The TC Electronic Cinders is a compact overdrive pedal from TC Electronic, one of a range of 13 affordable pedals the company released together1. It is designed to deliver transparent valve amp-style overdrive, and its three knobs cover ground from a clean boost up to drive levels you might expect from a distortion pedal1.
A Blues Driver-style overdrive
Josh of JHS Pedals identifies the Cinders as based around the Blues Driver circuit, in a metal casing3. That puts it in the same family as Boss's familiar three-knob overdrive, and it behaves in a similar way on a pedalboard.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets output level; paired with drive it ranges from a clean boost upward1 |
| Drive | Sets gain, up to levels of the sort you might expect from a distortion pedal1 |
| Tone | Handles the top end; very interactive with the other two knobs1 |
MusicRadar's Total Guitar review found the juxtaposition of the volume and drive knobs lets you dial in a wide range of sounds, from a clean boost up to pretty high drive1. The tone knob needs attention at the same time as the other knobs, because it is very interactive with them1.
A 2017 MusicRadar demo video by Michael Astley-Brown and Simon Arblaster showed the Cinders Overdrive in use as an external loop pedal2.
Price and value
Josh of JHS Pedals gives the new price as $40, and reports paying $15.65 for a used unit on Reverb3. MusicRadar's Total Guitar review called it an inexpensive pedal, with a great price and very few reasons to avoid it1.
"With plenty to suit blues players looking for bite and dirt on a budget, Cinders could get your tone smouldering."
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's Total Guitar review, covering the pedal for blues players, found it suits anyone looking for bite and dirt on a budget, and concluded there are very few reasons to avoid it1. Josh of JHS Pedals highlighted it among underrated overdrives, pointing to its Blues Driver circuit and low price as the reason it deserves more attention than it gets3.
Videos
TC Electronic
TC Electronic
Guitar Center
Questions
Is the TC Electronic Cinders a Blues Driver clone?
Not a clone, but close. Josh of JHS Pedals says the Cinders is based around the Boss Blues Driver circuit, housed in a metal casing. It follows the same three-knob volume, tone and drive layout and covers similar ground, from a clean boost up to high drive levels.
How much does the TC Electronic Cinders cost?
JHS Pedals gives the new price as $40, and Josh reports paying $15.65 for a used unit on Reverb. MusicRadar's Total Guitar review called it an inexpensive pedal, part of a range of 13 affordable TC Electronic pedals released together.
Can the Cinders work as a clean boost?
Yes. MusicRadar's Total Guitar review notes that the volume and drive knobs together let you dial in a wide range of sounds starting from a clean boost, so low drive settings with volume up work as a boost.
Is the Cinders good for blues?
MusicRadar's Total Guitar review found plenty to suit blues players looking for bite and dirt on a budget, concluding the pedal could get your tone smouldering, with very few reasons to avoid it.
Sources (3)
- TC Electronic Cinders review, MusicRadar, 2017-04-22
- Boss MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher, MusicRadar, 2017-07-05
- UNDERRATED OVERDRIVES, JHS Pedals
