Paul Cochrane Timmy Overdrive

The Paul Cochrane Timmy Overdrive, introduced in 2004, is a highly influential boutique overdrive pedal designed to provide transparent, low-compression overdrive. It evolved from Cochrane's earlier Tim pedal (1997), which was created to replicate the cranked sound of a Marshall amp at lower volumes. The Timmy offered a more compact design while maintaining the tonal characteristics of its predecessor, earning its place as one of the first "transparent" overdrives.

History and Design

• Origins: Paul Cochrane, based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, initially built the Tim for his personal use. The Timmy was introduced as a smaller, simplified version for players who didn't need the Tim's boost channel or larger enclosure.
• Circuitry: The Timmy features a unique EQ system where the Bass control cuts low frequencies before distortion, and the Treble control cuts highs after distortion. This allows precise tonal shaping without altering an amp's natural character.
• Versions: Over time, Cochrane released updates like the Timmy V2 (2010), which added an external clipping switch, and collaborated with MXR in 2020 to create a mini-pedal version for wider availability.

Popular Settings

• Clean Boost: Gain at 8–9 o'clock, Bass and Treble fully clockwise (no cut), Volume slightly above unity. This setting enhances clarity without adding significant overdrive.
• Mild Overdrive: Gain at 11 o'clock, Bass and Treble around noon (moderate cut), Volume adjusted for output. Perfect for light breakup tones.
• Dynamic Overdrive: Gain at 2 o'clock, Bass at 10 o'clock (cutting lows), Treble at noon, Volume boosted. Ideal for driving tube amps into saturation while retaining articulation.

Notable Players

The Timmy has been embraced by guitarists across genres for its versatility and transparency:

• John Shanks: A prominent studio guitarist and producer who uses it for its natural tone enhancement.
• Dylan Brock (Luce): Praised it as his go-to overdrive pedal.
• Many professional players include it on their boards due to its ability to work seamlessly with various amps and other pedals.

Legacy

The Paul Cochrane Timmy is celebrated as a cornerstone of boutique pedal design. Its transparent overdrive inspired countless clones and influenced the development of modern overdrives. Despite its legendary status, Cochrane has kept the pedal accessible by maintaining reasonable pricing and continuing to hand-build units himself. The Timmy remains a staple for players seeking organic tone enhancement without sacrificing their guitar and amp's natural voice.