THE KILT 10 – CELEBRATING A DECADE
After ten years, the Kilt returns with a renewed voice and a redesigned aesthetic. An updated clipping section offers more headroom, a smoother attack, and a richer, more usable drive range than ever before.
A revisited look – The finish returns to polished aluminum as an homage to the original Kilt V1, now accompanied by Expandora-style knobs. The whole thing is completed by a refreshed Kilt logo, evoking both the Scottish flag and the Roman numeral “X” to symbolize ten years.
Improved gain control: The gain potentiometer now offers a much more usable range between 0 and 25%, allowing for articulate low-gain textures that were previously inaccessible. No more dead zones—just progressive and musical crunch, from the most subtle to the most saturated.
Increased treble clarity: High frequencies have been refined to cut through the mix better, which is particularly useful in a live band context where every detail counts.
Increased headroom: A higher output level allows for better response throughout your signal chain, adding depth and dynamics, whether into a clean amp or stacked with other overdrives.
Optimized switches: The gain toggles have been adjusted to offer more usable settings while retaining the original character. The Low-Cut switch is now more versatile and compatible with a wider variety of amps (including simulators and software).
Improved diode selection: A new clipping circuit brings more touch sensitivity and nuance without betraying the pedal’s identity. The result: slightly more compression, more available saturation, and a smoother attack. Think of it as a V2 Kilt, but in a more massive version.
USAGE
The Kilt 10 functions like the Kilt V2.
- G1 down and G2 up: high-gain boost, ideal for pushing an amp or stacking with a fuzz.
- Both toggles up: a massive wall of saturated British overdrive.
Thanks to the new gain range, you can cover:
- light edge-of-breakup crunch
- singing leads
- aggressive and gated fuzz
The improved headroom and clarity make it perfect for complex chords and detailed playing.
And don't forget: the pedal integrates the JHS Red Remote system, allowing you to change the gain on the fly between overdrive, distortion, and fuzz.
CONTROLS
VOLUME – Output level (left = less, right = more). More headroom = better use as a boost.
GAIN – Saturation level (left = clean, right = saturated). The first 25% are now fully usable.
TONE – Brightness (left = dark, right = bright). Improved treble control.
TOGGLES G1 / G2 –
- Both down: minimum gain
- G1 up: more overdrive
- G2 up: more fuzz
- Both up: maximum gated fuzz
(G2 can also be controlled via Red Remote)
LOW-CUT –
- Down: neutral EQ
- Up: cuts lows to cut through the mix better
CONNECTIVITY
INPUT – Jack on the bottom right
OUTPUT – Jack on the left
RED REMOTE – Jack on the top right (with red washer)
The Kilt 10 isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s perfecting it. Ten years of user feedback and optimization have been condensed into this version, arguably the most accomplished version of the circuit to date.
HISTORY
Kilt V1 – Large format, two footswitches, independent boost, 4 knobs + 4 toggles
Kilt V2 – Compact format, 3 knobs + 3 toggles, addition of Red Remote
Kilt 10 – 10th-anniversary special edition (2025), polished aluminum, new knobs, Scotland-inspired logo
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 2.6” x 4.8” x 1.6”
Power consumption: 64 mA
Power supply: 9V DC only (do not exceed, or risk damage and voiding the warranty)