Hudson Electronics Sidecar: An In-depth Review

If you aren't familiar with Hudson Electronics, I recommend checking out this article by JHS, "Why You Need to Know Hudson Electronics".

Just another Tube Screamer?

The Sidecar is indeed based on a Tube Screamer, the classic TS808. However, it has been tweaked to deliver a bigger low end, wider gain range, and greater headroom. It also features a powerful two-band EQ inspired by a vintage Studer recording console. Instead of the traditional silicon diodes found in the TS808, the Sidecar uses a pair of germanium diodes chosen for their softer response characteristics, which helps preserve your playing dynamics and feel.

The Sidecar's straightforward layout features drive, treble, bass, and volume controls, along with a single bypass foot switch. Unlike the flagship Broadcast, it has no internal trim pots, but like the Broadcast, it can be operated anywhere between 9V and 24V. Running at higher voltages provides more headroom, reduced distortion, and less compression and sag.

I'm running mine at 24V for maximum headroom, as I found that at 9V, things start to get fuzzy pretty quickly when turning up the drive. A voltage doubler is an inexpensive way to convert a standard 9V supply to 18V (or 12V to 24V) to gain some additional headroom without investing in a new power supply. There have been versions of the Sidecar that internally run at 24V from a standard 9V supply, including the beautiful sand-coloured model made for Regent Sounds. These are no longer available from Regent Sounds, but you might find one on the used market.

How does it sound?

The Sidecar, while reminiscent of a Tube Screamer with its mid-forward character, is much more open and three-dimensional sounding than a typical Tube Screamer, which can often sound boxy and nasal. With Strat single coils and the gain set low, it acts as an incredible clean boost, really fattening up weak, mid-scooped pickups. As you crank up the gain, it starts to get a little fuzzy around the edges in a unique and pleasing way. With a Les Paul, you can easily get into Robben Ford "Talk to Your Daughter" territory.

Availability and price

At the time of writing, I couldn't find a Sidecar available from a retailer, so I picked one up on Reverb for £130. New, they retail for around £160, which I think is fantastic value considering the tones, the beautiful aesthetic, and the build quality. For that price, you could, of course, get an Ibanez Tube Screamer or something like a Wampler Tumnus mini. While those are great-sounding pedals, they are mass-produced. Hudson Electronics pedals, on the other hand, are hand-built, tested, and packaged by Michael Hudson himself, and the craftsmanship is impeccable.

Final thoughts

As you may be able to tell, I love this pedal. As a gear minimalist with a small pedalboard, versatility is crucial for me. With its range of gain, 9-24V power capabilities, and powerful EQ, the Sidecar delivers an impressive array of professional overdrive tones. Paired with the Broadcast AP-II, I have all the gain sounds I could ever need.