The Spencer Pedals SPAM Drive is a light-to-mid gain overdrive pedal from the Australian maker Spencer Pedals. Pedal of the Day's reviewer described "that warm, creamy, almost tube-amp like sound" from the pedal, and found the Spam control adds tube-like compression to the signal1. It sits in the same territory as other overdrive pedals, between a boost and a light crunch, rather than the heavier territory of distortion pedals or fuzz.
Controls
The pedal has four knobs, and the Spam control is the one that sets it apart from a straightforward three-knob overdrive1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Runs from a clean boost, through a light drive tone, up to a powerful and open crunchy sound1 |
| Treble | EQ control for the highs1 |
| Bass | EQ control for the lows1 |
| Spam | A pre-EQ boost that works with the Drive, Treble and Bass knob positions, adding volume, sparkle and dynamics1 |
The Spam knob behaves differently depending on where it is set. Turned to the left, it compresses the signal and rolls off the highs. Cranked to the right, it opens up overdrive tones while maintaining clarity1.
"Treble and Bass are the EQ section, instead of just one tone knob, allowing for more sonic choices in regards your highs"
Build and availability
The pedal is built with high quality silver mica, film, and low Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) electrolytic capacitors, according to the review1. The reviewer's unit was a limited silver etched version1.
The SPAM Drive was reported out of stock at the time of the February 2015 review, and the reviewer noted it was hard to get outside Australia1.
Spencer Pedals is based in Australia, and the pedal is sold from the maker's shop with shipping via Australian Post. The reviewer suggested that players in Australia might stop by the shop in person, while overseas buyers would otherwise have to wait1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's review, published on 4 February 2015, came away positive overall1:
"Thanks to Sam and everyone at Spencer Pedals for sending this guy our way, we think it's a keeper!"
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Questions
What does the Spam knob do on the Spencer Pedals SPAM Drive?
The Spam control works like a pre-EQ boost that interacts with the Drive, Treble and Bass knobs, adding volume, sparkle and dynamics. Turned to the left it compresses the signal and rolls off the highs; cranked to the right it opens up overdrive tones while maintaining clarity, adding tube-like compression.
Is the Spencer SPAM Drive true bypass?
Yes. The SPAM Drive uses true-bypass switching for signal integrity, and its signal path is 100% analog, according to Pedal of the Day's review of the pedal.
Can the SPAM Drive be used as a clean boost?
Yes. The reviewer found the Drive control has loads of range, running from a great clean boost, through a light drive tone, up to a powerful and open crunchy sound, so the pedal can sit at the low end of its range as a boost.
Where can I buy a Spencer Pedals SPAM Drive?
The pedal is made in Australia and sold from the maker's shop, with shipping via Australian Post. At the time of the 2015 review it was out of stock, so availability has been limited.
Sources (1)
- Spencer Pedals SPAM Drive, Pedal of the Day (pedal-of-the-day.com), 2015-02-04