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Wampler Tumnus Transparent Overdrive Pedal Reviews

Compact Overdrive Pedal with Gain, Level, and Treble Controls

Bring one of the most sought-after overdrives to your rig with the Wampler Pedals Tumnus overdrive pedal. Painstakingly modeled after the legendary gold overdrive pedal that sports a mythical half-man, half-horse logo, the Tumnus delivers incredible overdrive tones. Sweetwater guitarists love pedals with tonal flexibility, and you can use this versatile pedal as a subtle boost to push other pedals, a slightly dirty boost to push your amp, or as a full-on overdrive pedal. Its small footprint and simple three knob layout make it ideal for any pedalboard. Add legendary overdrive to your pedalboard with the Wampler Pedals Tumnus overdrive.

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Highest Rated Reviews

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WOW

By Sweetwater Customer on December 29, 2023 Music Background: casual/hobby/gigged in past

Makes my Mesa electradyne sound like a Mark 2C+ or Mark 4 when red channeled. On clean channel sound amazing for blues or rock. Incredibly versatile. For solos, kinda gives that percussive rat effect that Nuno gets on solos. This is my #1 pedal and I have a lot. By itself not really a metal sound, but like I said earlier combining with a Mesa ED. Sounds like Metallica plucked right out of the studio/record tone. Worth 4 times the money IMO. Get one.

Great boost

By Bill on November 9, 2023

This is a great pedal for boosting leads. If you have a good tone already, and don't want it masked, this is your pedal. If you have a crappy tone, and are looking for something to make it better, keep looking.

Perfect!

By John from Austin, TX on October 17, 2023 Music Background: 45 years jazz and contemporary Christian

I use the Tumnus always on to add subtle dimension and character. Gives a little added something when stacked with the Moxie or Belle overdrives. After the Moxie, before the Belle.

So good I have it always on!

By Roland Gomez from Bellflower, CA on September 14, 2023

The tumnus is so amazing with providing that "edge of breaking" clean but slightly overdriven sound which I love. Some people use this as a boost pedal but I personally feel that wastes its potential as it shines when you dial in some dirt to your sound. If you want an amazing lead tone for solos, stack this with a tube screamer or another overdrive.

Excellent lead boost!

By Timothy Hull from LIMA, OH on September 8, 2023

The Tumnus Mini is perfect for that classic rock/metal lead boost without changing the overall tone that you already have dialed in on your amp. I can dial it in to where it matches my current amp settings, but with that added bit-o-bump to get those thinner sounding lead notes above the mix without sounding like I'm using a pedal that's tonal shape isn't matching up with the tonal characteristics of my amp, which I should mention is coming from either a Marshall VS100, Lead 12, or Lead 15.

I haven't had a chance to pair the Tumnus up with the Lead 12's 2x10 cabs, or the Iridium in Reaper, so the jury's still out in those areas. But so far, the Thumnus sounded great through all three heads when each one is paired with my 2x12 cab.

Tumnus

By Sweetwater Customer on August 17, 2023

AMAZING!!! Love what it did for my sound!! Best Klon clone out there!! Highly recommend!!

Great Must Have Pedal!

By Dr. Danz from Port Orange, FL on August 3, 2023 Music Background: 40 years experience as professional guitarist, recording, live shows, etc., etc.,...

The Klon's reputation proceeds itself. This pedal is fantastic...small form factor, excellent tone/flexibility, great $$$. From clean boost to mean...it's all in there. I now own many Wampler pedals, and can't speak highly enough about them. The additional circuitry tweaks/voicing Brian throws in are always a plus and extend the flexibility/use/range of each pedal as compared with the original. Works great with amp sims, tube amps, single coils, humbuckers, etc. This is a must have pedal that will never leave my board. For a real treat, purchase the Tumnus Deluxe...outstanding!

Outstanding

By Zac from Utah on June 2, 2023

I pulled out the pedal once it came and I was immediately blown away with the tones. I've played many drive type pedals and even when compared to my boutique overdrive and distortion effects the Tumnus to me sounds better. Love it

Yumnus For My Tumnus

By Martin Galicia from Mobile, AL on March 30, 2023

Love this pedal! It really allows you to adjust to your desired tone and pairs well with a TubeScreamer and other modulation effects. This is a permanent fixture on my board.

Guitarist/Tumnus

By Jerry from Wi on March 27, 2023 Music Background: 40 years playing

Very impressed.
Right out of the box to the pedal board.
Sounded amazing through my 59 bassman.
Did not have to spend a lot of time dialing it in.
Turn key.
Looking for that Klon but don't have a few thousand laying around.
The Tumus nails it.

Clean and dirty

By Garry Cuthbertson from North Carolina on March 15, 2023 Music Background: Exsperinced

I've had it a few month and prefer it over the mini tubescreamer.

Incredible product!

By Dillon Abney from Berea, KY on March 15, 2023 Music Background: Guitarist, banjo, bassist.

This is a must have pedal! Incredible tones from this clean overdrive pedal. Can make it as dirty as you need it to be or clean as you need it to be. I highly recommend.

I have 2!!

By Sweetwater Customer on March 9, 2023

I had a screamer and the Tumnus deluxe, found that I almost always liked the Tumnus better. So swapped out the 808 for this mini size guy. I have a pedal switching system. The Tumnus is on a loop that I can program in on a patch. The Tumnus deluxe is the first pedal from the guitar and is not in a loop. So best of both worlds- used in preset patch or on the fly as needed. If you want a lot of eq control, go deluxe. But if you just need some special sauce, get this. Or get both.

One “Sweet” Pedal

By Derek B on February 7, 2023

Hahaha, see what I did there with the tile…..This pedal gives me just that "classic rock" tone I have been looking for! It can give that clean crunch or get pretty dirty if it needs to and it's also dead quite. I really like how the Tumnus Mini takes what you already have and just makes it sound better, it doesn't color everything up other than adding a little bottom end which is fine with me. It also works great stacked with the Mojomojo to brighten it up for a nice, very full sound. Those two pedals together are pretty much money in my book. Heck it can also be used just to boost the amp clean. Honestly if you're on the fence, DO IT, the Tumnus Mini is by far my favorite pedal!

Great with a Quilter

By Ronald Fortner from Texas on February 3, 2023 Music Background: 30 year professional musician

Love it. Really works great with a Quilter amp. Just leave it on all the time or stack with an overdrive. Sounds great both ways. Very Klon'ish.

Not just another imposter. Lol

By Glenn from Illinois on January 27, 2023 Music Background: 35 years playing guitar

This pedal is amazing! Beautiful Tone! All by itself, or stacking with a tube screamer. Tonal Bliss run this through my Mojo Mojo! Saw a video where this pedal even beat out it's 5000 dollar predecessor! Glad I pulled the trigger!

Wampler Tumnus

By Scot Weeks from Texas on January 20, 2023

Love this pedal! I have the Tumnus at the end of my signal chain and another very similar klon clone the Way Huge Conspiracy Theory in front. Both are excellent drives. I think the Tumnus has a bit more gain on tap imho. Smooth as butter. Clean, crisp drive pedal. Simply Awesome. Brian Wampler is legendary. Well done. Love the Wampler Plexi Drive as well.

Love it

By Sweetwater Customer on October 5, 2022

The Tumnus is a staple on my board. I've went through a ton of drives and narrowed it down to this, the JHS Morning Glory and a MXR 108 Fuzz. I can do anything I need with this combo. I like to run it gained up into my Bad Cat Cub and gain rolled back as a boost into my Orange OR15. Work really well with both amps. It stacks well with the Morning Glory running into it as well. I love where the mids are that it adds. Helps punch you right through a mix. Much prefer it to a tube screamer. It has a really good and immediate feel to it and will definitely fatten up your tone. The Tumnus has become a big part of my sound and I highly recommend it.

Smooth, round distortion tone goodness!

By Rex Bennett from LOS GATOS, CA on September 21, 2022

Running this behind Wampler Ego compressor then into some pre-amp boost. Nice variation of tonal distortion without blowing the roof off the house. I am able to achieve that ZZ Top Eliminator tone I was after.
Highly recommend both Wampler pedals in combo. Super happy.

Magic making machine

By Steve Garvey from Michigan on September 1, 2022 Music Background: Weekend warrior

I am not sure what it is, precisely, that makes this little pedal sound so good with my rig (Telecaster into a lower power amp) but it does a job! I use it primarily as a boost, to give higher gained pedals a jump start. However, it shines alone too. Don't hesitate to buy one.

Wampler Tumnus

By Tim Hoshor on August 23, 2022

I have purchased and sold many different overdrive pedals to find the transparency that the Tumnus provides. This is the one that I will definitely keep! I also want to thank Ryan. He always takes care of me.

Best and Cleanest OD Boost

By Rob Davis from Cincinnati Ohio on July 13, 2022

This is a true overdrive pedal with a very clean and natural sounding boost designed to overdrive tube amps into early breakup. It does the same thing as a Tube Screamer but doesn't accentuate the mids as much, it has a much greater tonal range. It's not a distortion pedal and was meant for pushing tube amps like the original Klon design. Almost always on.

Tumnus OD

By Gary from Glen Rock, PA on June 21, 2022 Music Background: Intermediate guitar hobbyist who enjoys classic rock, country, 90’s grunge and a little gospel music.

Tone is subjective but the Tumnus does exactly what I need it to do. I play mostly classic rock and I use the Tumnus to overdrive my Blues Junior or AC10. To my ears it's a little clearer and more transparent then my tube screamer. Gives me just the right amount of dirt without coloring my tone. A nice addition to my pedal board.

Wampler Tumnus

By Steve from MURFREESBORO, TN on June 14, 2022

Before I even plugged it in I was impressed. I have purchased other brands and models of pedals, however this is the first Wampler pedal. It is obvious the company values their products. The packaging was impeccable with a very sturdy box along with bubble wrap inside. The pedal itself was wrapped inside a drawstring velvety sack. I was using a fairly new pedal and felt like it was missing something. Stomped on the Tumnus and WOW!! the tone came alive. I believe it when others say the Tumnus just makes everything sound so much better.

Overdrive or Preamp?

By MICHAEL from CT on May 26, 2022

This little stomper will take your sound to a new level! I can't imagine anyone not loving the beautiful body this pedal adds to your tone. It's first in line on my board, always-on, an excellent pre.

3 in 1

By Jeff Aitken from Terre Haute on April 9, 2022 Music Background: 50+ years experience and still rockin.

This little thing is like having a quality treble boost, a screamer distortion and a clean boost all in one.
Very good pedal

Tumnus

By Keith from Atlanta on March 2, 2022 Music Background: Intermediate

Wow this mini wampler is just right for what I need for a clean boost. It will brighten the darkest amp, has plenty of gain and treble. Really happy with this purchase. I appreciate the team at Sweetwater for helping me out with my decision. Thanks Johnathan for all your help. If you need a small powerful pedal then give this a try!

Great pedal

By MARCOS HERTEL from Houston, TX on January 26, 2022

if you are looking for a good tone with drive please go ahead. A++++++
I have used tuber screamer TS 808 for years but now I'm in love with the TUMNUS

Wampler Tumnus

By Andrew Stendahl from Texas on January 11, 2022 Music Background: Recently Ive been into learning stuff with '90s youtube guitar tutorials- Soundgarden, Marcys Playground, Temple Of The Dog stuff like that

This overdrive has the best grit potential with an amp that has a built in gain dial on it. Through my Vox AC 10 it sounds huge, it sounds a lot better than most overdrive pedals do through clean channel amps. My Fender 65 reissue Princeton Reverb amp jives with the Tumnus as opposed to my Animals Pedals Overdrives through my Fender Amp which sound thin. Wampler boost power is mighty enough to make clean channel amps sound alive. As a clean boost with the gain turned all the way down the Tumnus is awesome too. Other pedals claim to double as boosts but this one excels at it. I like to pair it with the Wampler Belle or with the Earthquaker Westwood. Tumnus has a lot more gain output than Conspiracy Theory and Sugar Drive. Worth buying, it has this unique buzz to it with a faint tube sag on the strum

The holy grail

By Kevin from Stoughton on December 22, 2021

I run this pedal in front right after my wah and I have an ep booster in the effects loop before my delay and reverb. These pedals are always on pedals. The tumnis has a buffer and the ep booster also when it's left on. I set that at 9 o'clock and the tumnis is everything at 12 o'clock. I tried it on my dsl marsh cr and my evh111 el34s 2x12 combo. I have a ns2 in the loop on my board. The pedal is transparent od and cleans up well on both amps. Even on the red Channel on the Evh it sounds stellar. It's an amazing pedal. On my Evh Frankenstein and my single coil Strat it sings. I'm talking both amps too. With the right settings you can go from clean to filthy with the volume control or pickups. Love this pedal. Best overdrive period and I've tried many. This has no noise with the noise gate always on and it doesn't cut off my cleans when I back off the volume and clean it up. Raging tone and very responsive. I can't say enough about this little gem. Only that I'm done chasing my tone. I highly recommend this pedal.

I like it...a lot

By Jay Knudson from Helena, MT on December 6, 2021

I have had a day to work with this pedal, first impressions are great. I am finding a lot of useable tones through the pot ranges. It is stacking well with other overdrives, before and after. Working great with my Fuzz Face. I like it in higher gain situations, and I am really liking it clean as a launching platform for stacking other drives. I play a fender clean amp that has some very hollow mids, it gives the amp some nice character and a bit of a mid-push that is not harsh. Very natural breakup and that Klonny Honk. Love it.

Best Overdrive

By Sweetwater Customer on November 15, 2021

Better than my ts808 by a wide margin. Saw it compared to four Klons at Andertons, sounded the same to me, just much lower cost. Simple, effective.

plug in and play

By James Loan from Turners Falls, MA on November 1, 2021 Music Background: playing since 1960 or so, still suck, but happy

I haven't had this for very long, a couple of weeks. I bought it because I watched a "shootout" on the Andertons website between four Klons (two silver Centaurs, two red KTR's) and the Tumnus. Hearing them side by side was eye/ear opening. I was unable to differentiate one from the other, and so went with the Wampler Tumnus because it sounded the same and was much lower cost. I have used it only a few time now (I work) but am very happy (darn near thrilled) with the Tumnus.

There are two versions, I got the simpler version. Simple is often best. Very pleased.

Perfect Plexigi Grind

By PBIZ from Northern VA on October 23, 2021 Music Background: Gigging Hobbiest

As guitarists we go through stages.....we over do it with effects, then under do it....When you have arrived as an accomplished musician you will realize that less is more and that's why the Tumnus gets such great reviews. Sounds better in the context of a band than on its own because its voiced to be professional. My rig: Schecter USA PT Custom - Peterson strobe tuner - Wampler mini compressor - Xotic Effects RV Boost Vol 2 - Tumnus - into Mesa California Tweed amp. A Strymon Brigadier delay rest on top of the amp in the effects loop. Sounds GLORIOUS! The Tumnus is the main character in my rig with everything else supplementing it. We play everything from Beatles, Blues, Americana, Classic Rock, and ACDC....this simple rig does it all well.

This Pedal Sounds Amazing

By KEVIN BROOKS from Mobile, AL on October 22, 2021 Music Background: I could have been a Rock Star, but I didn't have the clothes!

I purchased this pedal after seeing it compared blind against the Klon. There was NO difference in sound! I purchased it and as always Sweetwater sent it right out. When I got it I plugged it into the front of my Blues Jr. This thing sounds amazing. It far exceeded my expectations. It is smooth and clear, with just the right amount of breakup. I love it, and you will too.

Incredible pedal

By Don Whitesel from Lancaster, PA on September 2, 2021 Music Background: intermediate guitar player

I happened to watching a few videos on YouTube when I heard the Wampler Tumnis pedal and it's incredible and sounds fantastic. I like to have at least one buffered pedal on my pedalboard and this one is perfect. If I need another one at the end I can always switch the Hall of Fame 2 mini to buffered but, I don't think I'll need to. In fact I highly recommend several of the pedals pictured on my mini pedalboard! I was finally able to build a pedalboard with mini pedals and I love it. They all sound fantastic especially the Wampler Tumnis.

My Always On

By TK from Riverside, CA on July 19, 2021 Music Background: 25+ years trained musician

One of my favorite pedals. Huge part of my tone and pretty much always on.

Great pedal from Wampler!

Badass

By Sweetwater Customer on July 17, 2021

Just buy it it's wicked

My god!! Amazing pedal

By Travis on March 22, 2021

I just got this pedal today and couldnt wait to get home from work to test it out. I'm blown away. Just using my clean channel good clarity and I love how the breakup works when you roll back your volume. Watched videos and they did a comparison of this pedal to a klon, but you just cant explain how good it is unless you hear it firsthand.

Versatile pedal!

By Steve from South Dakota on February 22, 2021

I don't use a lot of drive pedals, but I found myself in need of one that fit the description that Brian Wampler demonstrates on this pedal.
It pairs well with my 65 d.r.r.i. at low volumes. It'll stay on my board!

Fantastic

By Sweetwater Customer on January 15, 2021

This sounds so good. I've reworked my pedal board so I can basically leave this on all the time. I run it pretty clean and it just reacts to my playing in a way that I've never experienced before. I mostly play originals, so I'm not really looking to sound like anyone, but it has changed how I approach quite a few of my songs. It stays really clear if I want, but it will also bite if I ask it to. I also makes my Walrus Audio SLO react much differently. I don't use that pedal without this one because of that. Great pedal.

One of the best overdrives out there

By Sid on November 21, 2020 Music Background: Professional 40+ years

I don't have any Wampler pedals but was looking for a mild overdrive and picked this one up. To my surprise this thing cranks - it does mild but also some serious gain as well while remaining articulate and guitar volume responsive. I have a Boss Angry Driver and a Friedman BE-OD on two other pedalboards. This one is on my mini pedalboard and a new favorite. I will definitely check out more Wampler pedals as this one is just killer.

Tumnus so Good

By C Miller from USVI on November 18, 2020 Music Background: I play for fun

I bought this after reading a lot of online reviews as well as youtube reviews, since I live in a location where I would not be able to try the pedal before I bought it. It does exactly as I'd hoped - a really clean boost at low gain with progressively more bite as the gain is turned up. I think it sounds best on my single coil guitars, but humbuckers benefit as well. Since I've bought it, it's my always-on pedal as it just makes everything better.

Amazing!

By Katie Moore on October 28, 2020

I love it! The Sweetwater customer service is also incredible. 100% never been happier with a purchase! Thanks!

always on pedal

By Jeffrey Aitken from Terre Haute, IN on October 2, 2020 Music Background: College jazz band and 50+ years of stage and studio, playing guitar.

This Pedal is a great, but very subtle addition to my tone. With the Paisley Deluxe and the Wampler Wired pedals on my board its like having a bunch of great amps at my feet. This is a perfect example of simplicity being beauty. You can add this pedal to any tone you are playing with and it gets better. With just this little pedal by itself, Tweek the vol and drive for perfectly clear boost or perfect blues voicing. Love it.

Tumnus for the win

By Gregory from Casper, WY on August 19, 2020 Music Background: Band musician for 20 years

I like to run this as an always on pedal! Great sound without hurting your instruments tone or signal.

Something special here

By Jack Brighton from Champaign, IL on July 16, 2020 Music Background: Wanted to be a star, but I can still play like hell

I've been on a 20-year quest for the right overdrive pedal. I recognize that we guitar players are all a bit different, and might be looking for different things. For me, I want something like a gas pedal I can control with my volume knob. Something that starts from clean, clear, and slightly warm without being muddy, and that respects and reflects the inherent sound of my guitar and fingers. At the higher end, I want a gain level that gives me sustain and just a little hair, and a tiny bit of compression without losing touch-sensitivity and dynamics. Something with that elusive 3-dimensional "it" that makes playing guitar the blast I knew as a kid learning Hendrix and Santana licks. The Tumnus does exactly that. I'm using it by itself for tones from clean to blues-level overdrive, and as a boost feeding several other overdrive and distortion pedals on my pedalboard. I thought I might kick it on for solos, but I'm finding that it can stay on pretty much all the time. Just hit the gas pedal as needed. It plays well with everything so far, and my only problem now is I have several pedal boards and only one Tumnus.

Closest thing to a Klon Centaur?

By Seth on June 23, 2020 Music Background: 20+ years of guitar

Argue all you want over silicon and germanium diodes, but this little guy does the trick no matter what it's made out of. I use this as the first pedal in my signal chain to boost cleans and the rest of my pedals, including another overdrive/distortion pedal. To me, the Tumnus draws sound comparisons to the fabled Klon Centaur, but also acts as a Tube Screamer alternative. No disrespect to the old faithful Tube Screamer, but I was looking for something different as a boost and the Tumnus delivered just that for me.

I can only go off memory as I do not have one, but in my limited time using a Klon Centaur that's what the sound of the Tumnus reminded me of on my initial first impression with how it boosted cleans. I love both clean and overdriven/distortion guitar sounds and that's why I went with the Tumnus. A Tube Screamer typically always does the job when trying to boost another overdrive/distortion pedal or an amps dirty channel, but it always fell flat for me on the clean sound. The Tumnus easily gives me the boost in sound I'm looking for with both cleans and distortion.

Another great feature is it's a smaller, "mini" pedal, which is pedal board friendly. It's one of those "ALWAYS ON" pedals for me so other than some minor knob turning, it's a "set it and forget it" pedal. Now... do I buy another one and stack two? We shall see.

Killer od first in od chain

By Eric O from VA, USA on June 14, 2020 Music Background: 45+years of tone chasing

I run this first as a always on pedal into a Pantheon and out to a Dual Fusion. I love it, sounds great, and when I'm not using either other drive it gives me just enough bite to tighten my tone up running cleaner. Wampler pedals rock!!!

It's that good

By Rick from NJ on June 4, 2020 Music Background: Weekend gigger / noodles aldente

The little guy just makes everything sound more defined. I use it before my JHS AT with the gain about 9 o'clock and always on. Adds a bit of grit to my clean tone, but it's worth the clarity.

Great birthday present!

By James from New York on April 2, 2020 Music Background: Professional Hobbyist

My girlfriend bought this as a birthday present for me, and so far I have been beyond impressed!

I have a TS, OCD, and Mosky Golden Horse already on my board. I loved what the GH did but was curious if there was something out there that just did it "better." The Tumnus is that pedal and more. I'm digging the Wampler way more than any of my other drives right now.

The lows stay thick, the treble knob gives you all the clarity you need, and the drive is very usable while staying articulate as you add more saturation. If you prefer light to medium gains then you owe it to yourself to try one. Even as a simple booster this pedal far exceeds expectations. Thank you Jessica and thank you Sweetwater!

It’s Magical

By Mike from New Jersey on March 30, 2020 Music Background: Enthusiast

This little pedal surprised me. It has an incredibly pleasing sound that was instantly captivating. Then I played it some more, and gave it a permanent spot on my board. I'm using this as a stage 1 overdrive and it works great stacking with my other drives. Since i'm using it as a stage 1 drive, I want it to boost my clean signal while also adding some dirt. That's exactly where this pedal shines. I mainly play in a worship band and the Tumnus is (almost) always on. Just get it!

My new favorite pedal

By Danny from TN on February 17, 2020 Music Background: All of a sudden .. I rock!

Buy this please ... and make the world sound better!

Astonishing - Holy......!!!

By D. Pope on December 14, 2019

My favorite pedal of all time! I’m using this as my always on pedal. I have it located at the end of my gain stage and the effect that it has is simply amazing. I am toying with the idea of purchasing another one to put at the front of my gain stage. Because this pedal works in either situation. If you do not have the money for a Klon this is the one to get. I don’t know how Brian does it but he is a genius.

My favorite drive pedal

By Justin from Auburndale, Fl on December 9, 2019 Music Background: P&W Acoustic Duo

This little pedal packs a huge punch. It sounds great at any setting. I bought it For lead boosts/ big drive parts, but have also come to love it as an always on boost. It just makes everything sound better.

Great as an always on pedal

By Mustafa on July 14, 2019

I bought this pedal to use always on for a slightly crunchy clean tone. Gain at 9 o'clock, Tone at 12 o'clock, Volume at unity makes my clean sound much rounder and lively. Also it makes my OD pedals (Fulltone OCD and JHS AT+) much more snappy and helps cut through the mix. Great little pedal.

And incredible shipment speed from Sweetwater. I ordered internationally and the pedal reached to me in 4 days including the customs processes !!! Unbelievable. I have been ordering pedals from different companies online internationally since years and 4 days is by far the fastest international delivery.

New favorite

By Tim Ottinger from IL on July 4, 2019

This is the always-on overdrive is exceptionally touch sensitive and ear-pleasing.

EXACTLY what I wanted

By Jon Stout from El Paso, TX on December 28, 2018 Music Background: 53 years of guitar addiction.

I simply wanted a dependable and "tone-worthy" pedal for low gain playing. I knew I could depend on the Wampler brand to deliver a solid product to invest in. On top of it all, being a C.S. Lewis fan I couldn't resist a pedal named after the Narnia character Tumnus. The pedal arrived this week and I couldn't be more pleased. The tone is spot on and the sound I wanted was more than easy to dial in. I know it is capable of dialing in serious amounts of gain, but I already have a pedal for ear drum ringing. I wanted a touch similar to what you hear on a Larry Carlton song, just enough "hair" to make it tasteful with an edge.

Knowing me, I'll use it for crazy blues and rock tunes and it will not disappoint me. What I need it for now, it delivers and I think you'll find it delivers what you are looking for as well.

Wow

By Randy P from Toledo ohio on November 26, 2018

Why did I wait so long to finally order a tumnus? Holy cow this pedal sounds fantastic. Works great into my peavey valveking, both clean and dirty channels, and also work fantastic with my little Marshall class 5. Just killer, the midrange is just in the perfect frequency range to my ears, nicely fat but not overly so. I can see this becoming my go to for grit.

One great pedal

By Fuzzking from Portland, In on October 14, 2018 Music Background: Long time

Love my vox night train sound but wanted a little more bite. This pedal does just that, volume up tone at 12 and the drive off just sounds amazing. Truely a turn on, leave on gem.

Tumnus

By Charlie from NJ on September 18, 2018

I have played rock and blues for 50 years and have been through a mountain of gear including an original Klon Centaur. Terrific in the day, still is. They now go for about $3,000. Putting together a pedal board, I wanted the Klon's voice but there wasn't room. Having had excellent experience with Wampler pedals, I looked into whether they have one in the spirit of the Klon. They do, the Tumnus. When it got here I A/Bd it with the Klon. Indistinguishable. It was a pleasure to make the purchase through Sweetwater.

Can't believe I waited so long

By Brian from Tampa,fl on August 10, 2018

What a pedal! So much tone out of something so tiny! I'm thinking about getting 1 or 2 more just to have different levels of gain....honestly this is the only overdrive pedal you'll ever need

Toy or Tumnus?

By Doug LaVigne from Michigan on June 30, 2018

The Tumnus is a great overdrive. Excellent tonal quality in a deceivingly tiny stompbox case. I was sold when I heard it being demo"d By Brian Wampler himself during Gearfest!!! Buy one! Crap... buy 2 and give one as a gift!! Great pedal in a compact size so it won"t take up a lot of real estate on your board.

Perfect OD

By Sweetwater Customer on June 28, 2018

I play through a American Standard Telecaster and had recently purchased a Fender Bassbreaker 15 combo (fantastic amp). I wanted and OD that was transparent i.e. I did not want the OD tone to step all over the great tone of the Bassbreaker, but I did want a crisp OD bluesy sound. This pedal does exactly that. Was a little bright at first, but was easily able to dial in that "perfect" tone. Great pedal.

Incredible Tone in a small box

By Sweetwater Customer on June 27, 2018 Music Background: Hobbyist

I purchased a few different Klon type pedals. One in particular was large and supposed to be a faithful reproduction of the orginal. However, it didn't suite my taste; not enough gain. The Tumnus nails the tone that I want and is 1/3 the size of the other pedal. I love to combine it with another distortion pedal to give me a huge rock sound. Love this pedal; it's staying on my board!

Very Versatile

By Jay from NYC on June 4, 2018 Music Background: Singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist

I'm mostly an Americana player, spending the vast majority of my time playing singer/songwriter folk stuff on my acoustic guitar. When I am looking for some dirt on electric (I use an American Standard Tele and one of those Korean Gretsch Electromatics primarily), I'm usually looking for a low-to-medium amount of overdrive.

While I love the sound of the OCD from Fulltone, I don't think I'd have enough use for it. I've been using the EHX Soul Food for a while as a transparent drive, and I've been happy with it... but the Tumnus has something intangible that puts it in a completely different echelon. I know, if you're reading this review, you are probably tired of hearing the "The Tumnus just feels good and gives your sound a quality that's hard to put into words," but it is true. There's something about the responsiveness, and the extra warmth you get out of this thing that makes it really wonderful. You can dime the Gain on it to get close to something like a true crunchy overdrive, but it won't get you to metal land. Where this thing shines is with the Gain at about 10 o'clock and the volume at about 9 o'clock. It's also super tiny so you can free up some space on your board, or just shoehorn it in before or after your existing OD to stack it for more gain.

Tumnus Mini

By eric schanz from pittsfield, MA on May 18, 2018

Great Klon Clone . Very clean and dynamic lower gain and transparent pedal . buffered bypass is nice . Robbie is a very good sales engineer

Very transparent

By Spiderbob from West Virginia on February 28, 2018 Music Background: former pro and session guy. Now a hobbyist.

This is a fantastic pedal that adds sustain and fullness to your tone. I wouldn't call it an overdrive in the common sense of the term. It boost the signal in a way that adds sustain and a little bit if dirt. A must for blues and to add that extra horsepower to your tele. It keeps it twangy while giving it a rich sustain. Definitely a great investment in finding that tone.It is not fuzzy just full.You can also back the gain off the amp tubes and use this pedal to get awesome overdrive metal sounds with an added sonic richness.

Wampler Tumnus

By William J Schuver from IL on December 24, 2017

The Wampler Tumnus is my favorite pedal. I think every guitar player should have this pedal on your board. It is so versatile from a just a great boost to full on overdrive tone!!! I highly recommend you try this pedal.

Awesome

By Seth from Oklahoma on December 7, 2017 Music Background: Experienced

If I had to pick just one overdrive pedal, this would be the one. Luckily I don"t and it stacks well with my JhS Morning Glory and Mad Professor Little Green Wonder. I love the mid range punch it produces. Sounds great at any setting and really can push the amp. Looks are deceiving with this one. It sounds huge! I don"t have much experience with other pedals of this circuit type but this one sounds great to me. I have tried the Soul Food and it does a clean boost well but the Tumnus is better all around IMO.

Wow is the Word

By Michael Katz from White Plains NY on November 20, 2017 Music Background: Ex Pro, overly educated, active amateur.

I was guided to this pedal by my Sweetwater rep, Adam. I had initially selected a cheaper overdrive but after some more research I had second thoughts and was searching for a replacement. I have too many overdrives already but even the Maxon was sounding really tinny and grainy with my new 69 Deluxe Reverb Reissue. The DR is SUPER clean and stays clean at very loud levels, which is what I wanted. That being said, it's nice to have some controlled breakup at lower levels. This was the primary task for Tumnus and it colors the tone incredibly. With gain set to zero it adds harmonic depth and responsiveness to the tone with a slight breakup. When you crank the gain, the Deluxe goes to crunch heaven. Soooo fun.

Another goal was to use El Tumnus for direct recording a My older overdrives completely failed in direct recording, it sounded like I had my gtr was running through a kazoo. Tumnus sounds awesome in this application as well. I use the Waves GTR plugin with the clean amp model. Adding Tumnus brings the sound to a whole new level of presence and clarity, with nice touch sensitive breakout.

I haven't done a comparison of five star overdrive pedals but I can say that this pedal is well worth the investment, especially on sale as it currently is. I can't imagine not loving this pedal. Well done Wampler!

Couldn't live without Mr Tumnus

By Gary Jones from Bismarck, ND on November 9, 2017

I sold my entire pedalboard to build a new board with only EarthQuaker Devices pedals. The sale included the Wampler Tumnus.

With a Palisades on my new board I thought I could survive, but I just can't go on. On my old board, I would turn pedals on and off as I needed them, but that little light on Mr Tumnus never shut off once. This is my definitive "Always On" pedal, no doubt.

You can get plenty of info on the tone this thing will give you from the other reivews, I just wanted to share with everyone how important this pedal is to my sound, and I think everybody else that has bought one agrees as shown in the reviews here. This is one of the very few items I have purchased that doesn't have a single review less than 4 stars.

AWESOME!

By Ian Stenlund from Minneapolis, MN on November 3, 2017

Highly recommended to anyone looking for a transparent OD - but also has great tones at high gain.

Very nice

By Mark BH from Boyne City, MI on October 16, 2017 Music Background: Regularly gigging musician

I am really impressed by this little pedal. It's actually quite versatile, although it does tend toward the cleaner end of the overdrive spectrum. In addition to the positive comments others have reported, I just want to add that it works great for gain stacking. It will boost and color the signal that goes into another overdrive pedal just wonderfully.

Buy this !

By Joshua from Muscatine iowa on October 8, 2017 Music Background: Classic rock , metal , hip hop

The Tumnus is def. a must have pedal if you are wanting to get more bottom end in the rhythm department . Each knob is fully functional and work in dialing your tone from 7 o’clock all the way to 10 o’clock on the knobs . This pedal will always and forever be a part of my sound because it’s so useful and the sound is super huge . If your guitar is sounding impatint in tone , get this pedal and you will not be disappointed .

Fantastic overdrive

By Sweetwater Customer on September 7, 2017

A nice small overdrive that's crisp clear and natural sounding.

Really just blown away

By Jahomin from Stl on August 28, 2017 Music Background: Gigging musician

Outstanding pedal. I use it as a boost to tighten my orange amps for metal.... just RIPS. I used I be a TS kinda guy but it hid the tone of my amps. This tightens but keeps bass. It's OUTSTANDING. And it is great for smooth blues breakup. I'm in love... boost pedals search is complete.

Hard to believe the sound this produces

By JK from Lancaster, OH on August 17, 2017

I expected this to be a good pedal from the reviews on Sweetwater. I was blown away the first time I played through it. Use it as a clean boost or turn up the gain and put it with amp gain or another distortion and it can shred! Wampler has created one heck of a nice overdrive with this one. Versatile and pristine. It is super simple and the tone is unreal. Will buy again if stolen.

Epic, just buy it

By Mike from SC on August 16, 2017 Music Background: 15 Years Playing Music

Run this to the front of a 5150 III 50 watt 2x12 combo. Amazing boost for the green and blue channel. Only boost pedal I like thus far.

The Best - Beats my Klon

By Justin Bryant from Indy on August 5, 2017 Music Background: Studio/ Live

I've known Brian since he first started modifying pedals.

I've also owned an original Klon...

IMHO this pedal has a different character but can do a similar job - I also find the Tumnus to have more flavor.

Perfect!

Wow, just wow

By Brian Darr from Vancouver WA on July 24, 2017 Music Background: 35+ year rocker

Such a sweet sound from this lil gold brick. I watch many reviews online and saw everyone talking about this. So I decided to rub some pennies together and get one. I really hear the difference and it makes me play better. I play for myself mainly and it's helped me create new riffs and songs. Can't wait for my friends to hear it. Just blows me away, I am sure they will be too! If you want the Klon sound...here it is!

Perfection

By Julian Gunney from Murfreesboro, TN on July 19, 2017 Music Background: Extensive

Just the best pedal I have ever used. Started playing in 1978 so I have used a few. This is great by itself and when you stack into another pedal, just superb.

Should I only be able to have one pedal of any description, it would be this one. Truly great!!!!

worth every penny

By gerard jones from Minnesota on July 6, 2017 Music Background: old enough to know better

great depth and tonal shaping ability,....a real keeper...fast delivery.... thanx tomir denton ya did it again !!!!

Like a high definition button for your rig

By Jessie from Depoe Bay,OR on July 5, 2017

I'm a huge fan of Wampler products but this pedal is honestly above and beyond anything Brian and crew have designed before. I've played a few original Klons and many klones, and this little pedal is honestly the best of the best in this category at any size or price. It's voiced and EQ'd perfectly, crazy amounts of headroom, and super low noise floor. I use it towards the beginning on my signal chain as an always in pedal and it makes everything sound better. From old school fuzzes to other Wampler overdriven. It doesn't get any better than this little guy.

Liked my first one so much - got another!

By Guy from Denver on June 29, 2017 Music Background: 40+ years and still gigging

I will keep this simple: - DITTO what everone else has already said...

Purchased Tumnus #1, 3 days ago - for a small NANO - take the money and run pedal board.

Stand alone - it sounds great - BUT, stacked and used to push my amp or other pedals - it seems to really excell at this - best I have heard!

Loved it so much the past three days - purchased Tumnus #2 to go on my big peddle board. Small size, adds just the right "seasoning" for me.

Of course my long time sales engineer Chris McCown helped me with this purchase - two times!

Another great product from Wampler!

Great Addition to any pedalboard!

By RLT on June 27, 2017

Absolutely Great Pedal! I have used this as a clean boost, overdrive and stacked with other overdrive pedals. It worked perfectly for me in all cases. It replaced my RC Boost immediately. For my rig it sounds so much smoother. I wish I hadn't waited so long to try it. Wampler overdrives and distortions are hard to beat! Thanks Sweetwater for being a great company Top Notch!

One of my best purchases

By Down South on June 25, 2017

I've had my share of pedals over the last 30 years. In fact I love pedals. They are the fun part of electric guitar. I had high expectations for this one. Did my homework and felt pretty certain about it bonding with my Marshall Mini Jubilee 2525H. I was already using an Xotic EP Boost into the amp for more girth but needed something for that extra push. The Tumnus brings out the extra sparkle that I was looking for in my R7 Goldtop Les Paul along with some extra juice. It and the EP are great together by the way. What I like about this combination and kudos to the Tumnus is my guitars sound very much like themselves but all of their best qualities are brought to the forefront. I've never used a Klon but if this is what it does I'm sold. The Tumnus is got to be one of The top 2 or 3 boost pedals I've ever used. Also, into the clean channel of the Jubilee it makes a great overdrive tone on its own when bringing the gain up. Rich and articulate. Here's the surprising part, I own all the Marshall 50th Anniversary 1 watts. I also own the Offset head and matching 1x10 cabinet. Great amp and one of my favorites but it excels at the edge of breakup tones or clean. I have tried several big name brand pedals into this amp in search of that cranked tone with the amp just before breakup. I never expected this but the Tumnus was the missing link. It again combined with the EP and the Tumnus gain up a bit is a fantastic tone. It is so good that I've actually pushed the Jubilee aside since this discovery because of this quest being answered. Again this pedal brings out the best in my Les Paul. I could go on with what this little box has done for my tone but I can say for sure you need to try it. It's like the first time you played through a Tubescreamer, Treble Booster or any definitive circuit. It is it's own sound and you've heard this before. Great job Wampler.

Magic Pedal

By Leslie White on June 6, 2017 Music Background: Song writer. Basement recorder.

I've been buying overdrives for 30 years. I have a shelf full of them and they mostly suck. My Vox AC15C1 doesn't really like overdrives - it turns to mud.

This Tumnus is a different story. It sounds magical and smooth and gives a tight low end which is hard to come by when overdriving a vox.

Too many overdrive/distortion add too much color and make a sound that is not a natural sounding extension of your main sound, but more of an emulation heard best in a clean amp.

This pedal is great at pushing a tube amp into magic land. It makes it sound like someone sprinkled cocaine on my regular sound. It's awesome as a tube amp booster.

I'll be buying more Wampler products.

This Pedal is Never Leaving My Board

By Barry Joslin from Louisville, KY on June 5, 2017 Music Background: Worship leading, live music, recording, 25 years playing

I can't believe how great this pedal is. I will never let this one go. I have tried and owned many Klon klones, and this one is better than them all. I first heard this on a video from a couple of Brits across the pond, who have a pedal show on YouTube, and I couldn't believe my ears. All this tone from such a small footprint? And only $? I showed it to a friend of mine, and he couldn't believe it either, and bought one from Sweetwater the same week. I don't know what deal with the devil that Brian Wampler made, but this thing is never leaving my board, and I have nothing to say about it that isn't good. Stacks well with other pedals. Very powerful, great at low drive or high. Love love this pedal. Pair this with a Paisley Drive and you can cover ever tone you'll need. Wow! Really can't believe how good this thing is! And who doesn't like having a great pedal, but also one that takes up almost no space? It's on my main board as well as my travel board. Just get it. It really is that good. Call SW and ask for Randy Akins! Best customer service I've ever received.

A life (And tone) saver

By Joe on April 16, 2017 Music Background: Guitar/Bass in my local area for 12 years.

Not much can be said about this box that hasn't been. By now, just about everyone knows it's a great OD/boost. But I wanted to share my, very brief, experience with a Tele. If you are looking for ways to bring out the bass and grit in your single coil guitar...this is the end of your search! I stack this little guy in front of various fuzz boxes, and it has quite literally revolutionized the sound of my standard Telecaster when I want to turn the gain up. Additionally, it's one of the best cleans boosts I have ever used, again bringing clarity to my overall sound and articulation, while adding a much needed boost to the low end. I think Wampler really nailed it with this one, and I would recommend it to anyone that plays a Strat/Tele. As always, I experienced A+ customer service from Sweetwater, and can't recommend them enough as well.

Best Klone Out there

By Lui Sutil from San Diego on April 12, 2017 Music Background: Amateur Amateur

Best Klone for a few reasons... it has a better tight lower end.
It doesn't soubd like the archer or the actual Klon it sounds a little bit better. A slight enhancement to the original circuit. That alone should be reason enough to own one.
The size it's awesome, I have other tiny pedals like de xotic sp compressor and the ep booster, but this actually has smaller knobs so it really feels small.
The finish is great! Another thng I love about the Tumnus its that is literally a small centaur, Tumnus is a small centaur. Very clever.
So with the color of the finish, the name makes it the most clever of all klones, my other favorite is the Bobfi "Sick As" but the Tumnus is better valie, smaller and better low end. Now, don't think it sounds super warm you definitely add some sparkle and high end... no problem... just pointing out this is more low freqs focosed than mids.
The price: With tax and everythibg it will end up being an awesome deal for one of the best circuits around... comes with an awesome pouch, rubber feet, stickers... true boutique style.
For me this is an always one fattenig pedal and harmonic enhancer.

Tumnus does the job!

By David S from Texas Hill Country on April 3, 2017 Music Background: Part-time professional

I love this pedal! I have been playing for 56 years and most recently was using the Wampler Euphoria. The Tumnus is exactly what I have been searching for. There are probably over a thousand overdrive pedals out there and I'm glad I didn't try all of them. I could leave this pedal on all the time - it's that smooth. I selected it, based on my sales engineer, Charlie Davis who has similar music styles. It may not be for everyone but I have ended the quest.

Had to have it after trying one

By Thomas Clark from Apex, NC on March 30, 2017 Music Background: Guitarist, Audio Engineer, Session player

There are nothing but 5 star reviews for this pedal on most sites that you check. There is a reason for this. This overdrive and boost is warm and inspiring to play on. I use it primarily on clean channels to boost and add some color and grit, for a bluesy, warm and slightly overdriven tone. It's amazing for this purpose.

I also use in front of my Maxon OD 808 to add some bottom end back into the signal. It's a great compliment to a tube screamer type pedal.

Great Overdrive

By bill hayes from Salisbury, NC on March 17, 2017 Music Background: church musician

The Tumnus by Wampler is an amazing sounding overdrive pedal. I also own another Klone (J.Rockett Archer) and both pedals are great. For some reason though, the Wampler's take on this classic feels somewhat better. I have it paired with a Wampler mini-Ego compressor. The two together are phenomenal - a sound that inspires good playing. I like that it has a small footprint and the knobs, as with all Wampler products, are top notch quality. Let's face it, they're not going to put out a bad product or something that doesn't sound good. This is one of my favorite overdrives right now and I usually leave it on all the time, with the exception being some straight ahead clean funk. All in all a GREAT pedal that I plan on keeping on the board.

Kudos to Sweetwater for the sale and service!!!

Get it

By Albert Soto on March 15, 2017 Music Background: Hobbyist

Very simple, this pedal just make everything sound better. I use it to push the crunch channel of a Marshall DSL 40C and sound amazing. love the fat tone that I get when the pedal is on, I also use it the same way with pedals, so stack pretty well with other drives/distortions. Sweetwater customer service is the best out there. Thanks to Frank Gerdts for all the online support.

Stellar!

By Fred Markert from Colorado Springs, CO on March 1, 2017

I've always wanted a Klon, but just couldn't bring myself to pay the exorbitant prices on eBay for an original. I've researched all the Klon clones on the web and watched many, many YouTube videos demonstrating their sound. None really grabbed me. Then I head a local band in a club here and was blown away by the guitar player's tone. I talked to him on the break between sets and discovered that the secret of his tone was the Wampler Tumnus clone of the Klon. I ordered one immediately and it was delivered today. Four hours of playing later and I'm still in total tonal bliss! This pedal is magic (to my ears, anyway. YMMV) Highly recommended!

Total Tonal Bliss!

By Fred Markert from Colorado Springs, CO on February 22, 2017

I've always wanted a Klon, but just couldn't bring myself to pay the exorbitant prices on eBay for an original. I've researched all the Klon clones on the web and watched many, many YouTube videos demonstrating their sound. None really grabbed me. Then I heard a local band in a club here and was blown away by the guitar player's tone. I talked to him on the break between sets and discovered that the secret of his tone was the Wampler Tumnus clone of the Klon. I ordered one immediately and it was delivered today. Four hours of playing later and I'm still in total tonal bliss! This pedal is magic (to my ears, anyway. YMMV) Highly recommended!

Best OD Period

By Josh from IN on February 1, 2017 Music Background: Worship Leader

I have two other boutique overdrives...they are nice. But they don't compare to the GRIT I get out of this pedal. My go to OD.

Great Little Pedal

By Stephen King from Clinton, MS on January 27, 2017 Music Background: I'm just an old blues picker

I just got the pedal and i'm totally stoked! This thing is awesome. The videos don't do it justice. It really responds well to your touch. I don't have an original Klon to compare it to. I do have a couple Klon Klones. This is the best.

I can turn the gain down and almost use it as a compressor. But, i run the gain at about 12 o'clock. Then, hit the Wampler Clarksdale for some real drive. This also works great in conjunction with my Way Huge Overrated Special.

I like the small form factor.

reveiwing the wampler tumnus overdrive

By joe casper from salem ar on January 18, 2017 Music Background: i have ben playing guitar for 50 yrs

I love this boost you can tweek it and dial in the perfect tone your looking for ,It is awesome nodout its the crowning jewel on my board

Simple, but great

By Randall from Fort Wayne on September 8, 2016 Music Background: Playing longer than I care to admit

Great for a mild to medium overdrive. I will say, I'm not a fan of small pedals, but that's just preference and won't lower my five-star rating. The buffer is great, so forget all the hype about true bypass... yes, there can be cons to true bypass. I use this more like the players in the late '60s used a treble booster. Perfect to use as a stacking dirt box. For me, this pedal is used more for salt and pepper than an entree, but, that said, it is killer all on its own. I've bought had sold dozens upon dozens of pedals, this ones a keeper.

Huge tone in a small package

By Jeff Johnson from Sherrill Ford, NC on June 6, 2016

I was so blown away from the many YouTube reviews of this pedal that I had to get one. Once I tried it out on my rig, I was amazed at the many shades of overdrive that can be achieved with this unit. I have never had the opportunity to use a KLON pedal, but thanks to Wampler, I won't ever have to. The pedal sounds great through the clean channel of my amp, and can really drive the front end of my dirty channel for more saturated tones. I think the lower gain sounds are my personal favorite. I would recommend this pedal to anyone wanting a Klon type tone to save their money and pedal board space and purchase the Wampler Tumnus. You won't be sorry!

The Best

By Joe from Tennessee on June 4, 2016 Music Background: Tone Enthusiast

I know of no better overdrive in it's class. A feast for the tonal palette. if you're particular about tone, this pedal is for you!

My Favorite Pedal!

By Matt Pritchard from Mobile, AL on June 3, 2016 Music Background: Worship Leader / Singer-Songwriter

This is my favorite pedal! Can be used as an awesome drive or clean boost, and just plain sounds incredible. It's a tiny pedal for such HUGE tone!!! I honestly want another one to have at a different setting. This is the first Wampler pedal I've bought, but I foresee future purchases...

Perfect....!

By James Swoboda from Kansas City, MO on May 7, 2016

Really blown away by this pedal. Sounds amazing and makes a great OD/Boost Pedal for your rig. The sound is brilliant, transparent and well balanced with a little mid range bump. My only complaint is that I wish it were a little bigger - the pedal is really small. But I think most people would see this as a plus since it save space on your pedal board.

If you buy one OD pedal this year, make it this one....!

Ok, now I get it!

By Kaiser from Kalamazoo, MI on April 6, 2016 Music Background: Weekender and tinkerer

Like so many, I wondered about the whole Klon thing and determined that it was mostly hype. I've heard people play them and the overdrive sounds didn't impress me, or at least weren't what I was looking for. From what I could tell, the Klon sound was nasally, mid-heavy, and not musical. I can admit that I was wrong and wasn't using it right. Having tried the soulfood (horrible), and another klone, I gave up and moved on. My main dirt pedals are Wampler, and my faith in them convinced me to try the Tumnus.
Anyway, through a mesa express the od sounds are okay but as a boost/dirty boost? Holy crap, revelation and now I get it. This makes a Strat sound magical. Seriously. It's like the sound becomes a fat, 3D version of your normal sound with increased clarity. In front of another dirt pedal, the tumnus adds a sweetness and clarity that's hard to describe. As a solo boost for humbuckers, there's nothing I've tried that's better. Wow. So consider me convinced, this is an always-on pedal. Thanks again Wampler.

Possibly An Instant Classic

By Joe Cantu from Texas on March 11, 2016 Music Background: Pro

The Tumnus is a real no nonsense OD pedal and so functional that it has allowed me to pull my clean boost off my board completely. If you enjoy great classic tone this little unit will not disappoint. I own several of Brian Wamplers creations but, for me this is the one that has become my favorite. IMO Wampler is without a doubt one of the leaders in the production of great dirt boxes. Pick one up, you won't regret it.

Tumnus small footprint with iconic tone

By Anthony Wallace from WV on March 11, 2016 Music Background: Guitar, vocals and noob on bass.

Brian Wampler has done it again. The Tumnus is iconic tone. I absolutely love this pedal. Clean boost or Overdriven boost. Love it. Sweetwater also has served me well again. Had a challenge with initial pedal. It was minor. They shipped me a new pedal and I returned the initial pedal in the mail the next day. Great service as always. Sweetwater is my place for gear.

Tone For Days!

By Mr RnFnR from Madison, WI on February 17, 2016

What can I say, this pedal makes any tube amp or guitar sound great! Played it through an Orange TH30 and a PRS Archon 50 into 2x12 cab, and it fattened up the distortion and made the notes oh so sweet! Can't go wrong!

Sounds Good Even When It's Off

By Mike from Beat Mosaic from Los Angeles on February 9, 2016

I use this as a kind of always on signal boost to make my amp sound like it's pushed at reasonable volumes, then stack another overdrive after it for more full-on overdrive sounds. This pedal has a wide range of grit so you can go from super clean boost with round fat tone, to pretty dirty. At low amp volumes (like I use for recording or practicing) you can get the sound of pushed tubes, or if your volume is at pushed tubes range, you can fatten up your tone even more or take it over the edge.

The buffered signal was confusing to me at first (this is not a true bypass pedal), but I get it now. Buffered is essentially a signal boost that helps to make up for signal loss in the path between your guitar and the amp, and this pedal does that, so it even sounds good when it's off. All kinds of companies make pedals that do this. Wampler, being pretty awesome, made a pedal that does this and gives you super articulate delicious overdrive as well. They say they modeled the circuit on the old Klon overdrives which now cost thousands and can apparently only be found in back alleys. Wampler saying this could possibly be hitch-hikery on that hype train, so ignore that and just understand that what's most important is that this just sounds good, and really has a lot of applications.

Wampler Tumnus

By Matt from Wilmington NC on December 31, 2015

Incredible Overdrive. The pedal is tiny, but feels super solid under your foot. Nice heavy CLICK on the switch. Takes up almost no room on the pedalboard. So far I haven't found a setting I didn't like. Sounds amazing as a boost, moderate or even surprisingly heavy overdrive. I might actually get another one so I can set them at different spots on the Gain knob...

Perfect Size and Sound

By Phil Solomon from New Jersey on November 30, 2015

Owned a few Klon Klones and sold them all. This one is a keeper. Great quality build, great sound and amazing compact size. Works great alone or as a boost for my low and mid gain overdrives. Use it on rhythm and lead.

Can't live without it

By Emilio Conesa from North Hills, CA on October 13, 2015 Music Background: Guitarist for The Whispers (29 years and counting)

Started using the Tumnus on gigs right away.
I'm using it mainly as a semi clean boost in front of a Kemper.
It gives a beautiful midrange fatness with a touch of perfect sparkle.
When I need a part to jump on top of the band mix I kick it in.
The buffer is probably adding just a bit of magic dust as well.
I wish it had two preset buttons so I could use more overdrive sometimes.
But then it wouldn't be so darn tiny which is great when you already have a crowded pedalboard.

Transparent

By Sweetwater Customer from Deep South on January 16, 2024

I'm using the Morgan AC20 head and cab with this pedal. I've tried several drives but when I stacked this with a Nobel ODR1 it came alive. Cut through the mids without muddying up the tone. Finally a clean drive that is actually a clean drive. I like the mini size too.

It’s own thing

By Sweetwater Customer on March 29, 2023

I have had numerous Klone style pedals. This one sounds a little stiffer to me, but in a good way. Really feels good to play, and blends with my amp nicely. I wouldn't call this a total Klone clone. It's got its own thing going on, but in the best way possible. I really dig it as my alway on drive, and it takes up very little space on my board.

Okay but too cheap

By Klons for days from Klonville, Kentucky on September 30, 2022

This sounds great and I can use all of my klons and KTRs now as door stoppers or hood ornaments.

Thank you Wampler

Stay out of the rabbit hole!

By Tyler Bern from Chattanooga TN on January 17, 2021 Music Background: Experienced musician

So you may be looking for that Klon style circuit and are having a tough time making the right choice. There are many klones out there with good tone and build quality which makes the decision that much harder. With all my research and experience going down into the black hole of rabbit holes, the Wampler Tumnus will be a top 5( counting the original Centaur) choice. I feel some of the other klones out there lack the throaty low end the original Klon has. The Tumnus has that low end but it's not too much. It has clarity and plenty of gain on tap, which is what it is, a gain pedal. Use it for overdrive, it's why the original Klon was created. Brian Wampler has a big passion for overdrive pedals, so get a pedal made by someone with that passion. It's in the top 5 of best overdrives of the 20th century, that speaks for itself.

Righteous!

By Leo from Seattle on March 11, 2018 Music Background: Guitarist

This little dynamo is awesome! I might have to get another one, I was pleasantly surprised at how well of a clean boost this thing is!!! Hence needing the second one to have set for the Overdriven stuff!!! No going wrong with this one! Wampler nailed it here with the Tumnus, Kudos!!! Thanks Bob M and the Sweetwater team for the awesome customer service!

Great OD

By WH from Dallas,TX on December 20, 2017

Love this pedal. I did a lot of research and settled on the Tumnus. I dumped my Keeley modded DS1 and I run this behind some light compression. Good transparency and all the drive I need plus more. I run a Carr Mercury amp clean and let my pedals do the work and for me this is a great combo. Small footprint and very good build quality.

Great Pedal

By Jeff from NW Indiana on March 11, 2016 Music Background: Rock Blues 35+ years

Sounds good on its own, sounds fantastic stacked with other dirt pedals.

Tumnus Kills!

By Jeff from NW Indiana on February 17, 2016 Music Background: 35 + years guitar/bass - Rock & blues

I've been playing for over 30 years. I've owned many dirt pedals over the years and I play tube amps exclusively. Let me say first, I believe Wampler is king of dirt pedals. I own the Tumnus, Clarksdale, Euphoria, Sovereign and Velvet Fuzz. The Tumnus sounds fantastic on its own or when stacked with other dirt pedals. I no longer feel the need to chase tone because with my line up, I have the tone I've always wanted.

Special thanks goes to my sales engineer, Delvin Wolf, for his sound advice (pun intended). Sweetwater, you are the best!

Good sounding pedal

By Dave on December 26, 2015

Adds that extra it to your grit on your pedal board. You will like it and it will be a new addition that will stay in your set up.

Tumnus

By Sweetwater Customer on November 2, 2015

Great Pedal - NOT a Kl*n - it is it's own being...not a Klone!!!!

Good Klone for tight boards.

By Dakota Diehl from Addison, PA on February 3, 2023

I picked up the Tumnus because I tend to use a "klon" circuit for most of my overdrive sounds and I needed to put together a fly board. While I do prefer the sound of my RYRA The Klone, this is a very good sounding pedal that takes up essentially no space on a board. Perfect if you're running a small board. Honestly, while I say I prefer the RYRA, if I'm being honest, in the context of a band mix I don't think I could tell the difference. Great little pedal.

Looking for that Tweed Deluxe overdrive

By Mickey McMahan from Oklahoma on December 11, 2019

I was looking for a good Klon clone to achieve that 5E3 overdrive, and this comes real close, & it's quiet, which I like.

surprized with range

By Mack from Texas on January 9, 2018

Not being your normal guitar expert, I have spent a lifetime on stage with my keyboards. I always wanted to get back to guitar but piano/organ took up all my attention so I sought the simplest pedal I could find in my modest return to guitar. I wanted just one pedal which would allow me a range of effects which fit my space. I was amazed at the power and range of effects I was able to achieve with this pedal. I didn't think it was possible to get such treble, bass, and just the right overdrive at all levels with only three knobs. I can get the cleanest sound to "everything else" very simply and easily with this terrific little pedal. This makes me very glad to have made the jump back to guitar play after focusing on keyboards for dozens and dozens of bands over my lifetime.

Embiggens the smallest tone

By Reid Geisenhof from Athens, GA on June 14, 2017

This is the pedal I've been needing to get that not-clean, not-dirty, almost-but-not-quite broken up rhythm tone out of my amp. The band I play with does a lot of harmonizing and we tend to keep our stage volumes pretty low for the sake of the vocals--too low to even get a Princeton-type circuit to be anything but squeaky-clean. Enter Tumnus, level dimed, no gain, treble boosted a smidge, always on. Now my Sweet Pre-BS 15+ sounds like it does when the volume's on about 8 (which is so very, very nice) when it's actually on about 3. It's a great sound for mid-sixties-style pop-rock strumming and puts my strat in just the right tonal range to balance the other guitar player's Rickenbacker 360/AC-15 sound nicely without stepping on our vocals. It slams my Fulltone FD-3 in CC mode and makes my lead tones thick, dynamic, sustain-y, inclined to feedback harmonically with relative ease and all without sounding "gain-y" or saturated.
For the first time in a long time I like my tone. A lot.

Very nice

By Sweetwater Customer on May 17, 2017 Music Background: 40 years playing guitar

Great for getting extra mid range on dirty or clean amp.

Tone, Tone, Tone

By Tomy from Central Indiana on March 5, 2017

Couldn't be happier with the Wampler Tumnus. Running the Wampler db+, then the Wampler Ego mini compressor into the Wampler Tumnus. Not a better a better setup. Sweetwater's sales staff and prompt delievery put the experience over the top AS ALWAYS !!!!

Great little pedal.

By Mike R. from New Jersey on September 19, 2016

This is a great little (literally) pedal.

I use it with a Telecaster into a Princeton Reverb.

With the gain about halfway up the pedal sounds like the Princeton on 7 when it's only on 3. There is a slight added low-mid thing happening that thickens the tone up in a good way. If you lowered the gain to about 9:00 it could easily be an 'always on' pedal.

I gave it four stars only because the knobs are kind of small and slightly inconvenient to turn. You have to use the edge of your finger to adjust them.

Over rated

By Keith from Atlanta on June 6, 2020

This pedal has a very pronounced midrange hump - almost obnoxious to my ears. I suppose it might be good for certain music styles in band mixes.

Also, the knobs are too close together, making them a little difficult to turn.

On the plus side, the range of gain is nice (low to mid gain, good light break-up), and it is well built.

Wampler pedal

By Sweetwater Customer from San Antonio Texas on September 12, 2021 Music Background: 45 yrs Rockin.

You guys are great. But the Wampler just didn't work for me. Sorry it's rare for me to say.But maybe I should try another .

Not that impressed

By EP on September 26, 2023 Music Background: 30+ years playing guitar

I decided to get this pedal because so many YouTubers rave about it, but I wasn't impressed with it all. I own a JHS Morning Glory v4 and when I did A/B comparisons between the two, the Morning Glory always sounded better and the The Tumnus has a grating mid-range boost that seems to just muddy up the mix when stacked with any of the numerous overdrive/distortion pedals I own. I own a Walrus Ages overdrive and its first and second overdrive modes sound much better than the Tumnus as well. I think I'm going to have to stop watching YouTube "influencer" videos!

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