Electro-Harmonix HOT TUBES – overdrive pedal

The Hot Tubes is a faithful reproduction of the original 70s CMOS overdrive, known for its responsive, tube-like warmth and harmonically rich break-up. Built around the unique CMOS gain architecture, the pedal delivers an expressive, dynamic drive that responds directly to pick attack and guitar volume: bright and articulate with soft playing, and roaring with smooth saturation when you play harder. Unlike many other overdrives, the Hot Tubes doesn't impose a fixed EQ curve, but allows the natural character of your instrument and amplifier to shine through. The tone control (which can be fully bypassed) shapes the upper harmonics, from bright crunch to thick, mid-forward drive. The pedal excels at vintage blues grit, classic rock breakup, and expressive lead tones, with a wide frequency range that works equally well with single-coils, humbuckers, and even keyboards. Compact, touch-sensitive, and full of vintage personality: the Hot Tubes is one of EHX's most musical overdrives.