Guitar pedals are essential tools for guitarists of all levels. They allow for a variety of sounds and effects that enhance the playing experience. One type of guitar pedal that has gained popularity in recent years is the overdrive pedal. Overdrive pedals can add a warm, distorted sound to a guitar’s signal, simulating the sound of an overdriven tube amplifier.
The JHS Morning Glory pedal is a popular overdrive pedal that has gained a reputation for its versatility and quality. It can produce a wide range of overdrive tones, from subtle and transparent to thick and crunchy. One critical factor to consider when purchasing an overdrive pedal is the level of control it offers. The Morning Glory pedal has several knobs that allow for precise adjustments of the overdrive tone, making it a versatile tool for any guitarist.
The JHS Morning Glory pedal stands out for its ability to produce a range of overdrive tones while maintaining clarity and definition. In this article, we will dive deeper into the features and performance of the JHS Morning Glory pedal and explain why it’s a top choice for guitarists looking for a versatile overdrive pedal.
The JHS Morning Glory Pedals
JHS guitar pedals are typically really good; but the Morning Glory pedals are known for their exceptional overdrive tones, making them a popular choice. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the Morning Glory pedal will suit your needs.
JHS Morning Glory Pedal
If you’re looking for a great overdrive pedal, then JHS Morning Glory should be on your list. This pedal uses a Blues Breaker circuit with additional features to open up more tones than the BB.
This specific pedal has a lower gain compared to most other overdrives. Additionally, it is referred to as a transparent overdrive, maintaining the character and dynamics of the guitar signal. Often overdrive pedals will change the tone of your amp, otherwise known as “coloring” the sound. Using a pedal that is transparent is highly desirable for those that have really, and often expensive, amps.
The JHS Morning Glory also has a good reputation for stacking with other OD pedals, such as a Tube Screamer.
Pros
- The gain control sweeps from completely clean to rock ‘n’ roll, allowing you to dial in the perfect amount of grit.
- The bright cut switch helps tame the high end on brighter pickups and amps.
- The pedal delivers all the tonal and responsive nuance your amp is missing.
Cons
- The pedal is set at a slightly above-average price compared to other overdrives, which might be more than you want to pay.
- Since the pedal doesn’t have a higher gain setting, it may not be suitable for players who prefer heavier distortion.
The JHS Morning Glory pedal adds some mid to low-level grit to our clean tone. The pedal is incredibly responsive, and it’s easy to dial in the perfect amount of gain. I appreciate the bright cut switch, which helps tame the high end on brighter rigs.
If you don’t have a high-gain amp and you play a lot of metal, then this may not be the best choice of pedal. It won’t get you into the high-gain territory on its own. If you have a high gain amp then this can actually be a very good overdrive. I’ve often found that lower gain OD’s sound really good with high gain amps. I liked this pedal when I played it on the following high-gain amps: Peavey 6505, EVH 5150, Marshall DSL 20C, Laney Ironheart, and a Certiatone Yeti 100.
One thing to keep in mind while reading this JHS Morning Glory pedal review is that this pedal is a bit more expensive than other overdrive pedals. You can find a lot of the core OD pedals and variations for less money. As an example, I just bought a Boss SD-1 for $50 used. They go for around $150 used on Reverb, you can check prices here. However, I believe that the build quality and attention to detail make it worth the investment, and would buy this over other Marshall Blues Breaker circuits.
Overdrive Pedal Buying Guide
When it comes to buying an overdrive pedal, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:
Sound Quality
The most important thing to consider is the sound quality of the pedal. You want to make sure that the pedal produces the sound you’re looking for and that it enhances your overall tone. If you want the tone of you amp to come through without being modified, then you want to look for a pedal that has a transparent overdrive, like the JHS Morning Glory.
Transparent overdrives won’t color your sound. For example, you might own a $2000 JCM800 you acquired for that specific tone. You don’t want to put a pedal in front of it that makes it sound like a different amp.
Build Quality
Another important factor to consider is the build quality of the pedal. You want to make sure that the pedal is built to last and can withstand the rigors of gigging and touring. Look for a pedal that is made with high-quality materials and has a sturdy enclosure. This will ensure that the pedal can handle any abuse it may encounter on the road.
Features
When looking for an overdrive pedal, consider the features that are important to you. Do you want a pedal with multiple overdrive settings? Do you want more EQ and tone controls? Would you rather have something that is simple, like a TubeScreamer?
Price
Finally, consider the price of the pedal. Overdrive pedals can range in price from around $30 to over $500, with the average between $80 and $150. While you want to get the best pedal for your money, don’t be afraid to spend a little more for a higher-quality product. A more expensive pedal can lead to a tone that you stick with for a long time.
In summary, the JHS Morning Glory is one of the more popular overdrive pedals on the market. You can’t go wrong with it. When Reverb looked at best selling overdrives on their website a few years ago, this pedal ranked 11th. Around the web, the reviews of this pedal are fantastic.
The success of the Morning Glory was a big driver for JHS to go from just one-person shop that modified some pedals to one of the larger pedal manufacturers today. You can say the Morning Glory is one of their flagship products.
If you want to learn more about this pedal, and its history and even hear some sound demos, then look no further than Josh Scott, the owner of JHS – the man that created this pedal.
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