KORG Nu:Tekt HD-S Harmonic Distortion - DIY Solderless Harmonic Distortion Pedal Kit

KORG Nu:Tekt HD-S Harmonic Distortion - DIY Solderless Harmonic Distortion Pedal Kit

The KORG Nu:Tekt HD-S Harmonic Distortion is a pedal kit that lets you combine three distortion circuits to create harmonic modulation that transcends traditional distortion. Developed under the direction of Fumio Mieda (the engineer behind legendary devices like the Uni-Vibe), the HD-S delivers everything from classic fuzz textures to radical, expressive soundscapes, with a response that varies based on your playing technique and the volume of your instrument. It builds quickly and without soldering , and includes all the essential tools to enjoy the build process and the final sound.

On the front panel, the HD-S features four easily accessible controls— VOLUME , TONE , GATE , and GAIN —for adjusting level, tonal character, the analog noise gate, and the amount of saturation. Under the top cover are three HARMONIC 1/2/3 trimmers that regulate the level of each of the three internal distortion circuits and activate a lighting window that reacts to the audio with identifiable colors (blue, green, and red). This architecture allows for precise tone sculpting and a unique “band-switching” or filter-like effect. The pedal operates on a 9V battery or 9V DC adapter, consumes 45mA , and offers approximately 10 hours of battery life on an alkaline battery.

Thanks to its wide range and harmonic composition, the Nu:Tekt HD-S isn’t limited to guitar; it also performs well with bass , synths , and other electric sources when looking for new and distinctive sounds. Its compact chassis (122 × 96 × 55 mm, 340 g) and standard mono connectivity (6.35 mm input/output and 9 V DC jack) make it easy to integrate into any pedalboard.

Main features

• Three combinable distortion circuits using internal HARMONIC 1/2/3 trimmers to modulate the harmonic content and “color” of the clipping.
• Four front controls : VOLUME, TONE, GATE (analog noise gate) and GAIN for immediate adjustment in live or studio settings.
• Illumination window showing the activity of each circuit (blue/green/red) depending on the signal.
• DIY solderless kit with tools included; quick and easy assembly.
• Compatible with guitar, bass and synthesizers , with volume and touch sensitive response.
• Flexible power supply : 9V alkaline battery or DC 9V adapter (not included).
• Low consumption of 45 mA and approximate autonomy of 10 h with alkaline battery.
• Compact format : 122 × 96 × 55 mm; weight 340 g.
• Includes manual, tool set and pick, and sticker sheet for customization.

Benefits for the musician

• One pedal, multiple voices : from classic fuzz to experimental textures by mixing the three internal circuits.
• Integrated noise control thanks to the analog noise gate, useful at high gain settings.
• Expressive Design : Harmonic modulation reacts to the volume and dynamics of your playing.
• Deep customization without technical complications: internal trimmers to set the character and front potentiometers for daily adjustment.
• Building and learning : DIY experience without soldering, with tools included and the possibility of aesthetic customization.

Use cases

• Modern Sound Design : Combine HARMONIC 1/2/3 to create filter-like sweeps and textures over synth sequences.
• Punchy Rhythms – Use the noise gate for crisp cuts in high-gain guitar riffs.
• Characterful Bass : Adjust TONE and trimmers to maintain bass definition while adding controlled saturation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does it require soldering? No. The kit is assembled with hardware and controls, including tools.
• What controls does it have on the panel? VOLUME, TONE, GATE, and GAIN; inside, HARMONIC 1/2/3 trimmers.
• Does it only work with guitar? No. It also works with bass, synthesizers, and other electric sources.
• Does it include a power supply? No. It uses a 9V battery or a 9V DC adapter (sold separately).

Description for projects

KORG Nu:Tekt HD-S harmonic distortion pedal kit; front-mounted VOLUME , TONE , GATE , GAIN controls; internal HARMONIC 1/2/3 trimmers with illuminated display; 6.35 mm (TS) mono input/output connectors and 9 V DC jack ; powered by 9 V battery or DC 9 V adapter ; consumption 45 mA ; approx. 10 h battery life with alkaline battery; dimensions 122 × 96 × 55 mm ; weight 340 g ; includes manual, tool/pick set and stickers.