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Average Price: $82

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Description

Unleash the raw power of the '80s metal scene with the Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal pedal. Crafted for guitarists who demand that quintessential metal distortion, this pedal delivers aggressive tones with precision. Whether you're recreating dive-bomb solos or laying down rhythmic chugs, the LM7 stands as a testament to the era it was born in. With its straightforward Distortion, Tone, and Level controls, shaping your sound is intuitive, allowing you to focus on your performance. Ideal for both studio recordings and live gigs, this pedal brings a piece of metal history to your pedalboard.

Key Features:

  • True to the '80s metal distortion
  • Simple and effective controls: Distortion, Tone, Level
  • Ideal for both studio and live settings
  • Pays homage to the golden era of metal: 1988 - 1989 production

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model LA Metal LM7
Finish Silver
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories Distortion Pedals

FAQs

What type of music is the Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal distortion pedal best suited for?

The Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal is specifically designed for metal music, providing high-gain distortion that is ideal for heavy riffs and solos typical of the genre.

How does the Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal compare to other distortion pedals for metal?

The Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal offers a unique tonal character with its 1980s design, delivering a classic metal sound with pronounced mids and aggressive gain, distinguishing it from modern distortion pedals.

Is the Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal distortion pedal suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal is built to handle the demands of live performances, providing reliable high-gain distortion and a robust build quality suitable for stage use.

Can the Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal be used with a bass guitar?

While primarily designed for electric guitar, the Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal can be used with a bass guitar, though it may color the tone significantly and is best tested to ensure it meets your sound preferences.

What power supply is required for the Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal distortion pedal?

The Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal typically requires a standard 9V power supply, commonly used with many guitar pedals, ensuring compatibility with most pedalboards.

yococ14

yococ14

Demo Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal

Video thumbnail for Demo Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal by yococ14

Demo Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal

yococ14

yococ14

Video thumbnail for GAS N' GO - Ibanez LM7 LA Metal by 60 Cycle Hum

GAS N' GO - Ibanez LM7 LA Metal

60 Cycle Hum

60 Cycle Hum

Video thumbnail for Ibanez LM7 LA Metal Full Review and Demo by Rail City

Ibanez LM7 LA Metal Full Review and Demo

Rail City

Rail City

Video thumbnail for Maybe Ibanez Should Have Stayed OUT Of The Rat Pedal Business... by Robert Jackson

Maybe Ibanez Should Have Stayed OUT Of The Rat Pedal Business...

Robert Jackson

Robert Jackson

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces gritty, massive sounds suitable for grunge or punk

  • Unique harsh speaker cracking overtones for distinctive effects

  • Capable of usable hard rock distortion when all dials at 12

  • Interesting toolbox sound for experimental musicians

CONS

  • Confusing name, does not excel in metal as suggested

  • Limited tone variability, described as a one-trick pony

  • Sound quality may not appeal to all, with descriptions of saggy drive

  • Not the go-to drive pedal for standard playing needs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez LM7 L.A. Metal.

Mods and upgrades

  • The LA Metal shares the same PCB as the Ibanez Fat Cat, allowing for modding into a RAT clone by adjusting component values.

    Source
  • Owners have swapped the stock chip in the LA Metal for a Russian op-amp, specifically the LM308 USSR, enhancing its performance in Rat-style circuits.

    Source
  • The LA Metal can be converted to Fat Cat or Rat II specs, with some units featuring a NOS National Semiconductor LM308 chip for a more authentic Rat tone.

    Source
  • An owner added clipping diodes to the LA Metal, transforming it into a more traditional RAT clone with improved sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Unlike typical distortion pedals, the LA Metal lacks clipping diodes, resulting in a unique sound profile.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Soundtank Thrash Master and LA Metal are both based on RAT circuits, offering similar modding potential.

    Source
  • The LA Metal is noted to be hotter than the Fat Cat and could be better compared to a Turbo Rat for tonal similarities.

    Source
  • The LA Metal is described as having more of a loose grit and mid punch, likened to a RAT rather than typical metal pedals.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners have acquired mint condition LA Metals for as low as $30, making it a budget-friendly option for RAT-like tones.

    Source
  • One owner snagged their LA Metal for $20 during a sale in 1993, highlighting its history of affordability.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users have purchased up to 20 LA Metals from eBay, highlighting their affordability and potential for modding experiments.

    Source
  • A user noted the pedal's knobs can be a bit jumpy, but still found it to deliver a fully usable sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its name, the pedal is noted to excel more in rock music applications rather than metal.

    Source

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Genre Usage

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