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Keeley Electronics has unveiled the new Manis overdrive, a uniquely versatile take on the iconic “transparent overdrive” pedal that has infatuated guitarists for three decades. Unlike any other “Klone”, the Keeley Manis combines both germanium NOS transistors and diodes, allowing guitarists an option for more compression and saturation in their sound.
In addition to delivering a right-on-the-money version of the classic transparent overdrive – shaped by the familiar 3-knob set of “Tone,” “Drive” and “Level” controls – the Manis provides two great new tone-shaping options – each controlled by dedicated toggle switches – that vastly expand the pedal’s sonic range.
The first of these upgrades is a two-position toggle switch for selecting either germanium diodes (an essential part of the classic transparent overdrive tone) or Keeley’s carefully selected germanium transistors in the pedal’s circuitry. The two settings provide dramatically different sound and feel, adding a wonderful versatility that is missing in other Klones. Select the germanium diodes (labeled GE Diode below the toggle switch) and you’ll get the iconic Klone sound. When you flip the toggle switch up and transpose germanium diodes with germanium transistors (labeled GE Trans), you’ll instantly get increased sustain and saturation in the pedal. In this mode the Manis provides a softer attack that sounds more like a tube amp. It’s less mid-forward, more organic, and feels incredible under your fingertips.
The second major upgrade allows you to tailor your bass response with a two-position toggle switch to select either “stock” voicing or enhanced bass voicing. Wouldn’t you like to hear a little more of the natural low end from your guitar? The Manis’ bass boost switch (labeled Bass+ above the toggle switch) pushes the lower half of pedal’s response by one octave and increases the output by +3dB. It’s perfect for making single coils sound fatter, fuller, and more powerful, and addresses an age-old complaint from some Klone users who feel the original pedal is too light on low-end brawn. If you wish to stick with the traditional voicing, simply use the toggle’s lower position (labeled Stock) for a more mid-focused tone.
Keeley’s Manis allows you to choose True Bypass or Buffered Silent Switching on the fly. Having a great buffer will make your rig sound strong and clear even when the pedal is off. Buffered switching prevents the pops and clicks of true-bypass switching. You can easily access quick, hands-free switching between either mode. To turn on true-bypass, simply press and hold the foot switch for two seconds. Press and hold the switch again for two seconds and you’ll return to buffered mode. True Bypass is great if a buffer might affect the tone of a vintage pedal further down in your signal chain. Enjoy truly silent switching and a better sounding rig with Keeley’s buffered switching mode.
The Manis is made in the USA and built like a tank. And it’s the first Klone you can power with 18 volts for increased headroom.
Manis highlights:
- The Manis isn’t just a mod: it’s an evolution of the mythical overdrive mid-boost pedal.
- Ge-Trans Switch offers a welcome difference in feel of the circuit with more of a tube-like saturation and compression.
- The Bass+ Switch – Lowers the frequency response by one octave and then pushes 3dB harder for bigger, fuller low-end tone.
- True-Bypass or Silent Switching – Whichever works and sounds best in your rig
- Power Protection up to 18 volts for increased headroom – without damaging the charge pump.
Manis is made in the USA in Keeley’s state-of-the-art Oklahoma City shop. From the meticulously built circuit boards to the newly fabricated aluminum enclosure, Keeley makes guitar effect pedals like finely crafted musical instruments.
The Keeley Manis Overdrive carries a street price of $199 USD. For more information visit rkfx.com.
