The BluesBreaker/KoT circuit is an unusual overdrive pedal design that's very versatile, and what really makes it stand out is the amazing sparkle and warmth it adds at relatively low overdrive levels, just above the point of break-up. Nothing beats it at this discipline, and it does that particular thing better than a Klon, I think. Having two circuits in one box, with all the switchable options in each half, makes it extremely flexible.
Since I released the single circuit Reuss Ecstatic Overdrive pedal in spring 2020, I have had repeated requests for a two-in-one version - and here it is. I couldn't help throwing in a few easter eggs, so on top of the well established BluesBreaker mods of having switchable DRIVE, DISTORTION and BOOST options for each channel, I have added an extra flavour to each side. In the first channel (right footswitch) the DISTORTION setting can be flipped to a pure germanium diode clipping mode, utilising four vintage new old stock USSR diodes. This gives it a more fuzzy and intense distortion character. Much like a vintage MXR Distortion+ pedal (and the Rowland S. Howard pedal). At the second channel, I added a switchable clipping option to the DRIVE setting. This replaces the four MA859 diodes with a hybrid MOSFET/germanium clipping arrangement. This gives a bit more 'hair' and grit to the overdrive sound. These options are not found in a KoT pedal.
I had the good fortune of scoring a stash of genuine vintage new old stock Panasonic MA856 diodes for the Ecstatic Overdrive (the all-important magic KoT diodes). When I tried to re-order these for the Gold Sounds, my supplier shipped some equally rare Panasonic MA859 diodes. The MA856s being long gone, apparently. The MA859s are from the same series of diodes and the specifications are near-identical to the MA856s. Most importantly, the forward voltage being the same. In short, they sound the same.
I ship the pedals with the first channel set to DRIVE and the second set to BOOST, which is a very basic and useful setting. But there's so much more to it, if you dig in and play around with the different settings.
Please note: While the gold knobs looks great on this pedal, and emphasizes the theme, the marking on them is very hard to see. It is recommended that you paint the line with a permanent marker - Or the knobs are easily replaced for any 18-teeth 6 mm shaft push-on knob of maximum 16 mm in diameter.
Gold Sounds is pretty on the inside too - and a very rugged construction. Better than the King
Download the Reuss Gold Sounds manual here
VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE: The prices at the webshop are listed without taxes. For customers in the European Union VAT is added at check-out. For pedals shipped to other countries, including the US and UK, local taxes and tariffs etc. will be charged by the local authorities. In some cases, these taxes, tariffs and clearance fees etc. will be claimed by the shipping company while the pedal is still in transit to the destination country, for a smooth and fast delivery without delays for custom's clearance. Different rules and regulations applies in different countries, so please check what the terms are where you live before posting an order, to avoid unpleasant surprises and disappointments. These things are beyond the powers of Reuss Musical Instruments to control.