7/10/2023

Kernom Ridge pedal REVIEW: An Innovative Analog Overdrive Pedal

Today, we delve into the world of guitar pedals to explore the exciting capabilities of the Kernom Ridge, an innovative analog overdrive pedal that promises an infinite variety of tones. In a video demonstration by renowned guitarist and gear enthusiast, Paul Davids, we get an in-depth look at this remarkable device and its potential to revolutionize the way guitarists approach their drive sounds.

Video Demonstration: The Kernom Ridge


 

Understanding Overdrive Pedals and Clipping

Before we dive into the Kernom Ridge, it's important to grasp the fundamental concept of overdrive pedals and their effect on the guitar signal. Paul explains that when you play guitar, your clean signal appears as a waveform on an oscilloscope, with the signal rapidly moving up and down. By turning on an overdrive pedal, the waveform gets clipped and distorted in unique ways.

Each overdrive pedal, such as the Tube Screamer or the Analogman King of Tone, has its own distinct method of clipping the signal. This variation in clipping is achieved through the diodes inside the pedal, which contribute to the pedal's unique sound.

The Kernom Ridge: An Infinite Variety of Tones

Now, let's turn our attention to the star of the show - the Kernom Ridge. Developed by a team of talented musicians and engineers from France, the Kernom Ridge aims to provide guitarists with a vast selection of analog clipping flavors, all controlled by a single "mood" knob. This innovative feature essentially allows guitarists to browse through an endless catalog of analog overdrive pedals within a single device.

Paul Davids demonstrates the Kernom Ridge's capabilities by comparing it to some well-known drive pedals, including the Analogman King of Tone, Tube Screamer, and Klon. Surprisingly, the Kernom Ridge manages to replicate the characteristics of these renowned pedals, offering a highly usable range of tones.

Unleashing the Possibilities

One of the standout features of the Kernom Ridge is its ability to save presets. By holding down the preset button, guitarists can save their favorite settings, making it easy to recall and switch between tones on the fly. Additionally, the pedal supports MIDI control, providing further flexibility for integration with other devices in a guitarist's setup.

Is the Kernom Ridge Worth the Investment?

Naturally, the question arises - is the Kernom Ridge worth the price? With a retail cost of 300 euros, it may seem steep at first glance. However, considering its potential to replace multiple pedals and provide an infinite variety of tones, the Kernom Ridge offers excellent value for the avid tone seeker.

While the Kernom Ridge may not completely replace the experience of stacking multiple overdrive pedals, it presents an enticing alternative with its wide range of tones. For guitarists seeking versatility and convenience without compromising on sound quality, the Kernom Ridge may be the pedal they've been waiting for.


The Kernom Ridge is a game-changing analog overdrive pedal that aims to offer guitarists an unparalleled variety of tones within a single device. With its innovative mood knob and preset saving capabilities, it provides a user-friendly experience while delivering exceptional sound quality. Although it comes with a significant price tag, the Kernom Ridge's ability to replace multiple pedals makes it a worthwhile investment for guitarists who value tone exploration and convenience.

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