Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $341

High-end/Boutique

$80

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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 true spirit of rock with the Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal, a powerhouse designed to elevate your guitar's voice to legendary status. This pedal is a sonic time machine, artfully capturing the evolving sound of overdriven tube amps from the golden eras of rock 'n' roll. With its 12AX7 vacuum tube, the Tonebone Classic delivers a warm, rich distortion that can take you from gritty blues to soaring metal solos with a mere twist of a knob.

Its three-mode gain toggle and dual gain stages provide an expansive range of distortion textures, making it incredibly versatile for any style. Whether you're channeling the raw energy of '60s rock or the intricate solos of '80s metal, this pedal ensures your tone is never lost in the mix. The ergonomic layout allows for intuitive control, so you can fine-tune your sound on the fly. With its robust construction and reliable performance, the Radial Tonebone Classic is a must-have for any serious guitarist looking to add authentic tube warmth to their setup.

Key Features:

  • Three-mode gain toggle for versatile distortion options
  • Dual gain stages for expanded tonal range
  • 12AX7 vacuum tube for authentic tube warmth
  • Built to emulate overdriven tube amps from the '60s to '80s
  • Suitable for classic rock, metal, and progressive rock styles
  • Durable construction for reliable performance in any setting

Product specs

Brand Radial
Model Tonebone Classic
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In Canada
Categories EQ Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of distortion can I expect from the Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal?

The Radial Tonebone Classic delivers a warm, tube-driven distortion with a wide range of tonal possibilities, from subtle overdrive to full-on distortion, making it versatile for various music genres.

Does the Radial Tonebone Classic work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Radial Tonebone Classic is designed to complement both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing rich and dynamic distortion tones.

Can the Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal be used in a live performance setting?

Absolutely, the Radial Tonebone Classic is built for durability and performance, making it a reliable choice for live gigs with its robust construction and consistent tonal output.

What power supply does the Radial Tonebone Classic require?

The Radial Tonebone Classic requires a 15V DC power supply, which is included with the pedal, ensuring optimal performance and sound quality.

Is the Radial Tonebone Classic suitable for blues and rock music styles?

Yes, the Radial Tonebone Classic is well-suited for blues and rock, offering a dynamic range of distortion that can achieve both smooth overdrive and aggressive rock tones.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Radial Tonebone Hot British Tube Distortion Pedal

Video thumbnail for Radial Tonebone Hot British Tube Distortion Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

Radial Tonebone Hot British Tube Distortion Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Radial Tonebone Trimode Tube Distortion / Overdrive Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

Radial Tonebone Trimode Tube Distortion / Overdrive Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion / Overdrive Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion / Overdrive Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Radial Tonebone CLASSIC DISTORTION real tube drive pedal demo with Suhr Strat by gearmanndude

Radial Tonebone CLASSIC DISTORTION real tube drive pedal demo with Suhr Strat

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for Radial Tonebone Classic Distortion | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Radial Tonebone Classic Distortion | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Radial Engineering Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion by Pedal of the Day

Radial Engineering Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion

Pedal of the Day

Pedal of the Day

Reviews

PROS

  • Provides a versatile range from clean overdrive to powerful distortion.

  • Tube-powered for authentic, warm sound.

  • Simple controls for easy configuration.

  • Durable and resilient construction, even surviving adverse conditions.

  • High-quality components offer consistent performance.

  • EQ allows for precise tone shaping.

  • Offers distinct, signature sounds that stand out.

  • Perfectly complements both tube and solid-state amps.

  • Common tube type allows for sound customization.

  • Functions as a reliable standalone OD pedal with a unique character.

CONS

  • Limited versatility compared to some other overdrive pedals.

  • May require a noise gate due to potential noise issues.

  • Design aesthetics may not appeal to everyone.

  • Sound samples are very accurate; limited variation from them.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal.

Features and functionality

  • The Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion is tube-driven, providing a versatile range from clean boost to high-gain distortion, making it adaptable for various styles.

    Source
  • The pedal integrates seamlessly with a variety of amps, notably maintaining pleasing tonal qualities with a Marshall Origin5 and GK 800RB for diverse applications.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight that the pedal is extremely versatile, with the entire dial offering usable tones, minimizing the risk of dialing in a "meh" sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal excels at achieving light gain grit and crunch tones, particularly suitable for users seeking dynamic and responsive distortion.

    Source
  • The Tonebone Classic is praised for its performance with clean amps like the JC-120 and Fender Twin, retaining its distinct tonal character even with cleaner settings.

    Source
  • The Tonebone Classic remains a favorite for players using it with both guitar and bass, indicating its versatility across different instruments.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to other distortion pedals, the Tonebone is praised for its ability to integrate well with other effects, including dirt and fuzz pedals, without tonal conflicts.

    Source
  • The Tonebone Classic is frequently compared to boutique options like Kingsley Page and Harlot, noted for its superior high-gain capabilities while others excel at low-gain.

    Source
  • Other tube-driven options mentioned include the Ibanez NTS Nu Tube Screamer and Maxon TOD-9, highlighting the Tonebone's competitive position in the tube distortion market.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gary Moore uses Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Gary Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via Radialeng

I get sent all kinds of gear for free but never accept it. I prefer to buy the equipment I use. I bought my Tonebone Classic.

Gary Moore's quote about Radial Tonebone Classic.

See how Eric Johnson uses Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Eric Johnson

Singer, Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Radialeng

As soon as I plugged the Tonebone Classic in, I could not believe how quiet it was. I was very impressed. It is both responsive and musical. I can honestly say that I truly appreciate the Tonebone and feel that it is a valid addition to the very fabric of the distortion guitar sound. This is a rare find. - found on Radial's website, Johnson's quote about Radial Tonebone Classic

See how Blake Mills uses Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Blake Mills

Singer, Guitarist

Simon Dawes

...
Verified via Photo

According to this picture Blake Mills sports two Radial Tonebones on his pedalboard. Blake Mills also tweeted: "Radial tone bone great for polarity and ground flip"

See how John Rzeznik uses Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

John Rzeznik

Singer, Guitarist

Goo Goo Dolls

...
Verified via Radialeng

On Radial's website, Rzeznik was mentioned as user of Radial Tonebone Classic pedal.

See how Randy Bachman uses Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Randy Bachman

Guitarist

Bachman–Turner Overdrive

...
Verified via Radialeng

I a-a-a-absolutely love the Tonebone pedals. I have tried them out extensively and will be incorporating them into my stage setup. They are truly toneful, expressive and totally rock.

See how Juanes uses Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Juanes

Guitarist

Ekhymosis

...
Verified via Radialeng

My Tonebone Classic distortion sounds very good! It has a solid bottom end and wide range of colors.

Juanes about Radial Tonebone Classic.

See how Jake Cinninger uses Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Jake Cinninger

Guitarist

Umphrey’s McGee

...
Verified via Premierguitar

The switcher controls a Fuchs Royal Plush compressor, a Morley Steve Vai Bad Horsie Wah, a Radial Engineering Tonebone Classic, a Marion Henry Electric Fuzz Bucket, a Moogerfooger MF-104M analog delay, a BBE MB-2 Mind Bender vibrato/chorus, Boss PS-5 Super Shifter and PH-3 Phase Shifter pedals, a Source Audio Soundblox 2 Orbital Modulator, a Malekko Omicron Fuzz, a Guyatone MD2 Micro Digital Delay, and a Banzai Cold Fusion Overdrive that he compares to a Klon Centaur and says is key to his sound.

See how Amos Heller uses Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Amos Heller

Bassist

The Agency

...
Verified via Seymourduncan

Mentioned in this August 4, 2013 Seymour Duncan blog interview. It is also mentioned in this June 15, 2014 Premier Guitar interview.

Seymour Duncan

Tell me about your current tour set up?

I run three different signals, all direct. Signal #1 is a direct line off of my Shure wireless. Line #2 is the mighty Avalon U5. Line #3 runs through the pedalboard, which currently features a Radial distortion and an old purple Ibanez chorus (for the song “Holy Ground”) and into an active Radial DI. I have an Xotic Effects RC Bass Boost that stays on all night. I’m proud to be endorsed by Fender bass guitars. The current arsenal is a ’62 Reissue Precision, an American Standard Precision with the Seymour Duncan SMB-5A humbucker pickup added in the bridge position, a Gretsch Broadkaster, A Fender Cabronita (a new, precision-style single pickup bass) and a ’71 Orlando. I use Fender nickel bass strings.

Premier Guitar

Amos remains a bass gear junkie, constantly searching for new tones and sonic toys. He takes a straight-ahead approach to his tone, relying on great basses as opposed to lots of outboard gear. A proud Fender endorsee, Amos used his ’62 RI Precision (loaded with Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounders) on almost everything during the last U.S. tour, though he also carried a Cabronita P-bass and a Dimension 5 for extended range. His one “quirky” bass, a ’71 Orlando, also sees some use. His pedalboard is modest: an Xotic Bass RC Booster, a Radial Classic Tube Distortion, and an ancient Ibanez chorus, all controlled by tech Steve Uncapher. With no amps on stage, Amos runs it all through an Avalon U5 preamp.

See how Richard On uses Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Richard On

Guitarist

Of a Revolution

...
Verified via Premierguitar

As for the dirt in my signal, I’ve been using a Crowther Audio Hotcake, which I love because it’s versatile and mixes great with any amp that I put it through. Some others on my board are a Radial Tonebone Classic distortion, Electro-Harmonix Holy Grail for reverb and an ISP Decimator.

See how Roger Eaton uses Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal

Roger Eaton

Bassist

The Blues Magoos

...
Verified via Radialeng

According to Radial's website, Eaton uses the Radial Tonebone Classic pedal.

Genre 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 Radial Tonebone Classic Tube Distortion Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Radial Distortion Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120886