Unsupported Browser
The web browser that you are currently using is no longer supported, and as such features of this website may not work as expected. We advise you to update to a currently supported browser (such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox) to improve your security, speed, and overall experience.
We currently have this product in stock and available for dispatch.
Stock Location
| UK Distribution Hub: | 1 |
"Get it" shows the next available date that we will be able to deliver this item to you on, depending on the delivery option you select, and the stock availability of anything else that you add to your shopping basket.
5-year warranty & 30-day money-back guarantee included
If you decide your order isn't suitable for any reason you can return it - just let us know within 30 days of receiving it. Please keep hold of all the original packaging until you're sure you want to keep the order.
Eligibility for Money Back Guarantee
Important: For hygiene and software licensing reasons, some items are only eligible for our Money Back Guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging with all software still "unregistered." Details of exclusions are shown within the product descriptions. Products include:
- Monitors and Headphones
- Earplugs and Ear Protection
- Reeds and mouthpieces for woodwind and brass instruments
- Mouth and Lip-Care Products
- CDs, DVDs and Software
We can collect your return for a small fee, or you can send it back to us yourself. The collection fee can be found in the returns information on each product's page on Gear4music.
In the unlikely event that any item in this order is faulty, damaged or incorrect on receipt, notify us within 14 days and we'll arrange a free collection.
When returning an order please ensure products are appropriately packaged and protected, to prevent them from getting damaged.
This table provides an overview of your statutory consumer rights, compared with our standard returns policy and optional extended money back guarantee and warranty.
| UK & Europe | EU Standard | Gear4music Standard | Gear4music Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return Period | 14 days | 30 days | up to 180 days |
| Standard delivery charges refunded? | Yes | Yes | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Upgraded delivery charges refunded? | Standard costs only | Standard costs only | Standard costs only |
| Free collection on cancellation | No | No | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Free collection if defective, delivered damaged or incorrect item | Yes, within 14 days | Yes, within 14 days | Yes, within 30 days |
We are unable to accept returns of any custom made items designed to work together as a unique package and some items are only eligible for money back guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging. For full information on our returns policy, please refer to our returns and refunds information guide.
Spread your payment with Klarna. No fees.
Split the cost into 3 equal monthly payments of €50.25 - interest free
Key Features
The Ashdown VU Load Variable Drive Pedal is designed for bassists looking to shape harmonically rich distortion without losing their core tone, making it ideal for players in rock, metal and heavier styles.
Ex-Demo: This product may be ex-display, have light signs of use, have slight cosmetic marks or may have non-essential parts or software missing. The original box, packaging or manual may not be included. Each item is checked by our team of repair technicians to ensure it meets our high standards. This is a great opportunity to buy a fully functioning product at a discounted price.
Product Ref: 349228
This pedal captures James LoMenzo’s signature approach to distortion: tight, musical and never overpowering. Unlike standard overdrive pedals, the VU Load Variable Drive focuses the distortion on a tunable band within the midrange, leaving your low-end intact. You can dial in exactly where the drive effect is applied using the HP and LP filter controls, which sweep between 210Hz and 3kHz, and 100Hz to 330Hz, respectively. This means you can emphasise attack, growl or bite while keeping your clean bass punch fully present in the mix.
Many bass overdrives compromise low-end clarity. The VU Load Variable Drive avoids this by giving you separate mix controls for your dry and driven signals. The Bypass Mix control sets how much of the clean bass signal remains, preserving warmth and body. The Drive Mix control then blends in the level of the distorted signal layered over the top. This dual-mix setup allows you to craft drive tones that are textured but never overpowering, keeping your bass powerful in any mix.
The onboard Input control lets you match the pedal to different instrument output levels, so you can use it with passive or active basses without unwanted volume spikes or signal degradation. This control fine-tunes the way the pedal responds to your playing dynamics and ensures you maintain a consistent signal level through your chain.
True bypass switching keeps your tone clean when the pedal is off, and the compact format fits easily onto most pedalboards. With a current draw of 45mA and 9V operation, it integrates with most standard power supplies used by gigging musicians.
The VU Load Variable Drive is not just about aggression. It’s a versatile tone-shaping tool designed for creative players who want detailed control. The rotary Drive control acts like a gain knob, letting you adjust the intensity of the distortion from light texture to high gain growl. Combined with the filter section and mix controls, this allows you to create sounds that cut through, sit back or shape your tone for different styles and line-ups.
Built in a road-ready housing and finished with a clear visual layout, this pedal is made for bassists who want flexibility and focus on stage and in the studio. Personally signed off by James LoMenzo, the VU Load Variable Drive stands as both a creative tool and a professional-grade piece of kit.
