Fulltone

Overview

Fulltone is a manufacturer of electric guitar effects pedals, known for overdrive pedals like the Full-Drive and OCD. It originated as a boutique pedal company in the 1990s and relaunched in 2024 after closing its California facility due to profitability issues with U.S. manufacturing. Products emphasize organic tones and build quality, appealing to guitarists seeking reliable effects.

History

Fulltone was founded in 1993 by Michael Fuller in California as a response to inconsistencies in vintage-style pedals. It gained prominence with the 2004 release of the Obsessive Compulsive Drive (OCD) overdrive pedal. The company closed its Culver City production shop in 2022 after 30 years, citing unprofitability of 100% U.S. manufacturing. In 2024, it relaunched in partnership with Jackson Audio, with a new facility in Nashville, Tennessee.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Previously, all pedals were hand-assembled and tested in Southern California using high-quality components. Production ceased in Culver City in 2022, with manufacturing now handled by Jackson Audio in a Nashville, Tennessee facility. Michael Fuller continues product development as a one-man operation.

Notable Products

• OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Drive overdrive pedal, one of the most legendary overdrives.
• Full-Drive - Two-channel overdrive known for vintage tones and reliability.
• Supa-Trem - Optical tremolo pedal emulating classic Fender amp tremolo.
• Tube Tape Echo - Delay pedal simulating analog tape echo effects.
• Cali76 - Compressor pedal based on 1176 studio unit design.

Reputation

Fulltone pedals are praised by guitarists for organic tones, durability, and intuitive controls, with the OCD often cited as a benchmark overdrive. Professionals and enthusiasts value their boutique heritage and consistent performance. Criticisms include higher prices for used models post-2022 closure and the shift away from full U.S. manufacturing.