EarthQuaker Devices unleashes the Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder Medium-High-Gain Discrete Transistor Distortion

I’m a huge fan of discrete gain circuits - which go all the way back to the earliest of fuzzes - where each transistor represents a gain / breakup stage, and then you can cascade those up from 2 to 3, 4, 6 and more - as is the case with the key vintage fuzz circuits.

You get a really cool sear and sizzle this - way with proper amp-like breakup - where of course transistors came to be replacements for the earlier tubes / valves, which then later evolved into integrated circuit chips and pampas.

Controls - Level, Weight (amount of low end frequencies let into the circuit), Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble.

Apart from the discrete nature of the circuit makeup - what’s most unique about this pedal is Weight Control - which essentially regulates how much low-end enters the circuit - so you can really ramp up the heft of this pedal - or else dial that element back.

The 3-Band EQ is Passive - but with significant range, and moreover you have the option of powering the pedal from 9V to 18V - where the latter gives it more headroom, articulation and punch. Where and 18V option exists I always check that out - as I frequently prefer the tonality that results from the greater input.

This is a really cool pedal - exactly to my liking, and very well priced - which means it’s a shoe-in for me! Of course can be had from many a leading international dealer for - $129 / €149 / £129 - which I feel is a fantastic price.

The number of new overdrives I want is really piling up now - with this one on the list next to the Beetronics Nectar and new version of Walrus 385 - difficult to know which one to swing for first - it may though likely be this Zoar - as I really want a custom shop edition of the Nectar - and the current ones don’t really float my boat. For sure the Zoar is likeliest the next acquisition there!