JHS Notadümble V2 DIY Kit Fixes V1 Boost Circuit Error

TL;DR: JHS Pedals has released the Notadümble V2 DIY kit, fixing the original V1’s accidental inclusion of the wrong boost circuit (the BBC-1 instead of the Box It Later). Priced at $119, the V2 adds a second footswitch, an effects loop, an order toggle, and externalises the Presence control, making it a versatile two-in-one overdrive and clean boost pedal kit.

• The V2 corrects the V1’s error by swapping the BBC-1 circuit for the intended Box It Later clean boost circuit.
• New features include a second footswitch for independent drive and clean channels, a TRS effects loop on the clean side, and an order toggle to swap signal paths.
• The Presence control is now a front-panel knob instead of an internal trim pot, allowing real-time adjustments.
• 6,000 units in the initial batch at $119, with plans for it to become a permanent part of the JHS line.
• The kit includes everything except a screwdriver, plus a tube of “Goop” as a humorous nod to boutique epoxy-sealed circuits.

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What Is the Notadümble V2?

We at Noxal have a soft spot for DIY pedal kits—they’re the soldering irons of the synth world, where you trade immediate gratification for the smug satisfaction of having built something that actually works. The JHS Pedals Notadümble V2 is exactly that: a DIY kit that, once assembled, gives you a dual-channel overdrive and clean boost pedal inspired by the legendary (and notoriously expensive) Dumble amplifiers. At $119, it’s a fraction of the cost of a real Dumble—or even a decent clone—and it comes with a story that’s almost as rich as the tone.

The original Notadümble V1, released in 2019, was supposed to feature the “Box It Later” clean boost circuit, reverse-engineered from John Mayer’s touring rig. But due to a clerical error after the passing of JHS’s head of R&D, Cliff Smith, the V1 shipped with the wrong circuit—the BBC-1 preamp boost. JHS owned up, discontinued the V1 after two weeks, and later released the BBC-1 as a separate pedal called the Fumble. Now, the V2 rectifies that mistake and adds a slew of fan-requested features.

The Mistake That Started It All

Let’s rewind to 2019, when Josh Scott reverse-engineered two rare Dumble units from John Mayer’s touring rig. One was the “A Box Later” preamp boost, which became the Box It Later. The other was the obscure BBC-1 preamp boost, which Howard Dumble himself had allegedly copied from a 1970s Barcus Berry acoustic piezo preamp. The Notadümble V1 was intended to house the Box It Later circuit, but the mix-up meant it shipped with the BBC-1 instead.

I’ve always appreciated JHS’s transparency in handling this. They didn’t sweep it under the rug; they admitted the error, discontinued the V1, and gave the BBC-1 its own identity. The V2 now features the correct Box It Later clean circuit, and it’s a permanent addition to the lineup. The kit also includes a tube of “Goop” for sealing the circuit—a tongue-in-cheek nod to the epoxy-encased boutique pedals of the 90s. It’s the kind of self-aware humour that makes gear culture bearable.

What’s New in the V2?

The V2 isn’t just a correction; it’s a full rework based on user feedback. Where the V1 had a single channel slider, the V2 now has two independent footswitches for a true two-in-one experience. The left footswitch controls a boutique, high-sustaining overdrive that nails the violin-like Dumble lead tones used by Larry Carlton and Carlos Santana. Its controls include Volume, Drive, an EQ low-pass filter, and the newly externalised Presence knob—previously an internal trim pot in the V1. That’s a welcome change for anyone who’s ever cursed while trying to dial in a tone mid-gig with a screwdriver.

The right footswitch engages the clean boost and its integrated TRS effects loop. This is the killer feature: using a TRS Y-cable, you can insert individual pedals or an entire secondary board into the loop. That means you can activate complex effects chains with one stomp, or use the clean channel’s Output and Input controls to add a master volume and impedance shaper to older pedals. If no cable is plugged in, the loop is bypassed automatically. Add an order toggle that lets you choose whether the drive runs into the clean channel or vice versa, and you’ve got a pedal that’s far more flexible than its $119 price suggests.

Building and Market Context

The kit comes with nearly everything you need: the circuit board, components, enclosure, and even the wrenches to tighten the pots. All you need is a screwdriver (and, presumably, a soldering iron). The initial batch is 6,000 units, and JHS has confirmed the V2 will be a permanent part of their lineup. I’d expect availability at major retailers like Thomann soon, but given the V1’s history, I wouldn’t wait too long to grab one.

At $119, this is a steal for a dual-channel pedal with an effects loop and order switching. Comparable boutique offerings—like the Wampler Tumnus or the Strymon Deco—often cost double or triple that. The DIY aspect adds value for tinkerers, and the build quality is solid. I’ve built a few kits in my time, and JHS’s instructions are clear and well-illustrated, even for beginners. It’s a satisfying afternoon project that ends with a genuinely usable pedal.

Who Is This For?

The Notadümble V2 is for players who want Dumble-style tones without paying Dumble prices—or who enjoy the therapeutic ritual of soldering components on a rainy Sunday. It’s also for those who appreciate a good redemption arc. The V1 was a mistake, but JHS turned it into a conversation about transparency and community feedback. The V2 feels like a direct response to what users actually wanted: more control, more flexibility, and no hidden trim pots.

If you’re a gigging guitarist who needs a compact pedalboard solution, the effects loop and order toggle make this a Swiss Army knife for gain staging. If you’re a bedroom player, the learning curve of building the kit adds a layer of personal connection to your gear. And if you’re just here for the drama, well, the story is entertaining enough to warrant the purchase alone.

I’ll be building mine while sipping a pour-over and muttering about trim pots—some rituals are worth preserving, even if the circuit isn’t gooped.