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Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$169.00
Amazon
4.4 (27)
$169.00
Amazon Prime
Reverb
4.0 (40)
$133.23 New
$107.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (10)
$169.00
Thomann
4.4 (62)
$126.00 $125.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $145

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Get ready to rock the stage with the single-channel Carl Martin PlexiTone. Designed in collaboration with Pete Thorn, this compact, pedalboard-friendly overdrive effects pedal delivers the legendary and unrivaled tone of the early Plexis.

Crafted with slight modifications, the Carl Martin PlexiTone offers a tighter bottom end and slightly softer high frequencies that harmonize beautifully with different amps. It's exactly the same high gain structure as found on the original Pro-Series PlexiTone, ensuring an authentic Plexi Tone sound that truly stands out.

One of the most notable features of this pedal is its new DC-DC converter circuitry. This innovative feature allows the pedal to be powered by a regulated 9V power supply, while still operating at the same +-12V level as the original AC powered PlexiTone. This ensures the same high-quality tone and headroom that puts the CM Pro-Series in a class of its own.

Key Features:

  • Authentic Pro Series Plexi Tone Sound
  • Designed in collaboration with Pete Thorn
  • Controls for level Drive and sound
  • Sturdy metal casing
  • New DC-DC converter circuit allows 9V operation with high-quality components of the 12V AC CM-Pro series
  • Suitable power supply: Article 409939

Product specs

Available since January 2013
Overdrive Yes
Distortion No
Fuzz No
Metal No

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel pedal?

The Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel pedal delivers a classic British overdrive sound reminiscent of vintage Plexi amplifiers, offering a warm, dynamic tone with rich harmonics suitable for rock and blues genres.

Is the Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel pedal suitable for use with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel pedal is designed to work effectively with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing versatile overdrive tones across different guitar types.

Does the Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel pedal require a specific power supply?

The Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most guitar pedals and ensures consistent performance.

How does the Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel pedal differ from the dual-channel version?

The single channel version of the Carl Martin PlexiTone focuses solely on delivering a straightforward overdrive tone, while the dual-channel version offers additional gain stages and more tonal flexibility.

Can the Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel pedal be used for live performances?

Yes, the Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel pedal is well-suited for live performances, providing reliable overdrive tones and easy integration into pedalboards for gigging musicians.

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Carl Martin Plexitone (new 2012 model), demo by Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Plexitone (new 2012 model), demo by Pete Thorn by Pete Thorn

Carl Martin Plexitone (new 2012 model), demo by Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin "PlexiTone Single Channel" / Demo by Alberto Barrero by Alberto Barrero

Carl Martin "PlexiTone Single Channel" / Demo by Alberto Barrero

Alberto Barrero

Alberto Barrero

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin PLEXITONE vs PLEXITONE Single Channel by Coleman's Music

Carl Martin PLEXITONE vs PLEXITONE Single Channel

Coleman's Music

Coleman's Music

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Single Channel PlexiTone by Guitar Player Magazine

Carl Martin Single Channel PlexiTone

Guitar Player Magazine

Guitar Player Magazine

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin PlexiTone Single Channel by Wall of Sound

Carl Martin PlexiTone Single Channel

Wall of Sound

Wall of Sound

Reviews

PROS

  • Mimics real Marshall amp tones closely

  • Wide range from low gain overdrive to high gain Plexi sounds

  • Visually appealing with gold sparkle housing

  • Feels amp-like and natural in sound quality

  • Works well for clean and overdrive needs

  • Offers more gain than typically needed without losing clarity

  • Capable of creating glassy Plexi tones beloved by fans

CONS

  • May sound too trebly for some, resulting in a thin sound

  • Not as versatile with certain vintage amps (e.g., Marshall JMP 50)

  • Some users might prefer the original PlexiTone for its signature sound

  • Lacks an EQ section, which could limit tone shaping

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel.

Setup and maintenance

  • A user noted a significant improvement in tone after upgrading their guitar pickups to Fender CS69s, indicating the importance of matching the pedal with the right guitar configuration.

    Source
  • Adjusting the guitar's volume knob can significantly clean up the PlexiTone's sound without any circuit modifications.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The PlexiTone offers substantial volume, which interacts dynamically with the gain, making it unsuitable for bedroom levels when both are maxed out on a Fender Twin.

    Source
  • The PlexiTone is noted for its inability to achieve low-gain tones effectively, which makes it less versatile for softer rock applications.

    Source
  • The PlexiTone's gain control uses a 1M audio taper pot styled like a TS drive pot, affecting its feedback loop dynamics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The PlexiTone's high gain kicks in almost immediately, contrasting with more transparent overdrives like the Euphoria or Catalyst, filling a unique tonal gap.

    Source
  • The PlexiTone's scooped mids complement mid-heavy amps like the Orange Dark Terror and Quilter OD200, making it ideal for punk, rock, and metal tones.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have experienced regret from selling pedals without proper pairing, highlighting the PlexiTone's sensitivity to specific guitar/amp combinations for optimal performance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The PlexiTone can effectively deliver an "80s thrash and hardcore" sound, particularly when used with passive pickups and a booster for added punch.

    Source
  • When paired with a Quilter MicroBlock, the PlexiTone offers a reliable, clean platform with substantial headroom, suitable for band practice setups.

    Source
  • Pairing the PlexiTone with single coil pickups can yield a cleaner tone, beneficial for users seeking less saturation.

    Source

Build quality

  • The real Carl Martin PlexiTone features tighter knobs and a more aesthetically pleasing enclosure compared to clones.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Experiment with bypassing the 2k resistor in the gain pot's feedback loop to reduce minimum gain for a broader sweep.

    Source
  • Consider increasing the 47R resistor to manage the high gain stage, theoretically reducing the maximum gain from over 2000 before clipping.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
joos_bence

Makes every amp a plexi

Bought this pedal without even trying berfore and I wasn't disappointed. Plugged it in and made my amp scream. Lots of gain and definition, capable of recreating those glassy tones, which plexi fans all love.

_abert

Perfect for those hotrodded plexi tones

I really like it, but would have liked it even more with an EQ I think. It sounds the best with a tubescreamer in front of it.

jason_coulter

Killer Tone

This pedal makes my amp growl. It has more gain than and mortal would ever need.

stanley_christiaensen

hhh

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Photo

On the Carl Martin website's Artists page, Johnny is listed as a user of the single-channel Plexitone pedal.

See how Greg Howe uses Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel

Greg Howe

Guitarist

Richie Kotzen & Greg Howe

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, which shows Howe's effects, one of the pedals that can be seen is the Carl Martin Plexitone.

See how Kanami Tono uses Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel

Kanami Tono

Guitarist

Band-Maid

...
Verified via Twitter

In this image, you can see a Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel (gold one).

See how Deb Demure uses Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel

Deb Demure

Singer, Guitarist

Drab Majesty

...
Verified via Photo

You can see the PlexiTone in this picture of Demure's pedal board.

See how Fredrik Kihlberg uses Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel

Fredrik Kihlberg

Singer, Guitarist

Cult of Luna

...
Verified via Imgur

Seen on pedalboard.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Carl Martin PlexiTone single channel, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
juan_barrezueta

juan_barrezueta

Gear IQ 448

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Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

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