All the new pedals have improved circuitry, true bypass switching, and easy-access, (no tools required) battery compartments. As before, all the pedals have a die cast zinc chassis, protected controls, rubber bottom pads, AC/DC operation (9-volt battery or AC adapter), voltage regulator, LED status/battery life indicator, and 3-year warranty.

The new AD-9 Pro Analog Delay ($375) has 450ms of delay and unique filtering for rich, clear analog tone without noise. You can get multi-tap delays or "ping-pong" delay with the flip of a switch. The OOD-9 Organic Overdrive ($260) is a natural overdrive that adds bite and width. It uses the JRC4558 IC chip for added mid range boost.

For evaluation, I received the OSD-9 Overdrive Soft Distortion ($260) a reissue of the ultra-rare, original "pre-Ibanez" Maxon OD-880. The OSD-9 uses the 741 chip known for its exceptional dynamic response and tube-like tone. We like it especially for adding just enough "hair" on top another effect such as delay. I also got the VOP-9 Vintage Overdrive Pro ($275) with its clean boost feature and internal voltage doubler switchable from 9 to 18 volts. This allows for better note dynamics and increased low-end response. This is a fat-sounding pedal excellent for sustaining lead lines and thickening thin guitar tones before the amp.