Geranium

The Geranium Germanium Drive is an original overdrive and fuzz pedal that combines a NOS germanium transistor with op-amp gain stages. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional overdrive and fuzz, it can produce sounds ranging from medium-gain drive to heavily saturated fuzz while retaining the distinctive character associated with germanium-based circuits. The pedal features Level, Drive, and Scoop controls, along with Bias and Bright switches. The Scoop control adjusts the midrange response, while the Bias switch selects between two different voicings of the germanium gain stage. The Bright switch restores additional high-frequency content for a more cutting tone. Although powered by a standard 9V supply, the pedal internally increases the voltage to 32V, providing additional headroom for the op-amp stages. It also uses noiseless relay switching.