One of my very favorite effects creators from the last few years is Cosmodio Instruments, who build pedals that are meant to be unconventional, out of the norm and made for experimenters and knob-turners. Continuing in the tradition of their Pet Yeti Distortion Fuzz and Gravity Well Wavefolder, Tremolo and Sonic Refractor, their latest release (out today) melts faces and scares those unfamiliar, as it should. The Glitch Witch Analog...
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Through the years, I’ve had the pleasure of demoing and reviewing every single pedal release from Horrothia FX, including the Type One, Teeth, Berkeley and Triage. Super excited today to be continuing that tradition, as we bring you their latest creation, the Lutz Fuzz. Not your run-of-the-mill fuzz pedal here, kiddos – this one has a huge range of sound, a couple surprises and even a feature I’ve never seen before...
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After you hear about certain pedals for a while, even years, you start to wonder if, when you actually get a chance to play them, they’ll live up to the hype. Today’s pedal answers that question with a resounding YES, giving me all that I can handle and more, much to my delight. The Elektron Analog Drive Multi-Circuit Distortion brings together all the elements of dirt effects you could want, wide-ranging and expanding...
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The crew at Analog Music Company, based out of Kyiv, Ukraine, have always pushed the sonic and aesthetic boundaries of what is capable in an effects pedal, and I’m happy once again to bring you another of their creations today. While it make look a little more toned-down than some of their other units, the Notorious Rabbit Octave Fuzz is a pedal that’s anything but basic. The range of sounds pouring out of this black...
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Sometimes, when you just see a pedal, before having heard it or knowing 1 single thing about what it does, you know you need to check it out ASAP. That was the case with today’s pedal, the NoiseKICK FX Diabeetus Tremolo Fuzz, a bold-looking and sounding effects unit that pays homage to a classic actor, while giving you some incredible sounds to play with. With just a couple of knobs, buttons and switches, there’s a lot...
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It’s always fun to check out pedals that have a little bit of hype around them, and I’ve seeing today’s effect pop up in discussions for a while now. The Aspen Overdrive from Case Study Effects definitely lives up to the hype, combining four kinds of dirt into one gleaming white enclosure. Don’t let the outside of this one fool you – there’s more dirt going on under the hood than you can...
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The Microcosm Granular Delay Looper from Hologram Electronics has been one of the most talked-about and used pedals over the course of the last 5 years, and for good reason. The crew at Hologram have a way of coming up with combinations of effects you never knew you needed, and that’s the case once again with today’s piece of gear. The Chroma Console packs a TON of effects into one pretty pedalboard-friendly enclosure,...
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Each new creation I see from our friends at Whimsy Machines (The Great Fantabulizing Whatsitdo, The Short Stack) brings a big smile to my face, and I just knew today’s piece of gear would do the same. Come along as we investigate the Sweet Tooth Waveshaping Fuzz Overdrive, an effects unit that defies logic and opens the doorways to brand new sonic possibilities. Innovative and creative as always, this one sounds just about as...
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Although I only had the privilege to check out two pedals from Zero G IOD (the Honey Coma Fuzz and Echo Cooler Reverb), I was thoroughly impressed by both. Zack from Zero G IOD is back with his new partner Greg, and they have formed a new company, Other* Pedals – today, we’re bringing you their flagship effects unit, the Bokonon Fuzz. A time-honored and classic sound emanates from this sea green beauty – let’s...
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Although I’ve never had the pleasure of playing a real, vintage Harmonic Percolator, we’ve had our share of clones come through the office here at Pedal of the Day, each one trying to capture the magic that the original units somehow created. Today’s pedal, the DS Custom Audio Electronics Harmonious Perc continues that tradition, but with its own special twist on this rare and unique sound. Lots of knobs and switches...
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Today, we’re diving into the wild world of synth pedals – the Console 84 Dual Oscillator Guitar Synth is unlike ANY I’ve come across, however, which makes it that much more compelling. Conceived and tested over the course of a 5-year journey, this creation comes to us via Parasit Studio in the northern part of Sweden. Based around the features and the limitations of the AVR32DB48 microcontroller, the main inspiration...
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I recently had the immense pleasure of reviewing the Decoherence Drive from my new friends at Whitman Audio, and, I’ve got to say, it is one of the best overdrive pedals I’ve played…EVER. Coming off of that sonic high, I was eager to dive into their next release today – the Wave Collapse Fuzz. Not only does the name instantly intrigue you, but the pedal’s layout of knobs and switches lets you know...
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After checking out the Final Cut Preamp Booster EQ from FTelettronica Pedals last month, I was excited to see what was next from this Italian company. Moving in a slightly different direction, today we have for you their Dystopian Fuzz, a remake of a classic pedal in a smaller, more modern footprint. With three different fuzz/drive modes, and EQ section and a whole lotta output volume, this gray beast seeks to destroy everything in...
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I’m excited to bring you all yet another collaboration pedal today, this time it’s Eventide and Third Man that are teaming up on a wild and crazy sonic adventure. With guitar god Jack White on board as well, they’ve all created the Knife Drop Sub-Octave Fuzz & Analog Synth, a completely over-the-top-awesome sonic noise machine that channels your favorite fuzzy synthesizer sounds, along with some new ones...
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We’re back again today with another wonderful effects unit from our friends at Animals Pedal! This one teams up AP with the crew at Skreddy Pedals, and though it has just 2 knobs and one 2-position toggle switch, the Angel Bear Face Fuzz brings the THUNDER in more ways than you might think. From classic fuzz sounds to modern, squealing, screaming tones, there’s a lot to unpack with this little blue beauty, so let’s...
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There have been a lot of novelty effects pedals created, some purely for aesthetic reason, that may or may not have actually sounded good. Today’s pedal, the Fender x Hello Kitty Pink Fuzz, brings together a beloved and iconic character with one of the most famous music gear companies in the world. Don’t let the cartoon and kid-like demeanor of this pedal fool you – this beauty packs a big, distorted and fuzzy punch,...
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Each time we get new pedals from the folks at Spürr Audio, it’s both an aesthetic and sonic adventure. With extremely unique ways of going about both the look and the sound of their effects, this company is constantly taking big risks and creating some amazing gear. That is never more evident then with today’s pedal, the Orbit-2 Op-Amp Powered Fuzz Unit. Looking like an outer space computer module, this one sounds like it...
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In the past, the pedals we’ve reviewed and demoed from our friends at FTelettronica Pedals have been pretty complex, with lots of buttons and switches and knobs and exploration involved. Today’s pedal from them, the Final Cut Preamp Booster EQ, dials things back just a bit, with 4 simple knobs and a no-frills approach to a very specific sound. Sometimes, you just need a simple setup to get amazing tone, and that’s...
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Just a little bit ago, we checked out the new SVDS Boost from our friends at SoloDallas, and we’re excited to have another effects pedal from them for you today. The Orbiter Fuzz harkens back to an unmistakable, vintage fuzz sound, while upgrading the circuit and components to bring this tone into the modern world. We’re getting down and dirty with this fuzz, kiddos, so hold on and let’s go for a ride… Grab an...
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We recently had a pedal from our old friends at Animals Pedal come through the shop, and when they sent the Push & Pull Distortion over, they also send a couple others, which we continue to check out today. They have always been known for the eclectic and long names for their pedals, and the In Oct,3 Foxes Talking of Dreamy Fuzz keeps that train a-rollin’. Shop Animals Pedal on Amazon – https://amzn.to/4fPEJE9 Reed-like...
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There are a lot of multi-knob, multi-button, multi-menu effects units out in the world, and they are all pretty rad, but sometimes a good 2-knob pedal can be the perfect amount of pseudo-complication. The Anode Effects MOS Fuzz Full Frequency Fuzz Machine brings two simple knobs into the fold, while producing a HUGE range of sounds coming from a seemingly comic book-inspired enclosure. We always love checking out new pedals from new...
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We’re back today with the latest incarnation of the amazing Ampero Series of multi-effects units from our friends at Hotone. This latest one, the Ampero II CDCM HD Gen 2 Amp Modeler / Effects Processor, brings familiar layouts, options and connectivity together with some new innovations, upgrades and sonic improvements. If you can’t already tell from the photos, this is a complex machine, with lots to discover…but...
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I’m extremely honored to once again be a part of the 3rd annual effects pedal release from Electric Love, whose sole purpose is to aid research to help find a cure for Breast Cancer. The pedals created by Ben Carlin have a different design, feel, look and tone every year, and the model for 2024 is simply amazing. This one features a collaboration with another of my favorite pedal companies, too, letting you create unique 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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I’m always excited to take a look at effects pedals from another new (to me, anyway) company, and that’s what we’re doing once again today. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Blank Electronics has a passion for audio electronics, mostly amplifiers and effects pedals, sharing their hobby with those interested in fun and sometimes wonky effects. The first pedal of theirs we’re looking at is the massive Wizard Sleeve...
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We’re always excited for a new Death By Audio release, and today’s latest sonic creation from them focuses on the Low End of all things muscial. The Bass War Bass Fuzz Distortion builds on a classic DBA circuit, gearing it in a different direction and for a different set of players. This silver fox is a louder, wider-ranging, earth-shaking bass fuzz that can get more oomph than any other pedal we’ve ever heard… Grab...
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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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Whenever we get a device sent in by ezhi&aka, we know it’s time to get crazy and indulge in our wildest musical explorations. Today’s pedal from them is the Polarized Flutter + Echo, a newly revamped version of the original Polarized Flutter we checked out a couple years back. With a couple of new control parameters and a wide range of wackiness on tap, this was a fun one to dive into, for sure… The Polarized...
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As evidenced by yesterday’s pedal, the Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz, it’s always a treat when two pedal companies team up to create something new and special. When a pedal company and one of your favorite guitarists collaborate on a pedal, that might be slightly cooler. Today’s third effects unit of our Electro-Harmonix weekend brings the signature sound of the front man for Dinosaur Jr. into the mix – let’s...
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It’s time for another EHX pedal, kiddos, and this one just happens to be a collaboration with another of our favorite pedal companies. The Electro-Harmonix / JHS Pedals Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz Distortion brings together an original circuit with some vintage tones, for an affordable, amp-crushing effects unit. We love it when pedal companies join together for new creations – let’s dive in and see what they’ve...
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It’s been a couple of years since we had any pedals from Italian pedal builder Dophix in the shop, so I was excited when today’s pedal arrived and I plugged it in. The Medici More Fuzz offers you a fuzz pedal..AND MORE! With two circuits that sound great alone or even better combined, this silver fox will get your blood pumping and the crowd rockin’… Medici is an innovative fuzz pedal that let you adjust the...
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Taking models of all different kinds and building effects pedals out of them are the bread and butter for our friends at VVco Pedals – from the Batmobile to a certain time-traveling DeLorean to Hello Kitty, Darth Vader and many, many more. Today, we’re going to take a look at one of their newer circuits, housed in a model enclosure from the popular animated series Bob’s Burgers. The “I Can’t Believe...
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When the crew at Lerxst Amps sent us the two pedals they designed with Alex Lifeson of Rush, we were, needless to say, stoked. The By-Tor Overdrive Boost was the first one, and it turned out to be an incredible amp-driving powerhouse. Today’s effect is the complimentary (if you know your Rush songs) Snow Dog Octave Fuzz. A completely different pedal and sound from the first one, the Snow Dog gets really dirty, adding elements to...
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Today’s pedal marks FIVE local pedals IN A ROW, after we saw some gear from Asheville Guitar Pedals and Asheville Music Tools – that’s a first here at Pedal of the Day, and we love supporting all things Asheville. This one is a collaboration between Cascade Pedals and our favorite instrument/amp/pedal/repair shop, Heyday Music, downtown on Lexington. The Heyday Fuzz takes two classic circuits and tied them together...
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The lineup from Summer School Electronics has just gotten better and better with each new release, and today’s new pedal might just be their best one yet. The Class Reunion Overdrive Fuzz Distortion combines all elements of those three effect genres into one beautiful and still pedalboard-friendly enclosure, for a wide range of awesome, dirty sonic prowess. Lots of knobs and switches here, let’s see what this one is all...
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It’s been a little while since we’ve heard anything from the folks over at Danelectro, but today’s pedal suddenly appeared in the mail a couple weeks ago, and what a wonderful surprise it was. The Nichols 1966 Distortion Fuzz brings back the very first circuit created by fOXX pedals founder and current Danelectro owner Steve Ridinger, which has been elusive since the 1960s. This unique sound is gonna be loved by...
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The folks at Stone Deaf have never shied away from intriguing, boundary-busting effects creations, and today might be their most ambitious yet. The Rise & Shine Fuzz Octave Tremolo not only combines those three effects into one box, it changes the way you will forever hear them moving forward (in the best of ways). Big tones, bold sonic creations, unusual pairings – this pedal has go it all… Elevate your musical...
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A good pedal with distortion mixed into some fuzz is always a welcome treat here at Pedal of the Day, and we’ve got a real wicked scorcher for you all today. The Cosmodio Instruments Pet Yeti Distortion Fuzz has elements of both of these musical genres, but with some additional tweakability and sonic prowess. If you like to turn knobs, flip switches and make a beautiful racket, this pedal is just what you’re after…...
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We recently had the wonderful chance to check out two new pedals from our friends at Keeley Electronics, the Muse Driver & Noble Screamer, a couple of excellent drives and the first foray into Keeley’s new-look series. Today, we’ve got not one, not two, but THREE more new pedals from Robert and the crew, designed in the same layout and format as the previous two. Ladies and gents, help us welcome to the world the...
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Last month, we had a look at the Konstante Overdrive from Twilight Pulse Audioworks, and we’ve got their next creation for you all today. The Proxima Overdrive Fuzz has simpler controls than its sibling, but features a wide range of dirt tones to explore. Ranging from slightly dirty to a scorching, amp-pushing heater, this seemingly simplistic effect has some surprises in store… The Proxima Overdrive Fuzz is a Mosfet...
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Combining two effects into one box is almost never a bad idea, and that is certainly the case with today’s 2-in-1 masterpiece of a pedal. The Kuro Custom Audio 19 42 Fuzz and Filter takes, well, a fuzz and a filter, and smashes them together, complete with a ton of control options. This big beast is an absolute blast to experiment with – let’s see what it’s all about!! 19 42 is the union of two distinct effects...
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Today’s pedal is both brand new and not…if that can make any sense. The now-resurrected and much-revered Octave Clang from Death By Audio is BACK, bringing its unique sound along with some new improvements and sonic options to the table. As usual, this DBA unit isn’t for everyone, but it should be, ’cause it is WICKED AWESOME… In the decade since it disappeared, Death By Audio revisited the original Clang...
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The Ampero line of multi effects processors and modelers has always been a joy to review and demo, and we’re stoked to be back at it again today. The latest creation from our friends at Hotone comes in the form of the Ampero II Stage Amp Modeler / Effects Processor, the newest in this series, and I’m pretty sure the most powerful yet. It’s a true wonder how they pack all of the amps, cabs, effects, routing, parameter...
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We’re back in the AVL once again today, keeping it close to home with our buddies down the road, Asheville Guitar Pedals. We checked out their mini 308 Distortion a couple weeks ago, and today we’re looking at the equally powerful Fuzz Driver Distortion. This one has just two control knobs, but the range and gusto trapped in this pedal is unleashed with a serious fury, all while maintaining gorgeous, amp-driving tone. Get...
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There are a lot of effects pedals out there shrouded in mystery – vintage units that have little public info about them, pedals only made for a short time, or reclusive builders who keep their secrets, well, secret. The HP-1 Harmonic Percolator is most definitely one of these pedals, a weird fuzzy distortion creation that creates an extremely unique sound. The effect we’re looking at today is a Harmonic Percolator Clone,...
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Well, it’s been quite a while since we had a pedal from JPTR FX in the shop, and we are coming back to them today with a VENGEANCE. The Warlow Fuzz Monstrosity takes your favorite elements of classic Big Muff pedals, mixes in some ProCo RAT Distortion flavor and creates a unique, amp-crushing fuzz monster that is waiting to be unleashed. Plus, we got a limited pink color release, so it’s even cooler than you think…...
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Pedal with lots of knobs and switches are fun, plain and simple. Today’s effect has that in droves, bringing usually hidden or unaccessible features right to your fingertips. The CFH Pedals Sculptor+ Fuzz is no ordinary dirt machine, and once we run through what it can do, and you hear how it sounds, you’ll understand just what we mean… The CFH Pedals Sculptor+ Fuzz combines elements of the Fuzz Face and the Muff...
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We all get excited when there’s a new release from Walrus Audio, as they’ve been at the forefront of effects pedal innovation for well over a decade now. Today, we’re stoked to bring you their latest creation, the Silt Harmonic Tube Fuzz, a powerful pedal that utilizes a real tube to create some unique and punchy fuzz tones. Let’s see what the Walrus crew has to say about their latest masterpiece… Grab a...
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We’re finishing our lineup run-through of the first four pedals from Bolt & Forge Analog Audio today. Coming to you from Yakima, Washington, we’re excited to check out the fourth effect they sent over, the Ol’ Ephraim Germanium Sustainer. Mixing fuzz and distortion is new and exciting ways, let’s see what it can do for you… Ol’ Ephraim is a germanium powered fuzz that’s easy to handle but roars...
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Happy New Year, everybody!! Here’s to a safe, healthy and prosperous go ’round the sun – cheers! Our first pedal review and demo for 2024 comes to us from our friends at Aclam: presenting The Mocker UL730 Fuzz Circuit, a seemingly simple three-knob fuzz distortion that comes from a very specific and rare amplifier, used famously by The Beatles, Joy Division and Led Zeppelin. If you need to freshen up your sound with...
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