Last year, I got to test out my first pedal from Klowra, an innovative and affordable brand of pedals that pack a ton of features and sounds into each of their effects. The Everlast Stereo Delay completely blew me away, and was stoked to check out their awesome Limbo Stereo Reverb pedal last month, too. Our Klowra journey continues today, as we head into modulated, shape-shifting territory, with the brilliant and versatile Sprout...
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It’s been 6 years since Chase Bliss released their last Automatone™ effects unit, the CXM 1978 Reverb, which followed the Preamp MKII from earlier in 2020, setting the pedal world ablaze and changing what we all thought was possible. After a long wait, I’m excited to welcome the Big Time Automatone™ Analog/Digital Echo into the fold. This powerful delay beast is also a collaboration between Chase Bliss and John Snyder from...
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I’m not sure exactly how Discomfort Designs continually puts out weirder and more intriguing pedals with every new release, but at this point, they’ve got it down to a science. After recently checking out their amazing Supreme Balloon Stereo Tremolo & Panner, I was stoked to check out today’s effect, The Colour of the Young Star Stereo Pitch Melting Reverb. If you’re confused by the title, join the...
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Today, we’re taking a look at a classic circuit, from one of our favorite pedal companies from the last few years. The Berserker Electronics Autopilot TS10 Overdrive brings a vintage sound into the modern era, complete with a couple new additions to a sound a lot of us have been chasing for years. Though this particular tube screamer model might not be the most recognized, after checking out this pedal, it might just become your...
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I was lucky enough for Eventide to take a chance on a small demo channel waaaaaay back in 2015, when they released the first iteration of the H9 Harmonizer®. This incredible effects unit has been near the top of guitar player’s lists for over a decade now, and I’m so stoked to bring you the newest version from this lineup of pedals today. The H9 Harmonizer® Gen 2 is a multi-effect, yes, but it’s so much more –...
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Over the years, the ROSS name has been innovative, mysterious, inactive, reborn, changed hands and more. Here in 2026, the ROSS Era 6 is respectful revival (not a remake) of the circuits that helped define modern effects. They took the soul and simplicity of the originals and rebuilt the technology for today’s player: tighter tolerances, modern reliability and performance that holds up on any stage or studio. We’re gonna...
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The crews at Death By Audio and Rainger FX have a reputation for creating some of the most unique and adventurous pedals out on the market, and have done so for many years now. Today, they’re teaming up on a new release, the Amp Crash, a totally individualistic, one-of-a-kind creation that mixes the best of several worlds together, to form a sonic stew the likes of which you’ve never experienced before. Seriously. This one...
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Ever since the first pedal from Summer School Electronics arrived on my doorstep way back in 2022, I’m always in a state of anticipation to see what Mark is going to come up with next. Today, I’m excited to bring you his latest creation, the massive Double Major Dual Transparent Overdrive Boost. Taking inspiration from a certain almost unobtainable, mystical, horse-themed gem from the 1990’s, this one gives you a...
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Loopers have always been a wonderful way to practice, create and explore new sounds and songs, during those times when you don’t have a full band to jam with. I love building layer upon layer of small phases, swollen notes, and chordal patterns that enhance your main idea. Today’s pedal, the NML-3DLS Dual Loop Stereo from our friends at NUX, takes looping, drum machines and more to the next level, ensuring you’ll be...
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For some pedalboards, you need the actual effects, of course, but also something a little bit more. This can come in the form of expression pedals, tap tempo buttons or, like today’s featured piece of gear, bigger signal routing capabilities. The XYXO Parallel / Series Utility Mixer from our friends at Horrothia FX offers up a wide assortment of ways to really dial in the sounds you have been searching for, whether it’s...
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Ah, the Harmonic Percolator. A mystery wrapped in a riddle wrapped in…well, distortion and fuzz and octave-bending and lots of other stuff. It’s always impressed me how two knobs are capable of doing so much, and I’m excited to have another example for you all today. The 202a Harmonic Percolator from our new friends at Moreland Magnetics features that same two-knob design, but integrates countless hours of testing...
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I dig a good multi-effects unit, one with a ton of sonic options and inspiring tones…but sometimes, they can be a little overwhelming with too much going on. Today’s pedal, the Mooer META FX Stereo Multi-Effect Platform, slims the multi-effect universe down just a bit, to not only make it easy to navigate, but fit into ANY pedalboard or rig with ease. Providing dozens of effects in gorgeous stereo sound, this little unit...
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The fine folks at Valeton have been sending pedals and gear my way since 2019, and the products truly keep getting better and better. After a couple of high-performance multi-effects units (GP-150 & GP-180) and a wild drum machine sampler looper (VLP-200), we’re going a little more basic today, but in an excellent way. I don’t get acoustic pedals in the shop here very often, but I’m always excited when I do,...
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Last year, I got to test out my first pedal from Klowra, an innovative and affordable brand of pedals that pack a ton of features and sounds into each of their effects. The Everlast Stereo Delay completely blew me away, and I was just as impressed when they sent over their Rilum Multi-Head Tape Delay + Modulation a few months ago, and I couldn’t wait for more. Our Klowra journey continues today, as we head into more ambient...
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After the mammoth sequencing whirlwind that is the MESS Multi-Effects Step Sequencer, which I had the pleasure of reviewing last month, I was wondering what else the folks at Polyend were capable of creating. The answer comes to us all in the form of the PRESS Analog Stereo Compressor, a stereo-laden, sidechain-inducing, end-all be-all of compressors, and one that I found to be particularly intriguing. Grab those headphones and put...
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A few years back, the folks at Dubreq Stylophone sent over a couple of units for me to experiment with: the BEAT Pocket Drum Machine and the GEN X-1 Portable Analog Synth. I loved ’em both, so I was stoked when they decided to send me over an updated version of one of these creations, the GEN X-2 Portable Analog Synthesizer. Packed with some new features and seemingly endless, out-of-this-world sounds, this device will bring out...
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Last month, I got my hands on my first effects unit from the crew at Evil Eye FX – the Paladin V2 Overdrive Distortion, as was quite impressed by the build and sonic quality. Today, we’re checking out the 2nd pedal in their lineup, the Warg Fuzz, which takes a lost, semi-unknown fuzz circuit and brings it into the 21st century, roaring as it does so. If the graphics don’t let you immediately know this pedal means...
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The original Aspen Overdrive, Studio Compressor and Lastlight Boost Overdrive from Case Study Effects were three of the best pedals I saw last year, and they’re back today with another all-timer. The Aspen One brings a bit extra to the sonic drive/boost table, complete with a bunch of knobs and switches that allow you to dial in your perfect sound. This is one of those pedals you know is gonna crush from the instant you turn it...
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Over the last several years, Discomfort Designs has been quietly releasing some of the most creative effects pedals on the market, from the My Continuing Battle With The Queasy Feels Stereo Multi Modulator, to the Riemann’s Grave Octave Bit Crusher Distortion Filter, to the Phantom Limb Delay Looper, and more. Today, we’ve got one of their newer releases for you all, the wild and exploratory Supreme Balloon Stereo Tremolo...
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I love when a pedal company comes just roaring out of the gates with their first release, and that’s exactly the case with today’s monstrous gem of an effect. The Lost Tapes Lo-Fi Delay is the flagship unit from the crew at Swell Noise, based in San Geronimo, CA – they design unique-sounding tools that help musicians find inspiration fast, without digging through menus or presets. This delay is one fun machine,...
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I love a good compressor around the office – they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, for sure, but those of us who love ’em LOVE ‘EM. Today, we’re taking a look at the Sasquash Natural Compressor, another gem of a pedal from our friends at Berserker Electronics. Pushing what a compressor is capable of, but not stifling your sound, this thing fits in perfectly with any rig, bot on stage or in the...
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We’re headed back in time a few decades today, as we explore an echo/delay effect that flew a bit under the radar, and has remained there for many years. When I first saw the Korg ToneWorks 301 dl Dynamic Lo-Fi Echo sitting on the bench at Anthony from Marla Amps’ workbench, I knew I needed to check it out. He let me borrow it for this review and demo, and I just might have to search the used market to add it to my...
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I’m excited to check out the first pedal from my buddy Anthony over at Marla Amplification today, and what a way to start the day! The Geriatric Chihuahua Overdrive w/Boost not only has an awesome name, it will push your amp to the sweet spot and waaaaay beyond. You might notice that none of the knobs are labeled, and that’s just the beginning of the fun that’s to be had with this bright red beauty… At its...
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We’re heading deep into outer space and auditory exploration today, with an effects unit the likes of which has never really been here in the lab. The Polyend MESS is a multi-effect step sequencer by description, but what it is actually capable of would require a title that’s much, much too long. Combining everyday effects with new & exciting ways to use them, plus all the caveats of modern technology, and...
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I’ve had the opportunity to check out two pedals from Kernom so far: the ELIPSE Modulation Playground and the MOHO Fuzz Workstation, and was really impressed by both units. Today, I’m back with another big box beauty from this French company – this time, it’s their RIDGE Multi Overdrive, a wide-ranging beast of a pedal that defies logic and forges new sonic paths at every turn. Moving smoothly from classic to...
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Two-knob pedals aren’t all that common these days, but when you get one like today’s rust-colored beauty, you kinda wish there were more of them out in the wild. The Fumble JFET Clean Boost from our friends at JHS Pedals has huge range for such a small pedal, moving from simple signal boost to amp-pushing to preamp glory to lead solo sparkle, and everything in between. Coming from the family of Dumble circuits, this one...
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I’ve seen gear from Airline Guitars popping up around the interwebs and socials for a couple of years now, so I was stoked when they contacted me about checking out their flagship effects pedal. The Dirty Birdy Fuzz has just three knobs, but the range here is impressive, and when you factor in more range with your guitar’s volume control, the possibilities really open up. Let’s jump righ in and see what this limited...
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I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when another package from Flattley Guitar Pedals showed up on my doorstep, but I knew it would be something intriguing. After having the chance the check out The Joker Boost Overdrive Distortion, I was sure I was in for a treat with this new piece of gear. Well, I was not disappointed, as the incredible Revolution 10 AE Dynamic Overdrive had arrived – this purple beauty retains the dark...
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My first encounter with Red Panda pedals was 12 years ago, and since that time, I’ve enjoyed checking out many of their wild, innovative releases. Today, I have the pleasure of checking out their RD-1 Pitch Delay, an experimental machine that pushes the very sonic boundaries of what you thought was possible with delay effects. If you don’t like twisting knobs and creating new sounds, this pedal is not gonna be for...
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Sometimes, I get the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and discover a new sound or instrument I never thought I needed. The latter is the case today, as the folks from Kala Brand have sent over their Teak Tri-Top Tenor Ukulele for me to check out, and it has been an absolute blast!! I think I bought my daughter a kid’s ukulele when she was very little, but I never learned to play it, really, so this was all a new and...
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Along with everyone else who’s ever had the pleasure of playing a TimeLine Delay from Strymon, I’ve been waiting for the new version of this gorgeous pedal, and it has finally arrived!! The TimeLine MX Multi Delay builds on arguably the most popular delay unit in the last ten years, with new sounds, functionality and lots more. There’s so much packed into this one, let’s dive right in, shall we? The TimeLine MX...
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I have had an absolute blast reviewing and demoing all the pedals from Bananana Effects over the last couple of months, and today I bring you the last one (for now, hopefully) in their current lineup. Switching things up just a bit, the MATRYOSHKA is an 8-Mode Bass Synth pedal, meaning I pulled out my trusty Spector NS2000B for this one, and boy, does this pedal ROCK. Moving quickly from slightly weird to full-blown outer space...
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Sometimes, I open a new pedal box not knowing what lurks inside, and find a piece of gear that blows me away, initially, without ever plugging it in. Such is the case today with the simply stunning M2 Labs Fuzzocalypse Analog Chaos Injector, a fuzz like none I’ve come across yet. Following in the footsteps of The Bomber Overdrive, this unit features simple controls, a huge range of sounds, an added crazy chaotic mode and a...
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The crew at NUX is always coming out with new, exciting and fun ways to make music, and I’ve got just that for you all today. The NPO-2 Tutti Polyphonic Octave adds low and high octaves to your signal, with individual controls for finding that sweet spot you’ve been searching for. Compact, yes – but don’t let the size fool you, this effect will make your tone big and bold with a quickness… The Tutti...
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The pedals from Berserker Electronics keep getting better and better, the more they release, and today’s pedal improves upon the very first pedal of theirs I got to check out. The Aquanaut was a rad Delay/Echo pedal, and the new Hydronaut takes all the good stuff from the first pedal and improves upon it, with glorious results. Allowing you to blend vintage and modern is the name of the game here, and if you can’t find a...
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After a little breather, I’m back with a powerful, exciting pedal for you all today! Our first foray into the world of Evil Eye FX brings us the Paladin V2 Overdrive Distortion, a powerful, instantly eye-catching unit that’s based on a rare circuit from 40 or so years ago. With a ton of volume, gorgeous crunch and two different clipping modes, this one will take your rig to the next level… The Paladin is a modern...
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A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to look at my first pedal from Kernom, the ELIPSE Multi Modulation Playground, and was completely blown away. Today, I’m back with another big box beauty from this French company – this time, it’s their MOHO Multi Fuzz Workstation, a wide-ranging beast of a pedal that defies logic and forges new sonic paths at every turn. Moving smoothly from classic to modern and beyond, this...
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I loved the roller aspect of the Roto-Echo Delay I checked out last fall, and was hoping the crew at Black Mountain would be releasing more pedals that incorporated that same design. Well, my wish came true, as they’re back with the Expression Pedal, another roller-esque creation that paors with just about any pedal on the market (that has expression capabilities, of course). I had a blast using a couple of my favorite effects...
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Last summer, I had the pleasure of checking out the Everlast Stereo Delay from Klowra, and it completely blew me away. Today, I’m taking a look at another beauty from this company, one that combines vintage echo delays with tasteful modulation, for a sound that’s extremely useable and unique. The Rilum Multi-Head Tape Delay + Modulation is filled with wonderful, warm tones, some fun hidden options and modern functionality,...
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I really enjoyed the Tiny Stomp Desktop Multi-Effects Processor from Soran I got to check out a few weeks ago, so I was stoked to be able to check out the bigger unit in this series, the Dual Stomp Dual Pedal Amp Modeling Multi-Effects Processor. The control layout is extremely user-intuitive, the functionality is top-notch, and the sounds it is capable of creating are really good. Tons of presets, great tonal options,, a looper and...
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I’ve been having so much fun checking out the effects lineup from Bananana Effects, and today’s pedal from them takes things into a whole new sonic realm. The MANDALA Radical Glitch Surprise is an astounding and groundbreaking reverb unit with eight built-in modes that take your notes and twist them into unrecognizable sonic blasts…in the best of ways. There are a LOT of sounds trapped in this mini pedal, just...
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We’re back today with the latest round of THREE new 3 Series effects from our friends at JHS Pedals! The 3 Series is a collection of pedals designed to give you affordability and simplicity without compromising quality. The latest offerings in this series are a Ring Modulator, a Glitch Delay and a Bit Crusher, three experimental units that are simple at first glance, but offer a wide range of sounds and tones to play with....
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A good modulation pedal can add a slight sonic tinge to your sound, or send your rig and your listeners into outer space and beyond. Today’s pedal, the AceTone Electronics CSW-01 California Swirls Analog Chorus, leans towards the former category, but by no means does that imply simplicity or boredom. With just three knobs, this refreshing beauty has a lot of range, moving easily from light chorus to slightly warbled to big,...
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After checking out the Aquanaut Delay/Echo, Velcrow Gated Fuzz and Dead Zone Low Fidelity Filter from Berserker Electronics, I couldn’t wait to see what they had in store next. The Moldy Peach wasn’t what I was necessarily expecting, but it quickly blew my mind and rocked my world. Blending two favorite effect styles together to form one massive beast of a pedal, this is a revolutionary dirt device that surprises you...
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I have been seeing effects from Kernom pop up here and there across the socials for a while now, and was super excited when I finally got a chance to talk to Jeremy and David about us collaborating on some demos. The first of their pedals we’re looking at today is the ELIPSE Multi Modulation Playground, an expressive multi-effect that brings you all the genre modes you need and love, along with some modern functionality and some...
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I have been absolutely astonished by the creativity and uniqueness of the first two pedals I’ve seen from FruitFX Pedals, and I’m so stoked to have another one for you all to check out today. If you like twisting knobs, creating the sounds you might think that space alien craft would make, or just being creative and experimental, the Space Cube Phase Locked Loop (PLL) Fuzz is *perfect* for you. Utilizing classic PLL...
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You know sometimes when you open a pedal box that you’re in for a real treat, just by taking a glance at what’s inside. That’s most definitely the case today, as we check out The Joker, a ruthless-looking and -sounding boost overdrive distortion from Flattley Pedals. Bright in color and a bit scary in presence, this this has range for days, pushing your amp into ALL the sweet spots where you need it to be… The...
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When I took a look at the first Submarine pickup 5 years ago, I loved what a cool, unique device it was, and knew it was the beginning of something much bigger. The original isolated just three strings at once, but the SubPro pickup, which we’re going to look at today, gives you access to all 6 strings on your guitar, along with routing options for each string. Building on an already innovative piece of gear, SubPro opens up new...
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We’re taking a look at something different today, but it’s a piece of gear that every pedal psycho needs to have in their arsenal. The folks at Holeyboard have come up with a radical pedalboard design, one that’s fully customizable and easy to use, while making your pedals accessible and looking sharp. They sent over the 3-piece ABC Combo board for me to check out, and I had an absolute blast putting it and a fun...
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From the beginning with the Blessed Mother Overdrive, Heather Brown Electronicals has been putting out unique effects circuits, ranging across a number of different genres, and they’ve all been simply spectacular. Continuing that tradition today is Heather’s latest release, the Clean Break Boost, a seemingly simple three-knob gem that will push your amp into the sweet zone with just a minute or two of configuration....
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