The Abunai 2 is an overdrive pedal from Tone Freak Effects, built on a classic overdrive circuit that is tweaked for higher gain while keeping the classic overdrive character1. In practice that means it behaves like the familiar transparent-drive pedals most players know, but with more gain on tap: Premier Guitar's reviewer found it delivered "massive amounts of thick, creamy overdrive," with a distorted tone that was "warm and smooth, and very full" across both humbuckers and single coils1.
The pedal earned recognition early on. In Guitarist issue 322, the magazine awarded Tone Freak's Abunai 2 overdrive its Guitarist Choice award2.
Controls and the clipping toggle
The three knobs control Level, Tone and Drive1. Alongside them sits a mini-toggle switch that selects between three different clipping variations: symmetrical, asymmetrical and no clipping at all1. Clipping is what shapes the distortion character of an overdrive, so this toggle effectively gives the pedal three voices.
| Toggle position | Clipping | Character (per Premier Guitar) |
|---|---|---|
| Left (Asymmetrical) | Three silicon diodes in an asymmetrical configuration | Classic, well-rounded distorted tone, with crisp highs but a warm low end1 |
| Middle | No clipping at all | Most saturation of the three, resulting in a fatter distortion overall1 |
| Right (Symmetrical) | A pair of LEDs, symmetrical | Warm, tubey sound that produces a nice, clear distorted tone1 |
Premier Guitar's reviewer found quite a difference in volume between the toggle positions, especially between the middle position and the right (Symmetrical) position1. Expect to adjust the Level knob when you switch modes.
Build and price
The pedal comes in an attractive, sparkly purple box. Inside, Premier Guitar notes Neutrik jacks, Teflon-coated silver stranded wire, a military spec PCB and metal components1. The same review describes the Abunai 2 as 100 percent hand assembled with true bypass switching, and easy to use1. Premier Guitar lists the street price at $2001.
Videos
ThomasSchuber
R.J. Ronquillo
Gear BB
Questions
Is the Tone Freak Abunai 2 true bypass?
Yes. Premier Guitar's review notes that the Abunai 2 is 100 percent hand assembled with true bypass switching, meaning the pedal takes itself entirely out of the signal path when off. The same review describes it as easy to use, with the three knobs and the clipping toggle doing all the work.
What does the middle toggle position do on the Abunai 2?
The middle position of the mini-toggle removes clipping altogether. Premier Guitar found it has the most saturation of the three settings, with no clipping at all, which results in a fatter distortion overall. It is the setting to reach for when you want the fullest, most compressed character of the three.
Why is there a volume jump between clipping modes?
Premier Guitar's reviewer noticed quite a difference in volume between the toggle positions, especially between the middle position and the right (Symmetrical) position. Because each mode clips differently, the output level changes as you switch, so it is worth re-balancing the Level knob when you change modes.
How much does the Abunai 2 cost?
Premier Guitar lists the Abunai 2 at a street price of $200 in the United States, as noted in its review of the pedal.
What jacks does the Abunai 2 use?
The pedal uses Neutrik jacks. Premier Guitar's review describes the sparkly purple enclosure as containing Neutrik jacks, Teflon-coated silver stranded wire, a military spec PCB and metal components.
Sources (2)
- Tone Freak Abunai 2 Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2009-08-19
- Gold Awards: Effects, MusicRadar, 2010-01-03