Zendrive Overdrive by Hermida Audio Tech

[legatofix]

Hi there fellow IG-ites,
Does anybody on this forum own the Zendrive Overdrive by Hermida Audio?? I've just been researching YouTube clips and I think the pedal sounds phenomenal...seriously thinking of taking the plunge. Would love some 1st hand reviews by you guys.....

[billmeedog]

Hi Ajay,

Sorry, I don't own, nor have I tried the Hermida Zendrive, but I have also seen demo-clips of it on YouTube and was impressed with it too. That said, I have tried the Fulltone OCD and the Z-Vex Box-O-Rock Boost/Distortion, and they are BOTH outstanding pedals that sound natural, and they both respond nicely and clean-up with dynamics/volume-knob adjustments.

Best of luck with your pursuit of "sonic-nirvana"

~Bill Meehan~

[rockymtnblues]

Hey there Legatofix!

I was seriously lusting after a Zendrive for so long...but...I have to say the wait list last I checked was just too long for me

So, in my search for that elusive creamy Ford/Carlton/Johnson tone, I went about trying to see what else might give me a similar tone. I've had luck with my current setup: two OCD's stacked in gain stages and a BB preamp after that. I have to agree with the Fulltone OCD is killer and the dynamics are, indeed, pretty phenomenal.

I'd also check out the Jetter Red or Blue pedals, the Ecstasy Drive by Wampler (the guys who make Brent Mason's signature pedal), or the Ethos Overdrive.

Cheers!

-Marc

[legatofix]

After extensive YouTube research
Fulltone OCD ...sounds amazing but too "Marshall-like" for me

The Z-Vex Box-O-Rock sounds too trebly

Jetter Gain Stage Red sounds quite good

Xotic BB Preamp...sounds amazing when Greg Howe plays it through his Cornford but it sounded terrible in another amateur clip

the Fuchs Plushdrive and Ethos Overdrive are quite expensive

the Zendrive sounds the most "creamy and warm" for a good price....I've just sent an
e-mail to Hermida Audio enquiring shipping charges to the UK and current waitlist!!

[rockymtnblues]

Congrats! Let us know how it turns out when it arrives. Would love to hear soundclips at some point

On the OCD "Marshall-like" comment, your definitely spot-on. To my ears, a bit of a JTM45 tone. Thankfully, the HP/LP switch gives it a more Fender-like breakup and a little less high frequency output (that is, in the LP mode).

Also, did you opt for the Zendrive or the Zendrive 2?

[legatofix]

hey rockymtnblues,
I'm interested in the original Zendrive 'cos of the price and the fact that it doesn't have a 12AX7 in it!


But you have to admit the Zendrive 2 sounds great as well
(check out 0:48 to 1:15)

I must say that the Wampler Ecstasy grabbed my attention (any pedal that has a Dumble and Bogner voicing is worth checking out!!)
I haven't yet actually ordered the Zendrive....just enquired re: pricing and waitlist.

[legatofix]

hey guys!!
I've just placed my order for the Zendrive!! I've opted for ExpressMail delivery with insurance. Used PayPal and the whole transaction cost me USD232.00 (translates to about 148.00 BritishPounds). Can't frickin' wait!!....Just hope it reaches safe.

Did a bit of research on UK prices for boutique pedals:
Fulltone OCD(ver4)- 130GBP
Xotic BB Preamp- 170GBP
Wampler Ecstasy- 170GBP
Zendrive- 148GBP

Thought I'd go "Zen" and opt for the middle path!!

[rockymtnblues]

Thought I'd go "Zen" and opt for the middle path!!

lol...great choice!

[JanB]

Have the Zendrive for over a year and it's a great pedal. The only pedal Robben Ford uses for overdrive when he is using Fender Twins. Says it all.

[billmeedog]

Have the Zendrive for over a year and it's a great pedal. The only pedal Robben Ford uses for overdrive when he is using Fender Twins. Says it all.

Hello Jan,

I just wanted to add that when I saw Robben Ford live at the NAMM night-club show back in 2002, even though I'm not sure what amp & pedals he was using, (I believe he was representing some sort of Robben Ford "custom-shop-signature" guitar at the time?) I came back from that NAMM show telling anyone who would listen three-things about Robben Ford:

1. He played AWESOME!
2. His personal stage-volume was LOUD-AS-HELL!
3. He had the best live guitar-sound I'VE EVER HEARD!

End-of-story!

~Bill Meehan~