What type of effect is the Ibanez OD850?

The Ibanez OD850 is an overdrive pedal, though its high-gain characteristics often place it in the distortion or fuzz category. It is a reissue of a classic 1970s circuit.

Is the Ibanez OD850 digital or analogue?

It features 100 percent all-analogue circuitry. This design choice ensures the pedal retains the warm and responsive feel of the original vintage units.

What are the three control knobs on the OD850?

The pedal features Sustain, Tone, and Balance controls. Sustain adjusts the gain, Tone controls the brightness, and Balance sets the output volume.

Does the Ibanez OD850 have true bypass?

Yes, the reissue version includes true bypass switching. This allows your guitar signal to pass through unaffected when the pedal is turned off.

What is the typical price for the Ibanez OD850?

The pedal typically retails for approximately GBP 109. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional availability.

Is this a limited edition product?

Yes, the Ibanez OD850 is a limited edition reissue of the original 1970s model. It was designed to bring the iconic status of the original to modern players.

How is the build quality of the OD850?

The unit is described as roadworthy, featuring a durable metal chassis designed for live use. It is built to withstand the rigours of touring and frequent pedalboard use.

Can the OD850 produce fuzz tones?

While labelled as an overdrive, the OD850 is famous for its thick, heavy saturation. At higher Sustain settings, it delivers tones very similar to a classic fuzz.

What power supply does the Ibanez OD850 require?

The pedal typically uses a standard 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery. Users should ensure they use a compatible negative-center adapter common to most guitar pedals.

How does the OD850 handle noise?

Like most high-gain analogue pedals, it can introduce some noise at high Sustain levels. Many players use it in conjunction with a noise gate like the Boss NS-2 to keep the signal quiet during pauses.

Where in the signal chain should the OD850 be placed?

It is generally placed near the beginning of the signal chain, after tuners or wah pedals. It works best before time-based effects like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay.

Why is the OD850 considered iconic?

It gained iconic status due to its unique 1970s circuit design that provided more gain than standard overdrives of the era. The reissue preserves this specific historical sound signature.

Gear article

Ibanez OD850 Overdrive Pedal

The Ibanez OD850 is a limited edition reissue of the classic 1970s analogue overdrive pedal, designed to reproduce vintage high-gain saturation. Featuring a 100 percent all-analogue signal path, the pedal is renowned for delivering a broad spectrum of powerful distortion tones through a simple three-knob interface.

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Background and History

The Ibanez OD850 was originally introduced in the 1970s during the foundational era of compact guitar effects. Despite its 'Overdrive' nomenclature, the circuit became historically significant for its high-gain capabilities, often being categorised by players as a fuzz-distortion hybrid.

This modern reissue is a limited edition release that pays homage to the original unit's design and sonic properties. It maintains the internal integrity of the 1970s version by employing all-analogue components, ensuring the response and character remain faithful to the vintage hardware that established the pedal's iconic status.

Functional Design and Features

The OD850 is housed in a roadworthy chassis designed for the rigours of live performance. It features a straightforward three-knob layout that allows for rapid tone shaping:

Sustain: Controls the amount of gain and saturation.
Tone: Adjusts the frequency response, moving from darker, woolier textures to brighter, cutting sounds.
Balance: Manages the overall output volume of the effect.

A significant upgrade in the reissue version is the inclusion of true bypass switching. This ensures that when the pedal is disengaged, the guitar signal passes through the unit without any tonal degradation or 'tone sucking,' a common issue with vintage non-bypass units.

Sonic Character

The sound of the Ibanez OD850 is defined by its richness and harmonic complexity. Because of its 100 percent analogue circuitry, it provides a warm, thick distortion that bridges the gap between a smooth overdrive and a heavy fuzz. It is particularly noted for its ability to produce 'powerful distortion tones' that retain a classic 1970s feel, making it suitable for classic rock, psychedelic, and heavy blues styles.

Target User and Compatibility

This pedal is primarily suited for guitarists seeking authentic vintage tones without the reliability concerns or high cost of original 1970s units. Its simple operation makes it an ideal addition to a pedalboard for players who prefer tactile, straightforward controls over complex digital menus.

In a standard signal chain, the OD850 pairs well with other classic utilities. For example, a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor can be used to manage the high gain, while a Boss DD-3T Digital Delay or a Fender Hammertone Flanger can be placed after the OD850 to add spatial and modulation depth to the distorted signal.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other contemporary pedals, the OD850 stands out for its specific 'reissue' status and analogue purity. While budget options like the Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus focus on digital modulation, the OD850 remains focused on high-quality analogue drive.

Unlike utility pedals such as the Digitech Whammy Ricochet or the Dunlop Mick Ronson Cry Baby Wah, which provide specific pitch and sweep effects, the OD850 serves as a core tonal foundation. Compared to modern multi-functional drives, the OD850 offers less versatility in terms of clipping modes but provides a more distinct, 'iconic' vintage character that is difficult to replicate with digital models.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of effect is the Ibanez OD850?: The Ibanez OD850 is an overdrive pedal, though its high-gain characteristics often place it in the distortion or fuzz category. It is a reissue of a classic 1970s circuit.
Is the Ibanez OD850 digital or analogue?: It features 100 percent all-analogue circuitry. This design choice ensures the pedal retains the warm and responsive feel of the original vintage units.
What are the three control knobs on the OD850?: The pedal features Sustain, Tone, and Balance controls. Sustain adjusts the gain, Tone controls the brightness, and Balance sets the output volume.
Does the Ibanez OD850 have true bypass?: Yes, the reissue version includes true bypass switching. This allows your guitar signal to pass through unaffected when the pedal is turned off.
What is the typical price for the Ibanez OD850?: The pedal typically retails for approximately GBP 109. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional availability.
Is this a limited edition product?: Yes, the Ibanez OD850 is a limited edition reissue of the original 1970s model. It was designed to bring the iconic status of the original to modern players.
How is the build quality of the OD850?: The unit is described as roadworthy, featuring a durable metal chassis designed for live use. It is built to withstand the rigours of touring and frequent pedalboard use.
Can the OD850 produce fuzz tones?: While labelled as an overdrive, the OD850 is famous for its thick, heavy saturation. At higher Sustain settings, it delivers tones very similar to a classic fuzz.
What power supply does the Ibanez OD850 require?: The pedal typically uses a standard 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery. Users should ensure they use a compatible negative-center adapter common to most guitar pedals.
How does the OD850 handle noise?: Like most high-gain analogue pedals, it can introduce some noise at high Sustain levels. Many players use it in conjunction with a noise gate like the Boss NS-2 to keep the signal quiet during pauses.
Where in the signal chain should the OD850 be placed?: It is generally placed near the beginning of the signal chain, after tuners or wah pedals. It works best before time-based effects like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay.
Why is the OD850 considered iconic?: It gained iconic status due to its unique 1970s circuit design that provided more gain than standard overdrives of the era. The reissue preserves this specific historical sound signature.