With an astounding amount of recent reverb pedals with more options than you can shake a stick at popping up in the last few years, it’s refreshing to have the opportunity to sit down and enjoy a nice, simple pedal. Not that the other reverbs aren’t fantastic and useful in their own rights, but sometime you just want to be able to conjure up a great sound without having to read a 500-page novel. The Plush Good Verbrations...
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If you haven’t heard it, or of it, yet, the Warped Vinyl Analog Vibrato/Chorus pedal is one of the hottest pieces of gear on the market right now, but Chase Bliss Audio didn’t stop there. They managed to revamp another of their flagship pedals, the Wombtone Analog Phaser, and somehow make it more incredible than it was previously. I got the chance to check both pedals out recently (click here for my review of the Warped...
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Next to Delay, Overdrive is my favorite type of pedal, hands down. There are so many little additions, changes, options and tones that can come to fruition while building a drive pedal, and while I don’t know jack about how to do it, I love listening to how they sound once the work is complete. Having quite a collection of overdrives myself, it was really fun to test out the Zero To Sixty Overdrive from McCaffrey Audio, as they...
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Analog Delay. There’s something special about it, you’re never quite sure what it is, but it makes you feel warm and comforted right down to your core. While there are a lot of digital delays still in production, analog has made a bit of a resurgence in the last decade or so, with new and better options arriving on the market year after year. One of those happens to be the AD4096 from Endangered Audio Research. Where to...
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Designed by guitarist Paul Crowther of Split Enz back in 1976, the venerable Crowther Hotcake OD/Distortion pedal is all about crunch. Airy, satisfying crunch, like a warm basket of tortilla chips. Hand built in New Zealand, the Hotcake delivers that classic rock rhythm sound in spades, and produces a great old-school lead tone that will make it your first grab. According the builder, the Hotcake is different from most ODs in that it...
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J. Rockett Audio Designs builds really interesting gear with unique layouts and funky-shaped pedals, which really make them stand out in a crowd. Not to mention, they sound pretty rad as well. Take the Tim Pierce Overdrive/Boost, for example. Based on one of Tim’s favorite amps, the Naylor SD60, the TP is an overdrive with big punches and warm overtones, plus a power amp boost switch, making it a killer 2-In-1 overdrive. The...
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Eric Clapton. Ritchie Blackmore. Brian May. Tony Iommi. What do these fine gentleman have in common, besides being incredible guitar players? They achieved tones that are still being sought out today, by way of using a Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster. These pedals were made to push an amplifier into a gorgeous overdriven tone, and were featured on some real breakthrough albums back in the day. Our friends at Tribute Audio Designs...
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Walrus Audio makes some pretty incredible effects, from straightforward rock boxes to off-the-wall Fuzz/Tremolo 2-In-1 units, and a bunch of cool stuff in between. Their first offering of a usually simple pedal is unorthodox and ballsy as well, as we’ve come to expect from Colt and Company. The Plainsman is a Clean Boost, but with a few twists and turns along the way. Here goes… This gray little box is tiny, a perfect fit...
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Alchemy Audio is a small company based out of Chicago, and the majority of their work stems from performing great upgrades to some of the most famous guitar effects pedals ever created, such as the ProCo Rat, Electro-Harmonix Soul Food, a slew of Boss pedals and, of course, the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer. As most of you know, this pedal is a classic overdrive, used by countless artists since its release in 1982. A good pedal on...
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Walrus Audio makes some really great effects pedals, and continue to push the boundaries with the new, inventive gear they’ve come out with recently. The Mayflower Overdrive is one of their staple pedals, and a favorite for anyone who wants to add a little crunch and beef to their sound. Like all Walrus pedals, the Mayflower is as tough, rugged and sturdy as you get, with a beautiful blue enclosure with more of the great graphic...
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I have been a fan of Walrus Audio’s gear for a while now, and this one just keeps that wonderful tradition going strong. The Iron Horse is exactly that: a true distortion beast, caged in a metal enclosure, waiting to be unleashed on the Earth in all it’s fiery glory…alright, maybe that’s a bit much, but this pedal is a serious piece of sonically distorted goodness. Dirty, dirty, dirty. This is a distortion not...
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Walrus Audio’s Voyager Overdrive has 3 control knobs, making it an easy pedal to maneuver and dial in. The tones that this high-quality piece of gear produce are outstanding as well, as we’ve come to expect from great companies like Walrus Audio. Sturdy enclosure, great switches and knobs and the guts are a thing of beauty as well. The real standout for this drive pedal to me is the amount of Tonal Range that you have to...
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The Fuzz Box from Vick Audio is a simple, one-knob fuzz with a ton of character. A reproduction of the legendary Fuzz produced by Colorsound in the early 90’s, the Fuzz Box can go from slight buzzy overdrive to a HUGE fuzzy extravaganza, all while retaining the clarity of your tone. It is very responsive as well, depending on how hard you hit the strings, and reacts well with both bridge and neck pups (I only tried humbuckers, so not...
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We all search for warmth in our amps and pedals; I don’t know one guitarist who doesn’t. That was one of the main factors in selecting the Cream Overdrive from Plush/Fuchs, and it is the reason my tone sounds so good. No bells and whistles, nothing too fancy, just a great overdrive pedal, with ranges from a kind of bluesy mild drive to a thick, sonic distortion when really cranked. 3 simple knobs to control Gain, Tone and...
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We’ve had an influx of pedals sporting the classic Octave/Fuzz combination recently, such as the Red Witch Seraphina, Danelectro 3699, Sitek Electronics Pandora, Warm Audio Foxy Tone Box and Hochstrasser Hairy Eggplant. While this combination might seem fairly regular and obvious, today we’re going to look at a slight variation that doesn’t appear all that often. The Way Huge Purple Platypus Octidrive MkII combines...
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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...
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What a day! After this morning’s release of the new UAFX Enigmatic ’82 Overdrive Special Amp from Universal Audio, this afternoon brings us a release from another one of our favorite companies: Keeley Electronics. Going off the beaten sonic path in a BIG way, they’ve released the Octa Psi Transfigurating Fuzz, which mixes distortion, fuzz, octave and pitch shifting together in some of the most unique ways we’ve...
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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...
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I love Tremolo. Whether it’s from an amp or a pedal, it adds a layer to music that just hits right. Today’s pedal takes everything you thought you knew about tremolo and ramps it up 1000x, in all the best ways. The Diffractor Soundings Arboretum Stereo Tremolo has lots of knobs, makes lots of noises and sounds amazing in stereo – let’s check it out!! The Arboretum Tremolo is designed to be a truly versatile...
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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...
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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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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...
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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…
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Taking all the elements of an amplifier and squishing them down into a box that can fit onto any pedalboard is a pretty amazing feat, and I always love when a new one comes through our shop. Several years ago, we reviewed an amazing piece of gear called the Zero Hybrid Amplifier, from our pals across the pond at Thermion. Today, they’re back with a smaller, more powerful amp-in-a-pedal, the Freeway, and we can’t wait to...
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A couple of days ago, we unleashed the power of the Dual Phase Jr Double Phaser from Artisanal Effects. Today, we’re looking at another one of their creations, but in a entirely different effects genre. The Magic Delay is a brand new, hand-built clone of a rare and somewhat obscure digital delay from the late ’90s. Just three knobs on this one, but great sounds and amazing tones just come pouring out here… The Magic...
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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...
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Analog delays have long been revered for their warm, sometimes dirty and always iconic tones, but typical parts availability and circuit designs have led them to incur some limitations from time to time. Today’s pedal, the Suhr Discovery Analog Delay, has so many features and options packed into it, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more easily maneuverable and great-sounding effects unit on the planet. Of course,...
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When musical gear companies collaborate on a project, it usually ends up being something pretty special. When THREE companies team up with one of the most iconic bands in history, something REALLY special is gonna happen. Today, we’re looking at an effects pedal from the Sweetwater Exclusive Beach Boys Limited Edition collection, which teams up JHS, Keeley Electronics and Benson Amps to celebrate the release of “The Beach...
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We’re continuing our “Asheville Week” here at Pedal of the Day today, with the first of three effects from a company focused on 100% analog sounds. The Asheville Music Tools AFG-1 Analog Dynamic Flanger is a Whooshless Resonant Comb Modulator, featuring a reissue Bucket Brigade Delay line to deliver classic Flanger and Chorus sounds with the most natural modulation possible. The synthesizer-inspired control voltage...
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We’ve been reviewing and demoing effects units from NUX for over six years now, and they just keep getting better and better. After checking out the Verb Core Deluxe a couple weeks ago, we’re excited to bring you all the Time Core Deluxe MKII Stereo Delay, the latest in NUX’s Core Series of pedals. With seven delay modes and a built-in looper for mode eight, this one has a lot of options, sounds and vintage...
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We’ve been reviewing and demoing effects units from NUX for over six years now, and they just keep getting better and better. Today, we’re continuing our exploration into their Core Series of pedals (the Tape Core Deluxe was amazing, BTW) as we check out the Verb Core Deluxe, a vast-reaching, wide-ranging ambient powerhouse that brings your favorite reverb sounds up from the depths…let’s dive right in, shall...
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After checking out the newest pedals in the Keeley Electronics’ lineup recently, we’re going to head back a little ways to review a classic 2-in-1 effect from our friends in OKC. Combining two popular Keeley circuits into one pedal, the Parallax Spatial Generator Delay Reverb brings ambience and shoegazing right to your feet. Lots of control parameters and a wide range of tonal options here make sure you can create the...
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After going 3-for-3 on heavy dirt pedals so far from our friends at Asheville Guitar Pedals, we’re moving into our favorite genre for today’s creation: Delay. The Follower Delay is a digital delay with a barebones control system, but one that provides big, bold repeats and beautiful echoes for days. It looks good, it sounds good – what more do you need? The Follower Delay Pedal is the ultimate tool for musicians...
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We’ve always loved the effects pedals that Ryan and the Dr. Scientist crew have sent our way over the years, and we’re happy to have another wonderful creation from them for you today. The Sunny Day Delay provides oodles of choices, blending vintage and modern delay tones together in one glorious machine. If this pedal doesn’t brighten up your day and put a smile on your face, you might want to get some help…...
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Today’s slice of gear doesn’t really make your signal distort, or repeat, or sound extra modulated or weird, but it is an important piece of your sonic puzzle. The B-8 Professional Wireless System from NUX lets you roam freely around the studio, stage or practice spot without losing any signal strength. It also has a couple additions and tricks up its sleeve that we need to talk about, so let’s get right to it…...
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It has been a hot minute since we’ve had any gear from our friends at Anasounds in the shop, and we’re excited to jump back in today with an amazing pedal creation from them. The Utopia Deluxe Echo Delay features loads of echo tones, some warm vintage preamp oomph and exploration beyond your wildest dreams. Come along as we check out this amazing machine, won’t you?? The Anasounds Utopia Deluxe was designed for the...
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It’s time (pun intended) for a look at another delay pedal, which we’re totally fine with, as it’s our favorite effect, hands down. The WEEHBO Guitar Products GENKS Modulated Time Device can be clean, dirty and everything in between, loaded with features and packed with experimental options. If you dig lots of knob turning and bending the space/time continuum, we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy this amazing...
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We’re stoked to continue to bring you the ENTIRE lineup of pedals from Rockready Mini Pedals over the coming weeks, and we’re continuing with two more excellent mini creations today. The BC-1 Brit Crunch and NG-1 Gatekeeper are small, yes, but they pack a big punch with their sonic output. With simple controls and mini enclosures, these pedals fit onto any pedalboard, and into ANY budget… The VP-1 Vintage Phase has a...
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We’re stoked to bring you the ENTIRE lineup of pedals from Rockready Mini Pedals over the coming weeks, and we’re starting things off with two of our favorite effects today! The VT-1 Vintage Trem and AE-1 Analog Echo are small, yes, but they pack a big punch with their sonic output. With simple controls and mini enclosures, these pedals fit onto any pedalboard, and into ANY budget… The VT-1 Vintage Trem captures the...
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We’re switching things up a little bit today, bring you some amplifier flavor from an excellent local North Carolina company. Come along as we take a look at not one but TWO amazing amps from Port City Amplification: the 30W Grandville Rhett Shull Signature and the 20W Merino Combo. Our pal Carl Perkins was kind enough to lend both of these amps and a killer cabinet to us to check out, and we fell in love instantly with these...
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We continue today on our journey as we review some new pedals from Caline today, bringing some classic tones to the forefront. The G-007 Redbelly Tremolo and G-009 Chamecho Delay bring more modulation and delicious echoes to the table, allowing you to create both modern and vintage sounds with ease. Let’s get right to it, shall we? The G-007 Red Belly Tremolo goes from subtle spaghetti western ‘throb’ to a full-on helicopter...
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It’s always a special day when our friends at Beetronics release a new creation, and we’re so happy to be a partner for today’s latest release! The Nectar “Tone Sweetener” is an overdrive and fuzz in one, boasting a wide range of sounds and tones you’ll be swarming about. Little, yes – powerful, absolutely. Let’s see what all the buzz it about, shall we? Shop Beetronics pedals at...
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When you think of iconic delay pedals, both vintage AND modern, there’s one name that usually jumps to the front of the list: Boss. From 1978’s flagship DM-1 Delay Machine, to the DM-2/3 compact pedals, on into the DD series of digital delays, and coming back full circle to the recently released DM-101, they’ve been a presence in the delay world for almost 50 years. Today’s pedal continues that commitment to...
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We’re always stoked when a mysterious new pedal from our friends at Strymon shows up at the door, and we’re excited to help launch their latest creation today. The Ultraviolet Vintage Vibe provides three wonderful modes, three bias levels, stereo and MIDI connectivity and much, much more. Grab your headphones and get ready for a wild, modulated and unpredictable musical journey, kiddos… Grab an Ultraviolet from...
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We love a good collaboration pedal release, especially when it’s with two of our favorite effects makers. The brand new Microdose Phaser is a collaboration between All-Pedal and Spaceman Effects, and right off the bat, we knew it would be something special. Based off of Spaceman’s discontinued Explorer Deluxe, the Microdose has some new added features and some wild, psychedelic graphics to go with some warm, vintage...
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After the wild success of their Germanium Fuzz pedal a few years ago, Chris and the crew at Benson Amps decided to take the genre one more step further. Building off of the classic Tone Bender MkI circuit, the Stonk Box attempts to take a classic 1960’s fuzz design, and bring the sound into the modern world, without bringing any along the flaws and inconsistencies of the original. This one’s a beast, let’s get right to it!...
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We’re exploring the newest releases from our friends at Flamma today, continuing with the FC13 Analog Phaser. This little gem provides everything a guitarist could want from a Phaser effect pedal, compacted into three simple dials and switches. Let’s jump into these modulated waters and see what all the buzz in about, shall we? The tonal properties of the Analog Phaser can be determined through two control parameters....
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We continue on our journey as we review some new pedals from Caline today, bringing some classic tones to the forefront. The CP-61 T-Drive Phase takes your phasing prowess up a notch, while the CP-512 Old School Reverb provides three modes and a ton of lush soundscapes. If you just have these two pedals and an amp on the edge of breakup, you’ve got a pretty rad and simple setup… The T-Drive is a phaser pedal with a wide...
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Well, it’s that time once again…NEW STRYMON DAY!! We’re always proud to be part of their new releases, and today’s pedal is one that we can all enjoy…thoroughly. The Brig dBucket Delay takes Strymon’s now-classic Brigadier Delay and smashes it down into a compact form, first introduced with the amazing Cloudburst Ambient Reverb a couple months ago. Here’s some info from Strymon: “The...
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