CopperSound Strategy V2 Overdrive - Olympic White Tortoise Guard

A Modernized "Preamp/Boost" Approach in the CopperSound Range

The Strategy V2 follows the tradition of preamp and boost pedals that serve as the "heart" of the pedalboard: a sonic foundation that thickens, clarifies, and makes the amp (and even other pedals placed after) respond better. Here, CopperSound takes the concept further with a two-channel architecture (Preamp and Overdrive) and a circuit based on a Burr Brown op-amp, chosen for its precision and very clean output when staying within headroom, while maintaining a natural transition to saturation when the level is increased.
Its "pickguard" aesthetic (Olympic White with Tortoise plate) clearly embraces a vintage spirit, but with boutique execution designed for the stage: relay switching, practical modes, and protection that prevents "pedalboard" failure at the wrong moment.

Who It's For and Which Styles the Strategy V2 Excels In

The CopperSound Strategy V2 targets guitarists who want a preamp/overdrive pedal capable of covering a wide range with few controls: from warm clean boost to precise crunch, and even more biting saturation. It suits both intermediate and advanced levels, as it rewards good control of guitar volume and right-hand attack.
It particularly shines in blues, rock, indie, country, and any context where an articulate drive that respects the guitar's grain is sought. In the studio, it serves as a very clean gain staging tool; live, it becomes an excellent always-on pedal to add presence, or a boost/drive for solos activated as needed.

Features, Controls, and Ergonomics: Simple but Highly Usable

The Strategy V2 goes straight to the point: Volume, Tone, and a mode switch. In Preamp mode, Volume controls the unit's output level up to a massive boost; at high settings, the circuit can start to compress and saturate naturally by pushing the next stage (amp or pedal). In Overdrive mode, Volume acts as a gain control for the saturated signal, interacting with an internal trim that adjusts overall saturation level.
The Tone control is designed as a high-pass/low-pass filter network: on one side, it thickens and darkens (more bass, softened treble); on the other, it emphasizes attack and brightness (accentuated treble, tightened bass). The result: you can quickly adapt the pedal to a dark amp, a very bright guitar, or a busy mix.
The Smart Bypass switching adds real value on a pedalboard: a short press toggles on/off normally, while a long press activates a momentary mode (perfect for a swell, riff attack, or quick boost without "dancing"). If you prefer classic behavior, an internal DIP switch allows disabling the momentary mode. And in case of power loss, the pedal automatically switches back to bypass to let the signal pass.

The Sound

The Strategy V2 is characterized by a very "amp-like" sense of headroom and response : in Preamp mode, it can remain surprisingly clean and tight, with a boost that preserves chord articulation, then become rougher when pushing the amp's input. In Overdrive, you get a more direct and defined saturation, with a texture that stays clear on voicings and double-stops.
Its strong point is dynamics : it reacts to nuances (attack, palm mute, guitar volume) and is easy to dial in to find the right balance between transparency and coloration. The very effective Tone control allows shifting from a thick, round drive to a sharper character that cuts through the mix, making it a pedal particularly comfortable in live contexts.

Technical specifications

Category	electric preamp	EQ	Tone
Format	Pedal	Headphone output	No
Effects loop	No	Color	White

Guitar effect pedal	preamp and overdrive	Input	6.35mm Jack (instrument)
Two channels	Preamp mode and Overdrive mode	Output	6.35mm Jack (instrument)
Design	USA	Jacks	top-mounted
Manufacture	USA	Stereo	no
Controls	Volume, Tone	MIDI	no
Mode switch	Preamp / Overdrive (bypass LED indicator)	Input impedance	1 megaohm
Preamp mode	up to +30 dB boost	Output impedance	10 kiloohms
Overdrive mode	from subtle warmth to more biting saturation	Dimensions	12 x 9.5 x 5.7 cm
Internal gain trim (Overdrive)	adjusts overall saturation	Required power supply	9 V to 18 V DC (adapter not included)
Tone	high-pass/low-pass filter (bass boosted and treble softened on one side, inverse on the other)	Consumption	40 mA (at 9 V and 18 V)
Smart Bypass	relay true bypass	Power connector	center negative
Operation	short press = on/off, long press = momentary	Battery	no
Internal DIP switch	enable/disable momentary mode	Protection	internal polarity protection
Safety	automatic bypass return in case of power failure	Recommendation	use an isolated power supply (daisy chaining is not recommended)