The Seafoam Pedals Low Tide Overdrive is a transparent overdrive, a design meant to add drive without changing the character of the guitar and amp behind it. It is a small, two-knob pedal from Seafoam Pedals, a small company based out of Mobile, Alabama, and it doubles as a clean boost when the Gain control is turned down1. It was also the company's first drive pedal: Pedal of the Day called it "their first foray into an actual effect pedal"1.
What it does to your sound
As a transparent overdrive, the Low Tide is built to sit behind the player's existing tone rather than replace it. Pedal of the Day's reviewer, Mike B, found that "Even when cranked, the Low Tide retains your guitar and amp's overall sonic characteristics, making it an extremely useful" pedal that does not overpower the overall sound1. What it adds, in his words, is "a nice, smooth, slightly driven boost, which is perfect for complimenting your existing tone"1.
"Even when cranked, the Low Tide retains your guitar and amp's overall sonic characteristics, making it an extremely useful"
Controls
The Low Tide keeps things deliberately simple, with two mini-knob controls1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets output level; with Gain down, it acts as a clean boost1 |
| Gain | Turned clockwise, adds a subtle amount of drive1 |
That two-control layout is what lets the pedal work in two roles. Back the Gain off and the Volume control on its own delivers a clean boost, useful for pushing an amp or lifting a solo over a band. Roll the Gain up and the same pedal becomes a light overdrive that adds a smooth, slightly driven edge1. Players comparing it with more conventional drives can read about overdrive pedals generally, or see how a Tube Screamer-style circuit differs in the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison.
Size and enclosure
The Low Tide measures only 3.5" x 1.5", so it takes up minimal pedalboard space1. Like all Seafoam pedals, it is enclosed in seafoam green housing, the finish that gives the company its name1.
Where it sits in Seafoam's range
Seafoam Pedals are a small company based out of Mobile, Alabama, and the Low Tide Overdrive is their drive pedal1.
Questions
Can the Seafoam Low Tide be used as a clean boost?
Yes. The pedal has just two mini-knob controls, Volume and Gain. With the Gain turned down, the Volume control on its own gives a clean boost, which Pedal of the Day's reviewer called a nice, smooth, slightly driven boost that complements an existing tone. Turning the Gain clockwise adds a subtle amount of drive on top.
How big is the Seafoam Pedals Low Tide Overdrive?
Pedal of the Day measured the Low Tide at only 3.5 inches by 1.5 inches, making it a compact pedal that takes up little room on a pedalboard. It is described as a small, two-knob transparent drive.
Does the Low Tide change the tone of my guitar and amp?
The pedal is described as a transparent overdrive. Pedal of the Day's reviewer found that even when cranked, the Low Tide retains the guitar and amp's overall sonic characteristics, making it useful without overpowering the rest of the player's sound.
Was the Low Tide the first drive pedal Seafoam made?
Yes. Pedal of the Day described the Low Tide Overdrive as Seafoam Pedals' first foray into an actual effect pedal, noting that the company had not previously made a drive pedal of its own.
Sources (1)
- Seafoam Pedals Low Tide Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2014-11-15