Ross Distortion Pedal from 1977

Pedal was fully tested and works as it should with no issues.

The Ross Distortion pedal is a vintage-inspired, op-amp hard-clipping circuit originally from the late 1970s, famously revived and manufactured by JHS Pedals at their facility in Kansas City, MO.

Key Features

  • Circuit Type: 1970s op-amp hard-clipper, sharing topology with classics like the MXR Distortion +, DOD 250, ProCo Rat, and BOSS DS-1.
  • Controls: Simple two-knob layout featuring Level (controls volume) and Distort (controls the amount of hard-clipping distortion).
  • Mode Switch: A side push-switch allows you to toggle between two distinct historical eras of the circuit: Germanium Mode ("Era 2", warmer) and Silicon Mode ("Era 3", more transparent/higher output).
  • Modern Upgrades: Features soft-touch buffered bypass, a vastly lowered noise floor compared to vintage units, and a standard 9V DC negative center power requirement (draws 40mA).

Sound Profile & Reviews

  • Tone: On Harmony Central, there is a consensus that the pedal delivers a creamy, warm, and medium-gain distortion with pronounced mids—similar to an organic tube-like amp breakup.
  • Versatility: Reviewers on Guitar World note that it is incredibly responsive to guitar volume roll-off and excels both as a standalone light/medium dirt box or as a clean boost that pushes an already overdriven tube amplifier.

Payment required within 24 hours. Buyer also pays shipping and insurance.

I ship worldwide, please understand the shipping cost in an estimate and there may be additional cost for international shipping.

Please ask all questions if you have any concerns prior to bidding.

Please understand that if it is not in the description, then it is not included.

Check out my other listings. New stuff added on a weekly basis.

The Guitar Shop Phone Number 419-332-8788

Shop hours, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 12 to 6pm Saturday, 10 to 2pm

Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.

International Shipping is a flat rate estimate. Subject to change

We buy guitar, amp and pedal collections. Give us a call 419-332-8788

Since my shop is closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, if you purchase the item late on a Saturday and want it fast, let me know am I will try to get it sent out on a Monday, if you don't mind, then I will get it shipped out when I get back in my shop on Wednesday. Thanks

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

Promoted similar listings













Listed3 days ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Distortion
Categories
Year
  • 1977
Made In
  • United States

Product safety information may be available here.

The Guitar Shop & Music Co. LLC

Fremont, OH, United States
Joined Reverb:2025

Reverb Protection

Simple Returns, Secure Transactions, Human Support

Learn more

Secure Checkout

Reverb Gives

Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music.

Oops, looks like you forgot something. Please check the fields highlighted in red.