As simple as an EQ pedal may initially appear, it’s a must-have for any pedalboard, large or small. Learn to use this essential effect. Read more… Pedal Partners: Combining Phaser with Other Effects Tone: How much you like the sound of that particular pedal. When evaluating tone, remember there are other variables in your signal chain. Notably your guitar, amp, room, and a plethora of other factors can affect your tone. Robert Keeley is no stranger to dirt. His company makes some of our favorite drives on the market, so while the Filaments can go into higher gain territory than their other offerings, we still feel that calling it a high gain is a misnomer because of its versatility.

Another great feature is that it can be powered using either a mains adaptor or a 9v battery. This is pretty handy if you’ve ever forgotten to bring your adaptor to a gig (as I’ve done before…). Build Quality So, if ever you've been interested in a RAT, you need to take a close look at the WOODCUTTER. We compared it side by side to a newer RAT2 (non LM308), and it sounds very similar. The thing about RAT clones is sometimes they stray a bit too far from the original sound (looking at you, Walrus Iron Horse). The WOODCUTTER comes astoundingly close. However, the Gear4music extended warranty scheme provides an enhanced service, and is designed to offer a higher level of protection than many 'free' warranties offered by some retailers and manufacturers.However, the more interesting control on the Pugilist is the BLEND knob, which lets you determine the mix of the gain engines. We found “Gain B” more aggressive and bass heavy than “Gain A.” Dialing them in for several guitar and amp combinations was a pleasure and we could always find great tones no matter the signal chain. In fact, it was difficult to find a tone we didn’t like. AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately) Current Draw 10 mA Expected battery life under continuous use Carbon: Approx. 50 hours A pioneering two-stage circuit in the Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal provides both transistor and op-amp gain stages. The keys to the DS-1’s enduring success are a simple interface and versatile character that can flow into all sorts of setups. A wide range of gain produces many different distortion colors, from mild to mean. And while all drive pedals generate some noise, the DS-1 is relatively quiet , even at high distortion settings.

The DS-1 is assertive and controlled at the same time, delivering sharp, hard-edged sounds loaded with rich harmonic overtones. The two-stage circuit at the heart of the pedal provides fullness and definition at every setting, from chunky drive for rhythms to angry, blistering distortion with singing sustain for solos. I like the simplistic design. It’s clear and easy to use, and helps you to get straight into making music rather than fiddling around with different settings. Master guitar technician Eric Chaz (short for Czechanski) runs Eric’s Guitar Shop in the San Fernando Valley region of Southern California, near the heart of the Hollywood entertainment industry. Read more… Brendon Small Comedy, Guitar, and Metalocalypse

The Best Distortion Pedals for Metal

Since its debut, the DS-1 has fueled the music of trendsetting guitarists from every genre. Learn why it's loved by generations of players. Read more… What’s the Difference Between a DS-1, SD-1, and BD-2? Like the OD-1 before, the DS-1 circuit inspired a legion of pedal designers, and its wide-reaching influence can be heard in an endless range of distortion pedals through the decades. It’s also been a popular platform for pedal modders such as Analog Man, Robert Keeley, and many others.