Sparkle Drive

Voodoo Lab’s Most Game-Changing Pedal

Since 1986, Voodoo Lab have been working away in Santa Rosa, California, to create some really special pedals. Obscure though this boutique brand is, they’ve been responsible for pushing pedal technology along quite a bit over the years. At the same time, they’ve been responsible for making some really nice little pedals such as the Proctavia, the Giggity, and their own take on the classic Superfuzz.
Today we’re taking a look at the Sparkle Drive, and how it brings something new and worthwhile to the classic Tube Screamer sound.

Clean Blend Made Easy

For bass players, getting a clean blend has never been difficult, but the market hasn’t been so kind to guitarists. Short of buying a splitter and a second amp, there aren’t many options for getting a clean blend on a guitar sound. The Sparkle Drive bridges that gap by allowing you to dial in that clean amp tone. You can use it as a full-on Tube Screamer or dial the clean blend all the way up for a basic boost.

In terms of its overdriven sound, it’s not quite on par with a true Ibanez Tube Screamer, but at the same time, it’s a pretty great overdrive and an incredibly useful addition to your pedal board.

The Sparkle Drive Will Save You Money

A brand new Sparkle Drive will set you back around $170 while, second hand, they sell for around $100. That’s not cheap, but at the same time, it’s a lot cheaper than building your own clean boost set-up. Ultimately this pedal opens up the way for guitarists to use a previously inaccessible effect.

But what do you think? Check out the sound of the Sparkle Drive, as well as other Voodoo Lab pedals, here on TonePedia, and decide for yourself if you think this pedal is worth the price.