The Union Tube & Transistor Swindle is an analog distortion pedal built to sit on the line between overdrive and fuzz. The maker describes it as "a versatile distortion on the line between drive and fuzz that brings rich saturation to any signal," aimed at players who find an overdrive not enough but a fuzz too much1. If that middle ground sounds like your territory, it belongs with the wider field of distortion pedals.
What it does to your sound
Union Tube & Transistor positions the Swindle as a pedal that "rides a delicate balance between two worlds with ample range to explore diverse tones," and points to the 70s UK punk sound as territory it suits1. In practice that means it covers ground where a typical overdrive runs out of saturation but a fuzz would be too loose and overwhelming, which is why the maker asks, "Overdrive not enough but fuzz is too much? The Swindle may help you find your sweet spot"1.
Gain and volume controls
The Swindle keeps its control layout simple: gain and volume. The maker explains the intent behind the pairing: "Controls for gain and volume allow you to set tone and output level independently, ensuring the volume doesn't jump" when you engage the pedal1. For a player, that means you can dial in the amount of saturation with the gain control and then match your clean level with the volume control, so switching the pedal on does not cause a loud jump in level.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of saturation, from drive-leaning to fuzz-leaning1 |
| Volume | Sets the output level independently of the gain setting1 |
Versions: Deluxe and Bean Counter
The Swindle is offered in four versions, all listed on the maker's shop page1:
- Deluxe: comes with a wooden box, a bandana, and a laser engraved badge1
- Bean Counter: has a silkscreened graphic made to look like the badge, and no special packaging1
- Deluxe Factory Second: the Deluxe version sold under the Factory Second designation1
- Bean Counter Factory Second: the Bean Counter version sold under the Factory Second designation1
The differences between Deluxe and Bean Counter are in the packaging and badge, not the circuit: the Bean Counter carries a silkscreened graphic in place of the engraved badge and ships without the wooden box and bandana1.
The list price starts at $190.00 USD, and the four versions are priced from that figure, so the Deluxe and Factory Second options may not all cost the same. The maker's shop page is where the current version pricing is listed1.
Power
The Swindle runs on 9V DC with center negative polarity, the standard convention for most pedalboard power supplies, and draws 12mA21. That draw is low enough to sit on a shared or isolated supply output alongside other compact pedals without straining it.
Where to hear it
RockBoard's PedalPedia entry for the Swindle lists a demo by Simius GOLD (ES) and a review by reddit /guitarpedals (EN) among its linked media for the pedal2.
Videos
Rob Russell
Michael W. Westbrook
Simius GOLD
Questions
Is the Swindle an analog pedal?
Yes. RockBoard's PedalPedia listing for the Swindle gives its circuit type as analog, so no digital conversion sits in your signal path. It runs on 9V DC power with a center negative supply, drawing 12mA, which is light enough for most standard pedalboard power supplies.
What is the difference between the Deluxe and Bean Counter versions?
The Deluxe version comes with a wooden box, a bandana, and a laser engraved badge. The Bean Counter version has a silkscreened graphic made to look like the badge and no special packaging. Both are offered as Factory Second versions as well, which are listed alongside the standard Deluxe and Bean Counter options on the maker's product page.
What is a Factory Second Swindle?
Union Tube & Transistor lists the Swindle in four versions: Deluxe, Bean Counter, Deluxe Factory Second, and Bean Counter Factory Second. A Factory Second is one of the two standard versions sold under that designation, offered as a separate purchase option on the maker's shop page.
What polarity does the Swindle power supply need?
The Swindle needs a 9V DC supply with center negative polarity, the same convention used by most modern pedals. It draws 12mA, so a standard isolated supply output handles it without trouble.
Sources (2)
- Swindle - Union Tube & Transistor, Union Tube & Transistor
- Swindle by Union Tube & Transistor, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026