The Wampler Moxie is yet another dirt box (in mini format) inspired by the most popular overdrive of all times, but with a couple of tricks up its sleeve.
When an overdrive pedal is green, the reference to the Ibanez Tube Screamer is unavoidable, and the Moxie delivers indeed the woodie, mid-rich tone of that circuit, although in this case the referenced device is not the TS9 or the TS 808 but the TS10, which is preferred by Brian Wampler for its slightly extended range of tones, and has since 2019 become quite expensive in the used market after Johkn Mayer informed the world that its his favorite Tube Screamer.
But, as we were saying, the Moxie goes beyond the TS-style sound and classic three-knob layout (Volume, Gain and Tone).
A Fat toggle on the right adds a custom MOSFET clipping stage, which will transform your overdrive in ways reminiscent of high-end boutique amps (read: Dumbe-like), also adding more gain. Another toggle on the left, name Voice, drastically changes the circuit’s EQ by actually scooping the mids (therefore removing the Tube Screamer signature mid bump), delivering a more transparent but also warmer tone.
By combining the Moxie’s two toggles, this pedal offers 4 extremely useful but significantly different tones.
Have a listen to them in the videos below, we added it to our uber-comprehensive article about the best Tube Screamer clones and variants.
Brian Wampler’s Video about the Moxie.
Wampler Moxie Overdrive, Builder’s Notes
The original Ibanez® Tube Screamer® is one of the most emulated circuit designs of all time and has been pushing amplifiers since it was first released in the late 1970s. While many companies create 808/TS9 style pedals, the TS10® was always a favorite of Brian’s. Capable of anything from light boost to a gritty drive that can send an amplifier into heavily overdriven tones, the Moxie is an ultra-flexible, wonderfully warm and rich pedal but with an extra bite.
In addition to the standard controls, Brian has added two unique switches. The Voice switch adds clarity by changing the entire EQ associated with this design giving it a more transparent yet robust tone. The Fat switch adds an extra dimension of gain with a custom MOSFET clipping stage, reminiscent of a classic high-end boutique amp.
The following designations are not owned by or associated with Wampler Pedals, Inc. but are instead owned by their respective owners: Ibanez, Tube Screamer, TS10
