HISTORY

History 36

I am really happy that our re-issue Overdrive is available for some years again. We had worked very hard to give you, the musician, exactly what you asked for. An overdrive that responds to your dynamics and adds texture to your tone in a very natural, musical way. The result was the Original ODR-1 that has developed its own cult following since we originally designed and engineered it way back in 1985. In those days there seemed to be countless overdrives on the market that had what we describe as the ‘nasal’ tone. But we worked hard on creating a very ‘open’ sounding pedal that worked with you and your amplifier.

Gary Moore, Bryan Adams, Jerry Donahue, Guthrie Trapp, Tom Bukovac, Tim Pierce, T.M. Stevens, and seemingly countless other amazing players have made Nobels products part of their sonic arsenal over the years and let me tell you it isn’t very often that you get to design something that people treat as a trusted companion for over three decades.

I would like to thank the distribution partners we have worked with all over the world some of whom were dealing with musicians back when drum machines still had 2 arms and 2 legs (Yes, that long ago!) and all of the artists, dealers and journalists that have constantly supported and raved about our products.

When I started I had a mission statement that still holds true over thirty years later –
“NO FASHION, Just straight, high standards with that little extra for the musician!”

Bernhard Kurzke – Founder & Owner

More Info about Bernhard click here

1983

DER START / THE START

Das Konzept von NOBELS war sehr innovativ und genial einfach: Tolle Sounds mit cleveren Ideen und zu einem günstigen Kurs anbieten. Bernhard Kurzke stampfte mit dem Elektroniker Kai Tachibana eine Palette an nützlichen Tools aus dem Boden.  Es gab eine Effektpedalserie, dazu programmierbare Multieffekte, MIDI-Footcontroller, gutklingende Übungsamps und die „Little Helpers“. Dies waren kleine Kästchen fürs Pedalboard: Mixer, Splitter, A/B-Schalter, Einschleifwege, MIDI-Switcher, DI-Boxen … so klein und günstig waren die Helferlein eine echte Revolution. Wer damals billig produzieren wollte, musste nach Taiwan, Korea und China. Bernhard Kurzke flog dorthin: Die Abenteuer, in den damals unterentwickelten Ländern die Produktion zu starten, können ein ganzes Buch füllen. Nebenher baute Bernhard ein weltweites Vertriebsnetz für Nobels-Effekte auf und stellte die Geräte auf über 90 internationalen Messen vor.


The NOBELS concept was very innovative and ingeniously simple: Offering great sounds with clever ideas and at a reasonable price. Bernhard Kurzke and electronics technician Kai Tachibana created a range of useful tools out of the ground. There was a series of effects pedals, plus programmable multi-effects, MIDI foot controllers, good-sounding practice amps and the “Little Helpers”. These were small boxes for the pedalboard: mixers, splitters, A / B switches, loop-in paths, MIDI switchers, DI boxes … so small and inexpensive, the little helpers were a real revolution. Those who wanted to produce cheaply back then had to go to Taiwan, Korea and China. Bernhard Kurzke flew there: The adventure of starting production in the then underdeveloped countries can fill an entire book. At the same time, Bernhard built up a worldwide sales network for Nobels effects and presented the devices at over 90 international trade fairs.


1983 1

Bernhard Kurzke & Kai Tachibana

1985

Sound Studio 1

The Nobels Sound Studio 1 is a portable stereo headphone amp with a selection of different sounds and effects. It’s an all analog guitar headphone amp that you could use as a preamp as well :
– mono/stereo in and out
– 5 different “channels” : normal (clean without speaker emulation), clean 1 and 2 (two different eq/speaker emulations), OD and DIST, you can add the A440hz to the normal channel if you want to tune.
– Driver and compression settings (on the right side of the box)
– two analog effects that you can seperately turn on and set the level of : a slapback delay and a chorus, all analog with BBD chips.
– main volume slider
– SEND/RETURN effects loop and footswitch connector to switch the dist channel on and off.
– powered by a unusual +6V/0/-6V power supply, or with 8 AA batteries
– belt clip, of course, because it’s from the 80’s

————————————————————————————

Das Nobels Sound Studio 1 ist ein portabler Stereo Kopfhörerverstärker mit einer Auswahl an verschiedenen Sounds und Effekten. Es beinhaltet 4 Grundsounds und als Effekte ein schaltbarer Stereo-Chorus und ein Delay – alles analog mit BBD Chips. Ein eingebauter 440Hz Stimmton war zusätzlich als Referenz mit eingebaut. An der Seite konnte man den Grad der Verzerrung und die Kompression regeln. Zu betreiben war das SST-1 mit einem Netzteil oder Batterien. Somit war es portabel und es durfte eine Gürtelklammer natürlich nicht fehlen. Es waren ja schließlich die 80er Jahre!

1985 2

Development of the Sound Studio (English)

Entwicklungsgeschichte des Sound Studio (Deutsch)

1987

Nobels SST 19 PROG

Maybe the first programmable multieffects processor for guitar in a single 19 rack-mountable unit. Adjustable 6-band EQ/Compressor/Chorus/Delay, and 5 ‘preset’ tones ranging from clean to distorted.

Möglicherweise der erste programmierbare Multieffektprozessor für Gitarre in einer 1HE 19-Rack-Einheit. Einstellbarer 6-Band-EQ / Compressor / Chorus / Delay und 5 voreingestellte Sounds von clean bis verzerrt.

1987 3

1989

Das SST-1X ersetzt das SST-1

Mit vielen Verbesserungen bekommt der SST-1 Kopfhörerverstärker ein Update.


The SST-1X replaces the SST-1

The SST-1 headphone amplifier has been updated with many improvements.

1989 4

1990

SOUND STUDIO – MINI PAK

Das Nobels MINI PAK ist ein portabler Pocket Amp für E-Gitarre mit 3 Soundeinstellungen und Batteriebetrieb.
Alles verpackt in einer originellen “Zigarettenschachtel”. Mit im Lieferumfang waren passende Kopfhörer  mit einem Kinken Adapter. Durch einen Clip konnte das MINI PAK bequem am Gürtel getragen werden.


The Nobels MINI PAK is a portable pocket amp for electric guitar with 3 sound settings and battery operation. Everything packed in an original “cigarette box”. Included in the delivery were matching headphones with an adapter. With a clip, the MINI PAK could be worn comfortably on the belt.

Video Clip

1990 5

1990

Kramer sells Nobels products

1990 6

1992

Early prototype of the new Nobels pedal series.

OD-1 – without SPECTRUM EQ

1992 7

1993

ODR-1 Natural Overdrive

Das  ODR-1 Green “Natural Overdrive” ist ein echter Neo-Klassiker. Vom ewigen Geheimtipp zum Volks-Overdrive mit unschlagbarem Preis-Leistungsverhältnis. In den 90er Jahren avancierte er in der Studioszene Nashvilles aufgrund seines breiten Klangspektrums und des sehr natürlichen, warmen Sounds schnell zum Geheimtipp und ist auf zahlreichen Aufnahmen zu hören. Overdrive, Distortion – ob angezerrter, schmutziger Blues oder volles Brett – der ODR-1 hat alles drauf. Selbst mit Single Coils ist satte Verzerrung möglich. Der sehr effektive Spectrum-Regler verändert maßgeblich die Höhen und Bässe. Nach 12 Uhr Stellung werden Bässe und Höhen angehoben. Entgegengesetzt dem Uhrzeigersinn werden Bässe und Höhen abgesenkt. Dabei verändern sich die Mittenfrequenzen kaum. Hierdurch ist es möglich, Single Coils fetter klingen zu lassen, ähnlich einem Humbucker. 2020 ist ein Bass Cut Schalter dazugekommen, welcher die unternen Bassfrequenzen kappt. Dies ist bei Gitarren mit Humbuckerbestückung oft sehr nützlich.

Die Geschichte der Entwicklung des ODR-1 von Kai Tachibana

1993 8


The ODR-1 Green “Natural Overdrive” is a real neo-classic. From the eternal insider tip to the people’s overdrive with an unbeatable price-performance ratio. In the 90s it quickly became an insider tip in the Nashville studio scene due to its wide range of sounds and the very natural, warm sound and can be heard on numerous recordings. Overdrive, distortion – whether distorted, dirty blues or full blast – the ODR-1 has it all. Rich distortion is possible even with single coils. The very effective spectrum controller significantly changes the treble and bass. After 12 o’clock the bass and treble are raised. Counter-clockwise, bass and treble are reduced. The mid-frequencies hardly change at all. This makes it possible to make single coils sound fatter, similar to a humbucker. A bass cut switch was added in 2020, which cuts the lower bass frequencies. This is often very useful on guitars with humbuckers.

History of development of the ODR-1 by Kai Tachibana

History of ODR-1 by Bernhard Kurzke

The ODR-1 Pedal in 370° view! Video Clip

1993

Nobels ALEX-1 Analog Loop Expander

The ALEX is an analog loop expander box. The internal
relay will loop a connected device in or out! This is
especially for effect units which have no bypass or if you
don’t want to feed the signal through it. The strong relay
will also switch other functions as well.
By pressing a button the ALEX-1 can loop an Effect pedal unit into a system.

1993 9

1993

MOUNTY-P

Mit Nobels genialer Detaillösung, den MOUNTY-P’s, ist es ein Leichtes, Effektpedale beliebiger Hersteller auf Pedal Boards zu schrauben. Zur Zeit der Erfindung war Klettband bei weitem noch nicht so stark wie heute. Aber auch heute im rauhen Touralltag können die Pedale schon bei kurzen Erschütterungen vom Bord fallen und nehmen ggf. Schaden. Da sind die Mounty-P’s einfach viel sicherer und eleganter. Zur Befestigung muss keinerlei Modifikation am Pedal vorgenommen werden. Die kleinen, genialen Helferchen sind aus Metall gefertigt und im1993 10 4er-Set inkl. Schrauben erhältlich.

Von der Idee zur Lösung – die Geschichte der Mounty-P’s


If you play live and are serious about your set up then screw your effects down with Nobels Mounty-Ps. Velcro is great if you are bedroom player or constantly swap your stuff around but is a liability for gigging and gathering hair. The Mounty-Ps cost next to nothing and are cleverly designed. No chance of you opening up your pedal case to find your carefully arranged pedals in a heap all scratched up. Mounty-Ps work with big heavy multi units all the way down to mini pedals.Nobels Mounty P’s mounting plates for FX pedals. Of course these little helpers are made out of metal. Package of 4.

Video clip

1993 11

1993 – 2003

First Effect Pedal Series

The concept – excellent sounds, brilliant engineering, solid metal housing and extra features – like the remote control jack. Any switch or switching system (even wireless) can control Nobels stompboxes from remote – no modification necessary.

  • Convenient (top loading!) battery compartment
  • Protected controls
  • Efficient equalization
  • Remote control jack
  • Bright LED status indicators
  • Low impedance output signal; resustant against hum, noise and treble loss
  • Buffered bypass
  • Solid metal housing
  • Low power consumption
  • 12 Volts DC compatibility (for increased headroom and clarity)

PH-D Sound Samples Video (Clean)

PH-D Sound Samples Video (Overdrive)

Development of the ODR-S

Entwicklung des ODR-S

1993 - 2003 12

1993-1998

Compact Series

These units solve many typical problems that occur during mixing, switching, looping, splitting, controlling MIDI devices etc.

The concept behind the Nobels Compact Series is to allow musicians to upgrade their personal setup to a professional level without spending a fortune.

1993-1998 13

1995

MS-8 Midi Switcher

1995 14

THE SWITCH SWITCH – No more tap dancing! The MS-8 can switch up to 17 devices at the same time, regardless of whether they are midi-capable or not, amplifiers or effects, etc. – everything your heart desires. The device was originally designed for the Fender company. The MS-8 was offered by Nobels, Fender, and JHS and was way ahead of its time. The smaller brother is the MS-4.


DER SCHALTERSCHALTER  – Nie mehr Steptanz! Das MS-8 kann bis zu 17 Geräte gleichzeitig schalten, egal ob Midi fähig oder nicht Verstärker oder Effekte etc. – einfach alles was das Herz begehrt. Das Gerät wurde ursprünglich für die Firma Fender konzipiert. Das MS-8 wurde unter Nobels, Fender und JHS angeboten und war seiner Zeit weit voraus. Der kleinere Bruder ist das MS-4.

1995

Fender and Nobels

Circa 1995 bekam das Nobels Sound Studio mit dem Guitar Stereo PAK einen modernisierten Nachfolger, der wie eine Bombe einschlägt. Selbst die Firma Fender vertreibt nun in den USA einige Nobels-Produkte unter dem Fender-Label. Darunter der MS-8 Switcher, das Guitar- und Bass PAK und die MYCRO’s. Quasi ein Ritterschlag.


Around 1995, the Nobels Sound Studio got a modernised successor with the Guitar Stereo PAK, which hit like a bomb. Even the Fender company now sells some Nobels products in the USA under the Fender label. These include the MS-8 switcher, the Guitar and Bass PAK and the MYCROs.

1995 15

1996

Nobels OEM

Bernhard Kurzke: “Nobels became popular after 1993 and I got requests from Washburn-UK to sell the line in GB. Washburn-UK insisted to create an own brand “Rhino” and own model names:

  • Nobels CH-D = Rhinorous
  • Nobels DT-1 = Mayhem
  • Nobels DT-SN = Silent But Deadly
  • Nobels ODR-1 = RAM
  • Nobels ODR-S = Rampage
  • Nobels PRE-1 = Equake

Stupid mistake that I had agreed to that. Result was that every little order created problems with the Korean makers (special print, special giftbox, manual) as the quantities for each model were small (only for the GB market).”

While NOBELS prospered, “Rhino” never could benefit from our growing image. So small quantities had been made and sold, maybe around 200 RAMs, for example.

Then Washburn-UK stopped business in the UK and formed a new company.

BTW – the circuits weren’t different from the original Nobels series!

1996 16

1996

MX-42

Vielseitiger, praktischer 19″ Stereomixer für den Rackeinbau. 4 Stereokanäle und ein Stereo.Master Ausgang. Ideal z.B. als Premixer für ein Keyboardsystem. Kanal 1 und 2 sind beliebig um-, zu und stummschaltbar.


Versatile, practical 19 “stereo mixer for rack installation. 4 stereo channels and a stereo master output. Ideal e.g. as a premixer for a keyboard system. Channels 1 and 2 can be switched, switched on and muted as required.

1996 17

1996

MF-1 Midicontroller

Ein einfacher solider Midicontroller, mit einer großen Anzeige, war das Ziel bei der Entwicklung dieses Pedals. Batteriebetrieb, Phantomspeisung oder ein Netzteilanschluß waren auch hier bereits selbstverständlich an Bord. Der Bank- oder Direktmodus war auch ein sehr nützliches Feature und mit dem “Funny” Modus konnte sogar auch ein Keyboard angesteuert werden um Sounds abzuspielen. Alles zu einem damals unschlagbaren Preis!


A simple solid midi controller with a large display was the goal when developing this pedal. Battery operation, phantom power or a power supply connection were of course already on board. The bank or direct mode was also a very useful feature and with the “Funny” mode, a keyboard could even be controlled to play sounds. All at an unbeatable price at the time!

1996 18

1997

MF-2 Midi Controller

Der MF-2 Midi Controller ist gleichzeitig Controller und Switcher in einem Gerät. Auf jeden seiner 128 Speicherplätze lassen sich 16 MIDI-Bank- Selects, 16 MIDI-Program-Changes, 16 MIDI-Volumes, 4 analoge Switchfunktionen, eine Fadeautomation und eine Touch Funktion abspeichern. Zusätzlich können noch vier definierte Controller (Fußschweller) auf Echtzeitsteuerung verschiedener Parameter zugreifen. Hier wurde an alle Situationen gedacht.


The MF-2 midi controller is both controller and switcher in one device. 16 MIDI bank selects, 16 MIDI program changes, 16 MIDI volumes, 4 analog switch functions, a fade automation and a touch function can be stored in each of its 128 memory locations. In addition, four defined controllers (footsteps) can access real-time control of various parameters. All situations have been thought of here.

1997 19

1997-1998

GC-16 / GC-16 R

“Sweet Little Sixteen” – Dieser kleine Verstärker klingt extrem groß! Es ist ideal für lange Übungsstunden, die einen konstant starken Overdrive und kristalklare Sounds benötigen. Der GC-16 wurde von mehreren bekannten Pickup-Herstellern zur Bewertung ihrer Produkte verwendet. War auch mit einstellbarem Reverb erhältlich.


“Sweet Little Sixteen” – This small amp sounds big! It’s ideal for long practice sessions delivering consistently strong overdrive and crisp clean sounds. The GC-16 was used by several famous pickup manufactures for the evalution of their products. Was also available with adjustable Reverb.

1997-1998 20

1999

STREETMAN 10/15 Portable Amplifier

You can practice on the beach, in your bedroom, backstage or at about any place you can think of! This little amp delivers clean sounds for acoustic guitars or vocals and is also capable to produce the right sound for your electric guitar. 10 Watts with 9 Volts battery operation – 15 Watts when using a 12 Volts power supply!


Ob am Strand, im Schlafzimmer, hinter der Bühne oder an jedem denkbaren Ort portabel üben! Dieser kleine Amp liefert cleane Sounds für akustische Gitarren oder Gesang und ist auch in der Lage, den richtigen Sound für die E-Gitarre zu erzeugen. 10 Watt mit 9 Volt Batteriebetrieb – 15 Watt bei Verwendung mit einer 12 Volt Spannungsversorgung (z.B. auch Autobatterie)! Erhältlich in den Farben Schwarz, Rot, Weiss, Blau und in Naturholz.

Video Clip

1999 21

1999

BC-30

Leistungsstarker Übungscombo mit 30 Watt RMS für Bass. Ein 10″ Lautsprecher in Verbindung mit einem geschlossenen Gehäuse ergibt einen satten Sound. Mit der Möglichkeit einen externen Lautsprecher anzuschließen erweitert dies sogar diesen Combo für kleine Gigs zu nutzen.


Powerful practice combo with 30 watts RMS for bass. The 10 “loudspeaker in connection with a closed housing produces a full sound. With the possibility of connecting an external loudspeaker, this even extends this combo to use for small gigs.

1999 22

1999-2010

NEW DESIGN

Please welcome “The Pedal-SILVER SERIES”!

1999-2010 23

The ODR-1 were developed in Hamburg/Germany and the first series were made in Korea – later around 2000 production was moved to China due to better quality. The silver series had the same circuit. In one production run the tone and volume pots (from the ODR-1) were mixed up on some and so many thought they were different in sound. You just had to reverse the pots to fix the problem. The very last version of the Silver One, before it was discontinued, was made in China. You can recognise it because the “N” logo on the rubber pad is not painted to stand out.

1999-2010 24 1999-2010 25

1999-2010 26

2000

PA-460R

The Nobels „compact“ PA: 4-Channel Power Mixer with internal Reverb.

60/120 Watt RMS on 8 Ohms
2x 2-Way Speaker Cabinets
2x Stands (Aluminium)

2000 27

2003

MASTER SERIES

Die Master-Serie basiert auf dem Konzept der Compact-Serie und wurde jedoch weiterentwickelt. Es wurden innovative elektronische Designs entwickelt und nur die hochwertigsten Komponenten verwendet, um die bestmögliche Audioqualität zu erzielen. Das Nobels TRUE SWITCHING SYSTEM TSS – ist der Nachfolger des klassischen “True Bypass” und verwendet nur High-End-Audio-Relais, die ansonsten in erstklassigen Studiogeräten verwendet werden.


The Master Series is based on the concept of the Compact Series but taken on step further. Innovative electronic designs were developed and only the highest grade components are used to achieve the best possible audio quality. The Nobels TRUE SWITCHING SYSTEM TSS – is the successor of the classic “True Bypass” and employs only high-end audio relays, otherwise used in top-notch studio equipment.

  • PRE-MASTER
  • SPLIT-MASTER
  • A/B – MASTER
  • LOOP – MASTER2003 28

2003

10th ANNIVERSARY ODR-1 Plus

Limited Edition with extra Gain Switch

2003 29

2010

Re-Design and Re-Introduction

“The Black Series” with IMP (Mounting-Plates) and blister packaging.

ODR-1 re-issue in original green with IMP (Mounting-Plates) and blister packaging

Demo Video (ODR-S)

  • ODR-1 (green)
  • ODR-S
  • PRE-1
  • A/B-1

2010 30

2018

ODR-mini

Das neue ODR-mini Pedal saugt die DNA seines großen Bruders ODR-1 voll auf und kommt im Gesamtsound etwas tighter und frecher daher. Ideal für Blues und crunchige Rock-Sounds oder für das Extrapfund beim Solo. Der Charakter der Gitarre bleibt voll erhalten. Auf vielfachen Wunsch wurde ein True-Bypass eingepflanzt. Auch eine Mitterasterung beim SPECTRUM Poti erschien uns als sehr nützliches Feature und um auf der dunklen Bühne eine bessere Orientierung zu haben sollten „Glow in the Dark“ Knöpfe nicht fehlen. Alles kompakt verpackt in einem schlanken und soliden Gehäuse. Betreibbar bis zu 18 Volt, welches dem Sound (sofern gewünscht) noch mehr Headroom erlaubt.


The new ODR-mini pedal absorbs the DNA of its big brother ODR-1 and the overall sound is a bit tighter and cheekier. Ideal for blues and crunchy rock sounds or for that extra pound when soloing. The character of the guitar is fully retained. In response to popular requests, a true bypass was planted. A central grid on the SPECTRUM potentiometer also seemed to us to be a very useful feature and to have a better orientation on the dark stage, “Glow in the Dark” buttons should not be missing. Everything compactly packed in a slim and solid housing. Operable up to 18 volts, which allows the sound (if desired) even more headroom.

Demovideo

2018 31

2019

ODR-1 update mit Bass-Cut Switch

Ende 2019 hat Nobels ein Update für seinen klassischen Overdrive der 1980er Jahre, den ODR-1BC, veröffentlicht. Die neue Version des legendären pedals bietet einen internen Bass-Cut-Schalter sowie die Option, das Pedal mit einer Betriebsspannung zwischen 9 und 18 Volt zu betreiben – wobei höhere Spannungen mehr Headroom bieten. Diese zusätzlichen Funktionen, so Nobels, “haben den Sound des Originals nicht verändert, aber die Vielseitigkeit des Pedals für moderne Rigs massiv erhöht.” Die anderen Regler – die Regler Drive, Spectrum und Level – bleiben erhalten und steuern die Verzerrung, die Toneigenschaften und die Ausgangsleitung des Pedals. In jedem Fall können wir die gleiche Overdrive-Eigenschaften wie beim Original erwarten.


Nobels has revealed an update to its classic 1980s overdrive, the ODR-1BC. Nobel’s new version of the straightforward overdrive adds an internal bass-cut switch, as well as the option to run the pedal at anything between nine and 18 volts – with higher voltages offering more headroom. These added features, Nobels says, “haven’t altered the fundamental tone and vibe of the original, but have increased the versatility of the pedal massively for modern rigs.”

The other controls – the Drive, Spectrum and Level knobs – remain, controlling the amount of gain, tonal characteristics and output of the pedal respectively. In any case, we can expect the same overdrive voice as the original ODR-1, which Nobels describe as more “open” in comparison to the “nasal” trend for overdrives on the market when the pedal debuted.

Demo Video

2019 32

2020

THE PLUGIN

Das legendäre Nobels ODR-1 Overdrive Pedal ist endlich als Plugin erhältlich! Ziel war es ein perfektes 1:1 Softwaremodell von dem Kultpedal zu erstellen. Die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Nobels und Lancaster Audio macht diesen Traum nun wahr. Neben dem klassischen ODR-1-Sound wurde eine Reihe neuer Funktionen hinzugefügt, darunter: einstellbare Spannung (von 5 V bis 18 V) und Toleranzmodellierung, die noch weit mehr Optionen bietet als das physische Pedal.


The legendary Nobels Overdrive Pedal is finally available as a plugin!

ODR-1 is a collaborative effort between Nobels and Lancaster Audio to create a perfect 1 to 1 software model of our famous Natural Overdrive Pedal. Along with the classic ODR-1 sound, we’ve added a ton of new features like: Adjustable voltage (from 5v to 18v) and Tolerance Modelling, which gives you even more options than the physical pedal.

Demo Video

2020 33

2021

Nobels ODR-1 Ltd. LIMITED EDITION

Nobels announces the launch of a Limited-Edition overdrive pedal, the ODR-1Ltd. Equipped with the famous ODR-1BC circuit, Nobels’ most recent edition of the well-known overdrive, the pedal gets a special make-over in the ODR-1Ltd. Nobels is producing only 2,000 pedals worldwide of the Limited Edition that features a breathtaking green sparkle finish and includes a certificate, a special gift box, and serial number.

Nobels ODR-1 Ltd.


Nobels überrascht mit der Einführung eines Pedals in limitierter Auflage – dem ODR-1Ltd. Dies ist mit der legendären ODR-1BC-Schaltung ausgestattet und erhält ein besonderes „Make-Over“ was dieses Pedal sicher zum „Must-have“ für Sammler macht. Produziert wurden weltweit nur 2.000 Pedale dieser Limited Edition, welches ein atemberaubendes grünes Sparkle-Finish aufweist, ein Zertifikat, eine Sonderverpackung und eine individuelle Seriennummer enthält.

40 Years Nobels

Time flew by quickly and there were many exciting events. Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence: Nobels Company’s Anniversary.

40 Years Nobels 34

ODR-1 30th Anniversary Edition Pedal

30 years the legendary overdrive ODR-1 has been pleasing the ears.
To celebrate this anniversary, an Anniversary Pedal is now available which reflects the classic sound of the golden Nobels ODR-1 era. For the first time upgraded with a continuously adjustable bass cut pot. Nobels has listened to the wishes of the humbucker players and fulfilled them.

From many old 90s “original” ODR-1 pedals, the best sounding pedal was transplanted into the anniversary model. The search for the holy “original ODR-1 Grail”, at extremely high prices, has surely come to an end.

Limited edition (5000 pieces worldwide) – with numbered special packaging, certificate, Anniversary Pick and sticker.

ODR-1 30th Anniversary Edition Pedal 35

About B. K.

Bernhard Kurzke – Nobels and No1  – History and Philosophy

I played in a band for 8 years during high school and university.

After attaining the diploma MBA from the University of Hamburg I lived in New York and travelled the USA by Greyhound Bus collecting all available information on instruments and music industry channels.

1977  I took over a 1-man-operation in Hamburg, Germany, developing it to “No1 in American Guitars” with customers like the Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson Band, Scorpions, etc.. 1979 appointed by CBS-USA as exclusive Fender, Rogers, Rhodes parts distributor to 1800 German retailers.

( When buying spare parts I was the only one allowed behind the counters of the world’s most famous retail store, MANNY’s, NY. Henry Goldrich: “Bernhard, please always leave one part in each draw!”). Renaming to No1 Music Park, expanding to 11,000 square feet sales area, 18 permanent employees.

1983  Founding import company MS Music Service introducing into the European countries and exclusively distributing high-class brands: CHARVEL, JACKSON, POWER POTS, STEINBERGER, EMG, SPECTOR, Z-Bass, ESP, WASP, GUILD (re-introduction), SWR, Hipshot, Starlicks Educational Videos and No1-Stretch-Strap (my own brand, Inventor Bernd Gärtig, production in Germany)

1984  With the No1 retail I made a contract with Europe’s biggest music company Hohner, being the sole responsible product manager for guitars, designing 33 models of electric guitars, setting up and controlling production in Korea, setting prices, deciding marketing worldwide. Sales: 43,000 guitars in the first year, 260,000 guitars in 5 years. Training all sales forces and executive officers internationally.

1985  Expanding MS Music Service with engineers trained in the repair departments of No1 retail. Renaming to NOBELS. 8 permanent employees. Designing 45 Nobels models of sound modifiers, switching computers and ampli­fiers. Setting up and supervising production in Taiwan, Korea and China. Distribution into 18 territories. Exhibiting at more than 90 international exhibitions.

In the following years Nobels also made technical designs and consulting for Fender-USA, Hohner Professional, ESP-Japan, Washburn-UK, JHS, Guild, Fender/Sanrio “Hello Kitty“.

Over two decades Nobels products have earned top class awards along the way from magazines in several countries. For Hohner Professional Guitar Designs, the “Musician’s Little Helper” series, the “Red Box” Nobels Sound Studio 1, the first fully programmable guitar preamp SST-19Prog, the green Nobels overdrive ODR-1, the accessory Mounty-P, the MYCRO headphone amps and the

No1-Stretch-Strap (accolades from Leo Fender, Hartley Peavey, Frank Zappa, and others).

1994 I franchised the “No1 Guitar Center” to my partner who had been my employee for 17 years.

When the red “Sound Studio 1” became more successful in the USA than the competition, Tom Scholz Rockman sued Nobels for patent infringement with long fights in several states of the USA.

2004 – I sold the retail operation “No1 Music Park” to employees and business partners.

Since then selling NOBELS product and the original No1-Stretch-Strap, consulting selected customers.

2013 – introducing “TRIAD-ORBIT” into the European markets. NAMM-2014: voted “BEST-in-SHOW”.

2016 – restructuring European markets for world pioneer in active pickups – Rob Turner of EMG-USA.


Philosophy: unchanged

–  Soundwise no compromise

–  one feature more than the others

–  musicians design for musicians

–  innovation – but no fashion

–  solid and affordable