TEST: Keeley Blues Disorder

 The Keeley Blues Disorder pedal is a double pedal in which two well-known overdrive pedals have been merged into a single pedal using two circuits.

The construction of Keeley Blues Disorder

You might think that there is now pretty much every single pedal on the market that you can even remotely imagine. So what do you do if you're an established pedal designer and still want to take your products to a new level? You go and take two well-known pedals from the competition, construct two separate circuits and make them accessible on just one pedal via mini switches. This is what Robert Keeley and his team did with the Keeley Blues Disorder pedal, in which two very well-known pedals, the Marshall Blues Breaker and the OCD from Fulltone, are merged into a single pedal.

There are also two further plus points. On the one hand in the form of the fact that you only need half the space on your pedalboard to be able to access two classic blues-rock sounds and on the other hand you only have about half the costs that you would otherwise have to access for two pedals .

The structure of Keeley Blues Disorder

Several points ensure that a certain aha effect arises as soon as you get to grips with the pedal. The structure is quite classic, meaning it has three pleasantly stiff controls that regulate the level, tone and drive, all packed into a clear, classic housing that is very solid. The pedal is also manufactured in the USA and has an LED for the status display and a special feature in the foot switch area.

The footswitch is designed as both true bypass and buffered bypass, depending on whether the pedal is active or not. This combines the two features that, on the one hand, you do not want the sound of the pedal to have an influence on the other devices in bypass mode, but on the other hand, you also want to avoid the increased resistance that inevitably occurs due to the length of the cable when the pedal is in operation. balances.

The real special feature, however, takes place behind the two mini switches, which are each located below the tone and drive controls. On the left side you can set a more or less unprocessed frequency range by moving the mini switch up, which goes towards Marshall Blues Baker. If you switch the mini switch down, you increase the midrange in OCD style by approx. 20 dB, which causes a very strong boost in both volume and frequency range with an accompanying increase in distortion.

Using the right mini-switch you can switch up between soft clipping, again in Bluesbreaker style, or switch down with hard clipping in OCD style. Depending on how the other three controls are set, you have a very large choice of sound and you can basically say that you have more or less four pedals combined in one pedal.

The normal input and output are located on the front of the Keeley Blues Disorder in the form of jack sockets. In between is the mains connection, which is designed at 9 volts, but can also be increased to up to 18 V if necessary with a correspondingly changed sound response. Battery operation is not provided, although the pedal only has a current consumption of 29 mA.

The Sound of Keeley Blues Disorder

I have to get straight to the point, the pedal sounds excellent. Both in the rather soft Bluesbreaker orientation and in the rather hard OCD response, the pedal impresses with very good interaction between instrument and amplifier. The way it works together with the guitar's volume control is exemplary and the two basic sounds set are legendary anyway. In addition, the originals are achieved very well in terms of the tonal aspect.

Through clever experimentation, you can set up the two typical areas of application of these two overdrive and distortion pedals exactly as you would expect from a corresponding pedal. Both work particularly well in front of an amplifier that is set to completely clean or slightly crunchy, so that you can ultimately add a second channel to the amp or use the pedal to boost a basic sound for lead sounds or heavy use.

The pedal is convincing in all respects and if you want to give the pedal any negative point, it would be the fact that you unfortunately cannot switch between the two sounds using the foot switch, which would be the absolute highlight of the pedal. But who knows, maybe there will be an MK2 version of the pedal in a few months or years.

The sound files were created with a Hagström Super Swede via a Sound City Master One Hundred, a 412 Marshall cabinet with Celestion G12 T 75 speakers and 2 pcs. Recorded with Shure SM 57 microphones.

Conclusion

With the Keeley Blues Disorder, the American manufacturer has a very good 4 in 1 pedal in its portfolio. The adaptation of the two original products, Blues Breaker and OCD, works very well and ensures a wide range of good sounds.

Be sure to check it out.

———————

Additional Informations:

In the vast world of music, the search for the perfect sound has led musicians to an endless array of tools and gadgets. Among these, guitar pedals stand out as pivotal in shaping the tones that define genres and eras. Keeley Electronics, founded by Robert Keeley, has become a beacon for those in pursuit of exquisite audio quality. This article delves into the fascinating journey of Keeley Pedals, tracing its roots, milestones, and the innovations that cemented its place in the music industry.

#### Early Beginnings: Robert Keeley's Background
Robert Keeley's passion for electronics and music began early. Born in the late 1960s, Keeley grew up during a time when rock and roll was evolving rapidly. His fascination with music and technology led him to pursue studies in electrical engineering. His academic background provided him with the technical expertise necessary to understand and manipulate sound at a granular level. Keeley's early work involved repairing and modifying guitar amplifiers, which honed his skills and deepened his understanding of audio circuits.

#### The Birth of Keeley Electronics
Keeley Electronics was officially founded in 2001. The inception of the company was driven by Keeley's desire to create high-quality, reliable effects pedals that addressed the shortcomings he observed in the market. The early 2000s were a transformative period for the music industry, with digital technology starting to make significant inroads. Keeley, however, saw the enduring value in analog circuits and aimed to blend traditional craftsmanship with innovative designs.

The company's first product was the Keeley Compressor, which quickly garnered attention for its superior sound quality and build. Unlike many mass-produced pedals, Keeley's products were hand-assembled and rigorously tested, ensuring consistent performance and durability. The success of the Keeley Compressor laid the foundation for the company's reputation as a producer of premium guitar effects.

#### Key Innovations and Products
Keeley's approach to pedal design is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of musicians' needs. Over the years, Keeley Electronics has introduced several groundbreaking products that have set new standards in the industry.

1. **Keeley Compressor (2001)**
   The Keeley Compressor is arguably the pedal that put Keeley Electronics on the map. It was celebrated for its ability to maintain the integrity of the guitar's tone while providing smooth, musical compression. The pedal's popularity was fueled by endorsements from high-profile guitarists and its frequent appearance in gear reviews.

2. **Keeley Katana Blues Driver (2002)**
   Following the success of the Compressor, Keeley introduced the Katana Blues Driver. This pedal became famous for its transparent overdrive, allowing guitarists to add grit and sustain without losing the character of their instrument's sound. The Katana was another hit, solidifying Keeley's reputation for producing pedals that enhance, rather than mask, the guitar's natural tone.

3. **Keeley MOD Plus Pedals (2003-2005)**
   Keeley also became known for his modification services. He offered "MOD Plus" versions of popular pedals from other manufacturers, such as the Boss DS-1 Distortion and the Ibanez Tube Screamer. These modified pedals featured upgraded components and circuitry improvements, which enhanced their performance and reliability. The success of these modifications demonstrated Keeley's deep understanding of audio circuits and his ability to innovate upon existing designs.

4. **Keeley Caverns Delay Reverb (2015)**
   In 2015, Keeley released the Caverns Delay Reverb, a pedal that combined two essential effects in one unit. The Caverns became popular for its lush, ambient soundscapes and its versatility, making it a favorite among guitarists looking to expand their sonic palette. The success of the Caverns highlighted Keeley's ability to create complex, multi-function pedals that maintained high audio quality.

#### Expansion and Evolution
As Keeley Electronics grew, the company expanded its product line to include a wide range of effects, from overdrives and distortions to modulations and delays. Keeley's commitment to quality remained unwavering, with each pedal undergoing rigorous testing and quality control.

In addition to expanding its product line, Keeley Electronics also invested in research and development. This investment led to the creation of new technologies and innovations that kept the company at the forefront of the industry. For example, Keeley's work on digital signal processing (DSP) allowed the company to create pedals that combined the warmth and character of analog circuits with the versatility and precision of digital technology.

#### Artist Collaborations and Endorsements
One of the factors that have contributed to Keeley's success is its strong relationships with artists. From the beginning, Keeley sought feedback from professional musicians to refine and improve his designs. These collaborations have resulted in pedals that are not only technically superior but also meet the practical needs of working musicians.

High-profile guitarists such as John Mayer, Brad Paisley, and David Gilmour have used Keeley pedals, providing valuable endorsements that have boosted the company's credibility and visibility. Keeley's willingness to listen to and collaborate with artists has ensured that his products remain relevant and desirable in a constantly evolving market.

#### Community and Culture
Keeley Electronics is not just a company; it's a community. Robert Keeley's commitment to customer service and his genuine passion for music have fostered a loyal following among guitarists. Keeley's presence at trade shows, guitar clinics, and online forums has helped to build a sense of community around the brand. This engagement has created a feedback loop, where customer input directly influences product development.

The company also places a strong emphasis on education. Keeley and his team regularly produce content that explains the technical aspects of their pedals, helping musicians to understand how to get the most out of their gear. This educational approach has further solidified Keeley's reputation as a trustworthy and knowledgeable source in the world of guitar effects.

#### Challenges and Resilience
Like any company, Keeley Electronics has faced its share of challenges. The rapidly changing music industry, economic fluctuations, and the pressures of maintaining high standards of quality have all tested the company's resilience. However, Keeley's commitment to innovation and quality has allowed the company to navigate these challenges successfully.

One significant challenge has been the competition from larger, mass-produced pedal manufacturers. Keeley Electronics has maintained its competitive edge by focusing on niche markets and offering products that cater to discerning musicians. By emphasizing quality over quantity, Keeley has been able to build a brand that stands out in a crowded marketplace.

#### Looking Ahead: The Future of Keeley Electronics
As Keeley Electronics moves forward, the company continues to innovate and expand its product line. The integration of digital technology with analog circuits remains a key focus, as Keeley seeks to create pedals that offer the best of both worlds. Additionally, the company is exploring new markets and opportunities, such as collaborating with other manufacturers and expanding its presence in international markets.

Robert Keeley's passion for music and electronics shows no signs of waning. As the company looks to the future, it remains committed to its core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Keeley's journey from a small repair shop to a renowned pedal manufacturer is a testament to the power of dedication and a love for music.

#### Conclusion
The story of Keeley Pedals is one of passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From its humble beginnings to its status as a leading name in the industry, Keeley Electronics has made a lasting impact on the world of music. Through a commitment to quality, an understanding of musicians' needs, and a willingness to embrace new technologies, Keeley has created products that stand the test of time. As the company continues to evolve, it remains a beacon for those in search of the perfect sound.