Pedals shape the foundation of your tone. Whether you’re looking for a boost, overdrive, distortion or fuzz pedal, they can make or break your overall sound.
Distortion pedals use silicon, germanium, or FET-based transistors to push incoming signal to the clipping point, imparting their own unique set of nuances.
Ibanez Tube Screamer
Despite having been on the market for over 40 years the Ibanez Tube Screamer is still one of the most popular pedals in the guitar world. The main reason for this is that it does exactly what people expect from an overdrive pedal – creates pleasing overdriven sounds at lower amplitudes (perfect for players with volume concerns or using loud clean amps) and is highly responsive to picking dynamics – a big benefit for blues guitarists!
Ibanez has released a number of variations on the original TS808 Tube Screamer, such as the TS5, TS7, TS9 and ST9 Super Tube Screamer. All of them share the same circuit, although a couple of them add an additional gain stage in order to create different sound.
The Ibanez TS9 Mini is one of these, and it’s a good choice for anyone who wants to own a classic tube screamer but doesn’t have a lot of space on their pedalboard. The controls are a bit smaller than on the original, but they all function well and deliver the expected tones. The tone control removes high end when turned anticlockwise, and it adds top end when turned clockwise.
Another benefit of the Ibanez TS9 is that it’s built like a tank, so you can feel confident it will hold up to regular use. This model is a little more expensive than other similar pedals, but it’s worth the extra cost if you’re looking for a reliable and authentic-sounding tube screamer. The price of this model includes a true bypass and an 18V power supply. Aside from these features, it also includes the same components used in the original TS808. You can find this pedal at AMS.
Boss Full-Drive 2
If you’re looking for a pedal that will give your sound an overdriven amp feel, this is one of the best. It’s a simple and powerful pedal that can handle a variety of styles of music. Its knobs allow you to fine-tune your tone to match your guitar and amplifier. It also features a volume control that lets you adjust the intensity of your overdrive. The tone knob is different from most, as it acts more like a presence control instead of a treble control. The more you turn it up, the more it emphasizes upper frequencies while decreasing the treble.
Another great option is the Pro Co Rat 2. This distortion pedal has thousands of user reviews that describe it as gritty, raunchy, warm, and all the other superlatives you can think of. It’s a simple and versatile pedal that can be used for a variety of styles, from blues to rock. Its controls are easy to understand and use, so it’s a good place to start for those who are new to distortion pedals.
For those who are looking for a little more complexity, there are some octave pedals that offer mind-blowing effects. For example, the Boss OC-5 pedal allows you to play doubled notes from either 1 or 2 octaves down. Other options include the Digitech Drop, which allows you to detune your guitar semitones at a time.
Choosing the right guitar pedals for your rig can be difficult, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for before making a purchase. The best pedals are designed to provide a variety of sounds, from overdrive and distortion to octave and delay effects. Fortunately, many of these pedals are relatively inexpensive and can make a big difference in your guitar’s sound.
Boss TUBE
Whether you’re looking for a distortion pedal that’s warm, crunchy, or gritty, the Boss TUBE is one of the most popular options. The pedal features a tone control, so you can dial in the amount of grit and distortion you want. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than other distortion pedals out there.
A compression pedal is a must-have for any guitarist. It can help you get that perfect vocal sound by reducing your dynamic range, and it’s also great for making your guitar sound louder without losing any of its natural tone. There are many different compressor pedals out there, but the BOSS CS-3 is an industry standard. It has a variety of advanced features, including a “blend” knob that lets you mix in dry signal for a more transparent effect.
There are also pedals that can add a bit of a modulation to your guitar signal, such as chorus, flanger, and more. These pedals can alter the timbre and pitch of your signal for an extra-dimensional sound. For example, chorus can create the sound of a choir or string orchestra by adding multiple notes to your signal and changing their pitch.
Some pedals can even turn your guitar into other instruments. You can get the sound of an organ, a synth, or even an acoustic guitar! These pedals are incredibly popular and can really make your playing stand out.
Electro-Harmonix makes some of the best pedals in the business. Their Big Muff Pi, Op-Amp Voltage Doubler, and other effects are highly regarded by guitar players around the world. If you’re interested in trying out these pedals for yourself, contact PMT Online or visit your local store today.
Dunlop Crybaby
The Dunlop Crybaby is a classic guitar pedal that has been a standard for decades. It has been used by many legendary guitarists and is still a popular choice for working musicians who need a reliable wah pedal. It is heavy-duty and built to last. It features a long shape that is comfortable to rest your foot on while you are rocking it back and forth. It also has three voicing options that let you choose from different frequencies and tones. The H setting gives you a modern sound that covers a wide range of frequencies and has more top-end in the toe-down position. The M setting offers a more traditional wah sound with a smaller frequency range and more midrange and bass. The L setting is dark and has an expressive vocal quality.
The Crybaby is a versatile guitar pedal that can be used for a variety of musical styles. It is ideal for rock and blues and can be used to create distinctive effects. Its design is simple and intuitive. It is powered by a 9-volt battery or an AC adapter. Its heavy-duty construction and durable design make it a great choice for working musicians.
Unlike other wah pedals, the Dunlop Crybaby features an original black inductor. It is an excellent choice for guitarists who want to get the classic Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton wah sound. It is also suitable for funk and jazz guitar. Its sweep has several sweet spots along its path and is easy to use.
The Dunlop Crybaby GCB95 is one of the most popular models on the market. Its popularity stems from its design and its ability to produce a rich sound. It is also a good option for those who like to create wacky funky rhythms.
Line 6 DLX
Since its release in 1999, this green pedal has become one of the most recognizable and widely used delay effects in history. In fact, if you’ve listened to any rock song from the 00s, chances are that the DL4 is buried somewhere in the mix. And if you’ve ever been awed by an impossible lick, wild arrangement or super-clean glitchiness in that decade, then this pedal was probably responsible.
The DL4 MkII is the latest iteration of the classic pedal and offers even more features than its predecessor. Featuring 16 different delay models, including 15 HX-derived delays and the original’s reverb mode, it can satisfy all sorts of guitarists. It also includes a looper with 4 and 1
While there are countless guitar effects pedals out there, the best ones will offer you both quality and value. These pedals are a great choice for any musician looking to take their sound to the next level.
If you’re interested in trying some of the best guitar pedals on the market, start with these tried-and-true favorites. They’re sure to add a new dimension to your guitar playing and help you develop your own unique style.
The best guitar pedals for you will depend on your personal taste and musical style, so experiment with a few to find the perfect combination. Once you’ve found the right pedals, it’s time to start playing! With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to developing your own signature sound.