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Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal , this item is no longer available, below are some similar products you may be interested in.

Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Distortion Pedal with Variable Drive Control and Mid-Boost Switch
Item ID: ToneboneCl
Sorry, the Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only.
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Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal
Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal
Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Tonebone Classic is all About Tone, Dynamics and Individuality.

This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

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American guitar tradition. The natural distortion of the original Bassman, the sweet-spot of a Vintage Tweed, to those hot-rod amp tones that that smoke the blues and whistle Dixie all night long. They're are all in the Classic.

Radial Tonebone Classic at a Glance:
  • Vintage overdrive distortion pedal with variable overdrive.
  • Drive and level controls
  • Post distortion EQ for maximum flexibilty.
  • Mid-Boost switch to fatten up single coil pickups.

The Tonebone Classic is an extremely flexible distortion pedal. With three drive settings and a variable drive control, you can dial in everything from dirt to drastic and everywhere in between. The Tonebone Classic's design is based on vintage overdrive sounds that started in the 1960's and 1970's and today remain some of the most sought after tones. The Classic is exceptionally dynamic and transparent and as such, is extremely adept at retaining your playing style and signature. Even at high distortion settings, you can turn your guitar level down and the Classic cleans up naturally and without the noise, hum or buzz that is common with most other pedals. At higher settings, every note remains distinct and the natural tone of the instrument shines through.

Drive and Level Controls

The Tonebone Classic design follows the way a guitar amplifier works whereby the input DRIVE is akin to the input channel volume, while the LEVEL control acts more like a master volume control.

As such, the DRIVE control provides overall input gain to the distortion circuit. This works in conjunction with the 3-position DRIVE switch that controls low, mid or high distortion range settings. At low settings, the Classic creates lighter rock & roll tones like the sounds you would hear from Keith Richards or the cleaner side of Hendrix. In the mid-distortion range, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Clapton type tones come alive. At the higher distortion settings, Eddie Van Halen to Eric Johnson type solo tones can be created while big chunky rhythm tones from Boston to ZZ Top to Deep Purple are also easily attained.

Equalization and Tonal Structure

The Tonebone Classic employs active post-distortion equalization for maximum flexibility. Tone shaping is performed with three controls and two switches thus allowing the guitarist to dial in the type of tonal structure that may be desired.

HIGH and LOW equalization are extremely active providing up to 15dB of gain control. These work in conjunction with the TOP-END and MID-BOOST controls. Overall shaping begins with the TOP-END control with choice of Dark, Normal or Bright settings which are used to compensate for the tonal characteristics of the amplifier. The FILTER control overlaps the high-end with a subtle roll-off to further compensate for overly bright amplifiers.

The MID-BOOST switch is used to fatten-up single coil pick-ups or to add 'meat' to the tone for additional cut during soloing. The Classic's mid-range frequencies have been carefully selected to work with popular amplifiers like Twins and Marshalls. These settings are extremely effective at compensating for 'clean' oriented channels on classic tube amplifiers.

Radial Tonebone Classic Features:
  • LEVEL control: Used to balance the output level between the input drive without altering any of the tonal characteristics. Works somewhat like a master volume on an amplifier.
  • HIGH & LOW controls: Post distortion active tone controls that boost or cut from 12 o'clock position Low:+/- 14.5dB @ 100Hz, High:+/- 10dB @ 4.3kHz.
  • FILTER control:Balances the ratio of high frequencies between amplifier and Classic distortion to compensate for overly bright amplifiers.
  • DRIVE control: Used in conjunction with the drive gain switch, drive is used to adjust the overall amount of gain to the overdrive circuit.
  • TOP END switch: Switch sets the overall tonal character of the Classic to best match the amp and settings. Brighter amps are normally compensated with darker settings. Bright:Boosts +6dB @ 10kHz; Flat:No boost; Dark: Cuts -6dB @ 1.8kHz.
  • MID BOOST switch:Used to fatten up the sound for more cut and sustain during solos. Also, will fatten up the sound of single coil pick-ups.
  • High:Boosts +12dB @ 620Hz; Medium:Boosts +6dB @ 390Hz; Bypass:No boost.
  • DRIVE switch: Used in conjunction with the drive gain control. Drive switch selects the gain range of the overdrive circuit.
  • Tube:Standard 12AX7 vacuum tube inside is used in distortion stage to accentuate upper harmonics and warmth.
  • Distortion:Proprietary tube hybrid distortion circuit. Wide range of distortion settings may be derived.
  • Footswitch:True by-pass with red in/out status LED.
  • Power Supply:15VDC adapter (110V standard - export models available) - Included.
  • Construction:14 gauge steel construction with baked enamel coat.
  • Standard package:Includes power supply, rubber stick-on feet, owner's manual.
Ask any professional guitar player and they will tell you that nothing is more important than tone. The Radial Tonebone is rich in harmonics and huge in its tonal range. From fat, cutting-edge rhythms to powerful screaming solos, the Tonebone Classic has it all!

Warranty Info

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Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.

The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.

Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.