Ibanez OD850 Overdrive Pedal – 100% Analog, True Bypass, Made in Japan
Rediscover a piece of Ibanez history with the OD850 Overdrive, a faithful reissue of the original pedal first introduced in the mid‑1970s. Known for its uniquely thick, harmonically rich distortion, the OD850 quickly earned a cult following among guitarists who appreciated its blend of overdrive warmth and fuzz‑like sustain. This modern reissue preserves the classic analog voice while enhancing usability, making it an ideal choice for collectors, tone‑chasers and players seeking a distinctive, vintage‑inspired drive sound.
A Classic Reborn from the 1970s
Ibanez has a long and respected tradition of crafting expressive, musical effects pedals, and the OD850 stands out as one of the earliest icons in their lineup. The reissued model stays true to the character of the original analog circuitry while benefitting from improved construction and modern reliability. Its thick, slightly compressed texture delivers a throwback sound that perfectly complements blues, classic rock, stoner rock and heavy riff‑driven styles.
From Clean Boost to Fuzzy Distortion
In spite of the name “Overdrive,” the OD850 offers a surprisingly wide gain range. At lower settings, the SUSTAIN control produces near‑clean tones or a warm push to the front end of an amp, ideal for adding presence and articulation. As the knob is increased, the pedal transitions into gritty drive and then into a rich, sustaining distortion with a touch of vintage fuzz flavour.
The TONE control provides even more versatility, shaping the response from smooth and rounded to sharp, aggressive and cutting – perfect for pushing leads to the front of the mix.
Modern Enhancements Without Losing the Vintage Soul
While the heart of the pedal remains completely analog, Ibanez has added a few modern conveniences to make the OD850 pedalboard‑friendly. An On/Off LED ensures clear visual feedback, especially useful on dark stages. A standard DC power jack allows seamless integration into modern power setups, removing the need to rely solely on batteries.
True Bypass for a Pure Signal Path
The inclusion of a True Bypass switch ensures that when the pedal is disengaged, your original tone passes through with complete clarity and no signal coloration. This makes the OD850 not just a great drive pedal, but also a reliable addition to any professional rig where tonal transparency matters.
Crafted in Japan with Vintage Accuracy
Each OD850 is built in Japan, continuing Ibanez’s legacy of precision engineering and attention to detail. This craftsmanship, combined with the pedal’s analog design, ensures an authentic playing experience that honours the original 1970s model.
Key Features
- Classic reissue of the mid‑1970s OD850 overdrive
- 100% analog circuitry for authentic vintage tone
- Sustain, Balance and Tone controls for flexible shaping
- Wide gain range from clean boost to thick, sustaining distortion
- True Bypass switching for an uncompromised signal path
- On/Off LED and DC power input for modern functionality
- Made in Japan with premium components
Specifications
- Controls: Sustain, Balance, Tone
- Circuitry: 100% Analog
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Power: 9V DC (centre‑negative) or 9V battery
- Country of Manufacture: Japan
- Model: OD850
