Pricing and availability

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Reverb
5.0 (2)
$77.62 New
$83.66 Used
Thomann
4.5 (29)
$73.00 $72.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $88

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

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Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Ride the wave of vintage sound with the Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018, an effects pedal that captures the essence of classic American amplifier tremolos, all while fitting comfortably on your pedalboard. This sleek, compact unit boasts a new lighter aluminum housing and a two-tone anodized diecast case that’s as sturdy as it is stylish. Designed with the modern guitarist in mind, the Surf Trem provides a seamless blend of smooth, noise-free analog tremolo sounds reminiscent of the iconic 50s and 60s.

Inside, the pedal's circuitry is inspired by the renowned Carl Martin TremO'vibe, delivering a wide and deep tremolo effect without any unwanted coloration. The true bypass design ensures that your tone remains pure when the pedal is not in use. With intuitive controls for depth and speed, you can effortlessly dial in the perfect tremolo effect for any style or genre. Plus, thanks to Carl Martin’s innovative DC/DC converter circuitry, the Surf Trem operates internally at +-12v for enhanced headroom and clarity, all while powered by a standard 9v supply.

Whether you're conjuring up the shimmering tones of surf rock or adding a subtle pulse to your jazz chords, the Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 is your ticket to timeless tremolo sounds.

Key Features:

  • True bypass for uncolored tone when bypassed
  • Classic 50s and 60s tremolo sounds
  • Controls for depth and speed
  • Sturdy, lighter aluminum housing with two-tone anodized diecast case
  • Head-mounted Input/Output and power supply connection
  • Operates internally at +-12v for enhanced performance while powered by 9v external supply

Product specs

Available since May 2018
Effect Types Tremolo

FAQs

Does the Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 work well with both electric and acoustic guitars?

Yes, the Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 is designed to work effectively with both electric and acoustic guitars, providing a smooth and classic tremolo effect suitable for various musical styles.

What power supply does the Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 require?

The Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for many guitar effects pedals, ensuring easy integration into your existing pedalboard setup.

How does the Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 compare to other tremolo pedals in terms of sound?

The Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 is known for its vintage-inspired tremolo effect, offering a warm and smooth modulation that closely mimics the sound of classic tube amplifiers, making it a favorite for surf and rock genres.

Can the Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 be used in a live performance setting?

Yes, the Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 is suitable for live performances, thanks to its durable construction and reliable circuitry, ensuring consistent performance on stage.

Does the Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 have any tone-shaping controls?

The Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 features simple controls for speed and depth, allowing you to easily adjust the intensity and rate of the tremolo effect to suit your playing style.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Carl Martin: SURF TREM 2018

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin: SURF TREM 2018 by Brett Kingman

Carl Martin: SURF TREM 2018

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for This is the Trem! Carl Martin 2018 Surf Trem - Demo by Simon Gotthelf by Simon Gotthelf Gear Demos (Simon Gotthelf Music)

This is the Trem! Carl Martin 2018 Surf Trem - Demo by Simon Gotthelf

Simon Gotthelf Gear Demos (Simon Gotthelf Music)

Simon Gotthelf Gear Demos (Simon Gotthelf Music)

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Surf Trem (NAMM 2018 Pedal Demo Marathon) by Eric Merrow

Carl Martin Surf Trem (NAMM 2018 Pedal Demo Marathon)

Eric Merrow

Eric Merrow

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces a soft sound ideal for acoustic guitar use

  • Simple operation, easy for beginners and professionals alike

  • Features battery operation for flexible power options

  • Offers a slight volume boost when activated

  • Well-built and functional design

CONS

  • Generates white noise, especially noticeable with tube amplifiers

  • Noticeable tremolo humming when not playing

  • Limited to a single waveform, reducing versatility

  • Some users report a slight volume increase upon activation, potentially affecting sound balance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018.

Setup and maintenance

  • The Surf Trem is part of a signal chain with unique stacking options, showcasing its flexibility in varied frequency ranges and different drive settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The owner considered swapping the Carl Martin Surf Trem for a Black Fountain, highlighting the preference for less tremolo usage and more depth-focused effects.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Surf Trem is positioned after the Malekko Ekko 616 and before the T Rex Creamer in the signal chain, indicating its role in shaping the final tone output.

    Source

User experience

  • The board setup is quieter than larger setups with longer daisy chains, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful power management in pedalboard configurations.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Surf Trem is integrated into a board that handles light to medium overdrive and various clean boost settings, indicating its compatibility with diverse tonal applications.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Carl Martin Surf Trem 2018 delivers authentic Fender-style bias tremolo tones with a sleek and improved design, making it a solid addition to any pedalboard. Its simple controls for speed and depth allow for a range of tremolo effects, from deep throbs to fast flutters, all without any noticeable volume drop. However, it's important to note that this pedal offers only amp-style tremolo without wave variation, which may limit its versatility for some players. The absence of a second LED for visual speed feedback is also a downside. For those seeking classic tremolo sounds, it’s a great pick, but modern players looking for more complexity may want to look elsewhere.

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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 Surf Trem 2018, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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knuschberkeks

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