob decides whether it behaves as a boost, an overdrive or closer to a fuzz2.
Diode choice is a familiar lever in pedal design. Components such as the 1n34A and 1n60P germaniums, the 1n914 and 1n4148 silicon signal diodes, the 1n4001 and 1n4002 rectifiers, the BAT41 and BAT42 schottkys and red 3mm LEDs are among the common clipping parts used in effects pedals3.
The Fknob
The Kanso's single control is the Fknob. Poly Effects describes it as "a foot switch, LEDs and a knob in one mechanism to allow clear feedback and intuitive, indestructible control," combining switching, status display and gain adjustment in one footprint1.
In use, the Fknob does three jobs at once:
- a foot switch, for engaging the unit1
- an LED display, for clear feedback1
- a knob, for setting where the circuit sits between clean boost and spitty fuzz1
Where it came from
The circuit is drawn from the Diodes A channel of the Josh Smith Flat V Dual Overdrive. Guitar Pedal X reported that Poly Effects "extracts the Diodes A channel from the Josh Smith Flat V Dual Overdrive into the Kanso, a standalone device," and noted the reasoning: "This is mostly how Josh Smith used the Flat V - so it made sense - for sake of simplicity - to extract the core function." Smith uses the Flat V's diode channels as saturation voices on his own pedalboard2.
Price and availability
Poly Effects lists the Kanso at $199.00 USD. All prices are in USD and delivered duty paid, with tariff and taxes displayed in the cart, so no additional payment is required on arrival1.
The Kanso is an overdrive and saturation boost pedal. Guitar Pedal X describes it as a way to add saturation to a pedalboard's output: "You essentially get 4 different saturation voices here - which enhance the output of your pedalboard."2
Related pedals
The Kanso sits in the overdrive and saturation boost category, built around four saturation voices. As Poly Effects puts it, "You essentially get 4 different saturation voices here - which enhance the output of your pedalboard."2
Videos
Poly Effects
Leon Todd
Josh Smith (Guitarzan)
Questions
What diodes does the Poly Effects Kanso use?
The Kanso offers four diode options: Schottky, LED, Germanium and Silicon clipping. Each diode type gives its own saturation voice, and turning the Fknob takes that voice from clean boost up to a spitty fuzz. Diodes like these are common clipping parts in effects pedals generally, with types such as the 1n34A germanium, 1n914 silicon and red 3mm LEDs widely used in pedal circuits.
Who designed the Poly Effects Kanso?
The Kanso is a collaboration between Josh Smith and Poly Effects. Guitar Pedal X reports that the circuit extracts the Diodes A channel from the Josh Smith Flat V Dual Overdrive into a standalone device, since that is mostly how Josh Smith himself used the Flat V, as a saturation voice on his pedalboard.
How much does the Poly Effects Kanso cost?
Poly Effects lists the Kanso at $199.00 USD. All prices are in USD and delivered duty paid, with any tariff and taxes displayed in the cart, so no additional payment is required when the unit arrives.
Is the Poly Effects Kanso available yet?
As of the maker's product page dated 26 October 2026, the Kanso is offered by email signup: Poly Effects invites players to get notified by email when units are available for pre-order. Guitar Pedal X reported at launch in January 2026 that the first batch had sold out, with Batch 2 shipping mid February.
Is the Kanso based on a Josh Smith pedal?
Yes. According to Guitar Pedal X, Poly Effects extracted the Diodes A channel from the Josh Smith Flat V Dual Overdrive into the Kanso as a standalone device. That reflects how Josh Smith mostly used the Flat V, running its diode channels as saturation voices on his pedalboard.
What does the Fknob do on the Kanso?
The Fknob is a foot switch, LEDs and a knob combined in one mechanism. Poly Effects describes it as allowing clear feedback and intuitive, indestructible control. On each of the Kanso's four circuits, turning the Fknob takes the sound from clean boost to a spitty fuzz.
Sources (3)
- Kanso - Poly Effects, Poly Effects
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2026-01-14
- A-Beginners-Guide-to-Components.pdf, GuitarPCB, 2018-07
