JHS Pedals Violet Overdrive/Distortion

The JHS The Violet is a highly versatile distortion/overdrive pedal developed in collaboration with Brazilian guitarist Lari Basilio. Featuring a powerful pre-distortion Midrange control, followed by Treble and Bass controls post-distortion, it offers a vast tonal palette—from classic overdrive to modern hi-gain distortion—making it a dynamic addition to any rig.

Takeaway

For players seeking iconic amp-style grit and flexibility, the Violet delivers hundreds of tones through smart EQ placement and refined gain shaping. It blends seamlessly into setups—ideal as a main dirt channel or a layering pedal—and adds a unique voice to your guitar.

Highlights

• Midrange-First EQ – Placing the Mid control before distortion gives you powerful tone sculpting at the gain stage for expressive, amp-like response.

• Three-Band Tone Control Post-Gain – Treble and Bass knobs after the distortion allow for fine tuning without noise interference.

• Extensive Tonal Range – From smooth overdrive to aggressive distortion, it's capable of hundreds of tones.

• Stack-Ready – Excels when layered with other overdrives, distortions, or fuzzes to enhance texture and character in your signal chain.

Specifications

• Controls: Volume, Mid Freq (sets center mid frequency), Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble

• Signal Path Design: Midrange shaping precedes distortion; Treble & Bass post-distortion

• EQ Behavior:

  • Bass and Treble: noon = flat, left = cut, right = boost

  • Mid: level adjusted by Mid knob, frequency set by Mid Freq

• I/O & Power:

  • Input jack (¼") on top right; Output jack (¼") on top left

  • 9 V DC negative center power (do not exceed 9 V)

• Bypass: Buffered bypass, soft-touch switching (silent)

• Size & Current: 2.6" × 4.8" × 1.6"; ~55 mA current draw