Fifth Gear

The Fifth Gear is Southampton's transistor-based overdrive ranging from subtle breakup to fuzz-adjacent distortion. Based on the vintage Electra Distortion circuit, it works standalone or as a boost for other pedals and amps.

Gain and Heat controls interact extensively. With Heat off, Gain sets drive level with relatively flat EQ. Turning up Heat adds midrange and grit, pushing the overdrive into massive wall-of-distortion territory. A passive Volume rolloff tames the pedal when the other knobs are cranked.

Works beautifully with single-coils and humbuckers, maintaining clarity and definition. Equally effective on guitar and bass. Current draw approximately 5mA. Hand-made in Guelph, Ontario. Note: Heat changes DC bias, so static during adjustment is normal and harmless.