DOD (DigiTech) Boneshaker Distortion/Overdrive with 3-Band Parametric EQ

The DOD Boneshaker is a DigiTech distortion and overdrive pedal with a 3-band EQ, designed with Mark Wentz of Black Arts Toneworks, aimed at extended-range guitars and bass.

What it is

The Boneshaker is a dirt pedal from DigiTech's DOD line. DigiTech describes it as a dirty boost with a 3-band EQ. Its controls are Distortion, Depth, Level, and a Low, Mid, and High section, each with a boost/cut knob and a frequency knob. Depth is aimed at the low-frequency growl of extended-range instruments. The 2015 launch material says the circuit was voiced for down-tuned guitars, 7- and 8-string guitars, baritone guitars, and bass. The press release says it can be stacked with other overdrive, distortion, and fuzz pedals. A reviewer for Guitar Interactive describes the range as running from modern metal to stoner sludge and psychedelic blues. The launch press release from 2015 gave a suggested retail price of $187.44. Current listings are considerably lower, and prices vary by retailer.

Specifications

Input: 1 x 1/4 inch instrument
Output: 1 x 1/4 inch instrument
Chassis: All metal
Power: 9V alkaline battery, or optional power supply (the press release names the PS200R)
Dimensions: 2.25 in H x 2.63 in W x 4.68 in L (5.71 x 6.68 x 11.88 cm)
Weight: 1.0 lb (0.453 kg)
Bypass: True bypass, with a blue LED status indicator
Controls: Distortion, Depth, Level, Low (boost/cut), Low Frequency, Mid (boost/cut), Mid Frequency, High (boost/cut), High Frequency, footswitch
Launch price (2015): $187.44 suggested retail

How it's used

Musicians most often use it for heavy styles such as metal, hard rock, and alternative, and by players of 7- and 8-string, baritone, and bass instruments. It is also used as a boost in front of an amp that is already dirty, or in front of another distortion pedal. Forum users report using it with bass, though one found it unsuitable for their instrument.

Suggested usage

Use Depth for low end
DigiTech describes Depth as the control for low-frequency growl on extended-range instruments. Sources do not give specific settings.
Shape gain with the EQ
Reviewers and users describe the 3-band EQ as the main tool for finding a distortion tone.
Try it as a boost into a driven amp
A TalkBass member suggests placing it in front of an already-driven amp, since the pedal does not need to be run very hot.
Use the first half of the Distortion knob for fine control
One TalkBass member reports that with the EQ stages overdriven, the first half of the Distortion knob gives fine adjustment. This is a user report, not a DigiTech specification.
Set the amp first
Forum users report that some settings sound poor, so setting the amp's gain first and then adjusting the pedal may help.

What reviewers said

MusicRadar
Rated 4 out of 5. The reviewer says the pedal suits players who want its style of grit, and praises the EQ's gain-shaping range, the way Depth rounds and pushes the lows, and the sound with gain near noon.
Guitar Interactive
The reviewer found a wide range of distortion characters, from modern metal to fuzzy and psychedelic tones, called the pedal robust and versatile, and described it as an intriguing option given its high gain range.

What it is

Specifications

How it's used

Suggested usage

Use Depth for low end

Shape gain with the EQ

Try it as a boost into a driven amp

Use the first half of the Distortion knob for fine control

Set the amp first

What reviewers said

Sources