Custom Tones
Home of the Ethos Overdrive.

Reviews
Guitar Player Magazine Review, by Darrin Fox

"With Hallowed Models Such As The Steel String Singer and Overdrive Special, Dxmble amplifiers have enjoyed a mythical status typically reserved for the  Hope Diamond or a Yeti sighting.  So seeing how there are only an estimated 300 Dxmbles on earth--and how they fetch upwards of $40,000--it's not surprising that a cottage industry has emerged, determined to impart Dxmble sonic signatures such as endless touch-sensitive sustain, huge crystalline clean tones, and highly refined grind, for a fraction of the cost of an actual Dxmble. 

The Ethos Overdrive TLE ($395 direct) aims to impart some of the elusive Dxmble amplifier mojo into a two-channel stompbox/ preamp.  Cosmetically the Ethos emits a heavy Dxmble aroma, right down to the mini "Tone Stack" toggles for each channel.  And although the Ethos is somewhat large for a typical pedalboard, it's not excessively so, and it's very light.  A 12-volt power supply is included, although the Ethos can be powered via a single 9-volt battery for approximately 15 hours--pretty nice for when a wall wart is a pain in the onions!

With various Fender Telecasters and Strats as well as a Gibson SG, I plugged the Ethos TLE (TLE stands for "tight low end") in the front of a variety of amps, including a Fender Deluxe Reverb, a Reverend Goblin 5-15, and a mid-'70s non-master 50 watt Marshall powering a 2x12 Fender cabinet. 

The Ethos' Clean channel is fairly easy to dial-in, though its many tonal options can be overwhelming at first.  This is a good thing, however, as there is nary a bad sound to be found.  The Tone Stack switches afford a cornucopia of textures and shades depending on your guitar and pickup settings.  For instance, I dialed up ultra-glassy clean tones that simply popped out of my amp's speakers with a delicately detailed presence that made even my Gibson SG a formidable clean machine, especially in dual
pickup settings.  Conversely, with a Tele and Strat, my already glassy-sounding Fender amp became even more crystalline,
with a tight, blooming low-end response, even with low settings of the Ethos' ultra-powerful Bass control.  With the Gain
cranked, I conjured biting, barely distorted chuck that is particularly delicious with humbuckers, as the grind comes in only
when you lay into your strings.  I harvested some especially succulent clean tones by simply backing off my guitar's Volume control, or lightening my picking attack.  Very nice!

The Global HC control, located on the side of the unit, is key to getting your preferred treble response, while the Treble,
Middle, Bass, and Tone Stack switches allow you to fine-tune to the nth degree.  The Brite switches on each channel are
voiced remarkably--useable with my keening Telecaster or the more mellow sounding Gibson SG--while the Modern/Classic switch adjusts the EQ curve ever so slightly.  The Jazz/Rock switch is the most vociferously voiced control, as it takes the
Ethos demeanor from smooth and polite (Jazz) to snarling and in-your-face (Rock), as the gain and mids are upped substantially. 

Speaking of gain, the Ethos TLE's Overdrive channel has a ton --enough for insane sustain that borders on the silly, and notes that gently fade into sultry, musical feedback--at bedroom volume levels!  However, the Ethos is not a metal machine as its overall character is designed to deliver silky-smooth grind with humbuckers or single-coils.  Think Robben Ford, not Robin Fink.  Make no mistake, the Ethos delivers perfectly manicured distortion that allows complex intervals to speak with a clear, ultra-musical voice. And when you engage the Boost function, you're greeted with exactly the same tone, just a shade louder. Sweet. 

The Speaker Simulated output makes the Ethos TLE insanely versatile, providing you with a home recording tool, as well
as a direct-to-the-P.A. conduit to give you total control over your front-of-house tones.  Plugging straight into my
laptop for quick demos was not only easy, it sounded great as well.  Its excellent utility, as well as its ability to
impart boutique-amp tones, make it a sure-fire winner."
  --Darrin Fox
Published in Guitar Player Magazine, September 09 issue and Guitar Player Online Magazine , May 09
www.guitarplayer.com/article/custom-tones-ethos/may-09/96339



"This Ethos pedal is nothing less than a 'Magnificent Piece of Electronic Plunder', pure genius.  And the tone...
'yeah man, yeah man, three bags full', I'm talkin' both channels.  Don't think I could live without it. 
I'll be spreadin' the word." 
Dale Sellers, Recording Artist, April 2010 (see links page).


"Just got the Ethos!  What a great tone...It's the best OD I've ever used...Tight low end and the famous D-style dark
sound in this little box.  It's worth all the cost...Great job Rob!!  ETHOS IS THE BEST!!!!"   
Troy from Taiwan, 2/23/2010


"The Ethos Overdrive is absolutely the real deal...All those reviews were merely scratchin' the surface of what
seems to me to be a nearly infinite amount of oh so serious TONE.  Thanks from another grateful guitar player."
Fred Evans, Washington 4/8/2010


"No question about it--the Ethos Overdrive pedal from Custom Tones is a must-have
addition to the rig.  Worth every dollar invested and every day spent on the waiting
list to get one, the Ethos is no urban guitar myth - it delivers the goods.  The Ethos
nails the coveted "D" amp, is extremely touch-sensitive, serves up a phenom range and
quality of clean through overdriven tones; is plug and play easy; and is as jaw-dropping
in the studio as it is live on the stage.  Fair warning; the Ethos is highly addictive."

Brad Wendkos, Writer/Reviewer for True Fire Online Guitar Forum. 2/12/2010



"...I just love this pedal.  I've been waiting for something like this for 40 years!!!!  Finally, great tones right out of the box.
I gigged with it recently and the comments I got from my band mates were more than positive.  They just couldn't believe
the improvement in my sound and apparently I played better!  So does the Ethos make you a better player?
Well I'm here to say...it just might!  Fabulous work...I've been in the MI biz for close to thirty years and have sold many
different products, but I have to say this is the only product I've seen worth every penny."
  Brad Strickland, Ventura, CA 1/23/2010



"...This pedal is the answer to so many session and live applications!  I just tracked my first session
with it.  The warmth of the overdrive is just amazing.  No compressor needed with this.  The rich and full
sound is just amazing.  On the track I just added a slight amount of verb and delay for air.  It reminds me
of the Dxmble, but the amount of sustain is really a pleasure to play with.  It reacts with your hands so evenly, your musical ideas come so much easier when you hear your tone with this.  Through my Twin, the clean channel made my Twin sound so full and harmonically rich.  And the overdrive is just a joy through the Fender.  Something I have been looking for all of my career!  I cannot express how happy I am with this pedal. Keep up the amazing work." 
Patrick Yandall, International Recording Artist/ Producer, 2/4/2010  (see links page)



"...I brought the Ethos today to the Studio where I record and plugged into the mixing console and man I got
blown away !!!  Amazing pedal pal, I can't get over the head room and as to how real the sound is!!!
Congratulations on a fantastic piece of engineering.  Cheers."
 
Ehsaan Noorani, Guitarist, Film Composer, Brand Ambassador for Fender.  Bombay, India.  1/7/2010 (see links page)


"Holy $#$@!!!!!!  The Ethos is fantastic, and I haven't even tried it in front of an amplifier yet.  I've been running everything from my strats and teles to my Asher lap steel and Bear Creek Hawaiian guitar with a sound hole pickup through it, both clean and dirty, and it sounds spectacular through my DAW.  I can't wait to try it on a gig through my Princeton or Vibrolux....I've lived in Santa Cruz since the late 70's where Mr. D got his start...Imagine that, $400 for 'the sound' of an amp costing 100 times that much.  I'm scratching my head and plugging in.  You really nailed it Rob. 
Thanks again." 
Bill Walker, Guitarist, Performing Artist, Santa Cruz, California 1/5/2010  (see links page)



"I am most impressed by the subtlety of the interactions between the
various adjustment knobs.
  The Ethos is an incredible studio tool
and also a really great clean overdrive for live work." 
GE Smith, former Saturday Night Live Bandleader, 04/14/09   (See Links page)


"...The most amazing direct guitar sound I've ever achieved.  All the best, and thanks
for an incredible pedal!" 
Matt Marshak, Recording Artist, Contempory Smooth Jazz 01/01/09  (See Links page)


"The Ethos is working great. I have used it in a number of situations, and it sounds incredible!"

Grant Geissman, Composer/Recording Artist 10/30/08  (See Links page)




"Ethos Overdrive Pedal KILLS!  I have one of these pedals. I'll vote for it as "Gear of the Year"
if there was such an award. A landmark in pedal evolution. Buy one. And no, I'm not working for
them and I paid for mine with real money. I just like acknowledging genius when I find it."

 Loni Spector, Amp Show Producer, 9/07  (See Links page)




"...It was a blessing to play guitar for Michael W. Smith and the smile on his face when I hit the opening riff to 'A New Hallelujah' was all I needed to know that I had nailed the tone. Your pedal is freakin' amazing!"  Victor Carrillo, Texas  9/2009


"...I just received my Ethos TLE from you last week after ordering it in August.  I just spent three nights gigging with it and absolutely love it.  I've been waiting for something like this for 20 years.  Well worth the money and wait.  I would like my name put on the list for a second TLE model.  I often have multiple rigs at different places or I could actually have two on the pedal board with different settings.  Thanks!"   Steve Lengemo, Recording Artist and Finalist in Guitar Player Magazine's Contest in San Francisco 2009.  (See Links page)


"Since I've been fortunate enough to own an Ethos TLE, it has given me nothing but pleasure and wonderful tone.
You may be aware that I host a YouTube channel on which I've demoed dozens of drives and dirt boxes.
 None of them hold a candle to the Ethos.  Not on stage, not in the Studio, not even in the 'looks' department!
I have even (stupidly) tried to A/B the Ethos with another brand, much to my own embarrassment and detriment
(in the end).

On stage I normally run 4 or 5 drives including the Ethos.  I do this to give myself sonic choice when I'm up there
banging about (and that's being kind).  Sadly, the other drives are largely ignored as they just don't stand up,
dynamically or tonally, to Rob's masterpiece.  I cannot work without it now.  In fact, I'm thinking of selling
several of my collection to fund a backup; it has become that  important to me.  I haven't touched on the Ethos'
prowess in the studio.  I hope my humble clip that some of you may have seen will do that for me.

I won't go into the myraid of reasons behind my gushing testament.  They have all been mirrored in previous
reviews and comments.  But I do want to thank Rob for creating one of the most musical and performance
encouraging devices I have ever owned and am ever likely to own."
   Brett Kingman, Australia  12/3/2009



"...The Ethos arrived safely.  Plugged it in and 30 minutes later I think that WOW! sums it up." 

      David Cardey, Quebec, Canada  11/13/09




"GREAT WORK, KUDOS, CONGRATULATIONS, WOW!!!!!
I've been playing guitar professionally for 25 years now and have written music extensively for TV and film.  Your
Ethos pedal is AMAZING, I  just spent 6 hours playing it and I can honestly say I haven't had this much fun playing in
a long time.  I've nailed tones ranging from Eric Johnson-ville to the spankiest blues vibe to shimmering clean.  This is the first overdrive I've encountered that works with any guitar I use, *doesn't* change the character of the guitar, and is *completely* touch sensitive (I've tried it with 10 guitars so far...Strats, Teles, P-90 LP, Gibson Pat Martino, Line 6 Variax, etc.).  I've never played a Dxmble but if this is how they feel, I can completely understand why they're going for tens of thousands of dollars.  I'm amazed at the dynamic range of this beast! 


My Ethos pedal is now my go-to overdrive and it's definitely going to be a huge part of my tone.  Thanks for creating such an inspiring, musical instrument.  BTW, I'm keeping my TLE when I get my switchable.  Can't have too many." 
Mike Standal, Guitarist/Composer/Producer, 8/4/09



" My Ethos Overdrive arrived safely here in Australia last Friday.  Thank you for the great job of packing to ensure it arrived undamaged & thank you for the wonderful service...and a fantastic pedal."  Ian Delahunty, 9/10/09



"Congrats on the nice review in the new GP magazine which came in the mail yesterday.  I was disappointed, however, that they didn't give you an 'Editor's Pick' award which you most certainly deserve.  I'm thinking I will go to their site and offer my 'take' on the Ethos TLE and mention that you should have rec'd that special award.  Also- I thought they very much understated the D**** aspect of the sound.  Yes.. the reviewer raved about all of the sounds the TLE produces but I felt he seemed almost afraid to mention just how 'D-like' the lead sounds are or...he just didn't totally realize it which may be more likely the case....

The point is...my opinion of your TLE remains unchanged- it is a spectacular guitar 'tone tool' whatever amp it's played through.  It is 'untouchable'- I will own mine for as long as I play.  And..it can literally transform most any 'off the shelf' inexpensive amp into sounding like it's a very expensive Boutique Amp of the highest 'D' order (I know-- I've used it with Blues Jr's, Deville's, AC 15's & 30's etc).  And that- is the point that the GP reviewer missed along with the fact that the boost IS mainly a gain boost- not solely just a volume boost.  ...Again- congrats on the nice review...I'm still a very happy and proud owner of my  Ethos TLE."
  Dick Bauerle, 7/17/09  



"Robbie and Co....OK.......WOW...... I'm not sure if I can add much to your well deserved accolades and stellar reviews of this most brilliant design of yours but after receiving the TLE and plugging it in I knew three things immediately:  1. My search for electric guitar tone is over.  2. There's more music in my hands than I thought there was.  3. I'm amazed this thing didn't cost me a kidney!!

If there's a 'better' pedal out there for the way that I play (at any price)...I could care less.  Wonderful analog warmth...yet amazingly open and detailed, dripping with soul.  It really is a musical instrument and not a mere pedal.  I couldn't be happier with the purchase and it was really nice doing business with you.  Best of luck to you and your Co. "   Tom Smith, NY  5/5/09


"I received my Ethos Overdrive last week.  You DID a good job.  You're a genius..." 

Jae Hyeong Lee, South Korea, 03/09/09


"My Ethos was here at the beginning of this week.  Everything is okay, very well packed and the Sound....just monstrous for each channel.  Thank you for your great work."  Emmanuel de Torquat, France, 8/1/09


"My Ethos Overdrive is finally here.  It's a really great product and I'm very satisfied with it!  I've tried other  clones' before, but they did not bring me as near to the original tone as the Ethos is doing, both on clean and on overdrive sounds...compliments!" 
Luca Villani, Italy, 8/1/09


"Thanks to the beautiful sound of the Ethos, I won a preliminary round of the Guitar Center's King of the Blues contest in Rocksville, Md. last night.  Several people including store employees were asking about the Ethos.  It's the easiest plug and play pedal I have ever owned.  I have used it straight into the mixer and get great results."   Phil "FLY" Zuckerman, 7/27/09

"Thanks again to the Ethos pedal, I am through round two of the King of Blues contest in DC.  Thanks!" Phil "FLY" Zuckerman, 9/11/09




"The Ethos pedal is just what I've been looking for.  I've been using the Roland VG-88
in conjunction with an active JBL EON.  I like the sound of the horn in the JBL for acoustic,

nylon, 12 string and strat sounds.  I was never completely happy with the conventional  clean
and distorted sounds.  In the past I've tried using various pedals but because of the horn they always sounded horrible.  The speaker simulation in the Ethos did the trick.  Now I use the VG-88 and the Ethos pedal with an AB box.  I run a xlr cable out of the powered JBL into the board of the main sound system.  Now I can  have the best of both worlds, blending digital with analog, without having to bring another amp.  Thanks."  Edward Aureli, 01/31/09



"Thank you for your pedal.  I just plugged it direct into my little studio (mackie 1402, behringer crappola speakers) and it makes the strat sound like it's playing through my '65 Bassman, very nice.  Just wanted to say THANKS A BUNCH."  Ric Weidner, 01/30/09


"Just to let you know that the TLE arrived safely (all the way to England)...I'm having a great time trying different guitars through it...
it does all I'd hoped for and more.  One big surprise is that I'm getting great tones using the Piezo on my Tom Anderson Crowdster, on the clean channel...hadn't expected that."  
Andrew Watt, UK  01/29/09


"...All I can say is, the Ethos is THE BEST decision I have made.  Simply dazzling, awesome.  I play thumb octaves and smooth jazz style to screamin' blues and occasionally do some steel chord 'swells' imitation...The Ethos, for me, is a bright light in that never ending road of electric guitar exploration.  I have only touched its surface.  Thank you Rob and staff, for the concern and the ears, the construction and the tone that is the Ethos, and especially for helping me to share the music that I love." 
Ted Rogers, 01/19/09


"This is a very fine pedal.  Thank you very much." 
Jochen W. Mann,  Germany, 11/17/08

"I got my pedal in the mail today, and tried it out for an hour or so.  My wife is now happy to know that my search for the ultimate overdrive pedal is complete.  This makes the fourth OD pedal I have and it blows them all away (I have ts9, Boutique SRB808 clone, Fulldrive 2, and a chandler tubedriver).  This thing is incredible. I played my PRS McCarty, John Mayer Artist Strat, and American Strat through my Bad Cat Black Cat 30R head with 4x12 Cabinet, and I can't make it sound bad.  Thanks again, if you branch out into any other pedals, let me know because I'll buy them all."  Clint L. Sanchez,   10/29/09 
   


       
"Just a short Hello from Finland!  You have got yet another very satisfied customer regarding the Ethos!  It's sounding beautifully with my other gear, so thanks a lot for an outstanding product!
All the best to you stateside!"  Rune Pettersson, 10/28/08


"I received the TLE on Thursday which was great because I had a chance to get into it a bit before my gig. Simply put… you’ve already heard all the superlatives via your other reviews. All I can say is that those reviews were spot on! If I were ‘Mr. D’ I might be a little upset that somebody had figured out how to replicate his sound for $400! Calling this a “pedal” doesn’t do it justice- it is an overall sound shaping tool as others have described. I used it at home with my JVM and on the gig with my Bogner Shiva- with identical great results.  It will be the BEST $you have ever spent on a piece of music gear! But you’d best get on this list!"  Dick Bauerle, 10/20/08

 

"I received my Ethos TLE two days ago and I'm still in Shock.  This isn't a 'pedal' even though it looks like one.  IMHO the Ethos TLE is one of the finest 'Musical Instruments' I've ever seen or heard.

The sonic purity, range of tone & lush voice make it impossible for me to call this a mere 'pedal'.   It is one of those rare instruments that can inspire you to new heights and has given this 'old dog' a much needed kick in the backside.  Robbie...you're a genius in my book.  A tone guru of the highest order.  I mean every word...Simply Amazing. 

I tried the Ethos direct into my PA today (Good sized Mackie 4 way system) and again I was blown away how it sounded.  I know now how it'll sound direct in a studio situation.  Kudos again for a superior product."

Thank You!!  
Jim Henry, 7/12/08



"Just got the Ethos today.  I must say the day sure dragged on when I kept looking at the box
sitting there on my desk calling my name!

What can I say but THANK YOU!  My initial tests so far have been so great I don't know where to begin, but all I can tell you is my Fxchs  is going to be jealous! 

I tried it into the front end as well as the power amp (effects return) of a few of my amps and both clean and OD are GREAT!  

It reacts so much like the Fxchs I find it hard to believe but yes it is all there.  I wouldn't even blink by using it with my Power Block as a power amp with a cab.  My last test was direct and so far it has not disappointed me at all and this is only playing with it for a few minutes. 

Once again thank you for building such an amazing instrument and the wait was definitely worth it!"
Dan Lear,  3/24/08



"Like most of us in this tone chase, I have spent my share of money over the last 37 years. 
Missed some, lost some, sold some.  We've all got the stories. 

This is without hesitation the best tone money I have EVER spent. 
Arguably the best $400 I have ever spent.

In the last week I have had 2 extended intimate sessions to really put it through
some paces and I have to say I am impressed, VERY  impressed.

I have played both my '68 Les Paul Deluxe (P90) and my '62 Strat through it both
with flat wounds.  Played straight into my desk and also through my 1974X combo
and it is glorious both ways.

I have achieved jaw dropping tone combinations that were totally unexpected. 
Jazz when I would have sworn Rock would have been it.  Modern over Vintage, etc.  

And let me tell you, running the clean channel with the Optical Boost Circuit engaged
on the combo through Mullard and Mustard is, well THERE, spot on."

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS THING MAN.
David <info@TheAudioDept.com> 1/9/08


"The Ethos is pretty sick y'all. It took no time at all to dial in a voluptuous clean sound.

The Sabre's clean channel is pretty smokin' but with the Ethos I was
definitely coaxing some tones reminiscent of Volker Strifler...just fat,
pregnant single notes and chimey, sustaining Fender-y type tones.
Sparkley and full...a very rich tone that I became addicted to immediately.


I didn't buy the Ethos for the clean tone. In fact, I wanted to wait and get the
single channel version.....glad I didn't wait because the clean tones are fab and
come as a huge surprise.

I didn't get the gain channel dialed in as easily...took a few songs and a little
tweaking but...wow! What amazing tone this thing has. I didn't try to dial in
any specific "D" tones. Rather, I just went hunting for something for me to use.

The OD tones are very smooth and immensely playable...giving me a greasy,
silky feel to work with that let me play with less effort....encouraging me to
lighten my touch.

Boost engaged was total rock n roll....if that's what you want. I was worried
that the Ethos might be too polite to rawk....wrong!

The controls are so damn deep there are tones all over the map. You might even
find "bad" tones if you try, lol.

Can't wait to try it for one of the main reasons I bought it...straight into a PA.

It definitely passed the 1st test with flying colours, as they say."

Mighty Guru, Senior Member www.thegearpage.net, 10-02-2007



"Well, I got to try it for about an hour...

What a great pedal!!!

First...Yes, it's a very "D" sounding pedal...(going off what I know of clips
from a real one), probably the best one yet...

  • Very amp-like...
        It has a lot of texture and character in the OD channel
        and it just super magnifies your touch.
        Meaning your sloppiness will show up but also great fingers will shine.

  • Very greasy/wet and smooth liquidy sounding.
  • Pretty much nail all the qualities of a great lead tone.
  • Surprisingly great rhythm tones.
  • Killer low and high gain tones!
  • Has a decent amount gain there for tons of versatility and range.
  • Guitar's voice comes through and responds well to it's electronics
  • A ton of tone options, there are so many ways to get a great tone
        and it doesn't have to be a "D" sound.

  • The Clean channel I found very cool to get access a nice lead tone fro cleans.
  • My amp has a decent clean but I can use the Ethos to give me a boost plus a
  • better voicing for lead passages, especially on a thin sounding bridge pickup.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
  • Jazz and Blues guys will like it.
The play test rig:
Gibson LP '57 Goldtop loaded w. Tom Holmes 450/455 through a 65Amps 65
London w/ 2x12 cab and Vox AC30HW ABY'ed:

I was pretty much running the pedal at flat pretty much all across the board
except that I started at 0 for the volume and gain controls for both channels.
I went up from there gradually to really get to know the range. I experimented
with different EQ settings and there are endless ways to dial EQ on this pedal.
I found that flat was my favorite, loads of juicy mids there! The clean channel,
I've settled on it to be felt as well because I already like me clean tone, so it
was more of a boost with a touch of thickness added with the mini toggels...

I put the GAC switch ON (UP) Guitar Amp Compensation. Up is recommended for
Guitar Amps and down is for "other". It just sounded better UP anyway. 
The mini toggels: OD I ran Bright off, Classic mode, Rock mode. For Clean,
I ran Bright off, Modern mode, Rock mode.

Actually the most important control for me is the HC knob. Its the High-Cut control.
While I had my EQ's pretty much dialed flat, I found my key tweaker was the
HC knob.  I dialed it at around 2:00 and it was just right for me.

Of course, my settings may change but for now I'm rocking it like that.

In my review, I stated that both the Zen and Howie have qualities that are
different and warrant enought to own both. They are both fine pedals and really
take you to relm of "D" tone no question... But, I have to say that after playing
the Ethos, I woudn't really need the others. The Ethos has a ton of versatility
and can pretty much cover all the range of those other pedals, well the Zen and
Howie anyway for me. Its very warm and amp-like, like the Howie. Has the cut,
clarity, and grease of the Zen. All that in one and way more! Has greater vocal
range and you can actually use it for rhythm. It has its own unique voice that
can be used for a wider range of genres. This is the "one" to get.  In conclusion,
get on the list!

Its a killer pedal!!!"

Sniper-V from thegearpage.net  10/7/07


"I received the Ethos today.  Wow, that was fast and painless.  Thanks for being so communicative and professional.  It's been a pleasure buying from you.
 
I have a crazy busy week full of travel and house guests so I only got to try the Ethos out for about twenty minutes today when it arrived.  I played it with a Strat into a Tone King Meteor II amp and even with such a brief try out,
I can tell it's great. 

The low to medium gain sounds are the best I've ever heard from a pedal (and I've had a few too many). 
The pick attack sensitivity is truly amazing.  It really does go from sparkling clean to sustaining growl just from varying my picking.  That is the most important aspect I was hoping for in the Ethos.  I feel like I've only scratched the surface with such a short session.  I've owned a lot of overdrive pedals and been disappointed with most, so I pretty much know what to listen for, and so far the Ethos has far exceeded my hopes.  Robbie, I think you hit a home run with this one.  I can't wait to spend some quality time with the Ethos. 
Thanks again."  James Russell, 10/1/07
 
Ethos in the House!!!

"After what I can only describe as ANTICIPATION I recieved my Ethos pedal from Robbie at Custom Tones.

First off the Pedal arrived packed meticulously with a handy "Getting Started Template" that is great
to get you up and running. Nice Touch!

I tried the pedal with a Top Hat Super Deluxe. This amp crosses boundaries of Fender/Vox/Marshall
but is all in all a fairly clean to low gain amp. It has an awesome rich tone on its own and was a good
baseline amp to try the Ethos through.

I have owned so many boutique pedals it is almost embarrasing. Most have come and gone. Pedals
once owned include Zen, Klon, Keeley TS9, Matchless Dirt Box, BJF Baby Blue, Pink Fuzz, Model R,
Original Fuzz Face, MJM Fuzz Face, Blues Devil, Pro analog, Jetter Blue, Retroman Fuzz and
Boosters,,,etc etc. You get the drift.

Pedals I still own, Cornish G2, SS3, Zendrive 2, Jetter Red, and BSM Spectrum and Majestic.

So I have a fairly Good baseline to go from.  The Ethos just floored me. I was starting to think
the hype was not to be lived up to....Wrong. This pedal shames everything else I have tried.
I will say the G2 is a different animal and still ranks as one of my favorites.

The dynamic articulation and thick yet totally clear throaty growl of this pedal is astonishing.
This pedal does indeed capture that essence of the what we all want....Ford, Carlton,
Santana,, etc. It is there and done superbly.  The added bonus is the Bosot feature which
bypasses the mini toggles and yeilds a great rock tone with a bit of mid scoop for great cut.
The versatility of the EQ and the mini switches is also superb and allows this to work with
a huge array of different amps.

The Cleans offer the same amazing versatility and sit pretty close in the Fender camp and
have a great, dare I say more HiFi sparkle.

This is a short review but great products usually do not need much more than that.
My Recommendation...Get one, you will not regret it."  Reverb (Rick L.) from thegearpage.net,  09/02/07




"I'm sorry if the following might appear to some suspicious-minded folks as adding to the "voodoo aura" surrounding
Rob's new Dxmble-inspired pedal. It isn't meant to... and hopefully won't be.

I'm a 40+ years pro player, and have known Robbie for over 20 of them. In all that time, he has been 'refining his
diamond" of developing tube-distortion emulation circuit designs, and building various prototypes that he has
distributed to a small circle of pro player friends. I've been fortunate enough to have played (and purchased)
several of them. In many ways, this new one is the most highly evolved of 'em all... and it's CERTAINLY the one
that most mimics Dxmble-style tone.

Earlier this afternoon, I spent an hour and a half playing and listening to Rob's new pedal, using various
non-boutique, run-o-the-mill Teles, Strats, and Rob's PRS Santana. The pedal was plugged into a standard,
non-modded Deluxe Reverb. Real simple, straightforward stuff.... not even reverb!

Simply stated, the pedal is fantastic, and definitely exceeds by a longshot any pedal I've personally tried
(please note- I've NOT tried the ZenDrive). For reference purposes, i own a Fxchs mod head, a Two Rock,
and several other amps that make Dxmble-style noises. I'm reasonably familiar with the amp options out there,
and the pedals that theoretically mimic those amps. This pedal does what these amps do... at a level that you
can have a comfortable conversation over. In particular, the touch sensitivity and dynamics are amazing. Dial up
a gainy lead sound, dig into a single-note, and it screams. Hit a double-stop, and it gets enormously huge and fat,
without any icepick highs. But then... brush the strings lightly, and a beautiful, chimey, clear bell-like tone with
beautiful high harmonics breathes out of the thing... still on the same gainy lead setting!

I've never experienced a pedal do THAT before. I'm sure there are many folks who'd love the tone of this thing,
but couldn't care less about this touch-sensitivity aspect.... but to me, it's REALLY inspiring, and impossible to find
outside of the loud, power-amp distortion realm. If you're like me in this respect, then you've really got to hear
this pedal.

Just wanted to pipe in... hopefully to add another data point to the discussion."
Paul Asbel, 04/07/07  (See LINKS page for more info on Paul's new CD.)
www.paulasbell.com


"Hi fellow tone junkies, I just got my Ethos. Wow!

Before I start raving, let me tell you how it came about.  I met Rob when he came to my studio and asked me to

test drive a couple of his overdrives.  He showed me one of his earlier dual channel overdrives and the Ethos. 

Rob started with the earlier unit, showing me how versatile it was. I have to say, it was amazing.  I had never

heard an overdrive with its capabilities.  I knew at that point, Rob  “is the real deal”.  He fired up his Ethos

through my Fender Vibrolux (with no reverb).  I was more than impressed.  Now over the years I’ve acquired

many amp emulator / overdrive units, including the Zen drive.  I will say, up to that day, my favorite was the

Zen. It’s very simple and has a tone I like.   Now I’m not a Dxmble expert, but I’ve always been impressed with

Robben Ford’s tone.  Lets not take anything away from his touch, but when I played the ETHOS I think I

learned some of Robben’s “magic”. 

 
First off, when using the clean channel there is a very natural presence, which makes the guitar sound as if it’s

jumping out of the amp.  This is great for getting those rhythm guitar parts to move forward in a mix. Note:

The gain on this channel is volume only with no overdrive.

 
The overdrive is not like anything I’ve ever played through.  It is extremely touch sensitive, meaning you can

crank the gain (drive) and dig in for great sustain, yet back off with your pick and get a clear bell like sound. 

This is so foreign to me that it’s taking me a little time to dial in.  

 
The boost has a preset amount of gain over the drive channel.  This is just right for those times you need over

the top sustain. Note: There are only two adjustments for the boost.  One is the tone knob on the side of the

Ethos and the other is the presence on the drive channel.  I set the boost tone first, using those two

adjustments, then dial in the drive channel tone and finally adjust the clean channel to my liking.

 
This is not your “run of the mill” overdrive.  It has lots of tone adjustments, which translates to incredible

flexibility.  Be prepared to spend a little time playing with it and you will be “blown away”.  

 
I hope this gives folks an idea of what Rob and his Ethos are about."

John Moore, 8/20/07

"Got my box. It sounds great. Why? Great eq that works well with single coils

(fender telecaster), mini humbuckers (les paul deluxe), humbuckers (trini lopez),
 
touch and volume sensitive distortion that cleans up when you back off, the ablility

to get nice tone at a reasonable volume level, and not much junk on your notes

when doing double stops or chording with distortion. I haven't had a chance to

record direct with it yet but I will soon. All in all a nice package (I think the
 
boost channel lifts the tone stack and gives a more midrange sound, its not
 
a huge volume jump, but that changes slightly with your distortion settings).
 
One last thing, I like what you can do to the treble on this box, there are many
 
options with the treble, pres, brite, and hi-cut knobs and switches.
"

Peter Linton, Lead Guitarist for Merrie Amsterburg, 08/15/07 (See Links Page for more info about Peter)