DOD YJM308 Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Overdrive Pedal

The DOD YJM308 offers Yngwie Malmsteen's screaming overdrive tone. With the DOD YJM308, you too can be a rising force.

Overall User Ratings (based on 85 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(85) (see rating details)
Submitted January 5, 2010 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Great product but cuts too much low end for an overdrive"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I'm no Yngwie fan and I don't play metal but I originally bought this after reading reviews as a main overdrive. Although it sounds great, it cuts out too much low end, but I'm now using it as a lead booster and it serves fantastically for that. Amazing price for the construction quality, sound and true bypass wiring.
Sound
As a main overdrive I'm conflicted - the overdrive sounds amazing but it cuts out too much low end. This is a problem for me in that I like to switch between my clean amp sound and the overdrive, but it may not be a problem for you if you stay on the overdrive and just bump up your amp's low end. Using it as a lead booster has been fantastic though, as it cuts through and above the other guitarists, so it's still a steal at it's price.
Features
This pedal is damn near perfect. I generally don't look at an inexpensive pedal to be perfect, but this thing is so close - if it had some tone control to boost the low end back up it would reach it's perfection. As I said before, great as a lead booster.
Ease of Use
You'd think that most pedal controls are easy to get to, but I use a Danelectro Cool Cat with some of the hardest to reach knobs I've ever seen in a pedal, so kudos to DOD for not straying from simplicity.
Quality
I've been using this for a month now and it's built like a tank. I'm so glad DOD is done with their 90's footswitch design. I used to go through those regularly. Simple all metal construction and a classic switch make this a very dependable pedal.
Value
Although my main complaint is with the low end cut, this is still one of the best "hidden treasure" values, especially if you need a booster on low cash. Solid construction akin to higher end pedals and great overdrive tone on a tube amp.
Manufacturer Support
I have not utilized DOD customer service, so no opinion here.
The Wow Factor
The most inexpensive well built lead booster you can buy for your set up.

Musical Background:

Active Musician, Recording Engineer

Musical Style:

Rock, Indie, Alternative, Post Punk
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Submitted April 15, 2009 by a customer from gmail.com

"not just for Malmsteen fans! 100% killer boost pedal!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
If you need a booster -- this is a great one to pick up. I have several others (the Dan Armstrong Purple Peaker, E-H Line Booster, MXR Micro Amp). This DOD is the one that's on my pedalboard permanently. I would also like to point out again that I have no personal interest in Malmsteen's playing. I picked out this one because the old yellow design has been discontinued. This is a perfect pedal for all players -- particularly those looking for a little push to their existing sound. (for that occasional lead boost or general good times!)
Sound
This thing kills! I'm using this to boost some vintage pickups on an older blues guitar. I'm mostly writing this post to emphasize that this is not only a shred/rock pedal (though that stuff is great too!). With the gain set about 30% and level up about 80%, it pumps up the output of the low input and gives a really great snap to the tone that can be pushed into a pleasant overdrive when played hard. No LED needed -- this is the pedal to set-and-forget. I also have to mention that I initially bought this to immediately modify (into a fuzz pedal), but after plugging it in, it found a permanent place in my setup as a stock booster.
Features
Okay, an LED would be helpful. It's not a big loss. Otherwise, I'm impressed with how solid this pedal feels. The new USA Electro-Harmonix pedals would do well to take notice (especially the ones with the paper-thin metal boxes).
Ease of Use
As I mentioned above, set-and-forget. Just do not try to use this thing as an overdrive, as you would a Tube Screamer -- you'll get an unpleasant/cheap sound. It's meant as a booster through-and-through -- to either drive an existing overdriven amp or pedal, or alternately, to boost some old, weak pickups.
Quality
100% excellent. I'm a pedal builder and this thing checks out great. Solid!
Value
They could sell this for twice as much. It's a steal as-is! It's largely the same schematic as the MXR Micro-amp and MXR Distortion + (yes, it's true -- check out your local schematics web page) with a few settings altered. Both those pedals run for 2-3 times as much, largely based on brand name.

Musical Background:

Guitarist, Composer, Professional Musician

Musical Style:

Loud Rock, Indie, Avant-garde/Experimental, Classical and Art Music
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Submitted May 25, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com

"A True "Players" Pedal! great!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
If your a clean style player Yngwie/Paul Gilbert/Vinnie Moore/ this is the pedal for you. If your looking for mega distortion look somewhere else. This is a "players" pedal.
Sound
This is exactly what i was looking for. I do not like a ton of gain i like all of my notes to be heard. This pedal gives you the drive and sustain you need without crudding up and coloring your sound.
Features
Not many features and thats a good thing because you dont need any on an overdrive pedal. I would like a small led light so you can tell when its on or off but believe me you know when its on.
Quality
This is very well made. You could probably play an inning of baseball with it (as the ball) and then take it to a gig.
Value
For under $50 its an outstanding value considering the "pro" sound your getting.
Manufacturer Support
Havent Had to use them but DOD was great to me before.
The Wow Factor
If it was stolen i would grab it again the next day.

Musical Background:

Pro Musician/Engineer/Teacher

Musical Style:

Rock/Metal/Blues/All Kinds
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Submitted April 27, 2004 by a customer from optonline.net

"Give your sound a kick in the ass. Must be tried."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I don't think this product will break or wear out anytime soon but if it were stolen I would purchase a new DODYJM308.
Sound
Probably the best sounding pedal I've ever purchased. If you are considering an Ibanez Tube Screamer, consider this pedal also. It made my Marshall JCM 900 likeable; even on the dirty channel of the Marshall amp, which normally sounds raspy. Your single coil guitar will growl like a lion and above all maintain clarity like Yngwie.
Features
Not many features but I like the fact that there are no lights on it. It makes the pedal look mean.
Quality
Sturdy little stomp box. It looks like it will hold up to my stomping. I just wish DOD could make the product in the U.S instead of China. If it were made in the USA I would give it a 10.
Value
I've puchased pedals that cost much much more than the DODYJM308 and didn't give me the sound I wanted. This pedal only cost $49.95. Serious players won't be disappointed. I would pay more if it were made in the USA. OK, I'm patriotic, I'll never deny that.
Manufacturer Support
Never needed support yet.
The Wow Factor
I never thought of guitar effects as sexy but I guess the sound it helps produce can have some sex appeal. Black and yellow is a sexy color combination. Yngwie's wife must like it, and she's damn sexy.

Musical Style:

Pop, Rock and Hard Rock
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Submitted April 8, 2009 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Versatile crunch on a budget!"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
As I mentioned, the DOD Yngwie has the same practical use as a pedal like MXR's Wylde Overdrive (which I own also). I think this DOD box sounds better and costs a heck of a lot less. I can't see myself having a need for another overdrive pedal any time soon. I'm confident that this one will work fine for me.
Sound
This is a great overdrive sound that verges on higher-gain distortion. I like the fact that it enhances sustain and can go from a mild crunch to much thicker overdrive that can almost be characterized as distortion. It sounds nice through the clean channel of my little Line 6 practice amp, and I just tried it in front of an old Boss Enhancer EH2 pedal to give it a bit more bite.
Features
Only two controls, gain and level. Very easy. I would agree with those who gripe that it only accepts a less-common 9v adapter, instead of the ubiquitous "center negative" power port found on 99% of other stomp boxes. Not a big deal for me, I like the way pedals sound a bit better with batteries anyway. For a simple 2 knob configuration, it's actually easy to coax a pretty wide range of sounds from this box.
Ease of Use
See the above statement. This is a very easy to use plug and play device. A "no brainer".
Quality
This pedal is no exception to the fact that most (metal cased) stomp box pedals are pretty well built. It's a metal brick with a metal switch and two plastic knobs. At least as tough as any other brand pedal I own.
Value
This pedal sounds better IMO, than the MXR Zakk Wylde Overdrive and is a significantly better value. I have no regrets about the very reasonable amount of money I spent on this.
Manufacturer Support
DOD has a long history in the guitar effects game. I'd be willing to bet that their service and support is above average, though I haven't had a need to contact them.
The Wow Factor
It's just another music toy to me. It lacks an LED indicator light, which may turn some people off, but it doesn't bother me. I could not care less about Yngwie's name on the front, he doesn't do anything for me. I bought it because it's typically gotten good reviews, and I've enjoyed DOD products in the past as a younger man who learned to play guitar in the 1990's (DOD's "heyday").

Musical Background:

Recording hobbyist, pedal collector

Musical Style:

Experimental/Heavy
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Submitted March 20, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.com

DOD YJM308 Overdrive Customer Review

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Great pedal, Great sound, and for an amazing price.
Sound
It sounds great because it lets every note stand out and ring just like Malmsteen. It works great with single coils. I combine this with by boss ds-1 and I can get insane lead or solo sounds. the things that are bad is that there is no LED so you dont know if its on, and also the power outlet is a 9VDC so if you use the regular power supply, get a 9VDC for this one because the battery dies quickly.
Features
Just 2 knobs gets the job done, but what else should a simple overdrive have?
Quality
Biult like a tank

Musical Background:

Gigger

Musical Style:

Rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Blues
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Submitted July 17, 2006 by a customer from cs.com

"Why doesn't this pedal have an LED !!!"

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
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ehh, 6 overall rating it's not the best, not the worst, works fine, built sturdy, NO LED, unpractical power input.
Sound
it's a bit tooo "metal" if it's turned up past half-way (12-O'Clock). I sometimes mix it with a TS9 for a different kind of bite on my clean fender amps - wish I could get a better OD sound for my older clean amps without having to push them, but for the $$$ it works OK.
Features
I rate the features on the low side because of it lacking an LED. My biggest fault with this pedal, and I'm gonna have to see if I can rewire an LED into it with a 3PDT bypass switch (if I can find specs). I was recording in a live room studio, and had to scrap 3 different takes because while in the process of playing I couldn't remember if it was on or off (I use multiple overdrives while playing, some combined with others, and some by themselves) - with studio prices this matters - does Ynjwie just leave it on all the time - I guess he must not play clean much, or he must never push the amp enough to overdrive it). I'm also rating the features low due to the fact that I had to wire up a makeshift connector for the power adapter - who the hell still uses a 1/8" male plug for power - isn't the standard the typical PSA type 9v like what BOSS, 1-Spot, GodLyke, and everyone else uses - this was cheezy guys.
Ease of Use
again on the lower side because it doesn't have LED - not so easy to use if you can't tell if it's on (need I mention my studio hassle again).
Quality
I haven't had any problems with the pedals build - very sturdy.
Value
can't beat it at it's current $29 price - I paid like $89 a few years ago.
Manufacturer Support
haven't got a reply back as to why no LED
The Wow Factor
this pedal is fine - sounds good - decent looking - smooth pots (though I could do without the YJM signature - he's one of the biggest a$$holes I've ever met).

Musical Background:

touring musician

Musical Style:

alternative, rock, fusion,
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Submitted February 18, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.com

"Best thing since string cheese."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
It's great, but you should seriously get a Noise Suppressor along with it. It sounds awesome but it's definitely that much better with a Suppressor.
Sound
It sounds great, but there is a such thing as too much distortion. I'd recommend getting the NS-2 Noise Suppressor from Boss to get the full Malmsteen experience.
Features
Two knobs and a button is all you need.
Ease of Use
Just look at it, that's all there is on it.
Quality
It's solid, it feels like I can throw it off a building and have it bounce off the street into a lake of lava, have it rest there for 100 generations until the lava becomes stone and aliens happen to discover it and learn how to rock. It's pretty durable.
Value
It's really a good deal, if you want the sound of Malmsteen this is obviously the way to go. $30 to shred is a small price to pay to see someone's jaw hit the floor when your playing with this pedal. It's a good buy.
Manufacturer Support
No I haven't needed any support. I feel like I won't need any support either, this site's really reliable too.
The Wow Factor
It's manly, it doesn't have a little girly button, you can actually stomp it without it being an inconvenience to your playing. It's a basic rectangle and it's as simple as can be. You want a solid loud guitar lead sound? You want a small price to pay? If you can afford it, buy it.

Musical Background:

Home Composer.

Musical Style:

Blues, Rock.
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Submitted November 24, 2010

"You get what you pay for with this little stinker."

Overall: 2 out of 5 stars
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Ive only had this pedal a day. I will try it with other setups and give it a chance but there are much better pedals out there. I am dissapointed to say the least.
Sound
The sound is decent, but it is fixed and there are no tone controls.this will be the last pedal I buy without them. Everyones gear is different but your stuck with this one.
Features
What features? You have a volume and gain control and the gain doesnt seem to react untill the midway point.
Ease of Use
Push the button its on. But no LED. I donot like not having an LED indicator. Especially with this pedal.
Quality
It is built tough and you wont break it any time soon but it says it is true bypass but I dont know how true it is. When off and the gain cranked on the pedal, at high volume you can hear distortion bleed through and that is with the pedal off.
Value
Cant beet the price but you get what you pay for in this unit. Not impressed.
Manufacturer Support
I have know idea.
The Wow Factor
It is pretty plain looking and has no LED or bells and whistles.It is what it is.
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Submitted July 6, 2009

"As clinical and non-analog sounding as you can get."

Overall: 0.5 out of 5 stars
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5 min. was all I could stand during test trial.
Sound
Very shrill and clinical. Guaranteed hearing damage in the higher ranges. I only bought this product for the YJM Name. Very disapointing.
Ease of Use
Impossible.
Value
This product is not worth it even if you get it for free.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Rock/Blues
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Submitted July 29, 2008

"READ THIS REVIEW"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Hell, anything that can give you Yngwie's tone is indespensable. It's great, I do recomend some kind of noise cancelling pedal like the boss ns-2 (which i dont have) but the sound is very clear when you are playing.
Sound
I have been playing shred guitar for a while and recently got an Yngwie Malmsteen signature stratocaster as I am a big fan of yngwie and his techniques. I was very dissapointed when I plugged it into my crate amp which has amazing distortion. It sounded weak and nothing like Yngwie's, so I got this pedal. Yes, this pedal makes a bad hisss when you are not playing but this is Ynwie-in-a-box IF you have a malmsteen strat and good distortion on your amp. It doesn't matter if you have a tube amp or not, this pedal unlocks the malmsteen strat's inner beast! Now, my guitar has Yngwie's tone, and it might even be even a little more beastly than Yngwie's. A must have if you have that guitar, I don't know how it sounds with other guitars though. The only reason it doesn't get a 10 is the hiss by the way.
Features
No LED, but that's okay, trust me, if you have a malmsteen strat you will know when it's on!!!
Ease of Use
Nothing hard to use, just plug and play.
Quality
Seems very durable, plus it is cheap so if you do drop it off a cliff, buy another!
Value
Probably average if you don't have a malmsteen strat or something similar, but if you do, it's priceless.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't dealt with it.
The Wow Factor
This is no practical addition. This is an absolutely must have pedal if you have an Yngwie signature strat. No exceptions!!!

Musical Style:

Shred
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Submitted April 24, 2007

"Damn Good"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I think this pedal is really great for me. my band members hate how much gain I have with my zakk wylde overdrive so this thing turns it down a bit without losing my sustain. I'm gonna be using this pedal for a looong time.
Sound
This pedal sounds amazing on a dirty channel, it gives you just enough sustain without killing your tone or giving you tons of hum. if you use it on clean with the gain past 11 o'clock it gets really muddy and nasty sounding.
Features
This thing doesn't have an LED, it's the only bad thing about it.
Ease of Use
two knobs, volume and gain. pretty damn easy to use
Quality
This thing looks amazing and it's built like a tank. It's got the yngwie signature on which looks pretty good.
Value
29.99 is beyond reasonable for this amazing pedal
Manufacturer Support
never had to deal with em, but zz sounds delivered it in 2 days!
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Submitted March 12, 2005

"Real nice product. Looks good, sounds good & by golly it is good!"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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I am totally satisfied with this as an overdrive. Prob. would not replace as I don't use it [see above] and I have a couple of others that would do a reasonable job. I would recommend it to anybody looking for a warm overdrive for a classic rock tone.
Sound
More "color" (distortion) available than you might expect from a preamp/overdrive (such as a tubescreamer or Boss SD-1/OD) ... almost like a milder MXR Distortion+ (a lovely mild distortion pedal). Warm and fat. This is the exact sound found on newer modelling pedals and FX units under the title "DOD 250".
Features
Everything necessary, nothing more. [Silly non-standard 9V DC input plug ..Doh!]
Quality
Pedals are usually well made but this one is exceptionally so (comparable to classic Boss & MXR quality). [Silly non-standard DC input]
Value
MSRP is a joke, almost everybody discounts it. At $60-$70 is a fair regular price. It is often seen on discount -- sometimes as low as $38 ...which is very reasonable (comparable to boss SD-1 which is similar product of similar quality).
Manufacturer Support
Dunno.
The Wow Factor
Looks good -- although MXR box look is crude for this day in age there is a nice paint job/logo, quality knobs and pots and nice solid feel. The Yngwie connection bodes well & would be highly desirable for fans (I am not -- but respect his reputation). DOD 250's sound great to me ...and this is a good one with a "modern retro" makeover. That said, with most good amps these days (e.g. any modern Marshall) you don't really need OD/distortion pedals -- so this is never used.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

Classic rock , blues.
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