Fender Pugilist Distortion

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$102.00 to $146.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (13)

1 Critic Review

5 Reviews

Find out who is using Fender Pugilist

14 community setups

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Best Distortion Pedals for Guitar

9 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 24, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated June 24, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (24)

$146.99 $129.99 $17.00

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4.5 (15)

$146.99

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$146.99

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4.5 (386)

$123.99

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5.0 (31)

$113.66 26 available New

$58.00 29 available Used

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5.0 (3)

$146.99

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5.0 (2)

$128.95

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4.6 (93)

$102.00

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£99.00

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Average Price: $122

Standard/Professional

$80

$181+

Price Tier

In the Distortion Effects Pedals category, Fender Pugilist Distortion is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Fender Pugilist Distortion". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Fender Pugilist Distortion, a distortion pedal designed for the discerning guitarist. Featuring dual gain engines with independent tone controls for each, this pedal offers a myriad of distortion variations that can complement any rig.

The Pugilist Distortion is not just about power, it's about control. The Series/Blend switch allows you to stack channels for thick, cascading distortion, while the Bass Boost switch can add depth and richness to your tone. The Blend control, a unique feature, lets you mix the two channels to craft a sound that's uniquely yours.

This pedal is more than just a distortion powerhouse. It's designed with the gigging guitarist in mind. The LED-backlit knobs ensure you can see your control settings on a dark stage, and the magnetically latched 9V battery door makes swapping batteries a breeze.

Constructed from durable, lightweight, anodized aluminum, the Pugilist Distortion is built to withstand the rigors of the road. This pedal not only sounds great but also adds a touch of classic Fender style to your pedalboard with its Amp Jewel LED.

Key Features:

Dual gain engines with independent tone controls
Series/Blend switch for stacking channels
Bass Boost switch for enhancing tone
Blend control for mixing channels
LED-backlit knobs for easy visibility on stage
Quick and easy battery replacement with magnetically latched 9V battery door
Durable, lightweight, anodized aluminum construction
Amp Jewel LED for classic Fender style

Product specs

Pedal Type	Distortion
Analog/Digital	Analog
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
True Bypass	Yes
Power Source	9V DC power supply required (sold separately)
Batteries	1 x 9V
Power Usage	88mA
Height	2.5"
Width	3.75"
Depth	4.9"
Weight	1.2 lbs.

FAQs

What kind of distortion tones can I expect from the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal?: The Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal offers a range of tones from warm, classic distortion to aggressive, high-gain sounds. It features dual gain engines that can be blended or stacked for versatile sound shaping, making it suitable for various rock and metal styles.
Does the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?: Yes, the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal is designed to work effectively with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a full-bodied distortion sound regardless of your guitar's pickup configuration.
Is the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal true bypass?: Yes, the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal features true bypass switching, ensuring that your guitar's tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.
Can the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal be powered by a battery?: Yes, the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal can be powered by a 9V battery, in addition to a 9V DC power supply (sold separately).
How does the blend function on the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal work?: The blend function on the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal allows you to mix the two gain engines to create a customized distortion tone, offering greater flexibility and sound sculpting options.

Equipboard's Expert Review

Equipboard tested this

Versatile Rocker with a Dual Personality

In our tests, the Fender Pugilist Distortion impressed us with its versatility and robust build quality. This pedal packs a punch with its dual-channel design, offering a wide range of tones from light overdrive to heavy distortion.

We found the pedal's construction to be solid and attractive, with an easy-to-access battery compartment. The pedal's larger size compared to standard Boss pedals might be a consideration for those with crowded pedalboards.

The Pugilist's controls are where it really shines. With two separate gain engines that can be blended or run in series, we were able to craft a variety of tones. The bass boost feature was particularly useful for adding fullness to single-coil guitars. We appreciated the LED lights on the knobs, which can be switched off if desired.

In terms of sound quality, we were able to dial in some great hard rock and warm solo tones. The pedal excels in rock and blues territories, though it's not quite suited for extreme metal. We found the bass boost helped single-coil guitars sound rich and full. However, at higher gain settings, we noticed some loss of detail and increased feedback.

For us, the Pugilist Distortion offers excellent value for money, especially considering its versatility and build quality at a little over $100. It's a great choice for guitarists exploring rock and blues tones who want the flexibility to shape their sound. However, metal players seeking high-gain tones or those who prefer a more compact pedal might want to look elsewhere.

Rated 4

Videos

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Fender

The Pugilist Distortion | Effect Pedals | Fender

Fender

Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal Demo

Sweetwater

The Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal Review

intheblues

Fender: PUGILIST DISTORTION

Brett Kingman

Fender Pugilist Distortion - Review & Demo

PMTVUK

First Look: Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal

astringsuk

Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal

Guitar Center

Fender Pugilist Distortion | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal Demo NO TALKING

Sandy Ridge Music

Reviews

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PROS

Versatile with series and blend switch for various sounds
Dual gain channels enhance tone customization
Offers both OD and Distortion characters, suitable for different genres
Solid build quality and attractive design
Provides a range of tones from subtle crunch to warm lead
Can function as a clean boost or aggressive distortion
Bass boost feature enriches single coil tones
Reasonably priced for its features
LED lights with on/off option for visual appeal
Battery slot included for portability

CONS

Higher gain settings may lose detail
May not suit guitars with humbuckers as well as single coils
Some sharp edges on the pedal can be a safety hazard
Knobs have uneven resistance when adjusting
Limited tone sculpting with dual channels
Blend/series switch may not significantly impact the tone for some users
Bass boost feature may not be effective on all guitar types

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Pugilist Distortion.

Features and functionality

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The Pugilist Distortion includes a blend knob, allowing articulation control while maintaining aggressive distortion.
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A bass-boost dip-switch is available, enhancing heft for single-coil pickups.
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Owners praise the Pugilist for its dual distortion circuits, allowing a blend or series configuration for varied tonal options.
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LEDs on the knobs can be toggled independently from the main LED, providing visibility on stage but may require tape to dim the main LED.
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Use cases and applications

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Works effectively as a low-gain tube screamer, adding coloration to an amp's crunch channel.
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The Pugilist can transition from a sparkly overdrive at lower gain settings to substantial distortion when both gains are cranked in series.
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The Pugilist is praised for classic rock, grunge, and punk, with capability for metal when cranked, though Full Moon is recommended for higher gain metal tones.
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Comparisons

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Offers versatility with options like the Earthquaker Gray Channel, but stands out for its price advantage.
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The Pugilist offers more tonal dynamics, whereas the Boss Metalcore delivers higher gain, better suited for metal genres.
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The Rat 2 is noted as a cheaper alternative to the Pugilist, offering high gain capabilities similar to the Metalcore.
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User experience

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Owners find the pedal surprising in its versatility, with options for both crunch and high-gain settings.
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Some users report the pedal dropping out in bypass mode, even after switch replacement, indicating potential reliability issues.
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Value and pricing

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The Pugilist is favorably compared in price to the Walrus Audio Fundamental Distortion, offering similar versatility for less.
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Used Pugilist Distortion pedals can be found for as low as $59, offering significant savings compared to the new price of around $125.
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Build quality

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The side-mounted jacks are noted as a downside for users who prefer top-mounted jacks in their pedal setups.
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Critic Reviews

Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal Review - Metal Guitar Gear

metalguitargear.com

Fender's Pugilist Distortion Pedal is a versatile powerhouse with dual gain engines that allow for a wide range of tones, making it a standout choice for metal guitarists. The independent tone controls and bass boost switch offer customization, while the robust construction and LED backlit knobs enhance usability on stage. Although it may not satisfy those seeking extreme metal distortion and can be noisy with gains maxed, it shines as a reliable, well-built option for hard rock and metal. Overall, it's a solid addition to any pedalboard, offering great value for its price.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 13 Ratings

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2 star

1 star

andreyakladov

148

almost 3 years ago

Sounds Extermelly Pleasant

Nice and very intelligent. Gives quite some options due to Blend and Serial modes - can get a lot of diff tones. Won’t give a very high gain. Bass boost does barelly nothing for my Telecaster.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Funk / Soul Metal

From Gear Setup

ty_sharron

about 8 years ago

Love this thing!

It's a great concept that luckily sounds great, too. Don't let the meager price tag scare you. This is not a chinsy, junky sounding pedal. The ability to either stack or run the two overdrive circuits in parallel is super amazing with this thing. I run side A brighter with lower gain, and side two darker with higher gain in parallel, and blend it a bit more towards side A. The result is a well-saturated distortion that does not sound too gained out, still has clarity, and a full, strong voice. The light up knobs are a super sleek looking feature, too!

alonsomartinez

273

6 years ago over 6 years ago

im between this pedal or the mxr custom bdass 78, i like the clarity of both, what would you recommend me?

kittersa

almost 4 years ago

Versatile distortion

My go-to distortion pedal moving forward. Solid build. Versatile sounds. Well worth the purchase

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Folk, World, & Country

alonsomartinez

273

over 6 years ago

Very versatile

Great pedal for a nice warm or bright overdrive to a distortion (not metal level) . Many configurations to get a great hard rock sound, IMO not for metal , excellence for blues/rock/hard rock. And its very low price!