Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $206

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash a world of sonic exploration with the Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator. This overdrive effects pedal is not your typical distortion box; it’s a gateway to uniquely textured sounds that will invigorate your guitar's voice. Designed for musicians who dare to experiment, the Prunes & Custard transforms your tone by blending a preamp stage with a wave-shaping circuit, giving birth to harmonic intermodulation that’s rich and full of life.

At its core, this pedal is about interaction—both in terms of sound and user experience. Its intuitive controls allow you to sculpt your sound with precision, making it perfect for those who thrive on creativity and innovation. The wave-shaping circuit is particularly noteworthy, offering an array of tonal possibilities that range from subtle warmth to full-bodied, harmonic chaos. Whether you’re looking to add a subtle edge to your sound or take a deep dive into experimental territory, the Prunes & Custard is your trusted companion.

With its robust build and clear interface, this pedal promises reliability and ease of use, making it a staple for both studio sessions and live performances. Dive into a universe where your guitar's voice can be both wild and wondrous, and discover the true potential of your sound.

Key Features:

  • Distinctive harmonic intermodulation for unique sound textures
  • Preamp and wave-shaping stage circuits for versatile tone shaping
  • Control for low-frequency contour adjustment
  • Built for both studio and live performance settings
  • Intuitive interface for ease of use and maximum creativity

Product specs

Brand Crowther
Model Prunes & Custard
Finish White
Year 2010s
Categories Distortion Pedals

FAQs

What kind of effect does the Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard pedal produce?

The Prunes & Custard is known for creating a unique harmonic distortion effect, often described as a blend of fuzz and filter. It generates intermodulated harmonics that can produce a wide range of sounds from subtle overdrive to intense, synth-like tones.

Is the Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard pedal suitable for bass guitar?

Yes, the Prunes & Custard works well with bass guitars, providing a thick, rich harmonic texture that can enhance bass lines without losing low-end clarity.

How does the Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard differ from typical overdrive pedals?

Unlike typical overdrive pedals, the Prunes & Custard focuses on generating harmonic intermodulation, producing a unique and dynamic sound that varies with playing intensity and input signal.

What power supply does the Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard require?

The Prunes & Custard pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply, commonly used with many guitar pedals, or it can be powered by a 9V battery.

Can the Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard be used in a live performance setting?

Yes, the Prunes & Custard is well-suited for live performances, offering versatile sound shaping capabilities that can add unique textures and dynamics to your live sound.

Reviews

PROS

  • Intuitive controls with only three knobs, yet highly versatile sound shaping

  • Combines fuzz, overdrive, and synth-like octave effects in one pedal

  • Maintains tonal character across different volume settings

  • Highly sensitive to playing dynamics, offers responsive sound variation

  • Ideal for both guitar and bass, providing rich and unique tones

  • Built solidly, includes a personal touch with creator's signature

  • Harmonically rich distortion with an envelope filter adds unique texture

  • Gig-friendly setup, quickly achieves desired sound without extensive tweaking

CONS

  • Higher price point due to boutique, handcrafted nature

  • Minimal distinction between guitar and bass settings on switch

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator.

Features and functionality

  • The Crowther Prunes & Custard is noted for its touch sensitivity and wide range on controls, offering unique harmonic subtleties.

    Source
  • The pedal exhibits unique reactions based on note intervals, creating pulses or tremolo-like rhythms with discordant notes.

    Source
  • Despite limited knobs, the pedal is noted for its versatility, able to adapt and create various sound textures across different instruments.

    Source
  • It has been observed that placing the pedal in different positions within the effects chain can subtly alter its impact, enhancing versatility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal's "squelch madness" when the mix is turned up is favored for experimental sounds, and it excelled when stacked with other gain pedals.

    Source
  • Often used by bass players, it provides a distinctive distortion effect that some bassists claim as unparalleled.

    Source
  • On bass, pairing with an OC-2 can achieve a tone reminiscent of Muse's "Uprising."

    Source
  • Jeff Tweedy utilized the Prunes & Custard extensively on Wilco's "A Ghost is Born," showcasing its versatility across different recording sessions.

    Source
  • The Prunes & Custard is praised for its synth-like, filtery bass distortion, favored by studio engineers for its unparalleled sound.

    Source
  • The pedal is especially effective when applied to a clean channel, creating a cutting, slightly fuzzed lead sound with a synth-like character.

    Source
  • The pedal is praised for adding a unique character when boosting a dirty Mesa setup, appealing to those seeking experimental tones.

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Comparisons

  • It's compared to the Durham Crazy Horse and even the Foxx Tone Machine for its octave/harmonic effects, though it offers a unique flavor.

    Source
  • Noted for its distinctiveness, it's been favorably contrasted with the Studio Electronics Wolftone Chaos and the Source Audio Multiwave.

    Source
  • The pedal is suggested for those interested in the tone of "Harmonic Generator" by The Datsuns, highlighting its distinctive sound signature.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the pedal's ability to produce rich, droning noise beds, ideal for looping and creating soundscapes.

    Source
  • Owners note that the pedal requires a few sessions to dial in the desired sound, but it’s rewarding for those seeking a unique solo tone.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Crowther Audio - Prunes And Custard — Pedals and Effects

pedalsandeffects.com

The Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator is touted as a surprising gem discovered by Juan Alderete during a tour in New Zealand. The pedal impresses with its unique harmonic generation and intermodulation capabilities, earning praise for its musical ingenuity. However, the review primarily serves as an enthusiastic recount of Alderete's personal experience rather than an in-depth analysis. The historical oversight of the pedal's availability may leave some seasoned musicians questioning its novelty. Overall, the pedal is appreciated for its musical potential, though the review lacks critical balance.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 14 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Wolstenholme uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Chris Wolstenholme

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Musewiki

This rare and strange bass pedal is famously used by Chris Wolstenholme, and can be heard in combination with other effects on many songs such as "Uprising", "Plug In Baby" " and "City of Delusion".

See how Justin Chancellor uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Justin Chancellor

Bassist

Tool

...
Verified via YouTube

Justin uses this during the breakdown of Jambi. (Seen at 3:56)

See how Nick O'Malley uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Nick O'Malley

Bassist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Arctic Monkeys - Balaclava + Fake Tales Of San Francisco (Live Rock Am Ring 2007)" uploaded by Luis Reyes, at exactly 13 seconds, an aerial shot clearly shows Nick O'Malley using the Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator on his pedalboard. Additionally, the distinct sound of this pedal can be heard during the bass solo of "Brianstorm" from the Razzmatazz set in 2007, further confirming its use.

See how Jeff Tweedy uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Jeff Tweedy

Singer, Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via Photo

The image from the pedalboard dates back to 2004 Toronto concerts, and original poster of pedalboard photos can be found here. Also, photos of the concert that this pedalboard photo is from can be found here.. In this photo, the Prunes and Custard pedal can be seen.

See how Adam Granduciel uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Adam Granduciel

Singer, Guitarist

The War on Drugs

...
Verified via Vice

Adams talks about using Prunes & Custard on the "Victim" solo.

See how Robin Finck uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Robin Finck

Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

Here's a picture of Robin Finck of Nine Inch Nails and Guns N' Roses, posing with his pedal board, including the Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard pedal on the top right.

See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

Justin Meldal-Johnsen showcases his use of the Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator on Instagram, humorously reflecting on his bass-playing process during a session.

See how Robbie Robertson uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Robbie Robertson

Guitarist

The Band

...
Verified via Robbie-robertson

According to his "gear list", Robertson uses the Crowther Audio Prunes and Custard intermodulator pedal.

See how Hisako Tabuchi uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Hisako Tabuchi

Singer, Guitarist

Number Girl

...
Verified via Photo

A Prunes and Custard can be seen between the Klon and the Maxon AD-80.

See how Nicholaus Arson uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Nicholaus Arson

Guitarist

The Hives

...
Verified via YouTube

Nicholaus Arson discusses his use of the Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator-Intermodulator Pedal in this rig rundown with Premier Guitar, around the 8:46 minute mark.

See how Sadler Vaden uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Sadler Vaden

Guitarist

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

...
Verified via YouTube

Spotted on the latest incarnation of Sadler's pedalboard. Also mentioned in the 2024 Jason Isbell Rig Rundown.

See how Mark Ibold uses Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator

Mark Ibold

Bassist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

Based on Sonic Youth's gear guide web, this pedalboard was used by Mark during Sonic Youth 2009 tour.

Album Usage

The Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator 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 Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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tommy_perkins

tommy_perkins

Gear IQ 343

slubtle

slubtle

Gear IQ 733

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tragic_panda

Gear IQ 466

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