The Tech 21 OMG Richie Kotzen Signature Overdrive is an all-analog distortion pedal developed jointly by Tech 21 and guitarist Richie Kotzen, formerly of Poison and Mr. Big. Tech 21 describes it as an intense collaborative effort rather than a pedal with his name slapped on it, and says its unique, slightly asymmetrical distortion emulates single power tube Class A amplifiers with a tighter, quicker and snappier response1. It is a dual-footswitch design, with the second switch bringing in up to 28dB of boost2.
Controls and footswitches
The OMG is a dual-footswitch pedal: the left-hand switch operates the distortion, while the right one brings in the boost, set via a knob2. Tech 21 specifies metal footswitches and jacks, with silent-switching custom footswitch actuators1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Sets the overall amount of gain and overdrive2 |
| Tone | Flat when fully clockwise; wind it back to tone down the high end2 |
| Girth | Active midrange control, cut or boost, with a null at 12 o'clock2 |
| Level | Sets the output level2 |
| Boost knob | Sets the amount of boost brought in by the right footswitch, up to 28dB2 |
Tech 21 describes the Drive knob as similar to pushing the output section of a tube amp, highly interactive with the guitar's level: it cleans up when the guitar's volume is decreased and increases distortion when it is raised1. Premier Guitar's product page describes the pedal as providing a wide range of overdrive, from clean to aggressive3.
MusicRadar's reviewer, Trevor Curwen, found the EQ section works well with an amp: "The EQ knobs do a great job of matching the sound to complement your amp, with Girth putting some bark or weight in the tone or alternatively dialling in a bit of a scoop"2.
The circuit and what it sounds like
The pedal was designed to replicate the distortion flavor of a single-power-tube Class A amplifier2. Tech 21 says the all-analog circuit is designed to articulate every nuance of Kotzen's playing style1. On the high-gain side, MusicRadar's reviewer found you can access some really saturated and sustaining tones that will suit players on the heavier side of the rock spectrum, especially lead players who like to squeeze out harmonics2.
The boost section works on its own as well. As Curwen put it: "the OMG yields great results as a pure boost pedal - there's plenty there from just minimal volume hikes to getting your valves really cooking"2. He did note one drawback: it can sound loose and over-compressed2.
His overall verdict: "Powerful and flexible overdrive and distortion with plenty of tonal variations, plus boost to kick it up when needed"2. On price, he observed that some will regard the asking price as a lot of money for a distortion pedal2.
Signature origins and the Fly Rig 5
The pedal came out of a collaboration between NYC-based Tech 21 and Richie Kotzen, guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, formerly of Poison and Mr. Big2. Tech 21 stresses the depth of that collaboration: "Not simply a pedal with his name slapped on it, the Richie Kotzen Signature OMG pedal was an intense collaborative effort"1.
The OMG circuit also features in Kotzen's signature version of the Tech 21 Fly Rig 52. Tech 21's own page for the pedal lives at Tech 21 Richie Kotzen Signature OMG, and the pedal sits in the maker's distortion range alongside units like the Tech 21 U.S. Steel and Tech 21 Double Drive 3X. For the wider field, see Distortion Pedals and Overdrive Pedals.
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Questions
How much boost does the OMG offer?
The right-hand footswitch brings in up to 28dB of boost, set via a knob. MusicRadar's reviewer found the OMG yields great results as a pure boost pedal, with plenty there from minimal volume hikes to pushing an amp's valves hard, so the boost section works on its own as well as kicking the distortion up a level.
What does the Girth knob do?
Girth is an active midrange control that offers cut or boost, with a null setting at the 12 o'clock point. MusicRadar's reviewer described it as putting some bark or weight in the tone, or alternatively dialling in a bit of a scoop, and found the EQ knobs do a good job of matching the pedal to your amp.
What amp is the OMG modeled on?
The pedal was designed to replicate the distortion flavor of a single-power-tube Class A amplifier. Tech 21 says the all-analog OMG has a unique, slightly asymmetrical distortion that emulates single power tube Class A amplifiers with a tighter, quicker and snappier response.
Is the OMG Richie Kotzen's signature pedal?
Yes. It was an intense collaborative effort between Tech 21 and Richie Kotzen, the guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer formerly of Poison and Mr. Big, rather than a pedal with his name slapped on it. The same circuit also features in Kotzen's signature version of the Tech 21 Fly Rig 5.
Sources (3)
- OMG - Tech 21 NYC, Tech 21 NYC, 2019-05-04
- Tech 21 OMG Richie Kotzen Signature Overdrive review, MusicRadar, 2015-10-03
- Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig V3 by Tech 21, Premier Guitar, 2024-12-21
