The Rodenberg Luke OD is a compact analog overdrive pedal with two gain modes, Low Gain Overdrive and High Gain Overdrive, selected with a toggle switch. It was designed by Steve Lukather and Uli Rodenberg, and RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as the little brother of the Steve Lukather SL-OD, carrying 100% the same overdrive sounds as that 3-way pedal in a smaller housing1.
Controls and how it works
The pedal keeps its control layout simple: a Level control, a tone control and a drive control, covering the gain and output shaping most players need from an overdrive1. On top of that, two toggle switches set the character:
- Overdrive toggle: selects between the low gain and high gain overdrive modes1
- Bass boost toggle: pushes the low frequencies without the sound becoming muddy, according to RockBoard's PedalPedia1
The bass boost is the pedal's answer to a common overdrive problem, where driving the front end of an amp thins out the low end. As RockBoard's PedalPedia puts it, it pushes the low frequencies "without the sound becoming muddy"1.
Size and power
At 2.3 x 4.3 x 1.3 inches (W x D x H), RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the Luke OD as having the smallest dimensions in the range and says it "fits on every stage board"1. It runs on a 9V DC, center negative supply and draws 50mA1.
The Luke OD draws 50mA, so check the current budget of a shared power supply before adding it to a daisy-chained setup1.
The Luke OD and the SL-OD
The Luke OD shares its sound with the Steve Lukather SL-OD, the maker's 3-way overdrive pedal. RockBoard's PedalPedia states it has "100% the same overdrive sounds as the SL-OD Overdrive (3-way pedal)", so the choice between the two comes down to format: the Luke OD offers the low gain and high gain modes in a smaller housing, while the SL-OD adds a third way1. Both carry the sound design of Steve Lukather, the guitarist, and Uli Rodenberg1.
For where the Luke OD sits among its neighbors, see Overdrive Pedals and Distortion Pedals.
Videos
Fabian Ratsak - Guitar Tone and Gear
Fabian Ratsak - Guitar Tone and Gear
Questions
What is the difference between the Luke OD and the Steve Lukather SL-OD?
The Luke OD is described by its maker as the little brother of the Steve Lukather SL-OD. It carries 100% the same overdrive sounds as the SL-OD, which is a 3-way pedal, but in a more compact housing. Both were designed by Steve Lukather and Uli Rodenberg, and both offer low gain and high gain overdrive modes.
Is the Rodenberg Luke OD analog?
Yes. The Luke OD is an analog circuit, according to the maker's product information. It runs on a 9V DC, center negative supply and draws 50mA.
What does the bass boost switch do?
The bass boost is activated with a toggle switch. It pushes the low frequencies without the sound becoming muddy, according to the maker, which is useful for keeping the bottom end full when the pedal is driving an amp or a higher gain setting.
How big is the Rodenberg Luke OD?
The Luke OD measures 2.3 x 4.3 x 1.3 inches (W x D x H), which the maker describes as the smallest dimensions in the range and small enough to fit on every stage board.
Where is the Rodenberg Luke OD made?
The Luke OD is 100% handcrafted in Germany, according to the maker's product information.
Sources (1)
- Luke OD by Rodenberg, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
