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Photo provided by: Browne Amplification
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When Browne Amplification releases a new pedal, the guitar world pays attention. The Ethane Dual Overdrive isn’t just another stompbox — it’s a handcrafted fusion of two distinct tonal worlds: the Carbon V2, a refined take on the classic Bluesbreaker circuit, and the Gritador, a reinvented Tube Screamer-style drive. Together, they offer a combination of warmth, grit, and clarity that instantly caught our attention here at Guitar Thrills Magazine.
During our hands-on test with a Gibson Les Paul, the Ethane delivered one of the most dynamic and harmonically rich drive experiences we’ve heard from a boutique pedal in its class. Its transparency allowed the natural resonance of the Les Paul’s humbuckers to shine through — never muddy, always musical.
Dual Personality, Singular Purpose
The Carbon V2 side of the Ethane is Browne’s nod to the British amp heritage of the early ’90s. It’s glassy, responsive, and perfectly suited for players who live in that “edge-of-breakup” sweet spot. Whether playing rhythm or lead, the pedal reacts to pick attack with remarkable nuance — from crisp articulation to smooth saturation.
The Gritador channel brings a bold, mid-forward character — that familiar Tube Screamer punch, but with more body and less compression. The low-end stays intact, even through dense Les Paul chords, and the asymmetrical clipping gives a touch of vocal presence ideal for solos. Together, these two circuits form a tonal partnership that covers nearly every gain stage a guitarist could need, from light breakup to roaring sustain.
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Compared to Other Overdrives
In a landscape dominated by high-end drives like the Analog Man King of Tone, Browne Protein, and JHS Double Barrel, the Ethane stands apart for its stacking synergy and component precision. While many dual overdrives simply place two circuits side-by-side, the Ethane’s internal architecture allows seamless stacking — meaning both sides retain their character when engaged together.
Unlike the King of Tone’s more vintage-leaning compression or the Protein’s slightly darker voicing, the Ethane feels more modern and open. Its three-way hi-cut toggle and internal routing options make it adaptable to a variety of rigs — from single-coil clarity to humbucker heft. The result is a dual drive that doesn’t just emulate boutique tone — it elevates it.
For players using a Gibson Les Paul, this clarity is crucial. The Ethane prevents the low end from collapsing under the guitar’s natural thickness, instead sculpting the frequencies to keep every note defined, even with heavier gain stacking.
Finding Its Place in the Signal Chain
Placement is everything — and the Ethane proves it. During testing, we found the pedal performed exceptionally well when positioned after boosts and compressors, but before modulation and delay. Placing it early in the chain allowed its transparency to shine; the Carbon side responded beautifully to volume-knob dynamics, while the Gritador side gained extra sustain without overpowering the rest of the board.
If you use an amp-in-a-box or preamp pedal, consider placing the Ethane just before it. This positioning lets you drive the preamp naturally, producing amp-like sag and warmth without adding harshness. For those who love stacking, the Ethane’s dual configuration makes it a natural “core drive hub” — the heart of your gain structure.
Finding Its Place in the Signal Chain
Placement is everything — and the Ethane proves it. During testing, we found the pedal performed exceptionally well when positioned after boosts and compressors, but before modulation and delay. Placing it early in the chain allowed its transparency to shine; the Carbon side responded beautifully to volume-knob dynamics, while the Gritador side gained extra sustain without overpowering the rest of the board.
If you use an amp-in-a-box or preamp pedal, consider placing the Ethane just before it. This positioning lets you drive the preamp naturally, producing amp-like sag and warmth without adding harshness. For those who love stacking, the Ethane’s dual configuration makes it a natural “core drive hub” — the heart of your gain structure.
Why the Ethane Belongs on Every Serious Player’s Board
The Browne Amplification Ethane isn’t about reinventing overdrive — it’s about perfecting it. Its dual-channel design, top-mounted jacks, true bypass, and premium US build quality make it as practical as it is inspiring. For the studio guitarist, it offers two meticulously tuned flavors of drive in one box. For the live player, it delivers consistency, control, and reliability gig after gig.
What sets it apart is the way it interacts with the instrument itself. With the Gibson Les Paul, every nuance — from soft jazz phrasing to aggressive riffing — came through with the kind of harmonic layering that few pedals manage. It’s a tool for tone-chasers, session players, and anyone who values authenticity over hype.
Final Thoughts
The Ethane Dual Overdrive is a masterclass in design and tone — a pedal that respects its heritage while redefining what a modern dual overdrive can be. It’s not just for players seeking more gain — it’s for those who want more dimension, more texture, and more control.
From subtle breakup to stacked firepower, Browne Amplification has built something that genuinely competes with — and often surpasses — other boutique drives in its tier. For Gibson Les Paul players especially, it’s a match made in tone heaven.
“The Browne Ethane isn’t just another overdrive — it’s a conversation between circuits. Transparent, articulate, and built for tone purists, it captures the essence of what every guitarist chases: personality and precision in perfect balance.”
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