Guitar pedals are notoriously susceptible to market hype. For example, two or three years ago JHS did a video highlighting how much the Digitech Bad Monkey overdrive pedal sounded like the Klon Centaur, and prices on the used market skyrocketed.
Labor is a big driver of price, and wages in first-world countries are higher than most pedal builders can afford to pay.
How Much Does a Pedal Cost?
Pedals are generally less expensive than guitars and amplifiers, but they still cost quite a bit of money. The main reason for this is that a pedal’s production requires a lot of design work. The pedal logo needs designing, the box art needs designing, there’s a manual to design, and all of this is done for each individual pedal. This can cost a fortune, especially for smaller companies who are producing lots of different effects pedals at once.
There’s also the fact that pedals require a lot of labor to build, and that costs a great deal of money too. Unlike an amp or a guitar, which is generally made from CNC, a pedal is usually hand-assembled and hand-tuned. This is not a bad thing, but it can add to the overall cost of a pedal.
Pedal prices are also more variable than the prices of guitars and amps, due to the fact that different cultures have different labor laws and wages. Often, this can cause significant price differences between similar pedals from different manufacturers.
As such, many people believe that a higher price tag means that a pedal is better, but this is not always the case. For example, an octave fuzz pedal such as the Ampeg Scrambler Fuzz can be found on the used market for $2,000. This is not because it’s a superior design, but because the original had a gooped circuit which added to its mystique.
For most guitarists, the amount of pedals they own is going to be dictated by what type of music they play and their personal tastes. Some people prefer to have a minimalist setup, while others want to build an enormous wall of sound. Regardless of what you prefer, it’s important to remember that a pedal is not going to make you a rock god, and that your playing will be far more crucial to your success.
For beginners, it’s a good idea to start with a few basic pedals. Most guitar players will need a distortion/overdrive pedal like the Ibanez Tube Screamer or BOSS Angry Driver, a reverb pedal, and a delay pedal. Then, you can begin adding more pedals to create your perfect sound.
How Much Do I Need to Spend on a Pedal?
If you have been playing guitar for a while, you already know how much pedals can affect your sound. Depending on your needs and the type of pedal you are looking for, you can spend anywhere from $25 to a couple thousand dollars. While many people think that they need to buy a pedalboard right away, I recommend investing in a solid amplifier first and then gradually accenting it with pedals over time as your playing and taste evolve. This way, you can avoid a lot of expensive mistakes and really find what works for you.
Most guitar pedals fall into one of four categories: distortion, reverb, delay and modulation. Each pedal offers unique effects that can dramatically impact your tone. For example, a flanger pedal can make your guitar sound like a whole other instrument, while a chorus pedal can add layers of timbre and pitch to your music.
Labor costs are the biggest driving force behind the price of any effect pedal. Despite the fact that some of the best pedals on the market can cost upwards of $500, it is important to remember that most small pedal companies are made up of people who need to pay for things like rent, health care and childcare. In addition, the cost of living in most first-world countries continues to rise, causing many small businesses to raise their prices.
It is also worth remembering that there are knockoffs of many expensive pedals. For example, there are a lot of inexpensive distortion pedals available on the used market that offer the same sound as the original. It is also worth remembering that a good guitar amp can provide many of the same sounds as some of the more expensive pedals, so it’s not necessary to spend a fortune on gear.
If you are looking for a great pedal to add to your setup, Bananas at Large carries a wide selection of the highest quality pedals in the industry. Our team is happy to help you find the perfect pedal for your music and budget.
How Much Do I Need to Spend on a Pedalboard?
The guitar pedal market has been booming in recent years, creating a plethora of options for guitarists. Many players prefer the unique sounds offered by single pedals, but others love the ease of use and versatility provided by multi-effects units. Whichever type of pedal you choose, it’s important to find one that matches the tone you have in your head. You should also consider how your guitar pedals will be arranged on a pedalboard, including space for patch cables and power supply connections.
Overdrive and distortion pedals are some of the most common effects, and they come in many different styles to match any sound. Overdrive pedals can give your guitar a little extra oomph to help it cut through a mix, while distortion pedals can add that classic rock or metal tone to your playing.
Chorus pedals can add a rich, chime-like effect to your playing, adding layers of timbre and pitch. They can also add a more spacious feel to your music, creating a more open sound.
Noise gates can be used to remove unwanted noise and feedback from your playing, or they can be used as a reverb pedal. They are usually placed at the end of a chain since they filter out the entire signal before them, but you can experiment with placing them elsewhere in the chain to see which sound you like best.
A wah pedal can bring a distinct and unique sound to your guitar, adding some depth to your playing. It can also be used to create some interesting vocal-like effects when used in conjunction with other pedals.
Finally, a tuner pedal is a must-have for any guitarist. It will ensure that you’re always in tune, whether you’re playing at home or onstage. The industry standard is the Boss TU-3, but TC Electronic makes some great options too.
Once you’ve decided on the types of pedals you want for your rig, it’s time to start shopping! Remember to keep in mind your budget and the types of pedals you already have when deciding which ones to buy.
How Much Should I Spend on a Pedal?
A good pedal can transform your guitar tone from something bland to a work of art, but the price tag can put them out of reach for beginners. The best pedals can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars, but there are some ways to save money when shopping for pedals.
For starters, there are many basic pedals that can be purchased for under $50. These pedals typically include basic effects such as EQ, delay, and reverb. They can also include more advanced effects such as phaser, wah, and fuzz. Having a good understanding of what these pedals do will help you make an informed buying decision when selecting one.
Those looking to spend less should consider buying pedals from brands like Boss, TC Electronic, and Line 6. These companies make high-quality multi-effects pedals that are optimised for different music styles. These pedals are usually more expensive than a single-effects pedal, but they can still be affordable for beginner guitarists.
Another way to save money is to buy used pedals. There are numerous online platforms where you can find gently used pedals for a fraction of the retail price. However, be aware that some used pedals may have issues such as wear and tear or problems with the circuit board. Despite these problems, some of these pedals can still sound amazing and be worth the money.
When purchasing a pedal, it’s important to look at the features and specifications rather than the brand or name. For example, there are blues players who use a cheap-ass Death Metal distortion pedal because it has a 3-band EQ. This is a feature that most players are going to want anyway, regardless of the genre.
While the average guitar pedal costs around $100 – $200, you’ll likely spend more than that when building a full pedalboard. But if you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to purchase pedals one at a time until you have the necessary ones for your rig. It’s also a good idea to buy a high-quality pedalboard and power supply to ensure you have everything you need when performing live.