Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $136
Standard/Professional
$50
$176+
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Catalinbread Valcoder". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Catalinbread Valcoder is a vintage-inspired tremolo effects pedal designed to echo the unique characteristics of the '60s Valco amplifiers. It features an all-discrete analog LFO circuit that captures the tube tremolo's hypnotic rhythm and percussive hard chop. With carefully adjusted depth and rate knobs, it delivers a smooth and bubbly modulation that becomes hauntingly pulsating when pushed.
The Valcoder is not just a tremolo pedal; it also offers a touch of vintage tube amp style grit and slight compression, thanks to its dynamic and responsive JFET-based audio path. The input and output controls allow you to dial anything from a clean tremolo sound to a gritty tube-like breakup driving the tremolo circuit.
A unique aspect of this pedal is its ability to function as an edge-of-breakup booster. With the depth knob turned down and the input & output knobs cranked up, it delivers a warm, gritty 10dB boost. It can be used as an always-on element to fill out your sound or to help your leads punch through the mix.
The Valcoder can be powered between 9 and 18 volts. A lower voltage will yield more compression and grit, while a higher voltage will produce a cleaner, less compressed sound with a more immediate pick attack. At 18 volts, the tremolo effect becomes stronger and choppier, creating a truly unique and engaging sonic experience.
Key Features:
- Discrete analog LFO circuit inspired by '60s Valco tube tremolo
- Dynamic and responsive JFET-based audio path
- Separate input and output controls for versatile sound shaping
- Can function as an edge-of-breakup booster
- Operates at 9 - 18 volts for varied tonal characteristics
- Produces a stronger, choppier tremolo effect at 18 volts
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Tremolo |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Power Source | 9-18V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Power Usage | 15mA |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Height | 1.33" |
| Width | 2.44" |
| Depth | 4.48" |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of power supply does the Catalinbread Valcoder Tremolo Pedal require?
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The Catalinbread Valcoder Tremolo Pedal requires a 9-18V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It also supports a 9V battery for power.
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Is the Catalinbread Valcoder an analog or digital tremolo pedal?
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The Catalinbread Valcoder is an analog tremolo pedal, providing a warm and natural modulation effect.
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Can the Catalinbread Valcoder Tremolo Pedal be used with a bass guitar?
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Yes, the Catalinbread Valcoder Tremolo Pedal can be used with a bass guitar, offering rich and dynamic tremolo effects suitable for both guitar and bass.
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How does the Catalinbread Valcoder compare to a vintage Valco-style tremolo?
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The Catalinbread Valcoder is designed to emulate the Valco amp tremolo sound, delivering a vintage-inspired, dynamic tremolo effect reminiscent of classic Valco amplifiers.
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What are the input and output connections for the Catalinbread Valcoder?
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The Catalinbread Valcoder features one 1/4" input and one 1/4" output, making it straightforward to integrate into your pedalboard setup.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Catalinbread Valcoder Tremolo
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent as a finishing pedal in an effects chain
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Offers both smooth overdrive and gritty edge
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Can restore definition to final to-amp signal
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Unique, intensely cool original tremolo effect
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Versatile from subtle to extreme tremolo effects
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High-quality, heavy-duty construction
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Zero noise and sensitivity loss when bypassed
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Adds extra sustain and gain for presence
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Ideal for creating vintage tweed amp sounds
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Works well with a variety of musical styles
CONS
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Not suitable for high gain overdrive or strong level boost
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Tremolo effect may be too intense for some preferences
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Not capable of producing subtle tremolo effects
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Preamp break-up sound described as unpleasing by some
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Can be considered bass-heavy in certain setups
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Requires time to learn optimal settings
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Lacks an additional switch for separate tremolo and drive control
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Catalinbread Valcoder.
Features and functionality
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The depth knob allows for subtle tremolo effects and can also function as a pre-amp, enhancing tone when stacked with pedals like the JHS Morning Glory.
Source
Comparisons
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Catalinbread Valcoder provides a pre-amp boost similar to other Catalinbread models, making it versatile compared to the Mr. Black Deluxe Deluxe Plus tremolo pedal.
Source
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
I saw mud honey in Cleveland last month and I saw mark using some new pedals since I saw them in 2019 and saw the earthquaker devices life v3 on his board and 3 catalinbread pedals and a new super fuzz
In this video of TPS you can see Catalinbread Valcoder Tremolo on Kirk his board.
In this photo from Catalinbread's instagram a Catalinbread Valcoder can be seen on Neal Casal's board.
Album Usage
The Catalinbread Valcoder has been featured on the following albums:
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 Catalinbread Valcoder, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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