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Average Price: $46

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$80

$181+

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Description

Unleash the beast within your guitar tone with the DOD FX56 American Metal distortion pedal. Born in the late '80s and roaring through the '90s, this pedal is a testament to the era of high-gain, face-melting soundscapes. Originally crafted to rival the legendary Boss HM-2, the FX56 offers a unique sonic palette that is both powerful and versatile. It delivers a gritty, aggressive distortion that can cut through any mix, yet retains clarity and definition. Whether you're channeling classic metal riffs or pushing the boundaries of modern metalcore, the FX56 provides the tone and punch you need.

With intuitive controls for level, tone, and gain, sculpting your sound is straightforward, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than complexity. The rugged design of the FX56 ensures it withstands the rigors of live performances and touring, making it a reliable companion for any guitarist.

Key Features:

  • High gain distortion designed to compete with leading heavy metal pedals
  • Simple control layout: Level, Tone, and Gain knobs for easy sound shaping
  • Rugged construction for durability on stage and in the studio
  • Classic late '80s to mid '90s production with a distinct sonic character

Product specs

Brand DOD
Model FX56 American Metal
Finish Purple
Year 1984 - 1990
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals

FAQs

What kind of distortion tones can I expect from the DOD FX56 American Metal pedal?

The DOD FX56 American Metal pedal delivers aggressive, high-gain distortion tones ideal for heavy metal and hard rock. It offers a thick, saturated sound with a pronounced mid-range, making it well-suited for cutting through dense mixes.

Is the DOD FX56 American Metal pedal suitable for live performances?

Yes, the DOD FX56 American Metal pedal is suitable for live performances, providing robust and consistent distortion tones that can effectively cut through a band's mix. Its durable construction also ensures reliability on stage.

Can the DOD FX56 American Metal pedal be used with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the DOD FX56 American Metal pedal works well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, delivering powerful distortion tones while preserving the unique characteristics of each pickup type.

Does the DOD FX56 American Metal pedal require a specific power supply?

The DOD FX56 American Metal pedal typically requires a 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery for operation, making it compatible with most standard pedalboard power setups.

How does the DOD FX56 American Metal compare to other DOD distortion pedals?

The DOD FX56 American Metal pedal is specifically designed for heavier, high-gain distortion compared to other DOD distortion pedals, which may offer different tonal characteristics and gain ranges suitable for various music styles.

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DOD FX56 American Metal

Video thumbnail for DOD FX56 American Metal by TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

DOD FX56 American Metal

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Video thumbnail for DOD FX56 American Metal pedal by DeuceII

DOD FX56 American Metal pedal

DeuceII

DeuceII

Video thumbnail for The Chainsaw Files – DOD FX56 American Metal Distortion vs Boss HM-2 clone comparison by Dome

The Chainsaw Files – DOD FX56 American Metal Distortion vs Boss HM-2 clone comparison

Dome

Dome

Video thumbnail for Tanner's Favorite Things - DOD FX56 American Metal Pedal by Tanner's Favorite Things

Tanner's Favorite Things - DOD FX56 American Metal Pedal

Tanner's Favorite Things

Tanner's Favorite Things

Reviews

PROS

  • Affordable, good for those on a tight budget

  • Provides a distinct, heavy distortion sound

  • Suitable for occasional metal sound needs

  • Operable with 9v battery for convenience

CONS

  • Not comparable to higher-end pedals like Tubescreamer or Boss

  • Durability issues, especially with older units

  • Sound quality may not meet all users' standards

  • Can produce undesirable noise

  • Problems with input/output jacks reported

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DOD FX56 American Metal.

Comparisons

  • The FX56 is often likened to the Boss HM-2, suggesting a similar aggressive, heavy tone, yet it can produce a rubbery fuzz, more aligned with stoner doom.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention the FX56 can lose parts over time, such as the battery cover and knob covers, indicating potential wear issues with prolonged use.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • When maxed out, the FX56 delivers a fuzz-like tone rather than traditional metal distortion, surprising users expecting classic metal sounds.

    Source
Add

3.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
griff1208

Meh

This thing was not a tubescreamer or a boss... if I were being critical I’d say it was one of the worst distortion pedals I ever used. But it was cheaper than the others I mentioned and when you’re 14 yrs old birthday money from grandma didn’t go that far in the 80s.

Roles:
Genres:
jimmarchi1

who didn't buy an fx55 or a 55b supra distortion out of the stolen, err I mean 'used' case at bob's music.... when all you've got is saved up lunch money and its between the boss and the dod? DOD! this is a bad example, like the supra, but some of those oddball dod pedals were pretty cool as I recall.

jtheis

wish it was better

(chris's pedal) Jackson: is kind of broken, because its old, and it makes a terrible sound

hambonehead

All the Metal I need

That being said, on the very rare occasion i want (?) a metal sound, this does a reasonable attempt. Not having any of the guitars or amps more suited for metal, this is perfect for making my wife wanna scream. Ha Ha. Pin style power jack. 9v battery.

dolaski_rochiasi

Great

Heaviest distortion i ever seen. Usually has problems with jacks, but nothing serious.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Pajo uses DOD FX56 American Metal

David Pajo

Guitarist, Bassist

Interpol

...
Verified via Netphoria

According to this article written by a fan,Pajo uses a DOD American Metal playing with Slint and he shows his settings

See how Clay Parton uses DOD FX56 American Metal

Clay Parton

Singer, Guitarist

Duster

...
Verified via Photo

Clay Parton uses the DOD FX56 American Metal pedal, as evidenced by a post on Instagram by user @thisisduster. The post includes a caption stating, "‘spacematic fuzz’ - a dod american metal (probably only used on keyboards and bass)," and it mentions these pedals were used for the "fuzz sound on stratosphere." An image accompanying the post shows the pedal painted green with "FUZZ" painted on it.

See how James Petralli uses DOD FX56 American Metal

James Petralli

Singer, Guitarist

White Denim

...
Verified via Photo

In this still of an Instagram story posted on January 26th 2023 on the White Denim Insta account we see James' pedalboard out. The pedal is on the lower right. We can hear James saying: He's ready for the road! Story on Youtube https://youtube.com/shorts/m3xJ0qeQJ_c?feature=share

See how Andrew Liles uses DOD FX56 American Metal

Andrew Liles

Guitarist, Composer

Nurse With Wound

...
Verified via Preparedguitar

"I use some pedals that I bought in the 80's, an American Metal and EQ from DOD, a Cry Baby and lately a Digitech RP355 multi FX unit."

See how Micah Ortega uses DOD FX56 American Metal

Micah Ortega

Guitarist

Five Iron Frenzy

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Micah gives a rundown of all the gear he has used, including this pedal.

Album Usage

The DOD FX56 American Metal has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use DOD FX56 American Metal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for DOD FX56 American Metal, curated by the Equipboard community.

Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal

$109.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

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