Brown Note D’Lite ODS Overdrive Special 1x12 Tube Amp

Up for sale, a Brown Note D’Lite ODS 1x12” combo amplifier kit in excellent condition and in perfect working order. Designed by Moss Hudson to recreate the tone of the iconic Dumble Overdrive Special, this hand-wired Brown Note combo is prized for its adherence to the harmonically-rich ODS sound. This kit version features a handcrafted wooden enclosure outfitted with an Eminence Patriot Screamin’ Eagle speaker.

The original Overdrive Special (ODS) amplifier was allegedly inspired by a performance attended by a young Alexander Dumble wherein he heard Robben Ford playing through a Tube Screamer into a Fender Bassman. The ODS was designed with the intention of recreating that particular tone; one with a rich low end and searing, crisp highs that didn’t become overly mushy when opened up. As such, the ODS features a unique pseudo-two channel design wherein the overdrive channel actually piggybacks off the clean (very similarly to how a pedal pushes the front end of a tube amp). That design allows for a remarkable degree of clarity when the Overdrive is engaged, and tone sculpting via the preamp EQ affects both channels.

The D'Lite ODS has a big, bold sound, with a creamy breakup when driven hard. The clean channel is crisp and balanced, with bright highs; a strong, responsive low end presence; and a tailored midrange, with a Midrange Boost circuit for an extra kick of girth. There are three toggle switches in the preamp controls:

• BR adds significant brightness and high end presence
• OD engages the Overdrive channel
• PAB adds a preamp boost which dramatically fattens the signal at all frequencies, still without muddiness. Many guitarists treat this as an “always on” switch.

There are also Bass, Middle, and Treble EQ knobs. The Overdrive has Drive and Level controls, and Master and Presence knobs round out the control complement. The back panel features the Midrange Boost mini toggle, a rotary ohms selector (4, 8, and 16 ohms) and individual bias test points for the power tubes.

The Eminence Screamin’ Eagle speaker is an excellent match for the circuit, featuring a ceramic (ferrite) magnet and delivering an aggressive, in-your-face sound perfect for tight rhythm work and soaring solos alike. The top end is particularly potent, without any unwanted harshness, and the bass response is taut and aggressive.

The kit circuit is untouched since it was built, with Heyboer transformers, and the tube complement comprises a matched pair of JJ 6V6S power tubes, with two PSVane ECC83s and one GrooveTubes 12AX7 in the preamp section.

The bare (stained) wood enclosure exhibits a fair bit of honest wear, but the grillcloth and faceplate are quite clean. All of the cream knobs are present, as is the handle.