Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $180
High-end/Boutique
$50
$176+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Keeley Filaments". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Unleash the beast with the Keeley Filaments, a high-gain distortion pedal designed to inject your tone with a level of power and finesse that's unmatched in the effects world. This pedal offers the flexibility and control you need to shape your sound to perfection, replicating the rich layers of high gain tube-amp saturation with remarkable accuracy.
The Filaments is not just about raw power, it's about control. With its highly responsive Level, Gain, Bass, Body, and Treble controls, you can dial in your sound with precision, ensuring that your tone cuts through the mix no matter what size amp you're using. The Boost, Crunch, and Bright toggle switches offer additional layers of tone-shaping, allowing you to fine-tune the pedal's response to your playing style.
This pedal is designed to cater to every shade of metal, offering a 7-layer tone-shaping system that lets you chameleon into any sub-genre, from death metal to stoner metal, and everything in between. Made in the USA and packed with ultra-high-grade components, the Keeley Filaments is a testament to Robert Keeley's commitment to quality and durability.
Key Features:
- High-gain distortion pedal for the sound of modern metal
- Wide-ranging EQ control nails any tone you're looking for
- Toggles for Boost, Sag, and Crunch fine-tune the way the pedal reacts to your playing
- High-grade components give it the feel of a high-gain tube-amp channel
- Emulates the sound of high-gain tube amplifiers
- 3 Gain levels for versatile tone shaping
- 100% Analog circuitry for a warm, organic tone
- True bypass ensures your signal remains pure when the pedal is disengaged
- Level, Presence, Gain, Bass Body and Treble controls offer precise tone shaping
- Boost toggle switch for more gain
- Bright toggle switch for more highs
- Crunch toggle switch for more compression
- Metal housing for durability
- Made in USA
Product specs
| Brand | Keeley |
| Model | Filaments High Gain Distortion |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2017 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Distortion Pedals |
FAQs
-
What kind of tones can I expect from the Keeley Filaments pedal?
-
The Keeley Filaments pedal delivers high-gain distortion tones suitable for metal and hard rock. It provides a rich, saturated sound with tight low-end and clear mids, making it ideal for achieving aggressive and powerful guitar tones.
-
Does the Keeley Filaments work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?
-
Yes, the Keeley Filaments is designed to perform well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering versatility in tone shaping. Its range of controls allows you to fine-tune the sound to suit different pickup types.
-
What power supply do I need for the Keeley Filaments pedal?
-
The Keeley Filaments requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a negative center pin. It does not include a battery compartment, so an external power source is necessary for operation.
-
How does the Keeley Filaments pedal differ from other distortion pedals?
-
The Keeley Filaments offers a unique combination of high-gain distortion with extensive tone-shaping controls, including a 3-band EQ and presence control, allowing for precise tonal customization. It is particularly noted for its ability to maintain clarity and articulation even at high gain levels.
-
Is the Keeley Filaments suitable for live performances?
-
Yes, the Keeley Filaments is well-suited for live performances, providing robust and reliable high-gain distortion with intuitive controls that are easy to adjust on stage. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of live use.
Equipboard's Expert Review
Equipboard tested this
Brutal and Versatile Distortion
The Keeley Filaments is a true powerhouse for any metal musician. From the moment we unboxed it, the pedal felt robust and well-crafted, with a weight that suggested durability. Keeley really did crush it with this one in terms of build quality.
The pedal's controls are straightforward yet extensive, offering a wide range of tonal options. You get six knobs: Gain, Level, Presence, Bass, Treble, and Boost, along with two switches for Bright and Crunch. The tone shaping on this pedal is excellent—allowing us to dial in everything from tight, chugging rhythms to searing lead tones. However, we did find ourselves wishing for a dedicated 'Mids' knob to fine-tune our sound even further.
Sound-wise, the Keeley Filaments delivers in spades. It has a very clean sound, and the distortion range is wide and versatile. Whether you're playing rhythm or leads, this pedal can adapt. It is absolutely BRUTAL when you crank it up, easily one of the best high-gain pedals we've tried. That said, some might find the tone a bit dry and barky at times, which could be a turn-off depending on your style.
One downside we noted is the lack of a 9V battery compartment. While not a dealbreaker, it does mean you'll need to rely on an external power source. Also, at around $200, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but we believe it’s worth every penny for the sound and build quality you get.
Bottom line, the Keeley Filaments is highly recommended for metal musicians looking for a versatile and powerful distortion pedal. If you play hard rock or metal, you’ll likely find it worth every cent. However, if you’re looking for more mid-range control or prefer a subtler tone, this might not be your ideal match.
Videos
Rob Chapman
Keeley Filaments Pedal - It's New & It Chuggs!!
Reviews
PROS
-
Exceptional tone shaping capabilities for versatile sound
-
Wide range of distortion, from classic rock to metal
-
Amp-like distortion sound quality, between Marshall and Orange
-
Effective mini toggle switches for gain versatility
-
Responsive to guitar volume changes for overdrive effects
-
Constructed with high-quality materials
-
Not overly buzzy, maintaining clarity across settings
-
Offers both lead and rhythm playing utilities
-
Features like Boost and Crunch add significant tonal variation
-
Compatible with various amplifier types and setups
CONS
-
Can produce too much gain for some preferences
-
May require time to find the optimal setting
-
Lacks a dedicated mids knob, though EQ adjustments compensate
-
Feedback can be an issue with high gain settings
-
Does not accommodate 9V batteries, limiting portability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Keeley Filaments.
Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
-
Owners achieved a range of tones from Iron Maiden and Zeppelin to Breaking Benjamin and 80s hair metal, demonstrating the pedal’s flexibility across rock and metal genres.
Source -
Owners report the pedal excels at high-gain metal genres but also offers punchy tones for other styles with minimal adjustment.
Source -
The Filaments can be used with a clean channel for sharp definition or in combination with other pedals like the SD1 for additional push.
Source
User experience
-
The Filaments pedal provides clean high-gain tones with minimal noise, especially effective with active pickups and in high-gain setups.
Source -
Transitioning between guitars, like from a Japanese Schecter to an Epiphone Les Paul, may require only minor adjustments, such as flipping the bright switch.
Source
Comparisons
-
Users found the Keeley Filaments preferable to the DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds and Seymour Duncan Palladium due to its compact size and comparable high-gain capabilities.
Source -
The Filaments does not stack well with the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes when used in conjunction with a Marshall DSL40CR.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre 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 Keeley Filaments, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Keeley Overdrive Effects Pedals
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Overdrive Effects Pedals
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
jsnow90Gear IQ 233
-