We’re continuing New Pedal Company Weekend here with another up-and-coming pedal manufacturer, Bolt & Forge Analog Audio. Coming to you from Yakima, Washington, we’re excited to jump in and check out the first of FOUR effects they sent over, the Appaloosa Germanium Overdrive. It was basically love from the first moment we plugged it in, let’s see what it can do for you… The Appaloosa is a true workhorse...
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A couple years ago, one of our favorite pedals ever came into the shop: the Geckoplex EP-5 Tape Delay from Gecko Pedals. It’s been a long wait, but well worth it, as we bring you their newest release, the O-Face Modulated Overdrive! This is an effects unit unlike any we’ve ever seen, so let’s dive right in and see what all the knobs and buttons and stuff can do… In short, the O-Face is like having four pedals...
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Well, it’s New Release Day once again, and we’re happy to help introduce a new pedal from our friends at Summer School Electronics today! The Half Day! Compressor is a take on a classic compression circuit, giving you vintage tone alongside some modern updates and options. It doesn’t matter if you play guitar, bass, keys or any other musical gear – this compressor fits any and every style out there… The...
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In collaboration with our friends at Sweetwater, we’re proud to bring you the Analog Dual Mode Tremolo from Supro! This sea blue gem accurately recreates the iconic modulation effects found in iconic amplifiers of the 1960s. With both Amplitude and Harmonic modes, this all-analog tremolo allows players to switch between swampy tremolo sounds and psychedelic modulating tones. Let’s dive in and see what sonic treasures...
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One of the latest offerings from Universal Audio we’re looking at today is the UAFX Heavenly Plate Reverb, which follows in the massive footsteps of their Golden Reverb release from a couple years back. This smaller but extremely powerful ambient machine has a similar control layout structure to the Evermore Studio Reverb we saw a few weeks ago, for easily dialing in beautiful tones in seconds. This pedal gives you the haunting...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Guitar Tricks presents A Look at the Vintage Pedal Market By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. Vintage pedals are so popular that many modern manufacturers attempt to replicate them so there are more to go around! Not only do some pedals...
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Discovering new pedal companies is one of the joys of getting to do what I do, and we’ve got another one for you today! Our new pal Steve over at Inspiring Devices (a fitting name, for sure) sent over his flagship effect, and it was an instant sonic hit. The Light Roast Overdrive has three knobs, as many overdrives do, but this one’s unique shape and killer circuit make it stand out from the masses…trust us. The...
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It’s been a while since we had a pedal from Electronic Audio Experiments here in the office, but the wait was way more than worth it. The recently released Sending V2 Analog Delay improves on the well-received first version with a myriad of sonic options, vintage tones and some modern amenities not always found in an analog delay unit. There’s a lot do dig into here, so let’s get right to it… Sending is an...
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If you’ve never had the pleasure of playing a DRV Overdrive Distortion, you should make it a priority to do so. While that pedal has a lot of meat and potatoes to it, today’s pedal from 1981 Inventions is a bit calmer, but still brings beautiful tone to any rig. The LVL Full-Range Overdrive Preamp Boost has just 2 knobs, but inside this circuit there’s a huge range of sounds waiting to be discovered… LVL is a...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), starting with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the last several weeks. Let’s keep it going today with the DC30 Preamp, a beast that faithfully recreates the sound of a 1965 Top Boost AC30 amplifier, giving...
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We’re switching things up a little bit today, bring you some amplifier flavor from an excellent local North Carolina company. Come along as we take a look at not one but TWO amazing amps from Port City Amplification: the 30W Grandville Rhett Shull Signature and the 20W Merino Combo. Our pal Carl Perkins was kind enough to lend both of these amps and a killer cabinet to us to check out, and we fell in love instantly with these...
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We continue today on our journey as we review some new pedals from Caline today, bringing some classic tones to the forefront. The G-007 Redbelly Tremolo and G-009 Chamecho Delay bring more modulation and delicious echoes to the table, allowing you to create both modern and vintage sounds with ease. Let’s get right to it, shall we? The G-007 Red Belly Tremolo goes from subtle spaghetti western ‘throb’ to a full-on helicopter...
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One of the latest offerings from Universal Audio we’re looking at today is the UAFX Evermore Studio Reverb, which follows in the massive footsteps of their Golden Reverb release from a couple years back. This smaller but extremely powerful ambient machine has a similar control layout structure to the Orion Tape Echo we saw a few weeks ago, for easily dialing in beautiful tones in seconds. This pedal offers authentic emulation of...
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A couple weeks back, we had the opportunity to check out our first effects pedal from Voodoo Lab, the Superfuzz. Impressive, to say the least, was this unit, and we couldn’t wait to see what joys the next one held. Today, we bring you the Giggity Analog Overdrive + Preamp, a massive, amp-pushing beast that sweetens your tone and your mind…let’s see what this one can do! Grab a Giggity from Sweetwater:...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Guitar Tricks presents The Benefits of Multi-Effects Pedals By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. Years ago stand-alone guitar pedals were the gold standard and the way to go if you wanted the right sound. In the past decade though...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), starting with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the last several weeks. Let’s keep it going today with the JIMS 45 Preamp, a beast that faithfully recreates the sound of a 1965 Marshall JTM45 tube amp, for...
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The Norris Fuzz was a surprisingly amazing 2-knob fuzz we saw from Alaskan-made MMK Electrics a few months back, and we’re excited to bring you another super-fun and tonally-powerful pedal from them today. The Red Cream Soda is a wide-ranging overdrive and distortion unit, with eye-catching graphics and bold, tone-shaping sound. Sometimes, three knobs is all you need to completely transform your rig, and that is most certainly...
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We really dug the Psychosis Tremolo Overdrive from Humanoid Pedals that they sent us a couple months ago, and we’re proud to bring you all another creation of theirs today! Hand built with two high gain silicon transistors, The Goblin Tone Distorter has intense yet smooth and full-bodied fuzz tone, combining elements of Preamp, Overdrive, Fuzz and Distortion into one versatile effect. Just a couple of controls, but a ton of...
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We’ve been powering effects pedals in our shop with help from Voodoo Lab for many, many years, as they’ve become a go-to staple in the power game. But what about the actual pedals themselves? Thankfully, they make those, too, and the first one we’re looking at today is the awesome, vintage-tinged Superfuzz. The rare Jordan Electronics Bosstone (circa 1968) is considered by many to be the ultimate vintage fuzz. The...
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When you think of iconic delay pedals, both vintage AND modern, there’s one name that usually jumps to the front of the list: Boss. From 1978’s flagship DM-1 Delay Machine, to the DM-2/3 compact pedals, on into the DD series of digital delays, and coming back full circle to the recently released DM-101, they’ve been a presence in the delay world for almost 50 years. Today’s pedal continues that commitment to...
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We’re always excited to test out new gear from our friends at Universal Audio, and they’ve just sent us their four newest UAFX creations! We’re going to start this run off with the Orion Tape Echo, which takes a vintage sonic dive into the Echoplex EP-III musical pool. Three modes, a ton of control and beautiful echoes surround this pedal, just as it will engulf your sound and your entire rig… Thanks to the...
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We’re super excited for today’s complete PEDAL LINEUP: that’s right, we’re taking a look at ALL 5 newly released ROSS Electronics effects! In collaboration with Josh Scott and JHS Pedals, these five units bring back the flagship pedals (and one brand new creation) from a company responsible for some of the best vintage effects out there. Coming full circle and releasing this new group of effects, ROSS brings...
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A tube screamer is just a tube screamer, right? Well, not if you’re the Maxon Overdrive Pro Plus (OD-9 Pro+)! Today’s pedal takes a dive into that vintage mid-boosted overdrive circuit, and gives it some more options and an extra boost. If you’ve ever really wanted your TS to scream and lit your rig on fire, this just may be the pedal to do so… The Nine Series Overdrive Pro+ takes Maxon’s classic OD-9 circuit...
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We’re always stoked when a mysterious new pedal from our friends at Strymon shows up at the door, and we’re excited to help launch their latest creation today. The Ultraviolet Vintage Vibe provides three wonderful modes, three bias levels, stereo and MIDI connectivity and much, much more. Grab your headphones and get ready for a wild, modulated and unpredictable musical journey, kiddos… Grab an Ultraviolet from...
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There’s a good chance that when a pedal company teams up with a musical artist to create an effect, it’s gonna be a good one. Never has that been truer than today, as we take a look at the Artificial Blonde Vibrato, a collaboration between JHS Pedals and singer, songwriter and guitarist Madison Cunningham. Producing always-on tone-enhancement, or off-the-wall modulated, seasick warbles, this baby blue beauty has something...
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A couple of years ago, I was fortunate enough to get to review and demo the EF-X2 Tape Echo from Echo Fix, and was instantly thrown back into a vintage delay era. Today, let’s take a look at Echo Fix’ latest release, which also sends you back in time: the EF-P2 Spring Reverb. Cramming delicious, classic reverb tones into a modern-looking enclosure with some throwback visuals, this unit takes your reverb game to the next...
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We love a good collaboration pedal release, especially when it’s with two of our favorite effects makers. The brand new Microdose Phaser is a collaboration between All-Pedal and Spaceman Effects, and right off the bat, we knew it would be something special. Based off of Spaceman’s discontinued Explorer Deluxe, the Microdose has some new added features and some wild, psychedelic graphics to go with some warm, vintage...
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We continue today on our journey as we review some new pedals from Caline today, bringing some classic tones to the forefront. The G-003 Orca Chorus and G-006 Timberwolf Vibrato bring modulation to the forefront, allowing you to create both modern and vintage sounds with ease. Let’s get right to it, shall we? Caline’s G-003 Orca Chorus adds a luscious liquid character to your tone, evoking memories of the classic chorus...
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Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of checking out The Hog Overdrive, the flagship pedal from Tallon Electric, and were excited to see what their next release might be. Well, we’ve got it for you today, in the form of the Dual Drive Overdrive, a two-sided beast that rears its sonic head around every corner. Knobs, switches and tones galore adorn this thing, let’s jump in and see what’s in store for us… The...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the coming weeks. Let’s keep it going with the JIMS 800 Preamp, a beast that faithfully recreates a modified Marshall JCM800 tube amp, and pays gorgeous tribute to...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Guitar Tricks presents Delay Pedals Do’s and Don’ts By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. One of the best ways to add depth and space to your guitar signal is by using delay effects pedals. In fact they work great for any...
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After the wild success of their Germanium Fuzz pedal a few years ago, Chris and the crew at Benson Amps decided to take the genre one more step further. Building off of the classic Tone Bender MkI circuit, the Stonk Box attempts to take a classic 1960’s fuzz design, and bring the sound into the modern world, without bringing any along the flaws and inconsistencies of the original. This one’s a beast, let’s get right to it!...
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Recently, we had the privilege of reviewing the gorgeous PAC-9 Pure Analog Chorus from Maxon, and were super-impressed. Today, we dive right back into the Maxon modulation pool, this time with big brother CS-550 Stereo Chorus, a spin on a classic big box from the 1970’s. Grab your headphones and get ready for a ride, this pedal is gonna blow your mind… With a circuit based around the Panasonic MN3207 Bucket Brigade IC, the...
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Sure, you probably have a tone knob on your guitar, and most likely your amp has some sort of EQ capabilities, but what happens when you really need to shape your sound via certain frequencies? Well, you turn to the pros at Source Audio, and their newest tone-shaping masterpiece, the EQ2 Programmable Equalizer (brought to you today by our friends at Sweetwater). EQ’ing, on-board tuning, presets and more: this pedal will sculpt...
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Compression has always been an effect I’ve gravitated towards, and I’m always on the lookout for new versions with differing options and tonal qualities. Today’s pedal is a compression lover’s dream, with five parameter controls and a wide spectrum of sounds from which you can easily create. The All-Pedal Galactavise Compressor not only has a great name, it will improve your overall sound quality, too…...
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After recently exploring the high-gain Fireman Distortion from our friends at NUX, today we’re getting into slightly different territory: Amp Modeling. The NGS-6 Amp Academy feature six legendary amp models, and the iconic TSAC-2K (WHITE-BOX algorithm) Amp Modeling offers you realistic amp feeling and fast playability response. Lots of knobs, switches and tones to get into, let’s go! Amp Academy features 6 legendary amp...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the coming weeks. Let’s keep it going with the V550 Preamp, a monster that emulates the legendary 5150 High-Gain amp, embodying a charismatic sonic profile reminiscent...
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We’re rounding out the run of latest pedal releases from Flamma today, checking out the boomy FS08 Octave. The green gem offers detailed control over this expertly crafted effect, allowing players to punch through with added polyphonic octaves. Players can simultaneously add extra bass frequencies and brighten up their high end with an extra one or two-octave range… This polyphonic octave effect provides individual...
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There are certain pedals that, the moment you plug them in, you know you’ve found a real gem. That was 100% the case with today’s rocker, the MMK Electrics Norris Fuzz, coming at’cha straight from Alaska! This deceptively simple 2-knob fuzz effect has loads of gain and range on tap, blowing out speakers and sparking creativity as it carves a gorgeous auditory warpath wherever it goes. It’s time to rock, kids,...
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We continue today on our journey as we review some new pedals from Caline today, bringing some classic tones to the forefront. The CP-505 Wave Machine conjures up vintage chorus tones, while the CP-506 Multimod gives you access to 7 different modulation modes to explore. All things modulation today, kids, lots to dive into, so let’s go… The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the Pacific Ocean – a world that has yet to...
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We’re exploring the newest releases from our friends at Flamma today, continuing with the FC13 Analog Phaser. This little gem provides everything a guitarist could want from a Phaser effect pedal, compacted into three simple dials and switches. Let’s jump into these modulated waters and see what all the buzz in about, shall we? The tonal properties of the Analog Phaser can be determined through two control parameters....
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Last month, we covered our first pedal from Elysian Pedals: the awesomely-named It’s Not Brain Surgery Octave Fuzz, and we loved it. Today, we get to delve further into their effects lineup, with the completely different Sick Bacchus Chorus Flanger. This modulation unit features just four controls and one toggle, but the sonic options here are vast and plentiful… The Sick Bacchus is very easy to set and use in any...
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After the instantly recognizable Fuzz Blender ’77 we reviewed from Supercool Pedals a few months ago, we were excited to see what their next effects unit might be. Well, the day has arrived: presenting The Thneed Overdrive, a low-mid gain drive with nods to a certain super-expensive horsie-esque pedal AND one of the greatest authors of all time. And remember: “A Thneed’s a Fine-Something-That-All-People-Need.” The Thneed is a...
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It’s been a while since we had any gear from Maxon come through the office, but we’re excited today to check out their PAC-9 Pure Analog Chorus. This stereo pedal provides lush, vintage tones, along with some modern amenities to fit into any rig or setup. Modulation fans, rejoice – this is one smooooooth chorus effect… The first thing you’ll notice when you step on the PAC-9 is a beefy, full-bodied chorusing...
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We’ve got one more effect left in the newest releases from JHS Pedals’ Legends of Fuzz collection, and we’re going out with a bang!. Today, we’re taking a look at the Mary-K 1969 Japan, which again features just two simple controls and a Mode switch…PLUS an variable, hands-free control of one of the parameters. Let’s jump into this sonic pool and get the fuzz out, shall we?? Grab a Mary-K 1969 Japan...
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Last month, we had the privilege to investigate the wonderful Raster 2 Digital Delay from Red Panda, and instantly fell in love with it. Today, we’re looking at a pedal that takes the delay effect genre and flips it completely upside down – the Particle 2 Granular Delay gives you aspects of echo, pitch shifting, reverse delay and much, much more. Lots to this one, we’d better dive right in!! Particle™ is a granular...
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It’s always a treat when a pedal from EarthQuaker Devices makes its way into the shop here at Pedal of the Day, and today’s effect keeps that streak rolling strong. The Astral Destiny Octave Reverb combines two classic and comparable effects into one pedal, making it easy to experiment and explore just how these two genres interact. Lots of knobs, lots of tone and lots of fun, let’s dive a bit deeper and see what...
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We’re excited today to be taking a bit of a detour from our regularly scheduled pedal reviews, and diving into a different type of medium. We love effects here at the shop, but music is also playing on a pretty consistent basis, and the folks at 1byone Audio sent over their H004 Hi-Fi Turntable with Speakers setup for us to check out. Needless to say, our small collection of vinyl is already growing after having this thing just...
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In stark contrast to the last TC Electronic pedal we reviewed and demoed, the Magus Pro Distortion, we’re heading into modulation and pitch territory today. The Brainwaves Pitch Shifter is an exceptional pitch-shifting effect, with studio-grade algorithms, 4 octave dual voices and TC’s groundbreaking MASH footswitch technology. As you can see, there are lots of switches and knobs and dials and fun here, let’s jump...
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We’re taking a look at the second pedal in a series of overdrive that come from my beautiful home state of Wisconsin today! The Winter is the 2nd of four pedal in the aptly-names Seasonal Drive Series from Fox River Devices, and it warms your amplifier and your soul at the same time. Coming on the heels of the impressive Autumn Drive from a couple months back, this one keeps this impressive series moving right along… As...
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