Providence Sov-2

Possibly my new favorite overdrive.

You know how it is with Strats – for ages, it feels like we've been stuck in this loop of Tube Screamers and Klons. They're classics for a reason, sure. But what if there's another option out there? One that seems to be whispered about, especially by those chasing that Dumble magic.

I'm talkin' 'bout the Providence Stamped OD, the SOV-2. I first heard about this pedal from Matt Schofield, a killer blues player who, like many of us, loves his vintage Fender Strats (Curt Mangan strings too!). He usually runs his through a super clean Two-Rock. Lately, I've been diving deep into the Dumble world. And while owning a real one is a pipe dream, I did get a Dumble ODS clone from Chesapeake Amp Repair, which is right here close to home. And let me tell you, now I get the hype. A Strat into a clean Dumble-style amp? It's a beautiful thing.

Now, you might be thinking, "Dude, you always talk about your Marshall Silver Jubilee!" And yeah, the Sov-2 sounds killer through that too.

The original, big box Providence SOV-1? That was the only overdrive pedal the legendary Alexander Dumble himself reportedly liked. Think about that. This pedal is the ticket if you're chasing that Dumble vibe with your Strat. Trust me, it's worth checking out.

Providence has been on my radar for a while. Guthrie Govan used to be all over their Anadime Chorus. And yeah, John Mayer (try not to cringe) is known for their Digital Delay now. But way back in '08, when I was way into Arch Enemy, guess who was using that same Providence Digital Delay? Michael Amott! Still one of my guitar heroes. Seriously, go listen to his work with Spiritual Beggars.

So, in this sea of Tube Screamers, Klons, and Blues Breakers, where does the SOV-2 fit? It's in the same ballpark as the Boss Blues Driver. But it's got this really specific midrange frequency that just makes a single-coil pickup sing.

Crank the gain a bit, and you get this thick, woolly overdrive that's perfect for blues rock. I've even tried it with humbuckers, and it sounds great! But it really shines with a Strat or a Strat-style guitar. It's almost surprising how under the radar this pedal seems to be. You look online, and it's like this well-kept secret.

If you dig Schofield's playing, love Strats and bluesy tones but want something different from the usual Tube Screamer (whether it's a TS9 or an 808), you should check out the SOV-2. Want something a little different? This could be it. Play in a heavy blues rock band with a Les Paul Jr into a Marshall? This pedal could add that extra something.

It's an overdrive pedal, plain and simple. It does what we like about the Boss BD-2, but it just feels like it has more to offer. More range, more of that special sauce. Need more convincing? My Analogman Prince of Tone, which has been my go-to overdrive for ages, finally got replaced by the Providence SOV-2.