Science Fair

Name: Science Fair
Brand: Summer School Electronics
Availability: OnlineOnly

Overdrive

Distortion

Parallel Rat distortion (Lab Rat) + Tube Screamer overdrive (Test Tube) with blend. Six knobs, two circuits.

The Science Fair is Summer School Electronics' innovative approach to combining two of most iconic gain circuits in pedal history: Tube Screamer and ProCo Rat. Rather than simply stacking these circuits in series (which can lead to congestion and loss of clarity), Science Fair runs them in parallel, allowing each circuit to maintain its distinct character while offering ability to blend them in any proportion. Left side features "Lab Rat," hard-clipping crispy distortion inspired by Rat, while right side houses "Test Tube," soft-clipping mid-range overdrive with characteristic mid-hump boost of Tube Screamer circuits.

Each side receives independent Drive and Tone controls (black knobs for Lab Rat, green knobs for Test Tube), allowing you to voice each circuit precisely to your taste. Center column features silver master controls: Blend knob that determines mix ratio between two circuits, and Volume knob controlling overall output. This configuration provides extraordinary versatility—you can use either circuit individually by turning Blend fully to one side, blend them equally for thick, complex gain structure, or favor one circuit with just hint of other for subtle tonal enhancement.

Lab Rat side delivers crisp, cutting character that Rat-style distortion is famous for, with aggressive attack and plenty of high-frequency bite perfect for punk, grunge, and hard rock. Test Tube side provides smooth, singing overdrive with enhanced midrange presence ideal for blues, classic rock, and lead work where you need to sit perfectly in mix. When blended together, Science Fair can produce unique hybrid tones unavailable from either circuit alone. Parallel signal path ensures both voices remain distinct without muddiness that often results from traditional stacking methods. Hand-built in Syracuse, NY, runs on standard 9-volt negative center power supplies, features top-mounted jacks, comes with lifetime warranty. Priced at approximately $164.99.