NPD: MXR Duke of Tone.

[Ravindave_3600]

A 1972 non MV Traynor YBA-1 BassMaster 50 watt head into a Marshall 212 cab and my other amp is a mid-70s Fender silverface Twin Reverb loaded with a pair of WeberVST California speakers.

Thanks. We all know pedals can react differently to different amps so having that reference is really helpful.

 

[Burstbucker]

OP here again.

One of the reasons that I wasn’t sure about whether I would even like this pedal when I placed my order was that I’ve already gone through pedals that supposedly shared the same basic lineage.

Quite a few years ago I bought a used big box Marshall BluesBreaker pedal for cheap, now they go for big bucks because people saw one on John Mayer’s pedalboard. Crazy. But I was personally underwhelmed by it to be honest. So I sold it.

Then a used KOT knock-off came my way and while it had excellent looking components inside I again wasn’t particularly impressed. So that went bye bye too.

I also ended up with a JHS Morning Glory v.4 due to its popularity and for whatever reason I felt that it was too stiff sounding for lack of a better word, whatever it was it just didn’t work for me and I sold it at a loss.

So you think that that right there would make me write off completely any pedal loosely associated with the Blues Breaker pedal circuit but being overcome by curiosity I decided to roll the dice one more time once I saw this new Duke of Tone appear on the scene.

I just had to see if I would actually find a difference in this DOT and the other three pedals that I just listed.

To my surprise I like the Duke of Tone a lot!

It might be due to component choices, this is a pretty basic circuit so typically every component is more critical in a case like this. And possibly different tweaks in the circuit by Analog Mike might explain it better.

Whatever it is I really like it. I might end up with another DOT at some point to get closer to the KOT, or maybe score a POT.

I can’t wait until my name comes up on Analog Man’s KOT list, I think that I’ve been on there for three years already.

 

[Jr Deluxe]

But the Duchess of Tone slays!

I'm holding out for the Joker of Tone.

 

[cameron]

I'm holding out for the Joker of Tone.

yeah, it seems Analogman and Kingsley are on some kind of collision course

 

[monty]

OP here again.

One of the reasons that I wasn’t sure about whether I would even like this pedal when I placed my order was that I’ve already gone through pedals that supposedly shared the same basic lineage.

Quite a few years ago I bought a used big box Marshall BluesBreaker pedal for cheap, now they go for big bucks because people saw one on John Mayer’s pedalboard. Crazy. But I was personally underwhelmed by it to be honest. So I sold it.

Then a used KOT knock-off came my way and while it had excellent looking components inside I again wasn’t particularly impressed. So that went bye bye too.

I also ended up with a JHS Morning Glory v.4 due to its popularity and for whatever reason I felt that it was too stiff sounding for lack of a better word, whatever it was it just didn’t work for me and I sold it at a loss.

So you think that that right there would make me write off completely any pedal loosely associated with the Blues Breaker pedal circuit but being overcome by curiosity I decided to roll the dice one more time once I saw this new Duke of Tone appear on the scene.

I just had to see if I would actually find a difference in this DOT and the other three pedals that I just listed.

To my surprise I like the Duke of Tone a lot!

It might be due to component choices, this is a pretty basic circuit so typically every component is more critical in a case like this. And possibly different tweaks in the circuit by Analog Mike might explain it better.

Whatever it is I really like it. I might end up with another DOT at some point to get closer to the KOT, or maybe score a POT.

I can’t wait until my name comes up on Analog Man’s KOT list, I think that I’ve been on there for three years already.

Nice review!
I got to give one a good run yesterday with a couple different guitars. Sounded fantastic. Was there to buy a new guitar so couldn't swing both but will pick one up soon. Enjoy yours!

 

[12StringStrat]

It’s really interesting to hear your opinion regarding this new DOT, especially since you have firsthand knowledge of the KOT and the POT…..that carries a lot of weight IMO.

And yeah, the MXR Timmy is excellent as well.

I have all 3 (2008 KoT, 2022 PoT, 2022 DoT) and can say they all can get identical sounds.
Initially it sounded like the Duke wasn't matching up but then found that it arrived (new) with the trim pot set at noon whereas stock for KoT and PoT is all the way down. Turned it back down to 3/4:00 (DoT knob is backwards from the PoT and KoT) where I typically keep the KoT and they're spot on identical in sound. Knob settings are NOT identical to get that though.

 

[Burstbucker]

I have all 3 (2008 KoT, 2022 PoT, 2022 DoT) and can say they all can get identical sounds.
Initially it sounded like the Duke wasn't matching up but then found that it arrived (new) with the trim pot set at noon whereas stock for KoT and PoT is all the way down. Turned it back down to 8/9:00 where I typically keep the KoT and they're spot on identical in sound. Knob settings are NOT identical to get that though.

Very interesting to hear the opinion of someone who actually has all three!

It’s great to hear that something like the Duke of Tone can get so close to its more expensive relatives.

I thought that it was amusing and refreshing to see a video of Analog Mike himself telling potential buyers that two of these little MXR Duke of Tone pedals basically gets you to the same sonic place as his more expensive and super hard to get King of Tone.

If I eventually get a chance to own a KOT or a POT I won’t turn it down just because I think that it would be cool to own them but until that time it sure is nice to get an affordable version that delivers the goods!

 

[WailinGuy]

I'm holding out for the Joker of Tone.

Surely you jester!

 

[McDonaldsDishWasher]

The wait time is has been steady 2-3 weeks and that's been the usual wait time (if you live in the USA) so hasn't changed from launch.

 

[Pat6969]

The Duke did not sound as good as the Prince to my ears… so I offloaded it. I will stick with the MXR Timmy in that spot.

(For the record, I love the MXR minis and have three of them)

Interesting statement since the maker of the PoT says he can dial them in to sound identical.

 

[PatrickE_FenderADV]

Interesting statement since the maker of the PoT says he can dial them in to sound identical.

Just my ears… I liked the PoT, didn’t like the DoT. Ymmv

 

[PedalDegenerate]

Interesting statement since the maker of the PoT says he can dial them in to sound identical.

We live in a world where the guy who made the Klon says that regardless of case, color, or graphic they all sound the same and the internet is like "Only an idiot can't hear the difference!"

Everyone needs to remember that during these discussions.

 

[PedalDegenerate]

Just my ears… I liked the PoT, didn’t like the DoT. Ymmv

I had a POT, didn't like it and sold it. Ended up with a second and loved it. We're all crazy people.

 

[Pat6969]

We live in a world where the guy who made the Klon says that regardless of case, color, or graphic they all sound the same and the internet is like "Only an idiot can't hear the difference!"

Everyone needs to remember that during these discussions.

Never said "only an idiot can't hear the difference", just said it's an interesting take since the maker of the POT thought it was a very close recreation of the original. Whether he'd stake his reputation on it, that's another interesting question.

 

[PedalDegenerate]

Never said "only an idiot can't hear the difference", just said it's an interesting take since the maker of the POT thought it was a very close recreation of the original. Whether he'd stake his reputation on it, that's another interesting question.

Didn't say you did, amigo. I was talking about an entirely different pedal and agreeing with you. Just pointing out that what pedal makers say, and what users believe are often very different things.

 

[Pat6969]

Didn't say you did, amigo. I was talking about an entirely different pedal and agreeing with you. Just pointing out that what pedal makers say, and what users believe are often very different things.

Sorry chief, I misunderstood your post. I think the silkscreen alters the tones as well. ;-)

 

[PedalDegenerate]

Sorry chief, I misunderstood your post. I think the silkscreen alters the tones as well. ;-)

That's probably true, but I think that's offset by the oscillation of the smaller diameter knobs on the mini.

 

[Pope Murphy]

I'm holding out for the Joker of Tone.

Wait until you hear my Peasant o' Tone™...I'm serious.

 

[Pope Murphy]

It's gonna be the sickest boost of all tyme.

 

[thiscalltoarms]

Well, mine is in the mail and coming on Monday. Been on the KOT list for nearly 4 years