Rich Drive
The Ivan Richards Custom FX Rich Drive is a true hidden gem in the world of overdrive pedals. Designed by the renowned pedal maestro Ivan Richards himself back in 1997, this unassuming 2-knob wonder has a sonic character that sets it apart from the countless other overdrives on the market. At its core, the Rich Drive is all about retaining the essential tonal and dynamic characteristics of your guitar and amplifier. Unlike many overdrives that can compress and color your sound, the Rich Drive maintains an organic, cohesive feel that allows your core tone to shine through, even at higher gain settings. The secret lies in its expertly voiced EQ, which preserves both the top-end sparkle and the robust low-end response that are so crucial to a satisfying, touch-sensitive overdrive. This pedal really shines when paired with "British-voiced" amps like the Vox AC30 or Marshall JMP, where its strong low-end performance helps to anchor the midrange saturation. But don't let that limit you - the Rich Drive is a remarkably versatile tool that can coax everything from classic rock crunch to modern high-gain tones, all while remaining remarkably true to your instrument's natural voice. Rumor has it that the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan was a secret admirer of the Rich Drive, using it to add that extra bit of sizzle and sustain to his legendary tone. Whether you're a blues purist or a metal shredder, this pedal is sure to find a cherished spot on your pedalboard.
