EHX: Crayon

I'm not one to turn away from good stuff especially after hearing them in action. EHX's Crayon is an impressive OD unit in my books, it's not costly as well. First one for the year :-)

EHX: Crayon (first impression)

I was in store yesterday to have a go at EHX's new (for late 2015) Crayon overdrive.

I was expecting an East River-esque response from this one but it has its leanings towards the Soul Food instead. Thanks to the 2-band EQ, there's quite a range of voicings to be had; a boomy tone would add some jazz vibe to any neck guitar pickup & I was impressed even at lower gain settings. A boosted treble response hear alludes to its Soul Food sibling in emulating the Klon tone. It's there but it's not refined. More importantly, it's good.

The gain range- no idea if EHX is trying to live up to the 'full-range overdrive' label there, has more to offer than the East River or Soul Food units. At maximum application, the Crayon has enough saturation to trigger harmonics easily but a Protone Dead Horse pedal this is not. 

I'm saving some other bits for the subsequent entry but as it is, the Crayon is a fine inclusion in the EHX range.

JHS: Crayon

That's right, JHS is the other manufacturer with a Crayon pedal. Unlike the EHX make, this one is a derivative of JHS' Colour Box that's worth checking out:

EHX: Crayon OD

I am a fan of all EHX drive units thusfar. I believe they are very honest in their offerings, avoiding a re-gurgitation of popular drive voicings out there. It's good to know that the Crayon ODs seen here are great extensions to their drive range. Hear what they have to offer: