Over the last year, I’ve had the opportunity to review and demo some pedals from Klowra, a brand that focuses on making effects affordable, but without sacrificing any quality. In fact, these pedals have been packed with more features and options than units costing three times as much, and they sound great. Today, we’re taking a look at the Vein Stereo Polyphonic Pitch Shifter, a device that opens up all the doors of...
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Ever since the Pet Yeti Distortion Fuzz arrived here in early 2024, I look forward to every new release from the wacky crew at Cosmodio Instruments. Their Gravity Well, Glitch Witch and Splinter Twin really turned the pedal world upside down, and I’m so stoked to be helping with yet another of their creations today! The Horoscope Echo Sequencer features delay and reverb, plus a whole lot of other options, knobs, switches and...
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I’m pretty sure I’ve had the pleasure of demoing every effect creation that’s come from Heather Brown Electronicals, and I’m so stoked to have another one for you all today. Her latest is the WET Fuzz, a non-frills, balls-to-the-wall small box of distorted glory that’s just waiting to be unleashed onto your unsuspecting family and neighbors. Crank this one up, dial it back, mix in some other pedals...
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The DigiTech Whammy II Harmonizer & Pitch Shift / Bender is one of my favorite pedals EVER. And no, it’s not just because Trey from Phish has been using it for like 35 years…well, maybe a little, but I digress. These units, as rad as they are, aren’t the most reliable, given their age, as with lots of gear that just needs the right love. Our friends over at Keeley Electronics now offer a service that brings...
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I like my pedals to be fairly organized, like many folks do – seeing a mish-mash of wires and cords strewn about a stage floor gives me the wicked cringies. Therefore, something to reign in the chaos is key, and today, that comes in the form of a small but strong pedalboard. The Vangoa PD-XL is perfect for travel, for a not-too-complicated board, and for addressing all your power needs…plus, it lights up real cool-like!...
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Earlier this year, I got to check out the first effect from Jade Electric Pedals, the J-6 Dynamic Overdrive. Today, I have the pleasure of helping to welcome into the world their newest creation, The BlackBoard Outlaw Overdrive, a gritty but smooth beast with a great backstory and killer tones throughout. Grab your favorite Telecaster and classic country albums, we’re diving deep into this one… The BlackBoard is an outlaw...
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This past summer, I had the privilege to enter the world of effects from Polyend – their MESS Multi-Effect Step Sequencer and PRESS Analog Stereo Compressor are two of the most beautiful and excellent-sounding units I’ve seen, and I’ve got another gem from these guys for you all today. The ENDLESS Stereo Effects Creation Platform lets you literally type in what kind of pedal you want, and the unique PLAYGROUND system...
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So far, the pedals in the Small Batch Bliss Series from our friends over at Chase Bliss have been, as you might expect, nothing short of fantastic. Today, following in the footsteps of the Reverse Mode C and the Lost + Found, the third release in this series comes in the form of the Bad Mood Ambient Mischief, a wildy organic, brooding, unpredictable and adventurous creation that once again tests all you think you know about musical...
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Every creation that has come through the shop here from ezhi&aka has been nothing short of stunning: strange, unique, wild and wonderful, these devices push the very boundaries of the sonic spectrum to their limits, and sometimes past them. Today’s effects unit from Alexey revisits the first thing I ever demoed from him, back in 2019, the MOOMINDRONE LoFi Drone Delay Modulation Machine. If that seems like a lot,...
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Another new gem from our friends at Strymon showed up on the doorstep recently, and it’s always a treat to see what new creations they have in store for us, and for the world. Their new-ish Series A collection, which so far includes the Fairfax Class A Output Stage Drive and the Canoga Vintage Silicon Fuzz, continues today with the La Brea Analog Tape Drive. This one fits in with any pedalboard, pushing your amp and overall tone...
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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 series is a 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 continuing...
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I love a good modulation pedal, and I love all the gear I’ve ever played from NUX – what could be a more perfect fit than combining them both? That’s what we’ve got with today’s pedal, the exciting, versatile Mod Core Deluxe MKII Stereo Modulation. This one features chorus, flanger, pitch mod, vibrato and phaser, conjuring up sounds inspired by some of the most famous pedals to ever hit the shelves. Grab...
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Earlier this month, I dove back into the world of Hagerman Amplification, as I got to check out their amazing Gamma Radiatiøn Transistor Distortion. Today, we’re sticking in the same general area, but investigating a classic circuit that produces tones everyone is chasing, but in a way that won’t break the bank. The Neokløn Mythical Beast Overdrive roars into any rig, bringing tonal balance, speaker crunch and much, much...
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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. So far, the Everlast Stereo Delay, Limbo Stereo Reverb and Sprout Stereo Modulation have blown me away, and our Klowra journey continues today, as we head into octave-laden, pitch-shifted sonic gooeyness. Grab a guitar or a bass, and prepare for the Verdict Polyphonic...
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It’s always a blast when something from Walrus Audio shows up here at the shop, especially when it’s an effect that might not be the most talked about or hyped (which usually means you need it!). The Highpoint Analog Optical Compressor not only looks retro-ish, like you’re in a vintage recording studio of some sort, but it sounds great, adding the *perfect* amount of…well, who knows with compressors? They just...
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I loved the simplicity mixed with all the sonic options on the Mooer META FX Multi-Effects I checked out last month, and was excited when another creation of theirs was in the box that was delivered to the shop. Today, we’re looking at the GE100 PRO AI-Powered Multi-Effects unit from these guys, and it has all the bells and whistles you’ll need…plus some more surprises up its proverbial sleeve. If you’ve been...
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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 series is a 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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I love when a new device from our friends at NUX shows up on the doorstep, and after last month’s Dual Loop Stereo pedal, I was looking forward to their next big box creation. Well, it came in the form of the Amp Academy Stomp Compact Amp Modeler, a big-sounding, options-laden beast of an effect that will have you experimenting for weeks, months, years even. Lots to dig into here, let’s see what it’s all about…...
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For over a decade now, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a great company to the north, Wounded Paw Audio, coming to you from the woods of Ontario, Canada. Although it’s been a couple of years since our last pedal from them (the awesome Hellhound Distortion), today’s beastly unit more than makes up for the wait. The Siege Engine II Bass Overdrive gives you more control over your low end dirt than I’ve ever...
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It’s been a couple years since my first foray into the world of Hagerman Amplification (the TUBEKLØN Mythical Beast was one of my favs from 2024), and I’m stoked to be checking out some more gear from Jim today. Coming from the newly re-released silicon lineup of pedals, we’re gonna take a look at the powerful and versatile Gamma Radiatiøn Transistor Distortion, a seemingly simple four-knobber that is really anything...
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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 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 series is a 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....
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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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