It’s always special when we can support local builders, and in the case of Marla Amplification, it’s an absolute pleasure when I get to crank up one of their fine amplifiers. Today, we’re looking at an exclusive collaboration between Marla Amps and Reverb.com, the S40 Charlie Barker Special Edition Amplifier. The man behind the curtain, Anthony Hernandez, and I met up here in the Asheville area, and I got a sneak...
Read More
New pedals from new (to us) companies are always welcome here at Pedal of the Day, and we’ve got just that for you on this fine Tuesday morning. The King Wizard Germanium Fuzz Driver from Portland, Oregon-based spellcasterFX immediately sucks you in with a wild, trippy aesthetic, then keeps you enthralled with a huge spectrum of tonal shifts, boosts, drives and, of course, lots of FUZZ. Sort of like three pedals in one, this...
Read More
Josh and the crew at JHS Pedals are always coming up with something creative and inspiring to add to the world of effects, and today’s pedal conjures up tones of yesteryear with a replication of an unusual piece of gear. Replicating a bedroom studio recording device, the 424 Gain Stage Preamp Distortion Overdrive allows us to recreate sounds of the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond, all in a neat, tidy, compact form. With a couple of...
Read More
Small, pedalboard-friendly effects units are always nice to have on hand, especially for an overcrowded signal chain that takes up a lot of real estate. The fine folks at Tone City continue to recognize and build on this, as evidenced by today’s pedal, the Golden Plexi v2025 Overdrive Distortion. With a big range of sounds and all the classic amp tone you’ve been searching for, this little wonder proves that you can make big...
Read More
As fun as effects pedals are, they’re usually accompanied by an instrument of some sort, mostly the guitar in our case. That’s why we always like it when we get a new instrument in the shop to test out – however, today’s piece of gear actually requires NO PEDALS AT ALL. The Divitone MF Studio DSG-10 Smart Electric Guitar comes loaded with amps, effects, IRs, a tuner, a drum machine and more – all wrapped...
Read More
I always enjoy when a new effects unit comes in from our friends at Walrus Audio, and today’s pedal keeps that joy and wonderment intact with ease. The Lüm Texture Engine Granular Reverb is a pedal that’s a bit hard to describe or fully classify, sending your brain on an ethereal, ambient journey the likes of which you might not want to return from…EVER. With a bunch of knobs and switches and cool hidden features,...
Read More
Innovation is a key component in the competitive world of effects pedals, and today, we’ve got a new creation that is as innovative as anything I’ve seen in years. The crews at Black Mountain and Jack White’s Third Man Hardware have teamed up to produce the Roto-Echo Delay, a warm echo pedal that lets you use your foot and a special roller to control one of three parameters, opening up the possibilities of what you...
Read More
We recently had the chance to dive into the world of Radio Wave Effects, and were quite impressed with their first creation, the Nervous Energy Fuzz Distortion Overdrive. Today, we’re checking out their second pedal, the Dalliter Fuzz, a vintage-meets-modern fuzzy creation with three knobs and an absolutely monstrous range of tones. Get your eardrums ready, this baby blue beauty is about to knock your socks off… The Radio...
Read More
Today, we’re diving into our second pedal (of three in their current lineup) from Awestruck Amplification, a boutique builder out of Michigan. Today’s creation is the Mayday Discrete Boost, a one-knob, one-toggle device that will push your amp and shape your tone in an instant. From slight volume jump to edge-of-breakup glory, this unit reminds us all that you can’t always judge a pedal by its parameters… The...
Read More
The fine folks at StewMac have always had your guitar needs covered, whether it’s guitars, accessories, blank wood canvases, electronics and, of course, pedals. Their DIY pedal kits have been a favorite of players for years, and now they’ve decided to offer these great-looking and -sounding units as PRE-BUILT pedals, cutting out the DIY portion and giving you all that great tone in an instant. We’re taking a gander...
Read More
Whenever the folks at Echo Fix release a new creation, it’s always an exciting time. From the incredible EF-F2 Tape Echo to their EF-P2 Spring Reverb and EF-P3 Chorus/Vibrato pedals, the high-end audio pieces coming from down under enhance the sound of anyone who has the pleasure to use them. Today, we’re looking at their latest, the EF-P5 FET Compressor, a studio-grade unit that works for guitar, bass, keys, drums, vocals...
Read More
I have always dug the circuits coming out of the MMK Electrics camp, and it’s always a treat to get their latest creation in our shop. Following in the footsteps of the Norris Fuzz, Red Cream Soda Overdrive Distortion and the pair of Custom Shop PNP Boost Type 14 & 32, we bring you not one but TWO incredible new fuzzes. The Pavlof Fuzz comes in 2 different iterations, and they both sound quite amazing… Two Knobs, two...
Read More
Small, pedalboard-friendly effects units are always nice to have on hand, especially for an overcrowded signal chain that takes up a lot of real estate. The fine folks at Tone City continue to recognize and build on this, as evidenced by today’s pedal, the Tape Machine v2025 Analogue/Digital Delay. One big knob and two little ones may not seem like much, but they allow you to dial in some amazing echo sounds… The Tape...
Read More
The Aspen Overdrive from Case Study Effects is one of the better drives that has come through the shop recently, and I couldn’t wait to check out some more gear coming out of Lake Country, Wisconsin. Today, we’re looking at their Studio Compressor, which is exactly what it sounds like it would be, but is also somehow MORE than you’d expect. With a bunch of knobs and a surprise toggle switch, you get true studio...
Read More
Today, we’re checking out our third pedal in the current lineup from Awestruck Amplification, a boutique builder out of Michigan. The last pedal (for now) from this company is the Metro Organic Overdrive, a bright and vibrant effect both in sonic tone and aesthetics. With a couple of toggle switches to shape your sound, and a bunch of drive on tap, you’re not gonna want to sleep on this colorful creation… Inspired by...
Read More
We’ve checked out a LOT of gear from our friends at Hotone over the years, but never anything quite like today’s…well, NOT a pedal. The Pulze Mini Portable Modeling Amp makes it easy to take killer tones on the go, no matter where you are in the world – plus, it actually sounds really good! Whether you’re running your signal into a DAW, or doing a little practice via headphones, or playing a really small...
Read More
We’re bringing you another new (to us) company today, and this first pedal of theirs is a doozy!! The Nervous Energy Fuzz Distortion Overdrive from our new friends at Radio Wave Effects brings the essence of a rare old pedal into the modern era, with dirty tones for days and days. This one even has a hidden feature, which always makes for fun exploration and something unique to bring to the pedal game – let’s get...
Read More
There’s just something so fun and enjoyable about multi-effects units, and we’ve got another great one for you all today. The Spurr Audio PMF-8824 Personal Multi-FX Modulator combines multiple modulation effects into one glorious, vintage-looking and -sounding pedal that pushes the boundaries of effect experimentation. Taking your sound to otherworldly sonic levels, this space-age piece of gear will open up your musical...
Read More
It’s been about a year since we had a pedal from DPE Pedals in the shop, but after the gloriousness that was the Chromosome Dual Overdrive, I was excited to see what they had in store for me. The DC-30 EF86 Valve Preamp exceeded all my expectations, taking the world of preamp pedals to another level, and really punching my amps and eardrums alike. You gotta love pedals that use REAL TUBES, and this jet black beauty is one of the...
Read More
Small, pedalboard-friendly effects units are always nice to have on hand, especially for an overcrowded signal chain that takes up a lot of real estate. The fine folks at Tone City continue to recognize and build on this, as evidenced by today’s pedal, the Tiny Spring v2025 Spring Reverb. With about as simple a control section as you can have, it’s easy to dial in a great sound quickly, along with a nice, big range of...
Read More
Today, we’re diving into our first pedal (of three in their current lineup) from Awestruck Amplification, a boutique builder out of Michigan. First up is the Highland Discrete Overdrive, a three-knob, two-toggle beauty that provides a wonderful range of sounds and tones. Moving easily from boost to drive to borderline fuzz territory, there’s a lot to explore with this multi-colored creation… At its core, the Highland...
Read More
New Release Day for ANY pedal is always fun, but when we get let into the wild world of Death By Audio effects, you know you’re in for a special treat. We’re actually going to take a look at TWO devices today: the Crossover Fuzz and the Photomodulator Expression Controller. The fuzz takes your highs and lows and splits them into a wild stereo spectrum, further exploited and energized by light-controlled expression. Lots to...
Read More
It’s been a minute since we had anything from Night Owl Industries in the shop, but I’m excited to bring you all their latest release today! Not a pedal, but most definitely pedal-related, the FMJ Amplifier provides gorgeous clean tones to use as the basis for your rig, designed for players who like to get drive and distortion from their pedalboard. With an simple control layout, small size and big tones, this guitar amp...
Read More
I’ve always loved the looks and unique tones created by Spaceman Effects, and today we’re gonna showcase their lastest creation, our first of theirs in over two years. The Atlas IV: Preamp Booster make seem simple on the outside, with just one big knob and two small toggles, but there’s a ton going on under the hood here. This is one of those pedals that makes your amp instantly come to life as soon as you turn it...
Read More
It’s hard to beat a good stereo Delay pedal – especially since Delays are my favorites, and the Stereo audio field usually makes everything sound amazing. Today, we’re bringing you the first pedal for a new collaborator of ours, Klowra, and their magnificent Everlast Stereo Delay. Featuring NINE different modes, stereo connectivity, expression control, ramping and more, there’s a lot to delve into here, so...
Read More
After checking out their ODR-mini Natural Overdrive, DEL-mini Delay and ODR-mini2 pedals, I couldn’t wait to see what pint-sized creation Nobels would come up with next. Well, the answer comes to us all in the form of the small but amazing CHO-mini Stereo Chorus and Flanger. This modulated beauty provides a nice stereo spectrum sweep, along with three modes of operation that will satisfy the most staunch chorus and flanger fans...
Read More
Pedals that combine two effects from different genres always present an interesting mix of sounds, and today’s pedal takes that concept up a notch or two. The Spicy Pedals Modulatron Overloaded Chorus/Vibrato & Overdrive, aside from having a great name, pushes the envelope as far as what’s possible in the worlds of modulation and dirt. Creating otherworldly tones and focusing on the experimenters in all of us, this...
Read More
Sometimes, the pedal you need on your board doesn’t actually make any kind of noise or effect – such is the case with today’s pedal, the Yesterday Effects Color Theory All-Analog Parallel Processor & Signal Router. While big whooshing modulation, bold distortion or vintage tape delay sounds are not on the menu, this little box opens up your creativity, and lets you choose how to route your signals and sounds....
Read More
If you love distortion and you love Frank Zappa, you’re gonna love today’s pedal. A mix of a couple different kinds of dirt, the Utility Muffin Overdrive Fuzz from Stomp Under Foot brings Zappa-esque tones to the forefront of your rig, presenting you with a wide range of tones to choose from. Although it only sports 3 knobs, this one has a lot of sounds under the hood, perfect for driving your favorite amp or getting a...
Read More
It’s hard to believe that it has been an entire decade since I had a Devi Ever : FX pedal in the office, but I think you’re gonna dig this one. The Brown LP Overdrive Fuzz combines Devi Ever’s Electric Brown and LP Overdrive pedals into one small enclosure – but don’t be fooled, kiddos, this seemingly tame unit is anything but. Packing the auditory wallop and sonic punch you need, along with a special...
Read More
Jamie and the gang at EarthQuaker Devices are usually known for wild, out-of-the-box kinds of effects pedals, but their latest creation is about as (seemingly) simple as it gets. The Easy Listening Analog Amp Simulator is small, with just one lone knob that controls the output level, but there’s a lot going on inside. Although you can’t necessarily easily detect how this tiny box affects your tone, it brings a new kind of...
Read More
It’s New Pedal Company Day again, folks – today, we’re checking out the first release from Color Audio, coming to you all the way from fine Finland! The Cassette Preamp takes a portion of an old classic, rips it out, puts it into pedal form and modernizes it, for a unique and intriguing new device. Five knobs + a three-way toggle = wide tonal range and sonic exploration for days… The Cassette Preamp is the...
Read More
Each release from Heather Brown Electronicals seems to top the previous one, starting with the Blessed Mother Overdrive, followed by the Sensational Fuzzdrive and the Spirit In The Sky Tremolo Fuzz. Heather’s latest release, the Volga Preamp, builds on the success of those previous three, providing a unique take on preamps and their relationship with your guitar and amplifier. With lots of knobs and switches, there’s...
Read More
When a new pedal from Death By Audio shows up on the doorstep, you know you’re in for a real sonic treat – there’s just no way around it. Today, we’re looking at a special, limited edition collaboration they did with Levitation, an effect that bends space and time, and your brain, and your amp, and you eardrums…you get the idea. Grab your favorite flashlight and prepare to get lost for hours upon...
Read More
It’s always a blast to meet new companies from all around the world, and I think today might be the first time I’ve had a pedal come my way via Turkey! The TolRed Pedal Germanium Fuzz is a take on a classic fuzz circuit, with some circuit changes and the addition of an extremely useful parameter to bring this sound into modern times. Three knobs, cool graphics and killer tones – what more could you want out of a...
Read More
years ago, I had the opportunity to demo the Black Hole Symmetry Delay Reverb Fuzz from Collision Devices, and to this day it remains one of my favorite pedals ever (their Nocturnal Delay Tremolo Reverb wasn’t too shabby, either). Today, I’m so excited to bring you another wonderful creation from these guys – the robot-esque TARS DLX Dual Distortion/Fuzz w/Analog Filters. As you can see from the photos, this...
Read More
The recently released NOTADÜMBLË from JHS Pedals is a DIY Pedal Kit that you can easily put together, and get great Dumble Amp-esque tones out of. It features two channels, but the original design only allowed the user to switch one on at any given time, perhaps short-changing the full potential of this pedal. Well, the fine folks at Cosmodio Instruments have changed all that – come along as we explore their Dumble and Dumbler...
Read More
Our first foray into the world of Berserker Electronics was via their awesome Aquanaut Delay/Echo, and I couldn’t wait to see what they had in store next. Well, the answer is today’s pedal, the down-n-dirty Velcrow Gated Fuzz, another three-knob gem from this company in Seattle that takes this genre up a notch. Not sure if I’ve ever had a built-in gate function work as well as it does on this pedal, let’s let...
Read More
Although we mostly see pedals here at Pedal of the Day, we love it when a company contacts us to demo an instrument, and we’ve got a great one for you all today. Small in size but large in stature, the Kala Brand Solid Body U•BASS® Short Scale Bass Guitar shrinks all your favorite aspects of the bass down into a comfortable, manageable package, perfect for beginners and seasoned vets alike. Simple but effective, looking and...
Read More
I love a good 2-in-1 pedal, and today’s creation packs two incredible, classic circuits into one easy-to-use effect. The MonsterBoX Pedals Dirtbag Deluxe Dual Overdrive Fuzz flips what you thought you knew about dirt pedals around, with more switches and knobs than you’ll know what to do with, which I always take as a giant bonus. Lots to get into with this one – let’s see what the MonsterBoX folks have to say...
Read More
I’ve been aware of and demoing the sonic creations from KMA Machines for over 10 years now, and am excited to have another of their pedals for you all today. The GEMINUS Stereo True Double Tracker beefs up your sound in a smooth and inviting sort of way, producing chorus and modulation tones, as well as doubling up your notes. This golden gem sounds awesome spread over a stereo field, let’s dive in and see what it’s...
Read More
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing and demoing many products from our friends at Hotone, and I’m excited to help introduce the next chapter in their audio evolution, the NeonGlow Series. The first release here is the Verbera Convolution Reverb, a space age, stereo reverberation unit that has more options, presets, IRs and sonic options than just about any reverb I’ve come across. Compact in size but...
Read More
Our pal Mark at Summer School Electronics is back with another wonderful pedal creation today, and we’re here to help with its release! The Middle School Chorus combines two effects into one enclosure, taking your modulation game to the next level. As you navigate through high audio waves and big swells of sound, this effect will open up your creative avenues and re-ignite that musical spark… The Middle School Chorus is a...
Read More
I love discovering new pedal companies, and the first pedal from the OC Pedal Co. is an absolute monster. The LA HABRA Hard Clipper Distortion Fuzz gives you 2 specific gain settings, plus 2 knobs you’d find on just about any drive/distortion pedal. However, there is something about this Orange County unit that just sparkles, and sends your amp’s tone into the musical stratosphere… The LA HABRA Hard Clipper captures...
Read More
Some of the funnest and best-sounding effects to come through the shop over the last few years were from our friends at Supercool Pedals, and I’m excited to help with the release of their latest creation today. The Triniphase Multi-Stage Phaser has a simple layout, but within those few parameters lies a cornucopia of amazing modulation sounds to explore. While phasers aren’t for everyone (for some strange reason),...
Read More
I love a good multi-effects unit, but many times they’re too big for a neat and tidy pedalboard. Today’s pedal throws all those rules out the window, providing more options than you’ll know what to do with in a package that’s about as small as it can be. The Valeton GP-5 Multi-FX Processor & IR Loader gives you advanced signal routing, a ton of effects, impulse response and much, much. more… Shop...
Read More
This isn’t the first time we’ve encountered today’s pedal, the Lightspeed Organic Overdrive from Greer Amps. This gorgeous pedal first appeared on the scene over a decade ago, and has over time become a go-to for many players , from many genres, across the globe. The kind of pedal you just know is gonna be special right when you plug it in, the Lightspeed will jump through audio hyperspace in no time flat… Shop...
Read More
I’ve had the pleasure to demo a couple of amps (the Grandville and Merino) and a killer overdrive (the Sahana Drive) from local legends Port City Amplification, and have been blown away by their builds, aesthetics and tones. Today, we’re taking a look at their latest pedal release, the Gain of Thrones Distortion & Boost, which combines an amazing dirt circuit with PCA’s Salem Boost. This 2-in-1 will certainly...
Read More
Last week, I released a little something called The KLONE Project, where I compared 24 different Klone pedals to see how they stacked up against one another. Today, I’m happy to continue with the investigation into this wonderful circuit, by helping with the release of the latest from our friends at Keeley Electronics – the Manis Boost Overdrive. Not just another klone, folks, this one is the evolution of a mythical...
Read More
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!! Today’s effects pedal has 2 knobs, a classic sound and an excellent price tag. Chicago Stompworks has been making handbuilt pedals at extremely affordable prices for years, and the Gray Speck OD250™ Overdrive is no different. With just a couple of knobs, it isn’t an effect that takes a ton of time to figure out, but you get great tone instantly, and a big spectrum of...
Read More
