As evidenced by yesterday’s pedal, the Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz, it’s always a treat when two pedal companies team up to create something new and special. When a pedal company and one of your favorite guitarists collaborate on a pedal, that might be slightly cooler. Today’s third effects unit of our Electro-Harmonix weekend brings the signature sound of the front man for Dinosaur Jr. into the mix – let’s...
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I have never built my own pedal, but I hear that if you want to do that sort of thing (which I definitely would at some point soon), BYOC is the place to go for a kit. At Build Your Own Clone, you can order whatever kind of pedal you’d like, get all the parts shipped right to your door, along with instructions, and go to town. Since they’re relatively inexpensive as well, you won’t feel too terrible if you absolutely...
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If you like fuzz and distortion, there’s a good chance you love the sound of a good Big Muff from Electro-Harmonix. With so many different iterations, it can be tricky to nail down the exact sound you may be looking for, and even more difficult if you’re trying to afford any kind of original Muff made before about 1999. Thankfully, there are companies who try and recreate these wonderful machines, and we’ve got a...
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Today’s guest review comes to us from Liam Stevens – you can find him on Instagram, and with his band Tainted on Facebook. Thanks again, Liam! Had Tony Pepers, of Pepers’ Pedals fame, knock me together this custom pedal a few years back. At its core, it’s a clone of a Big Muff, but he’s done a few neat little tricks to it to make it more versatile. On the front of it there is a switch that shifts the mid range. You...
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The Big Muff. Chances are, you own at least one album that has this classic fuzz sound featured prominently on it, but you probably have more like 50 or 100. A classic sound that has stood the test of time, and has been showcased expertly through guitarists ranging from Jack White to David Gilmour to J. Mascis to Billy Corgan to Carlos Santana to Dan Auerbach, as well as countless others. Today’s pedal is a brilliant take on a...
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The Big Muff Family of Fuzzes has many, many members, in various forms, models and creations, and should, after being around for more close to 50 years. One of these family subdivisions it the Russian Green Muff, which was made from 1994-2000 or so, and is one of many highly collectable and sought-after versions of this incredible fuzz. The crew at McCaffrey Audio decided it was time to take on the project of developing their own...
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It just so happens that I love fuzz pedals, but I ALSO love sandwiches, so today’s pedal celebrates 2 of my favorite things at once! The Big Muff Fuzz has a ridiculous cult following, especially a few choice models from the 1970s, but if you can even find them, they’re pricey and usually need repair and maintenance to keep them alive and going strong. Well, thanks to JHS Pedals and circuitry wizard Jon Cusack, there now...
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While on tour in Australia, I had a day off in Brisbane. I already knew what that day would consist of: TYM’s Guitar Shop and nothing else! As usual, a lot of his pedal line was sold out. Bummed out that I couldn’t try his Ramshead clone, I decided to give the Reverse Big Mudd a try. I am very glad I did! This model is based on the rare ‘Reverse Graphic’ V6 model. Having owned a few V6 models in the past, I...
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We love checking out new companies here at Pedal of the Day, and we love a good distortion pedal, too. Today’s effect checks both of these boxes, as we explore the Tavysh Effects HARM Distortion. Coming to you all the way from Serbia, this dark machine features more switches and knobs than you could ever need, which allows for a multitude of sonic options to experiment and create with… HARM is the essence of all the...
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The crew at Harby Pedals put out some really good drive and dirt pedals, there’s just no doubt about that. From the Centauri to the BMF to the Noble Tone, they know what sounds good, and what will push your amp. Today, we’ve got maybe their heaviest pedal yet to explore, the Pi-7C* Modified Distortion Sustainer Fuzz, which takes a classic sound and gives it a wonderful modern update… The Pi-7C* Modified Distortion...
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The lineup from Summer School Electronics has just gotten better and better with each new release, and today’s new pedal might just be their best one yet. The Class Reunion Overdrive Fuzz Distortion combines all elements of those three effect genres into one beautiful and still pedalboard-friendly enclosure, for a wide range of awesome, dirty sonic prowess. Lots of knobs and switches here, let’s see what this one is all...
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Well, it’s been quite a while since we had a pedal from JPTR FX in the shop, and we are coming back to them today with a VENGEANCE. The Warlow Fuzz Monstrosity takes your favorite elements of classic Big Muff pedals, mixes in some ProCo RAT Distortion flavor and creates a unique, amp-crushing fuzz monster that is waiting to be unleashed. Plus, we got a limited pink color release, so it’s even cooler than you think…...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Guitar Tricks presents A Look at the Vintage Pedal Market By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. Vintage pedals are so popular that many modern manufacturers attempt to replicate them so there are more to go around! Not only do some pedals...
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We’re super excited for today’s complete PEDAL LINEUP: that’s right, we’re taking a look at ALL 5 newly released ROSS Electronics effects! In collaboration with Josh Scott and JHS Pedals, these five units bring back the flagship pedals (and one brand new creation) from a company responsible for some of the best vintage effects out there. Coming full circle and releasing this new group of effects, ROSS brings...
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There are certain pedals that, the moment you plug them in, you know you’ve found a real gem. That was 100% the case with today’s rocker, the MMK Electrics Norris Fuzz, coming at’cha straight from Alaska! This deceptively simple 2-knob fuzz effect has loads of gain and range on tap, blowing out speakers and sparking creativity as it carves a gorgeous auditory warpath wherever it goes. It’s time to rock, kids,...
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We’ve got one more effect left in the newest releases from JHS Pedals’ Legends of Fuzz collection, and we’re going out with a bang!. Today, we’re taking a look at the Mary-K 1969 Japan, which again features just two simple controls and a Mode switch…PLUS an variable, hands-free control of one of the parameters. Let’s jump into this sonic pool and get the fuzz out, shall we?? Grab a Mary-K 1969 Japan...
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After checking out the Berkeley 1973 a few weeks ago, we were excited to dig further into more new Legends of Fuzz pedals from JHS. Today, we’re taking a look at the Plugin 1973 California, which again features just two simple controls and a Mode switch. Don’t be fooled, however: there are a TON of sounds just waiting to be unleashed here… Grab a Plugin 1967 California at Sweetwater: https://sweetwater.sjv.io/3ej7ey...
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We really loved the first four effects in JHS Pedals’ “Legends of Fuzz” series: the Bender, the Crimson, the Smiley and the Supreme. They’ve added a few more since, and we’re going to take a look at the Berkeley 1973 California today. With just two simple controls and a Mode switch, you can easily dial in vintage fuzz sounds with this black beauty… Grab a Berkeley 1973 California at Sweetwater:...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Top Ten Iconic Guitar Pedal Effects Moments By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. There are so many guitar pedal moments to choose in songs, especially in hits starting in the 1980’s. Once pedals increased in popularity they became mixed...
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The Protein Dual Overdrive from Browne Amplification was one of our favorite drive pedals when we reviewed it last year, and we’re excited to bring you another pedal from this great company today. The T4 Fuzz is a seemingly simple fuzz with three knobs, like certain famous muff-y circuits from decades past, but is highly modified to maintain clarity while retaining mid frequencies. Let’s see what this one’s all...
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We love Fuzz. We love classic circuits. We love modern flair. We love aesthetically pleasing effects boxes. Today’s pedal checks off all the items on this list, with a punch and fury that will put a smile on both your and your amp’s face. The Supercool Pedals ’77 Fuzz Blender pays homage to a sound that we all know and love, with some more options and gorgeous tone oozing from every crevice. Prepare your ears for a...
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Hi, I’m Josh Gardziel, I’m from Halifax West Yorkshire (UK) and I play guitar in L.O.E (Last Of Eden) Facebook: https://facebook.com/weareloemusic Instagram: https://instagram.com/weareloemusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/weareloemusic Bandcamp: https://weareloemusic.bandcamp.com How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? I have been playing guitar for 21 years. I started when I was 14 which...
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It’s been a minute since we’ve had anything from Wren and Cuff come through the shop, but today’s pedal most definitely makes up for lost time. The Eye See ’78 Dual Op-Amp Distortion takes a peek at a very particular piece of Big Muff history, when the famous circuit changed drastically, if for just a brief period: 1978-80 or so, when the usual transistors were scrapped in favor of operational amplifiers...
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It’s been a little while since we had a pedal from EarthQuaker Devices come through here, but apparently it was worth the wait. The Hizumitas Fuzz Sustainar is based on a rare fuzzy distortion from Japan, and was designed for the one and only guitar sorceress Wata from the band Boris. This effect is full of dirt, warmth and character, and is an instant eye-opener as you as it is engaged… The ELK Sustainar is a Japanese...
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About a month ago, we had the honor of reviewing and demoing a pedal from Harby Pedals called the Centauri Clean Boost/Overdrive, a most excellent Klon-inspired beast that had “it” from the moment we first turned it on. It was with much anticipation that we plugged into another Harby gem for today’s review and demo – the BMF Distortion Sustainer Fuzz. Bringing a classic circuit into the present time, this blue...
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Fuzz and Distortion effects with multiple knobs and switches are always a good time to experiment with, and today’s pedal, while not over the top, provides a multitude of sonic caverns waiting to be explored. The Calico Effects Antlers Fuzz Distortion pays homage to the classic Green Muff circuit, giving you vintage-sounding and modern high gain tones alike. Three knobs, three switches and a lot of dirty dirt here –...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) The Buzz on Distortion Pedals By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer Ever since the electric guitar was invented guitarists and sound engineers have attempted to manipulate its signal. When you pluck the strings, the pickup changes sound waves into electrical energy, which can then be...
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Most of us have, unfortunately, been affected in one way or another by cancer. Research and development of new ways to combat this killer are the only way we can rid the world of it forever, and today’s pedal set seeks to help fight that fight. The Electric Love Pedals Fuzz, Overdrive & Delay are being sold as a set, with ALL proceeds going to fund breast cancer research. Let’s see what creator Ben Carlin has to say...
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In continuing with our theme of unique and inspiring pedals this week, we’ve got another weird, wild effect for you today. From the amazing and disturbing mind of Lefa Pedals, the I DEEP THFUZZ combines elements of fuzz, distortion, octave and more into one HUG box. This one doesn’t f*ck around, folks, crushing and destroying everyone and everything in it’s musical path. Lots to explore, let’s jump right into...
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Last month, we had our first taste of the power and presence of the pedals coming from Minotaur Sonic Terrors, in the form of the exquisite Saturnine Fuzz. We’re lucky enough to be able to check out a second effect from these guys today as well – the Swamp Lord Cyclopean Tone Wizard. This fuzz/drive/distortion can easily cover all of your dirt needs, from ’70s-inspired overdrive to ultra-heavy, and everything in...
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Greg Loiacono & Tim Bluhm Marin County, CA / Fairfax, CA The Mother Hips motherhips.com Greg Loiacono Band gregloiacono.com Green Leaf Rustlers Tim Bluhm w/ The Coffis Brothers timbluhm.com How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? Greg Loiacono: I started playing guitar at age 11. I wanted to learn as soon as I heard “Purple Haze” for the first time. I stopped for a bit and got back...
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Ethan Miller Humboldt County Howlin’ Rain, Heron Oblivion, Feral Ohms howlinrain.com How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? I’ve been playing music since about 7 years old when I started piano lessons. I took up acoustic guitar at around age 12. Electric guitar at age 14. I first got into playing non-classical music at a California State Summer School for the Arts that they used to...
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In the later part of the Summer of 2020, we tested out a fuzz pedal that blew our minds…with just two knobs. The Goblin Fuzz from Bardic Audio Devices was one of the buzziest, noisiest, awesomest fuzzes we’d seen in a minute, and we couldn’t wait for more. Fast forward to, well, today, and we bring you the Berzerker Fuzz, another gem from Bardic with a ton of options and even more killer tone. Strap in, hold on and...
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Continually coming up with new and creative designs, the effects out of the Hochstrasser Electronics camp have been some of our favorites over the last couple of years. Today’s pedal continues that tradition, bringing the sounds of 2 classic pedals into one pedalboard-friendly enclosure. somehow packing in a ton of options on this small face, the Hairy Eggplant Octave Fuzz is heavy and delicate at the same time. The Hairy...
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Today, we’re going to take a look at a wild, bold, bright dirt pedal from Tone.ElectroniX, which was conceived, born and raised in Figueira da Foz in Portugal. The Animalizzer (“the MufferFuzzer” as originaly was called) is a distortion…wait…is a fuzz…no…. it’s BOTH. Yes, it’s a distortion/fuzz effect pedal for guitar and bass – still, it can even sound like mild overdriven...
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The music of Dinosaur Jr is known throughout the world, and for guitar fanboys, so is lead singer and guitarist J Mascis. With one of the most recognizable fuzz tones in the business, he has become synonymous with the Big Muff family of pedals, both as a player and as a collector. Today’s pedal, the Garbage Face Fuzz Boost, is a collaboration between J and Matt from Wren and Cuff, featuring a uniquely Muff-inspired fuzz side, a...
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Seeing as this was one of the oddest, most dysfunctional and, let’s be honest, frightening years in the existence of the Earth, we wanted to send everyone off into 2021 rocker-style, in the form of the Electric Beard Fuzz from our friends at Radio Mule. Following in the footsteps of their Red Petal Fuzz we checked out earlier this month, this fuzz-filled freak combines 2 classic fuzz sounds, the Big Muff and the Super Fuzz, and...
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We’ve long been admirers of Robert Keeley and all things Keeley Electronics, and they have been huge supporters of us almost since Pedal of the Day began. We love it when new inventions of theirs arrive on our doorstep to explore, and today’s genius piece of electronic wizardry is no different. The Loomer Fuzz Reverb is just that, a fuzz and reverb in one enclosure…however, that’s about where the similarities...
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James Bowman Gainesville, Florida Against Me! http://www.againstme.net https://bowmanaudioendeavors.com/ How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? I started playing when I was 15, kind of a late start. I’ve been touring and recording since 1998. I grew up in South Florida. There wasn’t much of a music scene, so I would sit at home and play along to CD’s. I moved up to St. Petersburg, FL and I...
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A good, loud, ripping fuzz is the perfect way to get the weekend going, and we’ve got a great one for you guys today. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to check out the majority of the lineup from our friends at Vick Audio, including one of the first pedals we ever reviewed, the Fuzz Box, as well as the Violet Ram’s Head, V1 Triangle and 1861 fuzzes. Continuing that tradition, we present the Black Russian Fuzz....
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Ah, the infamous Klon Centaur. That mythical sound that can be yours for the low, low price range of $2,000-4,000, if you can find one. For those of us who think that staggering amount of cash just might be able to be spent elsewhere, we’ve got the Klone. Surfacing in many forms, colors, configurations and sizes, these homages to the original give the masses that Klon tone, without the hefty price tag. We’ve got another...
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If you play guitar, chances are you have wanted or still do want to emulate the amazing tones of David Gilmour from Pink Floyd. Even if their music isn’t your jam, it’s hard to deny the affect he has had on the guitar as an instrument, and his tone from the 70’s is the stuff of legend. One of the main pieces of said tone was the Colorsound Power Boost, later renamed the Overdriver, which is where today’s pedal...
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The Legends of Fuzz series from JHS Pedals is a tribute to the world’s most historic, rare, and sought after fuzz circuits. Since the originals are extremely hard-to-find, extremely expensive when you do and prone to the problems electronics might have after 50 years, this series brings these sounds and tones to the masses, for all to enjoy. There are four pedals in all, and we’re going to run through each one, what they...
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We’ve been checking out effects pedals from our friend Pat Garland down in Houston, Texas since 2014 (HTX Active Drive, Pink Drive, Dos Armas Combo, etc), and we’re excited to bring you another one of his concoctions today. The Garland FX Zero Distortion combines all your favorite dirt sounds in one aesthetically-pleasing, bright enclosure. With hints of Tone Bender, Big Muff and wild, fuzzy abandon, there’s a lot to...
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Recently, we had the privilege and honor reviewing and demoing another pedal from our friends at KMA Machines, the Wurm, a killer distortion pedal full of great tones and offering loads of options. We get to look at another KMA machine today, one along the same lines as the Wurm, but with a couple differing twists and turns. The Dead Stag is a Distortion, yes, but it’s also a Fuzz, so you get the best of those two worlds in one...
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Here at Pedal of the Day, we love a good Big Muff. Especially the Russian ones. The really, dirty, nasty Russian ones. Get your head out of the gutter, people, we’re talking about FUZZ. Since their inception in late 60’s, Big Muffs have been heard on countless recordings, and are key ingredients to some of the favorite guitar players and bands around: David Gilmour, Thin Lizzy, Kiss, Santana, Smashing Pumpkins, Frank Zappa...
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Big Muff. You know the name, you know the pedals, you know (some of) the records that they have appeared on. Thankfully, since the originals are fairly rare and expensive when you can find them, there are many companies who produce their individual takes on these excellent fuzz/distortions, and we’ve got a new member of the group to tell you about today. Siren Pedals, out of Nashville, TN, brings another take on the Muff, in the...
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There are certain pedals that carry with them an elusive aura, a majestic, impossible-to-achieve-anywhere-else type of hype and fuss. The Big Cheese from Lovetone, produced for a short period in the mid-to-late 1990’s, is one of these pedals: hard to find, crazy expensive when you do and is used by some of the most recognizable names in the biz, thus enshrining it in the Effects Pedal Hall of Fame. But wait! If you’ve been...
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The Big Muff. You’ve heard it, you know it, you love it….but, can you afford an original, 1970’s-era model? Probably not, plus there’s the maintenance, reliability, etc. that goes along with owning any piece of vintage gear. Thankfully, we’re super-spoiled in the effects pedal community, and have companies like D-Sound Effects, all the way from Russia, to help us with these bumps in the road. Today...
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The Russian Big Muff from Electro-Harmonix is about as classic a distortion/fuzz sound as you’re going to find in the effects pedal world, but sometimes, you may find yourself wanting more options than its 3-knob configuration will allow. Enter D-Sound Effects and their Orion Distortion Fuzz. Utilizing a six-parameter control section, and using modern, sophisticated circuitry and build techniques, this pedal is a Russian Big...
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