The Rodenberg LUKE Overdrive MK II is an overdrive pedal built by RODENBERG amplification as the official Steve Lukather pedal. Its main idea is two overdrive channels in one enclosure: a LOW GAIN overdrive and a HIGH GAIN overdrive, both based on the maker's SL-OD Deluxe sound1. The maker says that in front of a clean or slightly overdriven amp it gives an open overdrive sound that reaches up into high gain without drifting into endless distortion, and that the tone stays clear and structured1.
Two overdrive channels in one pedal
The LUKE combines a low gain and a high gain overdrive in a single box, so a player can cover rhythm and lead gain stages without two pedals. Rodenberg describes the circuit as based on the SL-OD Deluxe sound, the design behind the Rodenberg SL-OD DELUXE1. On top of the two channels there is a GAIN BOOST toggle switch, which the maker says increases distortion intensity and sustain without changing the basic sound character1.
Controls and switching
- LOW GAIN channel: the lower-gain of the two overdrive sounds1
- HIGH GAIN channel: the higher-gain of the two overdrive sounds1
- GAIN BOOST toggle: raises distortion intensity and sustain while keeping the basic sound character unchanged1
- Footswitch: mechanical true bypass switching1
Rodenberg describes the bypass as a special mechanical true bypass circuit with optimized noise suppression and near click-free switching1.
Power and mounting notes
The pedal runs on 9 to 18V DC and draws 50mA, with 9V DC as the standard and 18V DC as the maximum1. There is no battery operation, so a power supply is required1.
The LUKE has no battery option and draws 50mA, more than many low-draw overdrives. On a daisy-chain supply, check that the output can cover the current draw.
Where it came from
Videos
Fabian Ratsak - Guitar Tone and Gear
Fabian Ratsak - Guitar Tone and Gear
Questions
Can the Rodenberg LUKE run on a battery?
No. Rodenberg states the LUKE Overdrive MK II has no battery operation, so it needs an external DC power supply. It accepts 9 to 18V DC and draws 50mA, which is worth keeping in mind when planning a pedalboard power budget, since some daisy-chain supplies have limited current per output.
Can I power the LUKE Overdrive at 18V?
Yes. The maker specifies a range of 9 to 18V DC, with 9V DC as the standard and 18V DC as the maximum. Running at a higher voltage within that range is supported by the pedal as designed.
Is the LUKE Overdrive MK II true bypass?
Yes. Rodenberg describes a special mechanical true bypass circuit with optimized noise suppression and near click-free switching. The footswitch itself is a mechanical true bypass switch.
Is the LUKE Overdrive related to Steve Lukather?
Yes. Rodenberg markets the LUKE Overdrive MK II as the official Steve Lukather overdrive pedal, and the maker states that Lukather has used Rodenberg pedals continuously since 2017, both live and in the studio.
Sources (2)
- LUKE OVERDRIVE, Rodenberg amplification
- LUKE Overdrive MK II, RODENBERG amplification
Steve Lukather