The Tru-Fi Colordriver 9V version is a hand-made fuzz/overdrive/boost pedal from Tru-Fi that recreates the Colorsound 9 Volt Overdriver, the circuit the maker describes as having been "used by the likes of Jeff Beck and David Gilmour"1. Tru-Fi builds it as "a true Power Boost replica down to the correct BC109 Transistors", with three vintage BC109 transistors in each unit1. It is made in the USA and lists at $209.95 USD12.
How it sounds and how players use it
Tru-Fi frames the Colordriver as a flexible boost-and-overdrive tool rather than a one-sound pedal. The maker's own suggestions give a picture of the range1:
- For "killer Beck type overdrive", crank the Gain and push the master volume a touch over unity1
- Back the Gain off and push the master volume to drive the amp fairly clean1
- Use it to push a Big Muff for what Tru-Fi calls a David Gilmour transparent solo tone1
The pedal was highlighted on a Premier Guitar Rig Rundown with Marcus King, who uses it1.
Controls
The layout is simple, matching the original unit it copies1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of overdrive and fuzz |
| Treble | Treble cut/boost shaping |
| Bass | Bass cut/boost shaping |
| Volume (side-mounted) | Master volume, lets you push your amp, mounted on the side like the original |
The side-mounted Volume is the detail most players notice first. Tru-Fi describes it as a "Side Volume Control just like the original", keeping the layout of the Colorsound unit rather than moving the master volume to the top edge as a modern pedal would1.
Power and bypass
The Colordriver runs on an internal 9V battery clip or a negative tip 9V DC power supply, the standard center-negative connector used by most pedalboard supplies1. It is true bypass, so the signal passes through unaltered when the pedal is off1. The pedal sports an LED and ships with a manual1.
The enclosure is half the size of the original Colorsound unit, a bit bigger than a Boss pedal, so it fits a normal pedalboard despite the side-mounted volume knob1.
Finishes
Tru-Fi offers the 9V Colordriver in orange like the original, plus other options1:
- Sparkle Finish: $25 extra
- Chrome/Polished Aluminum: $25 extra
- Candy Apple Red: no extra charge
- Anti-Freeze Green: no extra charge
Related Colordriver versions
Tru-Fi builds the Colordriver design in several formats. The 9V version comes in an enclosure half the size of the original, a bit bigger than a Boss pedal, made in the USA, with an LED and manual included3. Finish options run from Orange like the original to Sparkle Finish and Chrome/Polished Aluminum for $25 extra, while Candy Apple Red and Anti-Freeze Green are no extra charge, and the list price is $209.95 USD3. The design has also been highlighted on a Premier Guitar Rig Rundown with Marcus King3. For more circuits in this family, see Overdrive Pedals, Fuzz Pedals and Boost Pedals.
Videos
Alberto Barrero
gearmanndude
musictoyznetwork rasch
Questions
What power polarity does the Tru-Fi Colordriver use?
The Colordriver 9V version runs on a 9V battery or a negative tip 9V DC power supply. That is the same center-negative standard used by most modern pedals, so a standard pedalboard power supply output works. An internal 9V battery clip is fitted, so it can also run without a supply at all.
Is the Tru-Fi Colordriver true bypass?
Yes. Tru-Fi states the Colordriver Fuzz/Boost is true bypass, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes straight through without any buffering or tone loading from the circuit.
Why is the volume knob on the side of the Colordriver?
The side-mounted volume control is a deliberate copy of the original Colorsound unit the pedal recreates. Tru-Fi describes it as a Side Volume Control just like the original, and it works as a master volume you can push just over unity to drive your amp harder while the Gain control sets the dirt.
What finishes does the Tru-Fi Colordriver come in?
Tru-Fi offers the Colordriver in orange like the original, plus other options. Sparkle Finish and Chrome/Polished Aluminum cost $25 extra, while Candy Apple Red and Anti-Freeze Green are available at no extra charge.