JHS Pedals has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its underrated Kilt distortion by releasing the retooled, special edition Kilt 10 – and it’s been given a few tidy upgrades to boot.
In short, the JHS Kilt 10 overdrive pedal has got a “refreshed voice” via an updated clipping section for higher headroom, a smoother attack, and more dynamic versatility, alongside a “reimagined aesthetic” that looks like it was designed by a Scottish Cyberman.
The OG Kilt was built in collaboration with guitarist and producer Stu G, and was created to meet a breadth of in-studio and on-stage needs. It’s been a stalwart of the JHS lineup since 2015, but perhaps doesn’t receive the same plaudits that the company’s more widely praised pedals – such as the Angry Charlie and Morning Glory – routinely enjoy.
Its Gain control now offers “a far more usable range from 0-25%, unlocking articulate, low-gain textures that weren’t previously accessible”, while the top end is now better equipped at slicing through the mix like a hot knife through butter.
Lastly, its clipping circuit – while preserving the original’s tonal charm – now offers increased compression and distortion, which JHS says delivers “touch-sensitive nuance” in spades.
The Kilt 10 Special Edition Mod: More Headroom, More Clarity, More Gain! – YouTube
Watch On
In all, there are controls for Gain, Volume, and Tone, mini toggles for clipping (G1 and G2), Low-Cut, and, alongside jack in/outs, there’s an additional Red Box jack for hooking up a latching footswitch. Doing so unlocks some pretty tasty gain staging personalisation.
The drive is at its lowest with G1 and G2 down. G1 injects more overdrive into the mix, G2 more fuzz. Therefore, flipping both up means things can get pretty hairy.
“This is textbook Josh,” says founder Josh Scott. “It’s an old, vintage thing that’s obscure-ish that people love but no one is making and is highly tweakable. It’s like a playground for me, because there are so many things you can do with this circuit.”
The pedal is priced at $249 and is available now.
Fortunately, Sweetwater has slashed up to 25% off all its JHS Pedals stock for Black Friday, meaning the Kilt 10 can be preordered for a bargain price of just $186.75.
Head to JHS for more.
“It’s like a playground. There are so many things you can do with this”: JHS Pedals Retools One of Its Most Underrated Distortion Pedals for Its 10th Anniversary
JHS Pedals celebrates 10 Years with a Revamped Underrated Distortion Pedal
JHS Pedals, known for pushing the boundaries of guitar effects, has recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of one of its most underrated distortion pedals by completely retooling and enhancing it. This pedal has evolved far beyond its original incarnation, providing guitar players with a playground of sonic possibilities that are both versatile and inspiring.
The retooled version highlights why JHS Pedals continues to be a prominent name in the guitar gear world – focusing on tone quality, user-centric design, and flexibility that can suit any style, from blues to heavy rock.
Core Features of the 10th Anniversary Retooled Pedal
The updated distortion pedal combines subtle nuances with powerful features, designed to encourage creativity and experimentation. Here’s what guitarists can expect:
- Expanded gain Range: From mild crunch tones to full-on saturated distortion, this pedal covers a wide sonic spectrum.
- Dual-Mode Switching: Players can seamlessly switch between two distinct distortion voicings, perfect for layering or contrasting sounds.
- Enhanced EQ Controls: More precise bass, mid, and treble adjustment knobs allow for detailed tone shaping.
- True Bypass Switching: Ensures the purest signal when the pedal is off.
- Compact & Durable chassis: Designed for rugged touring with an intuitive layout.
Why Guitarists Call It a Playground
Many users describe this pedal as “a playground” due to the near-limitless tonal experimentation it offers. Its multiple modes and flexible controls allow musicians to explore:
- Classic vintage distortion sounds with warm harmonic content
- Aggressive modern gain for metal and hard rock
- Texture and character manipulation with dynamic response to playing style
- Stacking possibilities with other pedals for bespoke hybrid tones
This versatility empowers both beginners and advanced players to creatively craft their unique voice with ease.
Technical breakdown: Inside the Pedal
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Input Impedance | 1 MΩ (standard for guitar pedals) |
| Output Impedance | Low, to maintain signal integrity |
| Power Supply | 9V DC regulated adapter or 9V battery |
| Controls | Gain, Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Mode switch |
| Bypass Type | True Bypass |
Benefits and Practical Tips
- Perfect Studio & Stage Companion: Whether you’re tracking or performing live, the pedal’s intuitive controls make dialing in the perfect tone fast and reliable.
- Layering with Other Pedals: Pairing with a boost or modulation pedal unlocks even more textures, giving sonic depth to your soundscapes.
- Dynamic Playability: Feel every nuance of your picking attack and guitar volume control, making it a responsive unit for expressive playing.
- Customizable EQ helps Compliment Any Amplifier: Shape your tone to fit any amp around, reducing frequency masking and enhancing articulation.
First-Hand Player Experience
Guitarists who have tested the anniversary pedal report feeling an immediate connection with its fluid controls and power.One player noted, “It’s like a playground.There are so many things you can do with this – from smooth overdrive to aggressive distortion – it feels like the pedal evolves with you.”
Many users appreciate how responsive the pedal is, noting how it can preserve clean tones even at high gain settings, which is ofen a pitfall in many distortion pedals.
How This Pedal Stands Out in the JHS Pedals Lineup
JHS is renowned for crafting pedals that blend originality with utility, and this anniversary edition stands as an exemplar of that philosophy. Unlike other products that target niche sounds or styles, this distortion pedal offers cross-genre adaptability, appealing to a broad spectrum of guitarists.
Comparison Table: Anniversary Pedal vs Other Popular JHS Distortion Pedals
| Feature | 10th Anniversary Pedal | JHS AT+ Andy Timmons | JHS Morning Glory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distortion Type | Dynamic versatile distortion | Dual-drive overdrive/boost | Transparent overdrive |
| EQ Controls | Full bass, mid, treble | Basic tone shaping | Simple bass and treble |
| Gain Range | Mild to high gain | Low to moderate gain | Low gain, amp-like |
| True Bypass | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price Range | Mid-level | Mid-high | Entry-mid |
Tips on Maximizing the Anniversary Distortion Pedal’s Potential
- Experiment with Gain Stacking: Pair it with a clean boost pedal to push into saturated territory without losing clarity.
- Adjust EQ with Your Amp in Mind: Use the mid control to carve out space in your overall rig tone.
- Explore the Mode Switch: Flip between distortion styles during rehearsals to spot your favorite tonal options.
- Utilize Volume Swells: The pedal’s dynamic response makes volume pedal swells and ambient effects more expressive.
Additional Resources & User Community Insights
For those interested in engaging with fellow JHS Pedals fans and learning creative setups, forums like The Gear page provide valuable feedback and discussion threads on JHS pedal experiences and tips.
Discussions highlight how passionate users have discovered new sounds and techniques by revisiting this anniversary pedal-especially with its retooled electronics and improved flexibility.[3]
