Loco Box Tubemaniax Overdrive Unit – RARE Vintage overdrive MIJ 1979

Original 1979 Loco Box Tubemaniax Overdrive, a rare late-’70s Japanese overdrive pedal in excellent vintage condition.

The Tubemaniax is a great example of early Japanese overdrive design, with a warm, dynamic drive sound that works particularly well for pushing an already cooking tube amp. It has plenty of vintage character and is becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially in this condition.

Not unlike an old Marshall Bluesbreaker, unity level is arrived at around 4 o’clock, but can still act as a boost when pushed harder. Gain control has most play past 2 o’clock.

This pedal is fully functional and sounds great.

See the YouTube video below for the exact pedal bring sold.

Condition / originality:

• Great cosmetic condition for a pedal from 1979
• Original vintage circuit appears to be intact
• DC power jack has been updated to the modern Boss standard: 9V DC, center-negative
• Output jack has been replaced
• Gain knob is not original
• Other than those practical updates, the pedal appears to be original
• Controls and footswitch function properly

The updated power jack makes it much easier to integrate into a modern pedalboard without needing a special vintage power supply.

A cool and increasingly uncommon piece of Japanese effects history that is equally suitable for a vintage pedal collection or actual everyday use.

Pedal only; please see photos for exact cosmetic condition.