Maxon 40th Anniversary OD808-40 Overdrive V2 Pedal Maxon

Our Take:

Maxon’s OD808-40 recreates the legendary pedal designed by Susumu Tamura in 1979. Ever heard of the Ibanez TS808 Tubescreamer? We’d be surprised if you haven’t – seeing as how it’s one of the most revered distortion pedals ever made. What you may not know is that it was originally called the Maxon OD808, and it was an absolute game changer. This 40th Anniversary version of the OD808 uses the current OD808 as a template, adding slight electronics changes to open the sound and heighten the pedal’s dynamics. Comes complete with a commemorative nameplate and certificate of authenticity.

Maxon’s Take:

NEW Second Run! Due to overwhelming popular demand we have decided to do another run of OD808-40. These pedals will still feature this amazing mod and commemorative nameplate, but will feature the stock OD808 knobs. The first run sold out fast, so if you snoozed, here’s your second chance.

In the year 1979, Japanese electronics engineer Susumu Tamura unknowingly started a sonic revolution. 

Seeking to create a circuit to compete with the Boss OD-1, he inadvertently developed a pedal that would go on to become the most copied, cloned and modified guitar effect of all time.

That pedal was the Maxon OD808, which was then rebranded for Ibanez as the TS808 Tubescreamer.

Known for its incredible warmth and organic, tube-like quality, the “808” quickly became the go-to amp-pushing pedal for countless guitarists around the globe, including a little-known blues player from Texas named Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Over the past four decades, the 808 has taken on a variety of incarnations and launched the careers of many aspiring pedal designers looking to build a better mouse trap.  But as the saying goes, there ain’t nothing like the real thing.

2019 marks the 40^th anniversary of the release of this iconic overdrive, and to celebrate Maxon is releasing a limited-edition OD808 model in collaboration with Godlyke, Inc.

Using the current-production OD808 as a launch pad, Mr. Tamura provided specific modifications to the pedals’ circuitry that provide a more open, articulate sound with improved dynamic response.

There will be a limited production of 400 units of the OD808-40, and each will come with a signed certificate of authenticity.  In addition, the first 40 units of the pedal will be hand-signed by Mr. Tamura himself.

With it’s unique tonal characteristics and undeniable collectible appeal, The Maxon 40^th Anniversary OD808 is destined to take its place alongside the legendary pedals it has descended from.

Standard Specifications

General Info