EarthQuaker Devices Monarch Overdrive Guitar Distortion Effects Pedal The Monarch gives big bottom end with a snappy, bright top at all gain ranges with some careful tuning of the treble and bass controls. Configured to produce higher gains that sound very open and free of unnatural compression. The treble and bass controls function as frequency boosters, not the traditional roll off filters in most overdrives. If you are looking for an overdrive for big fat chords with excellent low end retention, this is it! True bypass and handmade with sweet loving care in Akron, Ohio.