Jhs Pedals PG-14 Paul Gilbert Signature

A signature distortion designed as a "big lead amp channel"

The PG-14 was born from a close collaboration between JHS Pedals and Paul Gilbert: the goal was not to create "just another" distortion, but a true additional gain channel capable of reproducing the feel of a tube amp on the edge of breakup. The choice of a FET distortion engine is no accident: this type of design is known for its playing response, natural compression feel, and ability to shift from a tight crunch to a denser saturation depending on attack and input level.

The other key idea of the PG-14 is its active mid section positioned before the distortion stage. While many pedals settle for a simple tone filter after the gain, the PG-14 lets you shape the "fuel" entering the saturation: ideal for thickening a single coil, taming an overly aggressive pickup, or conversely making a guitar stand out in a busy mix.

Who is the JHS PG-14 for?

The JHS PG-14 is aimed at guitarists who want an expressive distortion pedal capable of following right-hand nuances and guitar volume variations. It excels in rock, hard rock, melodic metal, and of course in shred and lead contexts where articulation matters as much as gain. Thanks to its work on mids, it is also formidable for sharp rhythms, palm-muted riffs, and solos that need to remain clear.

In the studio, it provides an "amp-like" saturation at reasonable volume, practical for recording clean, repeatable takes that are easy to place in the mix. Live, its semi-parametric mid EQ becomes a real asset: you can quickly adjust the frequency that cuts through the room best without changing your entire signal chain.

Controls, settings, and design: a distortion that adjusts like a real preamp

The PG-14 offers six controls designed to cover a wide spectrum, from a muscular boost to thicker distortion, with intentionally broad adjustment ranges. Volume sets the output level to balance your clean sound or push the amp input. Drive determines the amount of main saturation, while Tone adjusts overall brightness (useful to open up a dark sound or tame overly present highs).

The sonic signature mainly comes from the trio Push, Mid, and Mid Freq. The Push control acts as a powerful pre-gain that "attacks" the FET stage more or less strongly, giving that amp-like sensation of tightening, compressing, and reacting to playing. The mid section is active : Mid controls the mid level, and Mid Freq selects the frequency range that Mid will emphasize, allowing you to target both the roundness of low mids and the attack of high mids. Result: you can go from a singing overdrive to a more biting distortion and precisely adjust the presence that makes you "cut" through the mix.

Regarding pedalboard integration, the PG-14 remains simple and effective: standard format, footswitch activation, and classic mono connections for a traditional guitar chain.

The sound

The JHS PG-14 delivers saturation with an organic and responsive character, with a true "amp touch" feel. At low Drive, it can serve as an articulate crunch or textured boost, perfect for thickening a clean channel. Increasing Drive and Push yields a denser, more compressed distortion that retains good definition for fast passages and complex chords.

The active mid section is the pedal's center of gravity: it lets you choose where the guitar will express itself. A boost in the low mids adds body and the impression of a wider speaker cabinet, while a boost in the high mids improves pick attack and solo projection. This flexibility also helps adapt the pedal to different guitars (powerful humbuckers, snappy P90s, thinner single coils) and different amps, from American clean to more rock-oriented platforms.

Finally, the PG-14 is directly associated with Paul Gilbert, who uses it as an extension of his playing: a pedal designed to remain musical even when seeking sustain, precision, and a very "lead" presence.

Technical specifications

Effects	Distortion, Overdrive	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Blue
EQ	3 channels

Potentiometers	Volume, Drive, Tone, Push, Mid, Mid Freq	Power supply	not included
Input	6.35mm jack (mono)	Required power supply	9V DC (center negative)
Output	6.35mm jack (mono)	Consumption	36 mA
Dimensions	56 x 122 x 41 mm	Battery operation	no
Weight	0.39 kg