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Average Price: $27

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$80

$181+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Harley Benton California TrueTone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Harley Benton California TrueTone, a distortion pedal that blends vintage warmth with modern versatility. Designed for the electric guitarist who craves that iconic Californian sound, this pedal is part of the TrueTone series, known for delivering authentic and dynamic tones. With its 3-band EQ control (Low, Mid, High), you can sculpt your sound to perfection, whether you're seeking a smooth overdrive or a gritty distortion. The intuitive layout features Level, Voice, and Drive controls, allowing you to effortlessly dial in your desired tone.

The California TrueTone stands out with its robust build and compact design, making it a reliable companion for both the stage and studio. Power it up with a 9V battery or an optional power supply for uninterrupted performance. With its straightforward interface and versatile tonal options, this pedal is a must-have for any guitarist looking to add a touch of Californian flair to their setup.

Key Features:

  • Distortion pedal for electric guitar
  • Part of the TrueTone series
  • Sound control: Level, Voice, Drive
  • 3-band EQ control: Low, Mid, High
  • Compact dimensions: 38 x 87 x 118 mm
  • Operates with a 9V battery or power supply (not included)

Owner's manual

Harley Benton California TrueTone User Manual

Product specs

Available since March 2011
Overdrive No
Distortion Yes
Fuzz No
Metal Yes

FAQs

What kind of music is the Harley Benton California TrueTone distortion pedal best suited for?

The Harley Benton California TrueTone is designed for metal music, providing aggressive and high-gain distortion tones that are ideal for heavy and intense musical styles.

Does the Harley Benton California TrueTone work well with both guitars and bass guitars?

The Harley Benton California TrueTone is primarily designed for electric guitars, focusing on delivering metal distortion tones. While it might work with bass guitars, it is optimized for guitar frequencies.

What power supply does the Harley Benton California TrueTone require?

The Harley Benton California TrueTone distortion pedal typically requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for most guitar pedals.

How does the Harley Benton California TrueTone differ from an overdrive pedal?

The Harley Benton California TrueTone is a distortion pedal, offering higher gain and more aggressive tones compared to an overdrive pedal, which provides a milder, more subtle increase in gain.

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Harley Benton (Joyo) California TrueTone Pedal Demo

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton (Joyo) California TrueTone Pedal Demo by EytschPi42

Harley Benton (Joyo) California TrueTone Pedal Demo

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Video thumbnail for CALIFORNIA TRUETONE HARLEY BENTON / JOYO ✅ by Cory Mura

CALIFORNIA TRUETONE HARLEY BENTON / JOYO ✅

Cory Mura

Cory Mura

Video thumbnail for Harley Benton (Joyo) California TrueTone - Guitar Pedal Demo/Review by SRGuitar

Harley Benton (Joyo) California TrueTone - Guitar Pedal Demo/Review

SRGuitar

SRGuitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional value for money

  • Versatile sound range, from clean to crunchy

  • Solid construction and aesthetic design

  • Flexible EQ settings for tailored sound

  • Can function as overdrive, distortion, or preamp

  • Features unique Voice knob for mid-frequency shaping

  • Compatible with direct PA or interface connection

  • Emulates renowned California-built guitar amps closely

  • Wide range EQ for precise sound sculpting

CONS

  • Full Drive and Voice settings produce strange humming

  • Integrated speaker emulation cannot be turned off

  • Battery compartment design could be improved

  • Slightly too easy to move knobs may affect settings precision

  • On/off switch positioned close to knobs, albeit elevated

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Harley Benton California TrueTone.

Features and functionality

  • The California model is praised for its cleaner, rounder tone, less present in high mids, and crystalline sound, ideal for clean setups.

    Source
  • Running effects like delay and reverb after the pedal can keep the simulators clean, while placing them before may introduce some dirtiness, depending on the desired sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's recommended to run a dual setup with the California for cleans and another pedal like the AC Tone for crunch/OD tones, enhancing flexibility for gigging.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report that this pedal integrates well with other effects, commonly placing drives before and delays/reverbs after it in the signal chain.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
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1 star
rackattack

good series, but not my most favorite

same as joyo, you can also find this series in other casings with other names. part of a budget rip off series of Tech 21 pedals. I had the american, which is one of the best budget pedals imo, so I had hoped this one would sound better, considering that it should replicate some of mesa boogies mojo supposedly, but actually I don't use it much. I intend to get some Tech 21 originals in the future, but prob not the california first.

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1 alternative for Harley Benton California TrueTone, curated by the Equipboard community.

Joyo JF-16 California Sound

$28.50 - $35.31

similar sound

it is the same clone of Tech 21's pedal california

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