Description

Underrated legend! 70s Big Box EHX Hot Tubes Overdrive/Distortion with a modifies 1/8″ 9v power supply in (supply included), $425!

The 70s EHX Big Box Hot Tubes Overdrive is a vintage solid-state overdrive pedal produced by Electro-Harmonix (EHX) in the 1970s. Unlike many overdrive pedals that rely on tube emulation or analog clipping, the original Hot Tubes used CMOS circuitry, which gave it a unique sound compared to traditional overdrive or distortion pedals of the era. This pedal is now considered a classic among vintage gear enthusiasts, prized for its distinct tone, versatility, and warm overdrive that can range from subtle grit to heavy saturation.

Key Features:

  • CMOS Overdrive Circuit: Instead of emulating tube-driven overdrive, the original Hot Tubes used CMOS technology, which provides a raw, gritty overdrive while maintaining clarity and dynamics. The circuit delivers a smooth transition from clean to overdriven tones, making it highly responsive to playing dynamics.
  • Large “Big Box” Design: As part of EHX’s iconic big box pedal line from the 1970s, the Hot Tubes is housed in a large, sturdy metal enclosure. This design adds to its vintage charm, but it also takes up more space on a pedalboard than modern compact pedals.
  • Simple Control Layout: The Hot Tubes Overdrive features just two controls:
    • Volume: Controls the output level of the pedal.
    • Overdrive: Adjusts the amount of gain and distortion, ranging from light breakup to a more aggressive, saturated tone.
  • Tone Bypass Switch: The original Hot Tubes includes a tone bypass switch, which allows you to bypass the tone control for a purer, more transparent overdrive sound. This feature is essential for guitarists who want to retain the natural tonal qualities of their instrument while adding overdrive.

Sound Profile:

  • Vintage Overdrive Tone: The 70s Hot Tubes is known for its smooth, vintage-style overdrive that can range from mild warmth to full-blown distortion. Its sound is less compressed than modern overdrive pedals, offering an open, dynamic response that reacts to the player’s touch and the guitar’s volume controls.
  • Bright and Cutting: The pedal’s overdrive is naturally bright and cutting, making it ideal for lead guitar work. The CMOS circuitry enhances the harmonic content of your tone, giving it a rich, detailed sound that can stand out in a mix.
  • Versatile Gain Range: The Hot Tubes can produce everything from a subtle, tube-like warmth to a fuzz-like distortion when pushed to its limits. It excels in classic rock, blues, and punk, but can also handle more modern genres with its raw overdrive.

Applications:

  • Blues and Classic Rock: The pedal’s vintage, warm overdrive makes it a great choice for players looking to achieve classic rock and blues tones reminiscent of the 1970s.
  • Lead Guitar: Its bright, harmonically rich overdrive ensures that lead guitar lines will cut through the mix, making it ideal for solos and lead work.
  • Live Performance and Studio Use: The pedal’s wide gain range and dynamic response make it suitable for both live performance and studio recording, where players want a versatile overdrive that reacts well to playing dynamics.

Build Quality and Design:

  • Sturdy Construction: Like other EHX big box pedals from the 1970s, the Hot Tubes is housed in a large, robust metal enclosure, designed to handle the rigors of live performance. Its oversized design gives it a distinctive look, although it can take up more space on a pedalboard.
  • Vintage Appeal: The large “Big Box” design, combined with its simple control layout and vintage EHX branding, gives the pedal a classic look that appeals to collectors and vintage gear enthusiasts.

Collectibility and Market Value:

As a vintage EHX pedal from the 1970s, the big box Hot Tubes has become highly collectible. Its rarity, combined with its unique sound, makes it sought after by both players and collectors. The original models are often valued for their distinctive CMOS overdrive circuit and their place in the history of effects pedals. These pedals are no longer in production, which has increased their market value on the used gear market.

Notable Users:

While not as widely associated with specific artists as other EHX pedals like the Big Muff, the Hot Tubes has been used by guitarists looking for vintage overdrive tones and a pedal with a unique, responsive drive.

 

If adding a shirt please indicate size at checkout, thanks!