Mr. Black rebuilds a classic high-gain idea for the limited CAT Distortion
The Portland builder’s 48-unit analog run keeps the familiar raunch but adds far more output, lower noise and a low-impedance output for modern pedalboards.
Sep 30, 2026
Credit: Mr. Black (via source)
Mr. Black’s new CAT Distortion is a ground-up analog circuit inspired by the aggressive high-gain boxes that defined late-1970s and 1980s guitar tones. Rather than copying the original topology, designer Jack Deville reworked the preamp, clipping, filter and output stages to add headroom, reduce noise and improve cleanup from the guitar’s volume control.
The hand-built pedal uses a CNC-milled Hammond enclosure, true bypass and a 1 kΩ output designed to drive long cables and large effects chains. The special run is limited to 48 units and is listed at $149.95, with 9-volt adapter or battery operation.
Credit: Mr. Black (via source)
Why it matters
CAT is a small-run boutique distortion with more than cosmetic nostalgia: its redesigned output stage targets a real weakness of vintage high-gain circuits in modern, cable-heavy rigs.
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