Guitar Pedals

Guitar Pedals

We stock a variety of guitar pedals from many of the top brands. 

History of Guitar Pedals

Guitar pedals, or effects pedals, first appeared in the 1960s as a way to alter and manipulate the sound of electric guitars. Early innovations like the Maestro Fuzz-Tone (1962) paved the way for the widespread use of pedals. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones famously used the Fuzz-Tone on the hit song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” sparking interest in the creative possibilities of sound alteration. As rock music evolved, so did the technology, leading to new pedals that offered effects like overdrive, delay, reverb, and modulation. By the 1970s and 1980s, pedals were a staple for guitarists, becoming a key tool in shaping the tone and character of modern music.


Types of Guitar Pedals

Guitar pedals can be divided into several categories based on the effect they produce. Some of the most common types are overdrive/distortion, modulation, delay/reverb, pitch and harmony, and dynamics and filters.

1. Overdrive, Distortion, and Fuzz Pedals

These pedals alter the guitar’s signal to create varying degrees of distortion.

  • Overdrive: Mimics the natural sound of a tube amplifier pushed to its limits, adding warmth and mild distortion. The Ibanez Tube Screamer is a classic example, famously used by Stevie Ray Vaughan.
  • Distortion: Produces a more aggressive, saturated tone, commonly used in hard rock and metal. The Boss DS-1, used by Kurt Cobain, is one of the most iconic distortion pedals.
  • Fuzz: Fuzz pedals create a thick, buzzy sound. The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff is a well-known fuzz pedal, used by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix.

2. Modulation Pedals

Modulation pedals change the pitch, tone, or dynamics of the guitar’s signal, creating swirling, pulsating effects.

  • Chorus: Simulates the sound of multiple guitars being played simultaneously by adding slight variations in pitch. The Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, used by The Police’s Andy Summers, is a classic chorus pedal.
  • Phaser: Produces a sweeping, swirling sound by shifting the guitar’s signal. The MXR Phase 90 was famously used by Eddie Van Halen.
  • Flanger: Creates a jet-like sweeping sound by mixing two signals. The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress, used by David Gilmour, is a notable flanger pedal.

3. Delay and Reverb Pedals

These pedals manipulate time and space, adding echoes or creating the sensation of playing in different environments.

  • Delay: Records the guitar signal and repeats it at varying intervals, creating an echo effect. The Boss DD-3 Digital Delay and Electro-Harmonix Memory Man are popular models, used by U2’s The Edge.
  • Reverb: Simulates natural echo and space, adding depth to the sound. The Strymon BigSky and Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail are highly regarded reverb pedals.

4. Pitch and Harmony Pedals

These pedals change the pitch of the signal or add harmonized notes.

  • Pitch Shifters: Change the pitch of the guitar signal, either up or down. The Digitech Whammy, used by Tom Morello and Jack White, is one of the most famous pitch-shifting pedals.

5. Dynamic and Filter Pedals

These pedals modify the signal’s volume and frequency.

  • Compressor: Evens out the dynamic range of the guitar signal, making quiet sounds louder and loud sounds quieter. The MXR Dyna Comp is a classic compressor pedal used by David Gilmour.
  • Wah Pedal: Alters the frequency range to create a “wah” sound. The Dunlop Cry Baby is iconic, famously used by Jimi Hendrix.

Popular Brands

Several brands are known for producing high-quality guitar pedals:

  • Boss: Known for its rugged, reliable pedals like the DS-1 Distortion and DD-3 Delay.
  • Electro-Harmonix: Famous for innovative pedals like the Big Muff fuzz and Memory Man delay.
  • MXR: Known for simple yet effective pedals like the Phase 90 and Dyna Comp.
  • Strymon: Renowned for high-end digital effects like the BigSky reverb and Timeline delay.

Conclusion

Guitar pedals have played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of modern music, from the early fuzz tones of the 1960s to the complex digital effects used today. Artists like Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and U2’s The Edge have used pedals to craft iconic sounds, and with a wide range of types and brands available, guitar pedals continue to be an essential tool for musicians.