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
"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."