Collecting pedals can be a fun hobby. But it can also be stressful if you take it too seriously. You might want to collect old DOD pedals or find unique ones like the wacky pedal designs from Gamechanger Audio.
Pedal fans in Alaska are big fans of 29 Pedals, makers of the Euna input driver. Texas gear nerds love Bondi Effects. And New Hampshire pedal lovers can’t get enough of Source Audio’s amazing pedals!
1. Online
For the modern guitarist, effects pedals are a way to add their own distinct tone to the mix. They can take a simple amp sound and make it massive, or they can alter the tone of a more complex guitar rig. Whether you’re looking to add a subtle effect to your tone, or the signature sound of a legendary effects pedal, online retailers like Reverb and Sweetwater offer a wide variety of options for any guitarist.
One of the most common types of guitar pedals is the drive pedal, which combines different sounds to create an entirely new tone. This type of pedal includes overdrives, distortions, and fuzz pedals. Blues players who want to give their amp a little extra boost and jazz fusion guitarists who are after a thick, sustaining lead sound rely on these types of pedals.
Another popular type of guitar effect is the modulation pedal. Modulation effects, including chorus, flange, phaser, and vibrato pedals, can add a unique, dreamy quality to your sound. The chorused sound of “Message in a Bottle,” or Hendrix’s Uni-Vibe-soaked “Star-Spangled Banner” wouldn’t have been possible without the use of these guitar effects.
Time-based effects are also very popular, with delay and reverb pedals being some of the most commonly used pedals in any pedalboard. These pedals can take your guitar signal and repeat it, with the length of the delay, any modulation that is applied to the repeats, and the depth of the reverb all being adjustable.
Other types of effects pedals include wah, pitch shifting, and octave pedals. A wah pedal can give you the iconic vocal-sounding tones that many people associate with rock music, while an octave pedal can let you play a note that has been pitched up or down an octave.
2. In-person
Guitarists typically only start purchasing effects pedals at a certain point, usually after they’ve mastered some chords and have a reasonable single-note picking technique. However, the right pedal can help guitarists achieve their desired tone and create a whole new style of playing.
If you’re interested in getting your first pedal, check out a local guitar store to see what they have to offer. Whether you prefer to go with an affordable overdrive pedal or a high-gain heavy metal distortion pedal, the staff at a guitar shop will be happy to answer your questions and help you find the right gear.
Most pedals fall into one of four categories: modulation, distortion, and frequency and timbre. Modulation pedals tweak the sound of your guitar by changing the pitch or timing. Chorus pedals, for example, replicate the sound of a choir or orchestra by creating pitch and timbral changes around a played note, giving it a chorus effect. A flanger pedal, on the other hand, produces a jet plane-like “whoosh” sound by alternating between a phased and unphased signal.
Distortion pedals are similar to modulation pedals but add more gain and unique tones to your instrument. A distortion pedal can take your acoustic electric guitar’s tone into a heavier metal zone or give it a more raw, fuzzy feel that’s popular in punk music. Frequency style pedals create peaks in your instrument’s sound, allowing you to mimic the sounds of a human voice, such as the teacher from the Charlie Brown cartoons or the infamous “wocka-wocka-wocka” heard on many funk classics.
A tremolo pedal is another popular frequency effect that tinkers with the speed of your instrument’s notes, causing them to vibrate or shake. This can create a hypnotic rhythm or add a dramatic effect to your performance. Lastly, time-based effects like delay and reverb pedals tinker with the time it takes for your instrument’s signal to reach your amp, allowing you to layer your sound or play a repeating phrase over and over again.
3. Magazines
When it comes to buying pedals, guitar magazines can be a good place to start your search. They usually feature a range of different types of pedals and can offer advice on what type of pedal would be best for your playing style and budget. They can also help you understand the difference between different pedals and what features they have.
Guitarist magazine has a great article on the best guitar pedals for beginners. It talks about the different sounds you can get with different pedals and what they are used for. It also explains how to use them and gives examples of some of the most popular effects.
Many guitarists have a certain sound that they are known for. This is because they play a particular genre of music that requires specific tones. Adding a pedal can give your tone more character and make you sound more unique.
Choosing a guitar pedal can be a daunting task, especially if you’re just starting out. But with the right knowledge and some careful shopping, you can find a great pedal that will suit your needs and budget. You can even find a few great deals on pedals online!
James is a freelance writer and former Junior Deals Writer for MusicRadar. He has extensive experience in the gear industry and is an expert when it comes to matching people with their perfect multi-effects pedals.
The best pedals are often very expensive, but they can provide you with a huge amount of flexibility and improve your overall tone. However, it’s important to remember that good tone still comes from your fingers, so choose carefully and make sure you listen to the pedal before deciding whether or not it’s for you.
4. Newspapers
In an era when quality multi-effects pedals are more advanced than ever, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. These models are packed with a huge variety of sounds, and most feature multiple outputs for connecting to other pedals in your pedalboard. They also have an input to connect your guitar or other gear, and they usually require a power supply to operate – often providing nine volts via external batteries.
TC Electronic’s flagship pedal brings its Plethora series into the modern era of digital multi-effects. Pre-loaded with effects and amps that have been profiled in professional recording studios, it is easily edited with its Rig Manager software and features plenty of distortions, delays, choruses and more.
The sturdily built MS-50G is one of the most comprehensive multi-effects units on the market, featuring 68 digital effects and 22 amp and cabinet models that can be chained together to build different soundscapes. Its easy to edit software and a range of other features, including a looper and a chromatic tuner, make this a great choice for anyone looking to expand their pedalboard without breaking the bank.
5. Record Stores
In addition to a wide selection of guitar pedals, you can find all kinds of accessories and parts at record stores. Some of these include power supplies, pedal boards, and even guitar amps. In addition, many record stores carry books on the subject of guitar pedals. These range from guides by brands like BOSS and DOD to more general ones that cover all pedals, such as Guitar Pedals: The Complete Guide for the Beginner.
Generally, effects pedals work by manipulating the tone of an electric guitar or bass before it reaches the amplifier. These can include simple EQ pedals, or more complex pedals that allow you to create synth-like sounds and other effects. Modulation pedals such as chorus, flange, and vibrato fall into this category, as do delay and reverb pedals. Pedals that add octaves, harmony, compression, and more are in this category as well.
Many guitarists start their collection with a distortion pedal, as these tend to be the most straightforward and easy to use for novices. Other common effects include pitch modulation and tremolo/vibrato. These allow you to add dynamic nuances and other elements that help your songs stand out on stage or in the studio.
Guitar multi-effects pedals are also popular and often come with a combination of different effects in one box. These are perfect for those looking to save space on their pedalboards or for those that want a one-stop shop that covers most of their effects needs.
Collectors can sometimes find rare or out-of-production pedals by paying close attention to their serial number, product name, and other details. They may also be able to find out when the pedal was first made, or what it was used on in the past, so they can learn about its history as it evolved.