There are certain tones that are highly sought-after in the guitar player world, one of them belonging to a Mr. Stevie Ray Vaughn. However, most of us cannot afford an original early ’80s Tube Screamer, much less a $50,000 Dumble Amp, so we rely on pedal companies to create those tones for us. Today’s effect, the Pedal Pawn Texan Twang Overdrive Boost, seeks to encapsulate SRV’s ‘Twang’ in a box,...
Read More
For many players, a simple setup with an Overdrive, a Delay and a Reverb pedal is all you need to rock and roll. But what if you could get all three of those in ONE miraculous effect? That’s what the crew at Southampton Pedals has done with today’s pedal, the Indie Dream Drive Delay Reverb. Combining three of our favorites into one easy to use but full-featured enclosure, this might be the only pedal you’ll ever need...
Read More
We have had the pleasure of reviewing every iteration of the Ampero Series of effects units from Hotone Audio thus far, and we’re going to keep that streak alive today. Presenting the new Ampero II Stomp, and amp modeler and effects processor that takes everything from the previous versions and pushes them to their limits. Ampero II Stomp implements brand new tri-core digital platform and independent AD/DA from ESS® Sabre®...
Read More
If there’s anything we love around here, it’s when a pedal goes beyond all the usually, normal boundaries. Today’s featured effect, the Intensive Care Audio VENA CAVA FILTER Distortion v.1 takes this concept to new heights, combining filter, distortion and ring modulation into one out-of-this-world machine. Lots of options and lots to discover – you all ready? Let’s Get Weird. The VENA CAVA FILTER is a...
Read More
Turning the effects pedal world upside down, thinking outside the box and creating something brand new is harder and harder to do these days. Luckily, we’ve become pals with a company who is doing just that, with an effects unit that’s gonna be a game changer. The Modal Effects Disruption Modular Gain pedal utilizes individual effect modules, or “Mods”, that are easily swappable, to create an entire customized...
Read More
The first two pedals we saw from Radio Mule, the Red Petal Fuzz and the Electric Beard Fuzz were, well, awesome, to say the least. Eagerly anticipating their next release, we were recently rewarded with today’s pedal, the HIGH Overdrive Preamp. A low-to-mid gain dirt pedal, this one has some excellent add-ons for really digging in and sculpting your sound – let’s dig in, too! The HIGH Overdrive Preamp is inspired by...
Read More
The G-Series of pedals gets progressively heavier and dirtier as they evolve – starting with the G2 Overdrive, then the G3 Overdrive Distortion, we conclude today with the G4 High Gain Distortion. This red monster brings with it a new level of thick, sustained amplifier tone to compliment the other G-Series pedals, or any pedals you might have on your board. Let’s dig into this one and see what it’s all about…...
Read More
Flashy graphics and newly-shaped enclosures have their place in the effects pedal world, for sure, but sometimes, simplicity can be welcome. That seems to be the goal with the lineup from our pals at Kenny B Pedals, and we’re taking a look at our 4th effect from them today. The Double Double has an easy-to-figure-out control section, complete with multiple sonic options, housed in an unassuming, minimalistic case. That’s...
Read More
The final pedal in the Dept. 10 Series of valve pedals from Blackstar Amplification is the Dual Distortion, a bold, black beauty that takes high gain action up a notch. A formidable-sounding valve distortion and world-class recording preamp, this one features 3 Crunch/Overdrive voices alongside the clean channel, Blackstar’s patented ISF control, low latency USB, XLR out and Dept. 10’s proprietary Cab Rig simulator technology....
Read More
Our journey through the Dept. 10 Series of valve pedals from Blackstar Amplification continues today, as we take a gander at the Dual Drive. This one is touted as “the best valve drive pedal you will ever own and a world-class valve recording preamp”, and they’re not too far off. Featuring 3 Crunch/Overdrive voices alongside the clean channel, Blackstar’s patented ISF control, low latency USB, XLR out and Dept....
Read More
Our friends at Blackstar Amplification recently released a group of three valve-powered effects known as the Dept. 10 Series. We’re bringing you in-depth coverage and demos over the next three days, starting with today’s pedal, the aptly-titled Boost. Referred to as the “ultimate high voltage valve boost pedal”, this one sports not only signal boosting abilities, but a wonderful EQ section as well. And...
Read More
The Valco Five-O is a multi 3-in-1 pedal, containing independent Drive, Tremolo, and Reverb sections, all housed in a bombproof enclosure. Conceived originally for giving “surf in a box” tones (Dick Dale/Ventures), it has become more than this through the development process…it’s a pedal that can easily give you a one-pedal setup at a gig or session (maybe add a tuner…), or it can add a whole host of extra sounds and versatility...
Read More
When a dirt pedal can do more than one thing, that’s never a bad option. Today’s pedal, Berch Audio’s The Golden Axe, combines aspects of Fuzz, Overdrive and Boost into one medieval enclosure, sparking ancient imagery and conjuring up vintage tones with a quickness. The wide-ranging control panel ensures you’ll be able to get virtually any dirty sounds you want out of this beauty… The Golden Axe features...
Read More
The gear coming from the NativeAudio camp has always intrigued us, especially ever since we got our mitts on their Wilderness Delay a while back. Their latest release has had a ton of coverage, and we’re gonna join in the fun today as well. The Kiaayo Overdrive is a streamlined drive pedal that focuses on a less-is-more kind of philosophy – not to worry, there’s plenty to explore with this one… With just a...
Read More
Well, it’s the end of another week, and (surprise surprise) we’ve got another installment of Flamma Fridays for you!! Today’s mini rocker from Flamma Innovation is the FC06 Distortion, a pedal that’s small in size but looms large over your tone. Simple controls, easy to fit anywhere, great tones and an incredible price point – let’s see what this one’s all about… As with many...
Read More
Much like its older brother, the Warspit Distortion, today’s Pedal of the Day boasts a bunch of knobs and switches, and we can’t get enough of it all. The Olsen Interface MudWedge Fuzz is capable of deep and fuzzy tones, as well as very loud and intense distortion – what’s not to like here? We’ve got more knobs and switches to discover, so let’s get right to it! The MudWedge features 2 Fuzz...
Read More
We continue forward with our Flamma Friday series, shifting once again in the realm of the Dirt Pedal. The Flamma Innovation FC07 Drive is a simple overdrive pedal, one that seeks to reproduce precise tones from classic tube overdriven amplifiers. With two separate modes and three simple controls, this one is a no-brainer to pump up your rig… As with many overdrives, the FC07 Drive features Volume, Tone and Overdrive parameters,...
Read More
Last month, we began our journey through the G-Series of effects pedals from Revv Amplification, starting with the G2 Overdrive. We continue down this glorious path today withe the G3 Overdrive Distortion, a true amp-in-a-box effect with voicing based on the signature Revv Purple Channel from their Generator 120 and 100P amplifiers. Clear, sustaining and crunchy, this purple gem brings the thunder to your rig… Volume and Gain...
Read More
We first encountered KMA Machines way back in 2014, and we’ve really enjoyed watching them grow to be the powerhouse effects company they are today. They’ve been supportive of us as well, and we love every time they release a new pedal for us to check out. Today, we’ve got possibly the end-all be-all dirt pedal for you – the Guardian of the Wurm Distortion / Noise Gate. Combining on of KMA’s best pieces...
Read More
Boost pedals have slowly become an essential part of every pedalboard we build, and when they’re combined with an excellent Overdrive, it’s a hard combo to beat. The RFO Electronics Tone Star Custom Overdrive/Boost Combo is a dual workhorse, smashing a wicked drive circuit into an enclosure with a powerful, tasty boost, along with some fun switching options and overall tonal bliss. Fasten those seatbelts, here we go…...
Read More
We reviewed a couple of effects from Kenny B Pedals a few years ago, and are excited to jump back in and check out some more of his gear today. The William Overdrive is a seemingly simple 3-knob, 1-toggle affair, but beneath the surface lies a powerhouse boost overdrive distortion that’s just waiting to unleash itself on the world. Let’s see what’s in store for us, shall we? Inspired by the Prince of Tone, the...
Read More
We love pedals with a lot of controls, and today’s featured effect showcases this in fine fashion. From the moment you gaze upon the Olsen Interface Warspit Distortion, you’re both frightened and intrigued, which can become a perfect combination. With no labels, seven knobs, 5 switches and two stomps, this is an experimenter’s dream box… The golden knobs give you a wide range of sounds and tones to test out and...
Read More
There are a LOT of overdrive pedals in our world today, and we’ve seen a pretty decent number of them here at Pedal of the Day. A certain green screamer effect circuit seems to get copied and cloned, or slightly altered to fit the maker’s sonic needs, as does today’s specific pedal. The Vertex Tone Secret Overdrive recreates the sound of these “classic” pedals hitting a Blackface 12AX7 preamp, but with...
Read More
We recently added a new amplifier into our demo mix, the wonderfully and versatile Revv Amplification D20, and we can’t get enough of it. Revv also makes effects pedals, and they sent a couple over for us to check out, starting with the G2 Overdrive. Based on the “Green Channel” from Revv’s Generator amps, this powerhouse provides clear, dynamic, amp-like tone to push your rig where you need it to go. The...
Read More
We love to dive in and explore any sort of Multi-Effects units that come our way – they can hold so many effects and combinations, the possibilities to what you can create are endless. Today, we’re checking out the newest unit from Valeton, the GP-100VT Multi-Effects Processor. Crammed full of all your favorite effects, amps, cabs, presets, a looper and more, this little machine has got a lot to offer. The design and...
Read More
When you see a Dophix pedal, you know exactly what it is, and where it’s from. The subdued silver enclosure and minimal controls & graphics create fine works of art, much like the art or artists each pedal is based on. Today, we’ve got another one from their lineup, the Lussuria Overdrive, another one with just three control knobs, but loaded with killer tones and amp-driving gusto, all the way from Italy. The...
Read More
Towards the end of last year, we dove headfirst into a couple of magnificent pedals from Interchange Noise Works. The On Air Fuzz and Element 119 Distortion brought new ideas about these two genres to the table, and we were thoroughly impressed by both. Today, we’ve got a couple more pedals from these guys – a dirty, overdriven trio, to be precise, aptly named Overdrives I, II & III. Overdrives I, II & III all...
Read More
We all love a good vintage distortion or fuzz tone, right? While there are some sought-after sounds from the past, there are a ton of excellent modern dirt sounds available as well – but which ones to choose? With today’s effect, the VVco Pedals AfterLife Distortion Fuzz, you don’t have to… Inspired by both new and old, the AfterLife has FOUR different internal analog circuits that provide 2 distortions and 2...
Read More
Today we’re continuing down the path of Dual Enlightenment, thanks to the wonderful DCP Dual Series from our friends at Caline. The DCP-08 Nightwolf Overdrive Fuzz combines two of our favorite effects into one box, perfect for adding a bit of tone-shaping or completely annihilating your clean sound. These two classic effects make for a great team, let’s check out some more details! The Left side of the Nightwolf is a...
Read More
Ever since Night Owl Industries sent us their first pedal three years ago, we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing and demoing their entire lineup. That wonderful streak continues today with the Parabellum Preamp Drive Distortion, a collaboration between Night Owl and Dunwich Amps. A mix of three distinct voices, each being processed independently then mixed back together, this one creates a dense, complex distortion not attainable...
Read More
If you couldn’t tell from the name of the company, This Heavy Earth doesn’t make effects pedals for the timid. Focusing on the heavier side of things, names like Grim, Flesh Rot and Crustifixion let you know these pedals mean business. Today, we’re checking out the CHVRCHBVRNER, an Overdrive Distortion with a ton of controls to sculpt and shape genres from blues to death metal…and everything in between, Right...
Read More
(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) A very frequently asked question – and much debated one too – is what order to sequence effects pedals on a pedalboard. Which one should come first? Or last? Should pedal X come before pedal Y? Or vice versa? Why does it matter? Does it, in fact, matter at all? Below, we answer these questions...
Read More
We’ve been fortunate to have our share of limited edition pedals come through here at Pedal of the Day, and we have another rare gem for you once again. The Sub Fuzz Pop Drive is a collaboration between Sub Pop Records and Verellen Amps, packing 2 monster dirt effects into one fairly large enclosure. Not a lot of info on these pedals out there, so we’ll do our best to explain this one… On the left, you’ve got...
Read More
There’s no denying the effect (see what we did there) that Boss Pedals have had on the music industry over the last 4+ decades, and today we’re going to acknowledge two of their most coveted stompboxes. The MT-2 Metal Zone and SD-1 SUPER OverDrive have been staples on pedalboards across the world, since their releases in 1991 and 1981, respectively. Wanting to celebrate 40 and 30 years of continuous production of these two...
Read More
The legacy of ZVEX Effects now stretches back over a quarter of a century. Beginning in 1995, Zachary Vex has become known for his innovative and genre-bending pedals, gracing the boards of folks like Billy Corgan, Trent Reznor, J Mascis, Billy Gibbons, Jack White and many more. Today, we’ve got one of their classic pedals for ya – the Box of Rock Distortion 25th Anniversary Vexter Series. The Box of Rock is a staple in...
Read More
We got a chance to check out the Sunnmanor Preamp from Calico Effects recently, and were seriously impressed by its range and diversity. Today, we’ve got another effect from these guys, the MFT Overdrive, a more straightforward but just as rockin’ a pedal as the first. This one’s a classic plug and play, but with a bit of a twist from the norm… A lot of overdrive pedals feature the classic lineup of Volume,...
Read More
We’ve had a couple of pedals from Discomfort Designs come through the shop recently, and they just keep getting better. Today’s machine, the Black Tooth Doom Octave Distorter, sounds as mean as its name might suggest…and then some. Not for the weak, faint-of-heart or tender-eared, this crushing black beauty is all geared up to rip some speakers and melt some faces… The Black Tooth is a high gain, hard-clipping...
Read More
Today, we’re continuing our look at the Dual Series pedals from Caline, and we’ve got another gem for you. The DCP-05 Key West Compressor Overdrive gives you one of the best pedal combinations to ever exist. With each side running either independently or in tandem, there are a ton of tones waiting to be explored here… The Compressor side is Caline’s Pressure Tank pedal, which is inspired by the famous Diamond...
Read More
Normally, you don’t think of overdrive pedals as being laden with options. Volume. Tone. Gain. Done. Today’s pedal, however, takes things up a notch, building on an original circuit to create a powerful amp-driving machine. The LPD Pedals Sixty8 Deluxe Overdrive brings boost, overdrive and distortion elements to the table – all with smooth and sweet tonal bliss. Taking the LPD Pedals’ original Sixty8, the...
Read More
The designs and sounds contained in the first two pedals we saw from Aclam were impressive and extremely specific. The Dr. Robert had a major Beatles influence on its sound, while the Windmiller was focused on The Who and Pete Townshend’s rig. Today, we’ve got the third pedal in their current lineup, the Cinnamon Drive, which recreates the essence of vintage tube amps pushed to the max volume. Great for any musical genre,...
Read More
Hitting a chord with an amazing overdrive pedal plugged into your amp is one of the best feelings there is. Period. Luckily, we get to experience this feeling time and time again here at Pedal of the Day, and today’s little box of joy absolutely delivered in this department. The MusicBoxPedals Lyla Drive is a classic styled pedal that covers everything from clean boost to preamp to low/mid gain overdrive – lets see what...
Read More
After checking out the Rooms Stereo Reverberator last month from Death By Audio, we couldn’t wait to get our grubby paws on some more of their gear. Alas, salvation hath arrived in the form of the down and dirty Apocalypse Overdriver Fuzz, a powerhouse of a beast that boosts, crushes and annihilates anything and everything in its path – ARE YOU READY??? The Apocalypse is a jack-of-all trades fuzz pedal. After being...
Read More
The Animals Pedal lineup (aka Ninevolt Pedals) has been one of our favorites for years – affordable, excellent quality and a wide range of effects. We love when they send us another new pedal to check out, and today’s gem is no different than usual. The Diamond Peak Hybrid Overdrive takes everything you know and love about high-output British amplifiers from the 60’s and 70’s and puts it into a box that will...
Read More
Since the inception of Pedal of the Day, Josh Scott and JHS Pedals have been on board, sending us pedals to review and demo over the last 7+ years. Somehow, their most famous pedal, the Morning Glory Overdrive, has never passed through our shop, for whatever reason….until today. Unleashed in collaboration with The Pedal Movie (which is fantastic, if you haven’t seen it), this Morning Glory 2009 Limited Edition Throwback is...
Read More
Today’s pedal has been on our radar for a minute now, and we were stoked when the head honcho of Heather Brown Electronicals tapped us to review and demo her flagship effect. The Blessed Mother Overdrive works as a boost, low-gain drive and overall tone-shaper, and found its way instantly into our demo rig. Heather learned her skills from industry wizards Mike Matthews of EHX and Robert Keeley, so you know you’re in for a...
Read More
We’ve seen a LOT of klone pedals come through here, as is evidenced by our Klone Wars series on YouTube. Each one, while wanting to get a certain base sound, has its own uniqueness and quirks, making them all special in their own right. Today’s pedal, the Noise Space Audio Klone, builds on the mythical tone, offering up a couple of not-usually-seen options, for a well-rounded and dialed in tone. If you want to build a good...
Read More
Multi-effects tend to get a bad rap, unless they cost upwards of $1000 or more. There are some great ones out there that can be had on the cheap, and we’ve got one for you right here. The Valeton Dapper Indie Multi-Effect gives you access to FIVE different effects, a tuner, headphone connectivity and even a Cab Sim feature, all for less than the price of one boutique pedal. The effects modules on the Dapper Indie are Ambient...
Read More
Sometimes, actually, a lot of times, three knobs are all you need to make a perfect overdrive or distortion pedal. Today’s effect is an example of one of those times, without a doubt. Based on the ever-popular 1981 Inventions DRV, the Discomfort Designs Spectrum Overdrive boasts a wide range of dirt tones, from slightly dirty boost to a brutally gorgeous distortion, and all kinds of in-between… The Spectrum is a hand-wired...
Read More
What better way to start the weekend than with a classic effects pairing? Continuing down the road as we explore the DCP Series from Caline, today we bring you the DCP-11 Andes Boost Overdrive. Need some dirt? Need to push your amp? Just need more volume? This pedalboard gem has got you covered. The Boost side features just one knob, and is the circuit from Caline’s CP-97 Recluse Boost. Giving you up to +20dB of wicked boost,...
Read More
Three knobs, a toggle and a footswitch. That’s all you need to flat out rock and roll, as today’s pedal will prove. The Lake Effects FVD Overdrive is a mow-mid gainer, based loosely on the Rat distortion philosophy, with an extra option. If you’re looking for an excellent first/second stage drive for your rig, you’re in the right place. A visually clean and sonically dirty pedal, the FVD Overdrive boasts the...
Read More
