The VFE Tiamat is an overdrive pedal and, by the maker's description, the final word on a circuit Peter has been refining for years: it takes the VFE Dragon overdrive circuit and adds a clean blend, separate slope switches, and a switch to shape the clipping. VFE calls it "my definitive overdrive design after 8 other versions across 18 years (three versions of the Proto OD, three versions of the Pale Horse, and two versions of the Dragon)."1
The Tiamat is an overdrive pedal from VFE Pedals. It takes the Dragon overdrive circuit and adds a clean blend, separate slope switches, and a switch to shape the low end1. Pedals assembled by VFE carry a 1-year warranty on parts and labor2.
The controls
The Tiamat carries more panel and internal controls than the Dragon it is based on, including a clean blend and separate filter slope switches1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| DRIVE | Sets the volume of the overdrive circuit1 |
| GAIN | Sets the amount of gain in the overdrive circuit1 |
| COMP | Sets the compression ratio and clipping type (middle position = diode lift)1 |
| SAT / DYN | Selects between silicon clipping diodes for more saturation and sustain, and mosfet transistors for better dynamics and greater overall output1 |
| 6 / 12 | Sets the slope of each filter, from a gentle 6 dB per octave slope to a sharper 12 dB per octave1 |
| IMPED | Internal trimpot that sets the input impedance of the circuit1 |
| BUFF / TRUE | Internal slide switch to select between true bypass and buffered bypass switching1 |
The COMP knob's middle position is the diode lift: it changes the clipping type as you turn through the control's range, while the SAT/DYN switch sets the clipping elements themselves, silicon diodes or mosfets1. The 6/12 switches let you set each filter's slope independently, so the tone shaping can be gentle or sharp on either side1.
Buying one, and the DIY route
The assembled pedal is listed at $199.00 regular price with a $149.00 sale price1, and buyers will choose from at least 5 colors: white, black, blue, green, and one color yet to be determined1. VFE also offers a 30-day risk-free trial on its pedals1.
For builders, the Tiamat is available as a DIY project in two forms2:
- Full Kit: includes a fully assembled PCB, all other components, and your choice of paint color, knobs and LED2
- PCB Only: includes the PCB with surface-mount parts assembled and all the potentiometers, plus instructions and links on custom-making the enclosure using Tayda Electronic's services2
The PCB Only option includes the PCB with surface-mount parts assembled and all the potentiometers, plus instructions and links on custom-making the enclosure using Tayda Electronic's services2. It is a build-it-yourself route rather than a finished pedal.
The Tiamat's controls differ from a straightforward overdrive: the COMP knob sets the compression ratio and clipping type, with the middle position giving a diode lift, and the 6 / 12 switches set the slope of each filter, from a gentle 6 dB per octave to a sharper 12 dB per octave1.
Where it sits in the VFE line
The Tiamat is the endpoint of a line that includes the VFE Pale Horse, whose three versions the maker counts among the eight earlier designs behind this pedal1. Players comparing it with other drives can start at the site's overdrive pedal page or a Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer comparison.
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Questions
Is the VFE Tiamat true bypass?
Yes, and it is switchable. An internal slide switch labeled BUFF/TRUE lets you select between true bypass and buffered bypass switching, so you can set the pedal to suit the rest of your board. A buffer can help if the Tiamat sits late in a long chain of pedals.
When does the VFE Tiamat ship?
The assembled pedal is a pre-order listed as shipping Fall 2026. The DIY kit version is listed with shipping in December 2026. Both dates come from VFE's own product pages.
How much does the VFE Tiamat cost?
The assembled Tiamat is listed at $199.00 regular price, with a $149.00 sale price shown on VFE's product page. The DIY kit version is offered as a pre-order at $49.00. Prices are as listed by the maker.
Can I build the VFE Tiamat as a DIY kit?
Yes. VFE offers the Tiamat as a DIY project in two forms: a Full Kit with a fully assembled PCB, all other components, and your choice of paint color, knobs and LED; and a PCB Only option with surface-mount parts assembled and all the potentiometers, plus instructions for custom-making an enclosure.
Will VFE still repair pedals after the company closes?
Yes. VFE states it will close down at the end of 2026 but will continue offering repair service indefinitely, including out-of-warranty repair service. Pedals assembled by VFE carry a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
What does the diode lift setting do on the Tiamat?
The COMP knob sets the compression ratio and clipping type, and its middle position is the diode lift. The SAT/DYN switch selects between silicon clipping diodes for more saturation and sustain, and mosfet transistors for better dynamics and greater overall output.
Sources (2)
- Tiamat - Final VFE Overdrive | VFE Pedals, VFE Pedals
- Tiamat - DIY Kit | VFE Pedals, VFE Pedals
