About This Item
Description
For players chasing the most tube-like, dynamic OCD tone with extra sustain and richer overtones, the germanium-diode Custom Shop OCD-Ge offers a warmer, more focused single-note voice than the standard OCD.
The OCD-Ge is a Fulltone Custom Shop build using 2 MOSFETs plus 2 matched germanium diodes, hard-clipping to a voltage reference rather than to ground; the earliest production OCDs used only one germanium diode. Compared to the standard OCD V2, the Ge version has greater definition, a wider dynamic range, more sustain and a more tube-like feel, with less compression than traditional diode-clipped overdrives. It runs louder, hence the audio-taper volume pot. Like the OCD V2, it has a Class-A discrete JFET input, the Drive/Volume/Tone control layout, the HP/LP switch and internally switchable True Bypass / Enhanced Bypass.
Why guitarists choose the Custom Shop OCD-Ge
- Custom Shop variant of the OCD using 2 MOSFETs plus 2 matched germanium diodes (vs. 1 diode on the earliest OCDs)
- Class-A discrete 2N5457 JFET input stage with 1 MΩ input impedance; output buffer redesigned to resist loading from pedals placed after it
- About 20 dB of gain, more in HP mode
- Metallic Teal finish with chrome undercoat that shifts between blues and greens with light and angle
- Blue LED indicator
- Internally switchable True Bypass or pop-free Enhanced Bypass
- Audio-taper volume pot for easier low-range volume setting, since this OCD runs louder
- Runs on 9 V or up to 18 V DC for extra headroom, dynamic range and clarity
Controls and switches
- Drive: below about 10 o'clock the pedal works as a cleaner boost into the amp; higher settings add distortion
- Volume (audio taper): unity gain often sits around 10 o'clock
- Tone: affects only the high frequencies; about 12 o'clock is neutral
- HP/LP switch: HP adds distortion, volume and a midrange boost around 1-2 kHz; LP is more transparent
- Internal True Bypass / Enhanced Bypass switch (set fully up for Enhanced Bypass, fully down for True Bypass)
- Fulltone-made 3PDT footswitch
Power and pedalboard compatibility
- Power: 9 V battery or 9-18 V DC, 2.1 mm barrel plug, center-negative (adapter sold separately)
- Current draw: about 8 mA
- For 18 V use a regulated linear supply such as the Fulltone IPS-18; switching-type supplies can add hiss and hum
Technical specifications
| Brand / model | Fulltone Custom Shop OCD-Ge (CS-OCD-Ge) |
|---|---|
| Effect type | Analog overdrive |
| Clipping | 2 MOSFETs hard-clipping to Vref plus 2 matched germanium diodes |
| Input stage | Class-A discrete 2N5457 JFET |
| Controls | Drive, Volume (audio taper), Tone, HP/LP switch |
| Bypass | Internally switchable True Bypass or Enhanced Bypass |
| Input impedance | 1 MΩ |
| Output impedance | 10 kΩ (on, and off in Enhanced Bypass) |
| Power | 9 V battery or 9-18 V DC, 2.1 mm, center-negative |
| Current draw | about 8 mA |
| Finish / LED | Metallic Teal with chrome undercoat / blue LED |
| Made in | USA |
FAQ
How is the OCD-Ge different from the standard OCD V2? The OCD-Ge adds a pair of matched germanium diodes to the two MOSFET clippers, plus a few circuit tweaks. The result is more definition, wider dynamic range, more sustain and a rounder, more tube-like feel on single notes. The standard OCD V2 clips with MOSFETs alone.
What's the sonic difference between 1 and 2 germanium diodes? The earliest OCDs used two MOSFETs and one germanium diode. Using two matched germanium diodes widens the clipping threshold for softer, more tube-like clipping, with a more open sound and more highs.
What does Enhanced Bypass do versus True Bypass? True Bypass takes the circuit out of the signal path when the pedal is off. Enhanced Bypass keeps a Class-A FET stage active when off, preserving top end on long cable runs or with many bypassed pedals. Both modes switch without pops. The selector is inside the enclosure.
Can it run on 18 V, and is a special power supply needed? Yes. It runs on 9 V or up to 18 V DC; higher voltage gives more headroom, dynamic range and clarity. Use a center-negative 2.1 mm supply, preferably a regulated linear one such as the Fulltone IPS-18.
Is this a limited Custom Shop model? Yes. The OCD-Ge is a Fulltone Custom Shop model built in small runs in the USA, first released in 2019.
HP vs LP switch: which setting for British-voiced tones? HP adds gain, volume and a midrange push around 1-2 kHz for a British-style voice. LP is flatter and more transparent, better for clean boost and stacking.