The TWA Fly Boys FB-02 Overdrive is a compact overdrive pedal from the Fly Boys series by Totally Wycked Audio, distributed by Godlyke. It delivers what Guitar World described at its introduction as "classic tube-amp overdrive" through two drive modes, Warm and Hot, selected with a toggle switch1. The model has been discontinued: the maker's product page carries the notice "SORRY, THIS MODEL HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED"2.
What it does
The FB-02's two modes give it two distinct characters. The maker describes the Warm setting as emulating the legendary "808" overdrive sound, ideal for use with single coils and also for pushing a tube amp over the top2. Reviewer Mike B at Pedal of the Day found that setting to be where "you really get that 808 overdriven sound in abundance," and noted the pedal "boasts hints of a classic overdrive pedal, the TS-808 from Ibanez"3. For background on that family of circuits, see Overdrive Pedals and the Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison.
The Hot setting adds an extra boost of both volume and gain. Mike B described it as "much like a Fender Twin pushed to the limit," with creamy sustain and smooth drive sounds3. According to the maker, both settings retain the original character of your guitar and amp and respond effortlessly to picking dynamics2.
Controls
The pedal keeps things simple. Its most distinctive control is the mode selector3:
- Toggle switch: a small toggle in the top middle of the pedal selects between the two drive modes, Warm and Hot. Mike B called it "the FB-02's most impressive control"3.
- Drive-mode characters: Warm for the 808-style overdriven sound, Hot for added volume and gain23.
Where it came from and how it compares
Guitar World reported the Fly Boys series, including the FB-02, in November 2013, listing the pedal at a list price of $89 and a street price of $691. Within the Fly Boys line, the FB-02 looks much like the FB-01 Distortion, with similar controls, but Mike B noted it features "an entirely different inner circuit and tonal quality"3. If you are after a current TWA drive, the maker has since released the TWA Source Code, an 808-style overdrive, and other drives such as the TWA Chemical Z and TWA Hot Sake sit elsewhere in the company's range.
The FB-02 is discontinued, so it turns up on the used market rather than at new-stock dealers2.
Videos
The Tone King
Mike Hermans
Pedal of the Day
Sources (3)
- Godlyke Introduces TWA Fly Boys Mini Effect Pedals, Guitar World, 2013-11-14
- FLY BOYS®, Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
- TWA Fly Boys FB-02 Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2015-08-11
