duellist pedal review King Tone The Duellist V3 Dual Overdrive Black – These Go To 11

duellist pedal review King Tone The Duellist V3 Dual Overdrive Black – These Go To 11The Duellist V3 is Jesse Davey's ultimate dual channel overdrive pedal from Kingtone Guitars now in its most advanced version yet. The 2026 model takes the classic Duellist platform to a whole new level with expanded flexibility, improved dynamics, and a range of new features for modern guitarists. The pedal builds upon two iconic circuits Tube Screamer and Bluesbreaker but develops them far beyond the originals. With a total of six different drive

The Duellist V3 is Jesse Davey's ultimate dual-channel overdrive pedal from Kingtone Guitars – now in its most advanced version yet. The 2026 model takes the classic Duellist platform to a whole new level with expanded flexibility, improved dynamics, and a range of new features for modern guitarists.

The pedal builds upon two iconic circuits – Tube Screamer and Bluesbreaker – but develops them far beyond the originals. With a total of six different drive modes, advanced dipswitches, and new voicing options, the Duellist V3 delivers an enormous range of overdrive characters – from clean boost sounds to aggressive, almost distortion-like grind.

New in V3 (2026)

• Six different drive circuits in one pedal
• Clean / Classic / MAX modes for both channels
• 8-position DIP switch for advanced tone shaping
• Silent soft switching
• Amp-like voicing for both channels
• Ability to run channels separately or together (Dual/Split mode)
• TRS in/out – selectable signal routing (A → B or B → A)

Right Channel (Side A – Steel Stringer)

The right channel is inspired by the classic Tube Screamer circuit, but without its traditional limitations. Here you get a clear, dynamic, and mid-focused overdrive – but with significantly better low end and less nasal character.

With Clean, Classic, and MAX modes, you can go from transparent clean boost to rich overdrive or a more aggressive and modern drive. Together with the Glass / Stock / Fat switch, you can easily adapt the response to your guitar, pickups, and amplifier.

Left Channel (Side B – Heavy Hand)

The left channel builds upon the classic Bluesbreaker design, offering an open, transparent overdrive that enhances your fundamental tone rather than coloring it.

Just like the right channel, you have access to Clean, Classic, and MAX modes, as well as Glass / Stock / Fat settings. The result is an extremely flexible channel that works equally well as a subtle boost, dynamic crunch, or powerful lead drive.

Combine the Channels

The Duellist V3 gives you full control over how the channels interact:

• Use the left channel for light crunch and the right as a boost for focused lead tones
• Set the right channel for crunch and use the left as a transparent solo boost
• Experiment with signal order (A → B or B → A) for completely different responses and characters

With Dual and Split modes, the pedal can function as two separate pedals or as a powerful combination.

Maximum Dynamics & Feel

One of the Duellist V3's greatest strengths is its incredible dynamics. The pedal reacts directly to your attack and your guitar's volume control – from clean tones to full overdrive without losing definition or musicality. The result is a vibrant playing feel that inspires.

Features

• Six overdrive circuits in one pedal
• Clean boost to full overdrive – without compromise
• True Bypass (no tone loss)
• Asymmetric and symmetric clipping
• Handwired with carefully selected components
• High-quality 4558 chip
• Clear white LED indicators
• Laser-engraved control panel
• Extremely low power consumption (~10mA)

Power & Build Quality

• Powered by 9V–18V DC or internal battery
• Built to last a lifetime
• Hand-built in the USA
• 30-day return policy

The Duellist V3 delivers massive, open, and uncompromising rhythm and lead tones. With a unique combination of classic roots and modern features, there is simply nothing else that sounds – or feels – like this pedal.