Along with the Olinthus Cicada we recently reviewed, today’s pedal continues a wild new trend of shrinking effects pedals down several sizes. The Couch Electronics Baker’s Dozen Overdrive is a bit bigger than its predecessor, but still manages to defy expectations and crush preconceived notions with ease. With a true bypass relay circuit with optical switching and an internal power-up state switch, there’s a lot...
Read More
I love a good mini pedal, for sure, but the creation we’ve got for you today takes the concept of “tiny effects” to an entirely new level. Like something out of a late-80’s Rick Moranis movie, the Olinthus Cicada Overdrive is quite odd upon first sight, but it quickly grows on you, if for nothing else but hilarity at how small it is. However, once you plug it in, you come to find that this green beast is NOT...
Read More
We’ve been checking out the ever-growing lineup of effects units from Animals Pedal since way back in 2017. Although it’s been a couple of years since the last one, we’re excited to bring you FOUR of their newest creations to you over the coming weeks, starting with today’s Push & Pull Distortion. Reminiscent of a classic sound from 5 decades past, this three-knob gem instantly vaults your guitar sound...
Read More
We love a good musician/pedal company collaboration, and today’s brings you three different effects in one very pedalboard-friendly package. Designed specifically to famed guitarist Jack White’s specs, the Triple Threat is a multi-effect collab between Donner and Third Man, bringing three of Jack’s favorite sounds together in a beautiful way. Combining distortion, phasing and echo into one pedal, we ask: what more...
Read More
The pedal creations that come from Supercool Pedals are always great-looking, great-sounding and creative, all the things you want from an effects unit. Today, we’ve got their latest release, a take on a classic, but with their signature Supercool spin on it. The Barstow Bat Distortion is reminiscent of a certain small, black box from the 80’s, with a couple twists and turns to bring a vintage circuit into the modern...
Read More
Although we don’t review bass pedals around here a lot, I always love when they come through, as it forces me to step out of my usual zone and work on something I should be putting more effort into on a regular basis. Today’s pedal, the Trondheim Audio Devices SkarBassOne Analog Bass Compressor EQ Overdrive, wraps three pedals into one, giving you a perfect tone shaper with a little bit of bite if you need it. You can tell...
Read More
My buddy Anthony from Marla Amplification gave me a huge bag of pedals to check out, and one of the many gems I discovered inside was the Dunn Effects Deceiver Distortion. Now, I can’t hardly find out squat about this pedal on the interwebs, so it must be really rare, or a one-off, or discontinued or something…either way, it looks slick and sounds amazing. Let’s jump in and see what this familiar-ish layout has to...
Read More
The good folks at StewMac carry just about every item you need to make your musical dreams come true, from luthier tools to parts & hardware to amps and yes, even Pedals. Today, we’re looking at their latest pedal kit, the International House of Overdrive. You’ll step right into the world of classic overdrive tones, and learn a thing or two about what goes into making effects pedals along the way…c’mon!!...
Read More
Old, vintage, not really talked about effects pedals are usually some of the coolest, and today we’ve got one for you all that I had NEVER heard anyone talk about. A fellow drummer friend of mine had it laying around at his studio, and I took it home, plugged it in and was WOWED. This Morley MOD-DDB Deluxe Distortion looks like it has been through the ringer and back, and both the sound it produces and the beat-up aesthetic make...
Read More
Pedal of the Day, Port City Amplification and countless other people and businesses here in the Asheville, NC area (and elsewhere) have been greatly affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene – if you’re able, please consider making a donation to BeLoved Asheville, or volunteering, or asking people affected by this tragedy if they need any kind of help. Every little bit helps, and any effort to help heal and...
Read More
There’s just something special about plugging in a good distortion pedal and just cranking it to the max, right? Today’s pedal lets you do that, and so much more, with a wide range of gain tones and an EQ section to fit any rig perfectly. We love the pedals we’ve seen from Humanoid FX in the past, and we’re excited to bring you their Apparition High Gain Turbo Distortion today… The Humanoid Pedals...
Read More
The first two pedals we checked out from SviSound (several years ago), the SiMosFuzz and the Germanium Mini, both leaned towards the Fuzz side of things. Today’s pedal, the DistoZoid-3EQ Distortion, brings a different sort of sonic palette to the table. Five simple knobs create a recipe for amp and eardrum destruction – come along as we explore this beastly, sci-fi-looking, pedalboard-friendly creation… The DistoZoid...
Read More
What else can we say about the wonderful world of UAFX from Universal Audio? Well, not much, except that we’ve got ANOTHER one for you all today. Based on extremely expensive and rare model amplifiers from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, the UAFX Enigmatic ’82 Overdrive Special Amp brings what could cost you hundreds of thousands (yes) of dollars onto your pedalboard at a cost that normal folks can actually...
Read More
I’m always excited to take a look at effects pedals from another new (to me, anyway) company, and that’s what we’re doing once again today. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Blank Electronics has a passion for audio electronics, mostly amplifiers and effects pedals, sharing their hobby with those interested in fun and sometimes wonky effects. The first pedal of theirs we’re looking at is the massive Wizard Sleeve...
Read More
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...
Read More
We’re always excited for a new Death By Audio release, and today’s latest sonic creation from them focuses on the Low End of all things muscial. The Bass War Bass Fuzz Distortion builds on a classic DBA circuit, gearing it in a different direction and for a different set of players. This silver fox is a louder, wider-ranging, earth-shaking bass fuzz that can get more oomph than any other pedal we’ve ever heard… Grab...
Read More
We always love checking out pedals from new companies, and we’ve got a real gem for you all today. The DPE Pedals Chromosome Dual Overdrive brings 2 classic circuits, complete with some great additions, into the mix, to drive your amp and alter your tone…in the best ways. Having 2 drive circuits in one pedal is always a blast, and when they sound this good, it’s that much more fun… The Chromosome is a dual...
Read More
A good overdrive is always a welcome sight, or sound, and when it’s a collaboration with a great guitarist, that can make it even cooler. Today’s pedal comes from our friends at TC Electronic, in the form of the MojoMojo Paul Gilbert Edition Overdrive. Building on the MojoMojo circuit, with some twists an turn via Paul, this versatile yet simplistic effects unit is easy to dial in and sounds just fantastic… Grab a...
Read More
Following in the footsteps of the awesome DS-1W Waza Craft Distortion we saw a couple weeks ago, we’re excited today to bring you its sort-of sister pedal, the SD-1W Waza Craft SUPER OverDrive, from the fine folks over at Boss. The bright yellow SD-1W gives you the same type of vibes as the bright orange DS-1W does, and, not surprisingly, they sound great together. This is another update of a classic, oft-used pedal that was...
Read More
A couple weeks ago, we had the pleasure of checking out another great little portable amp from Caline, The Blacksmith CA200G 20W Bluetooth amp. Today, we’ve got another portable amplifier from these guys, one that’s a bit bigger and a bit bolder: the Scuru S8G Bluetooth Guitar Amp. With two speakers, built-in effects, Bluetooth connectivity and more, this little orange beaut will change the way you think about small...
Read More
The Verdugo Series of pedals from NUX have been some of our favorites over the years, and we’ve got our EIGHTH one for you today. The NDO-5 Ace of Tone Dual Overdrive has 2 channels, with each one harnessing the auditory glory of a classic overdriven circuit, with NUX’s special spin on it. Easy controls, lots of routing and bypass options and incredible tone are what you find here – let’s dive in and see what...
Read More
We love it when a new UAFX creation gets released from our friends at Universal Audio, and we’re stoked to help release their latest one today. The UAFX ANTI 1992 High Gain Amp is a Stereo amp and cab emulation pedal with six famous mic/speaker pairs, built-in boosts, live and preset modes, and customization with the UAFX mobile app. This crimson gem gives you ALL the heavy tones you’re after, in one place, with tons of...
Read More
It’s NEW JHS PEDALS DAY here at Pedal of the Day once again, and we’re checking out their latest original circuit offering. 8 years in development, the Hard Drive Modern Distortion instantly transforms your sound into the heavy, amp-crushing tone you’ve probably been searching for years for. A simple but effective control section lets you dial in the perfect sound for any rig…let’s jump right in and see...
Read More
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...
Read More
I’ve really loved all of the Waza Craft pedals that have come my way from Boss, and was super excited when today’s pedal arrived in the mail. Possibly the most-recognized effects pedal in existence, the DS-1 Distortion has been heard on countless records since its release in 1978, having become the benchmark in distortion pedals over the last 4 1/2 decades. Today’s pedal is the DS-1W Waza Craft Distortion, which...
Read More
We have checked out a LOT of pedals from Caline over the years, and have found them to be one of the better affordable effects brands out there. This month, we’re turning in a slightly different direction, as Caline has sent us a couple of their new amplifier to review and demo, starting with today’s CA200G The Blacksmith 20W Bluetooth Guitar Amp. With some decent power for such a small amp, and a couple of built-in...
Read More
We recently had the pleasure of building our very own Klon clone, courtesy of JHS Pedals and their NOTAKLÖN DIY Overdrive Boost. Today, we’re doing it again, this time via the Hagerman Amplification TUBEKLØN Mythical Beast Tube Overdrive Kit. Here, you can once again build your own pedal with pre-fabricated parts, but this one has a REAL tube inside, for some of the warmest Klon-type tones we’ve ever heard…
Read More
Last year, we were honored to help with the release of the TONEX Pedal from IK Multimedia, a dazzling amp, cabinet and effects modeler unit that broke new sonic ground. Today, we’ve teamed up with our new friends at Vintage King to bring you all IK’s latest creation, the TONEX ONE Amplifier/Cab/Pedal Modeler, a smaller version of last year’s wonderful concoction. There are a TON of options, sounds and wonder trapped...
Read More
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...
Read More
It’s time for another EHX pedal, kiddos, and this one just happens to be a collaboration with another of our favorite pedal companies. The Electro-Harmonix / JHS Pedals Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz Distortion brings together an original circuit with some vintage tones, for an affordable, amp-crushing effects unit. We love it when pedal companies join together for new creations – let’s dive in and see what they’ve...
Read More
After a bit of a break, I’m excited to have another wonderful creation from Pigtronix back for you all today! Compressed overdrive is a sound you can get from your amp, or from pedals, with many variations in tone depending on what order those pedals are in. The Philosopher’s Tone 2 is a compression sustainer with optional grit, kicking it into high gear when you need it the most. Building on the original design, this one...
Read More
Last month, we checked out our first pedal from Shnobel Tone in quite a while, and the Ratatouille Distortion definitely didn’t disappoint. Today, we’re looking at a newer version of their flagship pedal, the Daily Driver, the first incarnation of which we saw way back in 2020. This new version, the Daily Driver Boost, combines the original with a boost circuit, enabling you to push any amp you’d like into the sweet...
Read More
I’ve been playing PRS Guitars in some form for about 20 years now, and they remain, hands-down, the favorite guitars I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning. From my first early 2000s Santana SE all the way up to my gorgeous Special 22 Semi-Hollowbody, each one creates its own unique tone, and they have all played as smoothly as can be. Today, we’re venturing into another section of the PRS world – PEDALS, and...
Read More
There’s not a lot that’s better than plugging in your favorite Overdrive pedal, cranking up a good amplifier and hitting an E, G or D chord of your choice and letting it ring out, is there? Well, the short answer is YES, if you have a pedal like the AmpMojo Sol Drive Responsive Tube Overdrive. This one has an ACTUAL TUBE inside, bringing warm and inviting drive sounds anywhere and everywhere you need them to be… The...
Read More
Not being an engineer, or particularly skilled in the ways of electronics creation, I have never built an effects pedal. I love how they sound and what they can do, but their innerworkings completely baffle me, and I’m not alone. For all of us who want to tinker and experiment a little, without having to do too much actual work, Josh and the JHS Pedals crew have created the NOTAKLÖN, an effects unit based on that certain...
Read More
The pedals we’ve reviewed from Studio Daydream Handmade Pedals have continually gotten better and better, providing different, unique overdrive and compression effects around every corner. Today, we’re bringing you their FETBOX Custom V8 Preamp, a compact pedal that simulates the pre-amp of a boutique 30W tube amp. With 2 channels of gorgeous tone available at a moment’s notice, you’ll easily find a sound to...
Read More
Roman Belonozhko over at Shnobel Tone has been making great demos for a long time now, and in the past couple of years, has also taken the plunge into the world of effects pedal building. His first pedal, the Daily Driver, was an original and unique drive circuit that gives you a rich sound full of harmonics and an amp-like response. Today, we’re gonna take a look at the Ratatouille Distortion, a rodent-inspired black box with a...
Read More
It’s always exciting diving into pedals from a company you’ve never worked with before, but when those pedals are a collaboration with one of your guitar heroes, that makes it just a bit more special. Today, we’re looking at the By-Tor Overdrive Boost from Lerxst Amplification, which pairs MojoTone with Mr. Alex Lifeson of the prog-rock band Rush. Seeking to exact his specific sounds on amps, cabs and now pedals,...
Read More
After checking out the Big Rumble Overdrive Boost and the Heavenly Lake Delay Reverb from Tone City, we were excited to see what was coming next from the TC camp. Enter today’s pedal, the Holy Aura Distortion Boost, a powerful, space-saving beast of a distortion with a little extra push if you need it. Simple and user-friendly, this unit is made to get the most out of your tone… The Tone City Holy Aura Distortion pedal...
Read More
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...
Read More
It’s been a little while since we’ve heard anything from the folks over at Danelectro, but today’s pedal suddenly appeared in the mail a couple weeks ago, and what a wonderful surprise it was. The Nichols 1966 Distortion Fuzz brings back the very first circuit created by fOXX pedals founder and current Danelectro owner Steve Ridinger, which has been elusive since the 1960s. This unique sound is gonna be loved by...
Read More
It’s always a thrill to get gear from a pedal company for the first time, and today’s effects unit is sure to get the commenters talking. Combining a mythical circuit with a familiar-looking enclosure, the Attic Audio Transparent Overdrive brings you the best of both worlds. Designed to be a little tongue-in-cheek, this drive/boost provides incredible tonal punch, along with being an excellent conversation starter…...
Read More
Last month, we were able to check out the amazing Utopia Deluxe Echo Delay from Anasounds, and were floored by the amount of sonic options packed into such a compact enclosure. Today, we’re looking at another pedal with similar attributes, but switching gears as far as effect genre is concerned. The Sandman Double Overdrive combines two of Anasounds’ previous pedals into one unit, gives them some upgrades and crushes any...
Read More
It’s always exciting when we get to check out new pedals from companies for the first time, and we’re stoked to welcome Artisanal Effects into the mix today. Their Toneshaper Drive EQ Overdrive pedal combines the oomph of an overdrive with the frequency-sculpting of a 6-band EQ, for a well-rounded sound that can fit with ANY setup. There’s a lot of history on this one, so lets hear from the builder about how it came...
Read More
The folks at Line 6 are no strangers to crafting gorgeous effects, especially when it comes to multi-effects units. Today, we’re going to find out what’s going on with their latest release, the HX ONE, a compact but extremely powerful stereo effect processor that fits right in with any setup or rig. Grab your headphones and put on those reading glasses – we’ve got a lot to get into with this wonderful...
Read More
A good pedal with distortion mixed into some fuzz is always a welcome treat here at Pedal of the Day, and we’ve got a real wicked scorcher for you all today. The Cosmodio Instruments Pet Yeti Distortion Fuzz has elements of both of these musical genres, but with some additional tweakability and sonic prowess. If you like to turn knobs, flip switches and make a beautiful racket, this pedal is just what you’re after…...
Read More
We recently had the wonderful chance to check out two new pedals from our friends at Keeley Electronics, the Muse Driver & Noble Screamer, a couple of excellent drives and the first foray into Keeley’s new-look series. Today, we’ve got not one, not two, but THREE more new pedals from Robert and the crew, designed in the same layout and format as the previous two. Ladies and gents, help us welcome to the world the...
Read More
Last month, we had a look at the Konstante Overdrive from Twilight Pulse Audioworks, and we’ve got their next creation for you all today. The Proxima Overdrive Fuzz has simpler controls than its sibling, but features a wide range of dirt tones to explore. Ranging from slightly dirty to a scorching, amp-pushing heater, this seemingly simplistic effect has some surprises in store… The Proxima Overdrive Fuzz is a Mosfet...
Read More
We’ve been working our way through the lineup of effects from Asheville Guitar Pedals recently, and we’re continuing that today with another dirty beast of a pedal. After checking out the 308 Distortion and the Fuzz Driver Distortion, we thought we’d switch it up and look at a distortion pedal 🙂 The Purr Machine is an absolute rocker from the get-go, pushing your amp to the brink with tasty tones, creating wicked rad...
Read More
Today’s pedal is both brand new and not…if that can make any sense. The now-resurrected and much-revered Octave Clang from Death By Audio is BACK, bringing its unique sound along with some new improvements and sonic options to the table. As usual, this DBA unit isn’t for everyone, but it should be, ’cause it is WICKED AWESOME… In the decade since it disappeared, Death By Audio revisited the original Clang...
Read More
