Fulltone goes back to basics with new Full-Drive 1 overdrive pedal
That infamous blue box is back in a purer form
5,0 / 5,0 | 
Fulltone has just announced the Full-Drive 1, a back-to-basics (re-)take on its FD pedals. Unlike the FD2 and FD3, this pedal has no boost function, instead offering only overdrive – with a few enhanced features.
Pure Drive
Fulltone’s classic blue box Full-Drive 1 overdrive pedal uses the JRC4558 chip to give the same distinctive late ’90s drive tone that garnered the original its reputation. It’s The Fulltone Full-Drive 2 and 3 both have a ‘Boost’ function added, but this new version strips back the functionality to offer only overdrive. Like the Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer, the Full-Drive 1 made a big impact on players, with a reputation for great drive tones. This new drive pedal be attractive for a lot of players, I reckon.
Simple Control
This pedal has a classic set of controls for an overdrive: Volume, Overdrive and Tone. There’s a small switch that lets you choose from a number of options, namely Comp Cut, V (presumably mid-cut) and FM (Flat Mids – the sound of older versions). Fulltone has also included a new Enhanced Bypass, a kind of FET buffer also featured on the recent OCD V2 pedal). Fulltone says it helps to maintain pick dynamics and keeps the tone full, even over longer cable lengths.
Made In The USA
Fulltone’s handmade pedals are built like tanks, in my experience. Their older pedals have a bit of a cult following with pedal geeks/collectors. All the Fulltone pedals I own are really good, and I love them as a brand. I can gig them hard and I have never had any issues with them.
At the time of writing, there is no official release date as yet or even an official price. I’m looking forward to seeing this overdrive and checking one out myself. Hopefully, it will not break the bank – I’m hoping for a well-priced boutique American-made effects pedal.
RRP -TBC
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