Nobels ODR-1

Nobels ODR-1

The Nobels ODR-1 is here.  This little green screaming machine is now available exclusively at ProGuitarShop.com for a screaming deal.  While bearing some aesthetic resemblance to the mighty Tube Screamer, the Nobels ODR-1 is anything but.  Transparent and rich, the Nobels ODR-1 brings a true, amp-like overdrive to the table that has none of the midrange boost or low-end cut associated with the TS style circuit.  The Gain knob will go from totally clean to saturated sustain and provides a nice standalone overdrive or a great addition to an already overdriven amp.  When driven about halfway, the Nobels ODR-1 provides a touch-sensitive overdrive that cleans up with pick attack and volume knob adjustment and provides that classic Nashville Tele crunch that will make your double stops come to life.  The Spectrum control is unique in the fact that it not only rolls off or adds highs (12 o’clock being transparent) but it also alters the low midrange spectrum as well.  This allows the ODR-1 to go from a nice saggy low end, perfect for blues, to a tight low end with singing highs and a cutting tone for more modern rock styles. 

Many have tried to compare the ODR-1 to other pedals but the simple fact is, it’s not other pedals.  This is a unique design by the German Nobels Electronics company.  It shares looks and features with its brethren overdrive pedals but the tone is all Nobels.  Jerry Donahue of the Hellecasters never leaves home without his Nobels.  Many of Nashville’s top studio guitarists swear by it.  Other companies have tried to re-create it and, while doing a good job, they just aren’t the same.  Many like to mod the ODR-1 for true bypass but just one listen will make you realize that the buffered bypass and input/output impedances are the perfect, transparent combination providing a perfect bypassed tone and even fighting against cable length signal degradation.  If you haven’t tried a Nobels ODR-1, you owe it to yourself to do so.  At $99 and with ProGuitarShop’s 60 Satisfaction Guarantee there’s no risk and it very well could end your search for the perfect overdrive like it has for so many others.