The Rodenberg TB DRIVE Shakedown Special is a dual overdrive pedal made in Germany by Rodenberg Amplification. Guitar.com's review describes it as essentially two independent Rodenberg GAS-808 overdrive pedals in one compact box, so a player gets two separate overdrive voices, each with its own set of controls, in a single enclosure1. The Shakedown Special is the pedal's third cosmetic incarnation, though the sounds have stayed the same1.
The TB Drive runs on 9 to 18V DC mains power only. There is no battery option, so plan your power supply accordingly.
Controls
Each side of the pedal carries its own drive, volume and tone controls, and each side has a bass boost mini-toggle. The left-hand circuit adds one more switch1.
| Control | Count | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | 2x | Sets the amount of overdrive on each circuit1 |
| Volume | 2x | Sets the output level of each circuit1 |
| Tone | 2x | Shapes the treble of each circuit1 |
| Bass boost mini-toggle | 2x | Guitar.com's reviewer found it useful for quickly thickening up weak single-coils or adding closed-back heft to an open-back combo1 |
| 909 mode mini-toggle | Left side only | Significantly ups the gain from the standard mode1 |
The two circuits and 909 mode
The left-hand 808 circuit has a micro-switch marked "909" that significantly ups the gain from the standard mode1. On the sounds, Guitar.com's reviewer wrote:
"Standard 808 mode sits firmly in Screamerland and is reminiscent of the gorgeous vocal midrange of a great old TS808 married with the top end punch of a TS9."
Of 909 mode, the same review said:
"909 is rather like running a couple dimed overdrive pedals in series, with tonnes of liquid sustain and squealing harmonics."
For context on where this sits among overdrive designs, see the site's pages on Overdrive Pedals and the comparison of the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer.
Design and build
The Shakedown Special is dressed in a gold "Plexi" front panel with amp-style jewel lights1. Its enclosure measures 120 x 94 x 34mm1.
What reviewers said
Guitar.com reviewed the Shakedown Special in December 2019, rating it 9/10 overall. The reviewer's verdict: "Hugely impressive and versatile, the TB Drive is well-built and lots of fun."1
Videos
Tyler Bryant
Tyler Bryant
Tom Roger Thu
Questions
Does the Rodenberg TB Drive take a battery?
No. The pedal runs on 9 to 18V DC mains power only, so there is no battery option and it needs a centre-negative DC supply or isolated power output capable of the voltage range. Guitar.com's review lists this in its features alongside the true-bypass switching.
Is the Rodenberg TB Drive true bypass?
Yes. Guitar.com's review of the Shakedown Special lists true-bypass switching among the pedal's features, so the pedal is out of the signal path entirely when switched off.
Is the TB Drive based on a Tube Screamer?
Guitar.com describes the TB Drive as essentially two independent Rodenberg GAS-808 overdrive pedals in one compact box. The left-hand circuit has a standard 808 mode that the reviewer found reminiscent of a great old TS808, and a 909 mode that significantly raises the gain.
Where is the Rodenberg TB Drive made?
The pedal is made in Germany, according to Guitar.com's review of the Shakedown Special.
Sources (2)
- Review: Rodenberg TB Drive Shakedown Special, Guitar.com, 2019-12-06
- TB DRIVE Shakedown Special, RODENBERG amplification
