Analogman King of Tone

The Analogman King of Tone (KoT) is a dual overdrive pedal that has gained legendary status since its introduction in the early 2000s. Designed by Mike Piera (Analog Mike) in collaboration with guitarist Jim Weider of The Band, the KoT was created to address the shortcomings of existing overdrives, such as the midrange-heavy Tube Screamer, and to provide a transparent overdrive that preserved the natural tone of guitars and amplifiers.

History and Design

Origins: The KoT began as a heavily modified version of the Marshall Bluesbreaker circuit, tailored to make amps sound naturally driven without excessive compression or tonal coloration. Its development was driven by Weider's desire for a pedal that complemented his Fender Deluxe Reverb amp.
Dual Channels: The KoT features two independent channels, each with its own Volume, Drive, and Tone controls. Users can configure the channels in Clean, Overdrive (OD), or Distortion modes via internal DIP switches, offering immense versatility.
Customization: Buyers can choose between standard gain or a higher-gain option for one or both channels (commonly referred to as Yellow and Red sides). This customization allows players to tailor the pedal to their specific needs.
Production: Hand-built in small batches in Bethel, Connecticut, the KoT is known for its meticulous craftsmanship. Due to its high demand and limited production, the waiting list can span years, and used units often sell for significantly more than their retail price.

Popular Settings

Clean Boost: Set one channel to Clean mode with low Drive and slightly boosted Volume for transparent tone enhancement.
Low-Gain Overdrive: Use Overdrive mode with moderate Drive (around 10–12 o'clock) and balanced Tone settings for dynamic rhythm tones.
Stacked Gain: Combine both channels—one in Clean mode and the other in Overdrive or Distortion mode—for layered overdrive with added sustain and richness.

Notable Players

The King of Tone has become a staple on professional pedalboards across genres:

Jim Weider: Co-designer of the pedal, he uses it extensively for its transparent tone.
John Mayer: Known to incorporate it into his rig for its subtle yet dynamic overdrive.
Gary Clark Jr.: Uses it to drive his signature blues-rock tones.
Brad Whitford (Aerosmith): A longtime user who appreciates its versatility.

Legacy

The King of Tone is celebrated as one of the most versatile and transparent overdrive pedals ever made. Its ability to preserve guitar and amp tones while offering a wide range of gain options has made it a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike. Despite numerous clones and alternatives on the market, the KoT remains a benchmark in boutique pedal design, with a mystique fueled by its exclusivity and exceptional sound quality.