Nordland Electronics ODR-C Custom Overdrive

Nordland ODR-C Custom Overdrive

The beginning and why do I copy myself?

 

The first project will be the improvement of my overdrive pedal, which I developed in 1992 (for Nobels). In the first prototype phase the device was called OD-1. There are a few samples of this - but without the unique Spectrum control. I then called it ODR-1.

The basic idea was to develop an independent overdrive that changes as little as possible the basic sound of the guitar. Optimal of course would be "not at all", but since the distortion adds harmonics, this is technically (analogous) not possible. This was in complete contrast to the Tubescreamer, which has a strong mid character by nature.

A detailed description can be found here in my blog: Development of the ODR-1.

From the beginning I always had the ODR-1 in the setup. I had tested dozens of other overdrives or distortions - but I always returned to the ODR-1. The sound was the "right thing" for me even after many years. Well, not just for me. There have been quite a few companies that have rebuilt (copy) the ODR-1. As there were Wampler, Visual Sound, Rocket, Vemuram and maybe others. Of course, always with a "small" change, so it is not a 1:1 copy. Funnily, none of these "engineers" really noticed my little design flaw from 1992 in the device. He was diligently copied. But I do not say what that is. Treat me to my fun!

Known users of the ODR-1 are for example: Tim Pierce, Guthrie Trapp, Steve Sterlacci, Fletch Redwine, Bon Jovi's John Shanks, Tom Bukovac

 

Why Custom?

I would like to keep the original sound of the ODR-1 for all lovers, but do not give up the extended possibilities. I designed these add-on options so that the original, but higher quality, sound of the ODR-1 comes out when the two controls O.D.C., Lo-Cut are on the left end and the middle knob clicks in the middle!

Of course, the housing also has room for a 9V battery. But honest? Who needs that today ...

What I have improved:

• Conversion to True Bypass operation
   
• Best components:
  • 1% metal film resistors
  • 2% and 5% film capacitors (Wima, Epcos, Kemet) in the signal path
  • solid 6.3mm Cliff (UK) jacks with gold plated contacts
  • gold-plated PCB plugs / sockets
  • High quality potentiometers
  • Special footswitch with a lighter pressure point

• Smaller solid and closed aluminum housing from Hammond Manufacturing. (Perfect shield against hum and EMC)
   
• Higher output volume (without sound change!), So that even in low-gain operation enough level remains.
   
• Solid construction with double contacts between main and controller board.
   
• 18 volt operation. By operating at voltages between 9 V and 18 V, other timbres are possible. Hard to explain: Just give it a try! The feeling changes.

 

What was added:

Outside:

• O.D.C. Overdrive De-Compress:
  A special control for the overdrive stage. This is hard to describe, as this effect is best felt when playing! Overall, I can say that it sounds a bit more open and sounds less compressed. It also gets a bit louder and the proportion of center frequencies increases. At the same time, the harmonic harmonics are reduced and the sound becomes a bit rougher overall. This depends on the position of the drive - so it hardly works in the left position of the drive control. As always applies here: Make only small turns on the O.D.C. control and listen what happens!
   
• Lo-Cut:
  So that it sounds less bassy. I follow the request of some ODR-1 users.
   
• Mid:
  The frequency range is quite wide and is also a bit down to the trebles. Turning to the right gives a fat and assertive solo sound. When turning to the left corresponding to less centers. Due to the wide frequency range, the frequencies even intersect with the Spectrum controller. There is a lot of space to create good sounds!
   

Inside:

• Control Knob for the LED brightness: bright / dimmed (Std: Mid-position)