Hermida Zendrive

The Hermida Audio Zendrive, introduced in 2004 by Alfonso Hermida, is one of the most revered boutique overdrive pedals, known for its smooth, touch-sensitive tones that emulate the sound of a high-end Dumble amplifier. Originally produced in small quantities, the pedal gained legendary status due to its rarity, tonal quality, and association with elite players. In 2018, production was licensed to Lovepedal, ensuring its continued availability.

History and Design

Origins: The Zendrive was born out of Hermida's desire to replicate the dynamic, harmonically rich tones of a Dumble amp in a compact pedal. Robben Ford, whose playing inspired the design, became an early adopter and advocate for the pedal.
Circuitry: The Zendrive features four controls—Volume, Gain, Tone, and Voice. The Voice knob is particularly unique, allowing users to fine-tune the pedal's gain structure and low-end response to match their guitar and amp setup.
Production: Initially handmade by Hermida in limited runs, the pedal's scarcity drove up demand. Lovepedal took over production in 2018 to make it more accessible while retaining its signature sound.

Popular Settings

Dumble-Like Tone: Volume at noon, Gain at 11 o'clock, Tone at 2–3 o'clock, Voice at 10–11 o'clock. This setting delivers the smooth overdrive and note bloom characteristic of Robben Ford's tone.
Clean Boost: Gain at 9 o'clock or lower, Volume slightly boosted above unity, Tone and Voice at noon. Ideal for enhancing clarity without significant distortion.
Liquid Lead Tone: Gain at noon or higher, Tone at 1 o'clock, Voice at 2 o'clock. This setting provides a warm yet cutting lead tone with ample sustain.

Notable Players

The Zendrive has been embraced by legendary guitarists in blues, jazz, fusion, and beyond:

Robben Ford: A key figure in popularizing the pedal for its ability to mimic his Dumble amp tones.
Larry Carlton: Known for using it to achieve his signature smooth jazz-fusion sound.
Many professional players favor it for stacking with other pedals or as a standalone overdrive for dynamic solos.

Legacy

The Hermida Zendrive remains a benchmark in boutique overdrive pedals due to its ability to deliver amp-like dynamics and harmonics in a pedal format. Its association with high-end tone and elite players has cemented its place as a must-have for those seeking Dumble-inspired sounds. Even after two decades and countless clones or alternatives on the market, the Zendrive continues to be celebrated for its unique voice and versatility.