Marking ten years since its initial release, the JHS Kilt 10 is a comprehensive revision of the brand’s best-selling distortion circuit. Originally designed for guitarist Stu G, the Kilt has earned a reputation for remarkable versatility, covering territory from transparent overdrive to saturated distortion and sputtering fuzz. This anniversary edition retains that core flexibility while addressing key requests from players for a more polished and responsive experience.
The most significant improvements are under the hood. A retooled clipping circuit provides greater headroom, a smoother pick attack, and a more usable sweep across the entire Gain range, eliminating dead zones. The updated Cut/Flat toggle offers a more pronounced and amp-friendly EQ shift, while the G1 and G2 toggle switches have been refined for more musical gain staging across their four clipping options.
Aesthetically, the Kilt 10 pays homage to its origins with a polished aluminum finish reminiscent of the V1 model, complemented by Expandora-style knobs and a special “X” logo. Functionality is enhanced with the inclusion of JHS’s Red Remote capability, allowing for instant switching of the G2 function for on-the-fly gain staging changes. This anniversary model successfully refines an already-classic circuit, offering greater articulation and dynamic response without sacrificing the muscular character that defined the original.
