Fulltone OCD

The Fulltone OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Drive), introduced in 2004, is one of the most iconic boutique overdrive pedals, celebrated for its ability to emulate the dynamics and harmonic richness of a cranked tube amp. Designed by Michael Fuller of Fulltone, the OCD was a trailblazer in the boutique pedal market, offering unparalleled touch sensitivity and versatility that appealed to players across genres.

History and Design

• Origins: Fuller designed the OCD to address the limitations of existing overdrives, creating a pedal that could deliver open, amp-like distortion with excellent headroom. It was also the first pedal to use MOSFETs as clipping devices, configured in a unique way to enhance touch sensitivity and dynamic response.
• Circuitry: The OCD is known for its transparent tone and ability to run at 9V or 18V, with higher voltages providing greater headroom and less compression. Its internal switch toggles between Low Peak (LP) mode for smooth overdrive and High Peak (HP) mode for a more aggressive, mid-focused tone.
• Versions: Over the years, the OCD has undergone multiple iterations (from V1.0 to V1.8), with subtle tweaks to EQ, gain structure, and components. In 2017, Fulltone released a formal "Version 2," featuring an internal switch for true bypass or buffered bypass and surface-mount technology.

Popular Settings

• Clean Boost: Drive at 9 o'clock, Tone at noon, Volume slightly above unity. This setting enhances clarity without adding significant distortion.
• Classic Overdrive: Drive at 11 o'clock, Tone at noon or slightly lower for warmth, Volume adjusted for output. Ideal for dynamic rhythm tones.
• Amp-Like Crunch: Drive at 2–3 o'clock, Tone slightly above noon for brightness, Volume boosted. Perfect for achieving rich, tube-like saturation.
• High-Gain Lead: HP mode with Drive maxed out and Tone adjusted to taste for cutting lead tones.

Notable Players

The OCD has been embraced by guitarists across styles due to its versatility and amp-like qualities:

• Josh Klinghoffer (Red Hot Chili Peppers): Known to use it for its dynamic response during live performances.
• James Valentine (Maroon 5): Praised it as a reliable overdrive for both studio and stage use.
• Doyle Bramhall II: Frequently incorporates it into his rig for its transparent drive tones.

Legacy

The Fulltone OCD is widely regarded as a modern classic in guitar effects. Its ability to deliver transparent overdrive while preserving the natural dynamics of a guitar and amp has made it a staple on countless pedalboards. Despite controversy surrounding Fulltone's founder in recent years, the OCD remains one of the most influential overdrive pedals ever created, inspiring numerous clones and alternatives in the boutique pedal market.