The Tru-Fi Colordriver 18 Volt Version is an overdrive, fuzz and boost pedal built as a replica of the original Colorsound Power Boost, an 18-volt pedal from 1969-70. Tru-Fi says it produced the 18V Colordriver as a true Power Boost replica done to the correct BC184 transistors, and the pedal uses three vintage BC184 transistors. It is made in the USA and sells for $209.95 as of October 202612.
The controls
The pedal keeps the layout simple: three knobs on top and a master volume on the side1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of drive1 |
| Treble | Treble cut/boost shaping1 |
| Bass | Bass shaping1 |
| Side Volume Control | Side-mounted master volume to dial down output, added as an upgrade over the original1 |
The pedal also sports an LED and comes with a manual1. Tru-Fi describes the sounds it covers in characteristically direct terms:
"You want killer Beck type overdrive crank the gain and push the master volume a ting over unity"1
Tru-Fi, product page1
In other words, with the gain cranked and the master volume just over unity, Tru-Fi says the pedal delivers a Jeff Beck style overdrive; with the gain backed off it can push an amp fairly clean, and it can push a Big Muff for what the maker calls a David Gilmour transparent solo tone1.
Power: 9V in, 18V inside
The power arrangement is the point of this version. The pedal runs on a 9V supply, but the voltage is increased inside to 18V, so, as Tru-Fi puts it, "you do not need to run a 18V supply"1. It takes a negative tip 9V DC power supply, which Tru-Fi flags in capitals as key, and it also has an internal 9V battery clip1.
The pedal runs from a standard 9V DC negative tip supply or an internal 9V battery. The 18V happens inside the pedal, so an 18V supply is not needed.
How it differs from the 9V Colordriver
The Colordriver 18 Volt Version is an overdrive/fuzz/boost pedal made in the USA by Tru-Fi1. It comes in a gray enclosure like the original, or in other finish options, and that enclosure is half the size of the original, a bit bigger than a Boss pedal1. Tru-Fi lists it at $209.95, with Sparkle, Chrome/Polished Aluminum and Glitter finishes $20 extra, and Candy Apple Red and Anti-Freeze Green at no extra charge12. The maker describes it as a "killer Beck type overdrive" with the gain cranked and the master volume just over unity, able to push an amp fairly clean with the gain backed off, or to push a Big Muff for a David Gilmour transparent solo tone1.
Enclosure and finishes
The 18 Volt Version comes in gray, like the original, or in other options, in an enclosure that is half the size of the original, a bit bigger than a Boss pedal1. Finish choices and pricing as of October 20261:
- Gray, like the original: standard
- Sparkle Finish: $20 extra
- Chrome/Polished Aluminum/Glitter: $20 extra
- Candy Apple Red: no extra charge
- Anti-Freeze Green: no extra charge
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Questions
What is the difference between the 18V and 9V Tru-Fi Colordriver?
Tru-Fi says the 18V version gives a tad more headroom and transparency than the orange 9V Colordriver, and this version uses different transistors, so the tone is a bit different. Both are fuzz/boost style pedals, but the 18 Volt Version is built as a replica of the original 18-volt Colorsound Power Boost with the correct BC184 transistors, while the 9V version follows the later design.
Does the Tru-Fi Colordriver take a battery?
Yes. The 18 Volt Version has an internal 9V battery clip, so it can run from a battery inside the enclosure. It can also run from a negative tip 9V DC power supply, which Tru-Fi flags as key: the pedal raises the voltage to 18V internally, so there is no need to feed it an 18V supply.
What transistors are in the Colordriver 18 Volt?
The pedal uses three vintage BC184 transistors. Tru-Fi says it produced the 18V Colordriver as a true Power Boost replica done to the correct BC184 transistors, matching the original Colorsound Power Boost design from 1969-70.
Is the Tru-Fi Colordriver true bypass?
Yes. According to Tru-Fi's product page, the Tru-Fi Colordriver Fuzz/Boost is true bypass, so the pedal is removed from the signal path when switched off.
What finishes does the Colordriver come in?
The standard finish is gray, like the original. Tru-Fi also offers Sparkle and Chrome/Polished Aluminum/Glitter finishes for $20 extra, while Candy Apple Red and Anti-Freeze Green carry no extra charge.
