Shnobel Tone has officially raised the bar for boutique pedalboards with the release of the Dumbbell Driver. This premium dual-circuit stompbox marries two of the brand’s most sought-after designs—the Daily Driver Overdrive and the Dumbbell Boost—into a single, high-performance enclosure.
Designed for guitarists seeking “D-style” harmonics and transparent grit, the Dumbbell Driver offers unparalleled routing flexibility and touch-sensitive dynamics.
Two Iconic Circuits, One Powerful Pedal
The Dumbbell Driver isn’t just a multi-effects unit; it’s two completely independent, hand-built pedals in one. By housing the Daily Driver and the Dumbbell Boost together, Shnobel Tone provides players with a comprehensive gain stage solution that saves precious pedalboard real estate without sacrificing tone.
The Daily Driver (Overdrive)
Located on the left side of the pedal, the Daily Driver circuit delivers a rich, amp-like overdrive. It features:
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Intuitive EQ: Dedicated High and Low frequency knobs.
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Voice Control: A three-position toggle switch offering two distinct high-cut settings and a transparent flat-response mode.
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Versatility: Capable of everything from subtle edge-of-breakup to thick, saturated lead tones.
The Dumbbell Boost
On the right side, the Dumbbell Boost adds harmonic complexity inspired by legendary Dumble-style amplifiers.
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Input Impedance Control: The “Input” knob allows players to shift from a bright, tight response to a full-range, harmonically rich roar.
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Clean Headroom: The “Level” knob provides plenty of juice to push the front end of any tube amp.
Professional Routing & Build Quality
One of the standout features of the Dumbbell Driver is the Order Toggle Switch. This allows users to instantly swap the signal chain:
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Boost >> Overdrive: Push the overdrive into higher saturation for thick sustain.
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Overdrive >> Boost: Increase the volume of your overdrive signal for a clean solo lift.
The pedal is hand-built using premium through-hole components and features top-mounted jacks, making it an easy fit for tight pedalboard setups.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Circuit Type | Analog Overdrive & Independent Boost |
| Bypass | Dual True-Bypass Footswitches |
| Power | 9V DC Center Negative (No Battery) |
| Finish Options | Classic Black or Elegant White |
| MSRP | $329.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Dumbbell Driver use the same circuits as the standalone pedals?
Yes. Shnobel Tone confirmed that both the Daily Driver and Dumbbell Boost circuits are identical to their standalone counterparts, maintained in their original analog glory.
Can I use the Boost and Overdrive at the same time?
Absolutely. Each circuit has its own dedicated footswitch, allowing you to use them individually or stack them together for maximum gain.
What power supply do I need?
The pedal runs on a standard 9V center-negative power supply. Due to the high-quality internal components, there is no internal battery compartment.
Is it difficult to fit on a pedalboard?
Not at all. Despite having six knobs and two switches, the use of top-mounted jacks keeps it from taking up much horizontal space.
Our Verdict
The Shnobel Tone Dumbbell Driver is a masterclass in functional pedal design. By combining a transparent, highly tweakable overdrive with a harmonically rich boost, it provides the “Swiss Army Knife” of gain stages for the discerning tone chaser. Perfect if you are looking for that elusive D-style chime or a dependable daily workhorse, the Dumbbell Driver delivers boutique quality in a road-ready package.
The Dumbbell Driver is available now for $329 at ShnobelTone.com.
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