Overdue update on Fender's Santa Ana overdrive... 😁 As seen above, the guitar used is a Fender Tele. Not treading the purist path (Fender into a Fender) but it was the most convenient- grabbed & played.
What can I say but it's a good drive to own. Not that it sounds too different from a BOSS Super OD (so it's something voiced along this line) but it's good in its own right. The boost here is user preference; you either opt for a volume (LEVEL) boost or go the extra drive way. The former serves you well in stand alone mode, especially so if you trim the drive down for sweet voicings, nothing harsh. The drive boost is recommended if you engage in drive stacking (with another drive type unit or simply into the amp's dirty channel) for a more electrifying episode.
These are some of the smoothest control knobs I've come across & we note the blue LEDs there. These are also optional, a slider switch at the rear end enables you to have them switched ON/ OFF; you'd definitely choose the smarter option if you are running this on battery.
Speaking of battery, here's the acclaimed, super user-friendly flick cover which features a spring hinge. One of the fasteners has a magnetic feature that holds the battery in place. The annoying thing here is the cover on auto flip-close mode like a mouse trap so it definitely requires a little getting used to.
All in all, the Santa Ana has some elements aimed at Strymon's Sunset unit but without being excessively boutique (OK so it's in the boutique price range anyway). The in-built boost feature is definitely a plus point knowing how this pedal could be the reference to some high gain desires without switching guitars with higher pickup output for some sizzling solos.
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