Description
Overview
The Vertex Steel String Clean Drive MkII is a precision-engineered stompbox designed to capture the legendary “SSS” magic of the rare 100-watt 6L6 Dumble Steel String Singer. Based specifically on model #001 of the original Dumble SSS amp, this pedal delivers the sophisticated, rootsy mojo favored by virtuosos like SRV, Eric Johnson, and John Mayer. The MkII edition evolves the design by being 33% slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, making it an ideal addition to crowded pedalboards without sacrificing sonic authority.
Key Details
- Authentic Dumble Tone: Faithfully recreates the characteristics of the Steel String Singer #001 for a high-end boutique amp experience in a compact format.
- Dynamic Gain Range: Operates as a versatile clean boost when gain is set below 1:00, transitioning into a “vine-ripened” drive as the knob increases, and delivering high-gain saturation when wide open.
- Midrange Shaping: Features a dedicated Filter control to precisely dial in the D-style midrange shaping required for your specific instrument and amp pairing.
- Jazz/Rock Toggle: A new addition to the MkII series that allows players to thicken up clean tones or tighten up drive tones for better articulation.
- True Bypass: Ensures your signal remains pure and unaffected when the pedal is disengaged.
Use Cases
- Texas Blues & Roots: Perfect for achieving that “Texas sweet tea” sound with a touch of grit and immense clarity.
- Clean Boosting: Use the low-gain settings to push a tube amp into its natural breakup zone while maintaining a transparent, high-fidelity signal.
- Lead Saturation: Crank the gain to move from subtle sweetness into “Brown County” territory for singing, sustain-rich lead lines.
- Genre Versatility: Utilize the Jazz/Rock toggle to switch between a warm, full-bodied jazz clean and a focused, punchy rock drive.
Installation
The Steel String Clean Drive MkII is a standard stompbox installation. Connect your instrument to the input and your amplifier to the output. For power, the pedal supports optional 9 to 18VDC operation, allowing you to adjust the headroom and response based on your power supply (adapter not included). Its reduced footprint allows for easier integration into tight pedalboard layouts.
Compatibility
- Instrument Support: Optimized for electric guitars, specifically those seeking Dumble-style amplification characteristics.
- Power Requirements: Compatible with standard 9VDC or 18VDC power supplies.
- Signal Path: True Bypass circuitry ensures compatibility with any signal chain without tone suck.
Additional Details
- Manufacturer: Vertex Effects
- Edition: MkII
- Format: Physical Pedal
- Weight: 0.93 lbs
- Dimensions: 5.25″ (L) x 3.5″ (W) x 0.17″ (H)
- Origin: Designed & Assembled in California
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