What it does
The Howlerr Classic covers the gentler end of the overdrive range. At low settings it works as a boost or crunch, adding a touch of grit to your base tone. Turn the Gain knob up to around 3 o'clock, and in the reviewer's words "this pedal will nicely push your amp into slight breakup," meaning it drives a tube amp's input stage just hard enough to soften the sound without full distortion.1
Germanium diode clipping, as used here, is an older approach to shaping an overdrive circuit's breakup, and the maker's use of Russian germanium parts is central to the pedal's stated vintage character.1
How it sits in SFG Music Supply's range
The Classic is one of several overdrives from the maker. The standard SFG Music Supply Howlerr shares the family name, while the SFG Music Supply Privateer Overdrive sits higher on the gain scale: reviewers described it as a high-gain overdrive using silicon diode symmetrical clipping, with Volume and Gain knobs and a Bright/Dark toggle.2 If you are weighing germanium against silicon clipping, our Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison covers two well-known overdrive approaches.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's verdict was favorable on how the pedal fits into a setup1:
"The Howlerr Classic from SFG Music Supply up north in Canada is an instantly smooth addition to your rig, and plays well"
The same review found the pedal produced "common but bold overdrive characteristics at many different settings," and characterized it as a good low-to-mid gain option for a pedalboard that cooperates with other pedals while holding its own.1
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Questions
What kind of pedal is the SFG Music Supply Howlerr Classic?
It is an overdrive pedal aimed at low-to-mid gain tones. Pedal of the Day's reviewer described it as producing classic, natural-sounding overdrive with a vintage feel, using three Russian germanium diodes for clipping. At lower Gain settings it works as a boost or crunch, and pushed higher it can nudge a tube amp into slight breakup.
How does the Howlerr Classic differ from the SFG Music Supply Howlerr?
The Howlerr Classic is the germanium-clipped version in SFG Music Supply's Howlerr line, described by reviewers as a low-to-mid gain overdrive with a vintage character. The company also offers the standard Howlerr and the Privateer Overdrive, which reviewers described as a higher-gain design using silicon diode symmetrical clipping.
Sources (2)
- SFG Music Supply Howlerr Classic Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2015-08-08
- SFG Music Supply Privateer Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2016-03-11
