Japanese brand Vemuram presents the Spiritone, an overdrive developed in collaboration with Japanese guitarist & singer Char.
Here’s everything you need to know about this new product:
Inspiration drawn from overdrive legends
To design the Spiritone, Vemuram drew inspiration from several iconic pedals cherished by Char over the years, including the legendary Klon Centaur . The Vemuram team carried out an in-depth study of various examples of this cult pedal, including one precisely selected by Char. They also integrated elements of the gain circuits of the Roland CE-1 and Watkins Copicat, devices emblematic of Char’s characteristic sound.
This in-depth research led to the development of an overdrive capable of capturing the nuances and richness of tube amplifiers, while offering a versatile, modern sound palette.
Two channels for unique versatility
The Spiritone is more than just an overdrive pedal. When it was being designed, two prototypes stood out for their distinct sonic characteristics. Unable to choose between the two, Char asked Vemuram to integrate them into a single unit. The result: a pedal with two complementary channels.
- Main channel: A warm vintage tone reminiscent of the best sounds of classic overdrives.
- Channel B (Bright): A more aggressive, powerful sound, with a more pronounced attack and greater presence.
A footswitch makes it easy to switch between these two channels, each with its own volume control (Level).
Advanced controls for precise adjustment
In addition to the classic settings (Gain, Bass, Treble, Level), the Spiritone offers additional options for optimal control:
- SAT trimmer (behind pedal): Allows fine adjustment of the saturation level, ideal for adapting the sound to different amps or environments.
- Switch Buffer: A switch activating or deactivating the input buffer circuit to adapt to different setups.
These functions let you customize the pedal’s behavior according to your needs, whether for stage performances or studio settings.
As usual, Vemuram has made no compromises on material quality. The Spiritone uses rare N.O.S. (New Old Stock) components, guaranteeing exceptional tone and long life. The ash-white Bakelite knobs add an elegant vintage touch, enhancing the appeal of this pedal.
Retail price: €549
More information on the VEMURAM website.
