Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $177

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the VFE Pale Horse, a boutique overdrive pedal that redefines the legendary tones of a classic green screamer with unparalleled versatility and craftsmanship. Encased in a rugged metal chassis, this pedal is designed for musicians who demand more than just raw power from their gear. With its intuitive control layout featuring standard Tone/Drive/Level knobs complemented by hi/lo cut mini knobs, the Pale Horse invites you to sculpt your sound with precision. The addition of a three-way clipping switch, allowing transitions between MOSFET and Asymmetrical styles, offers a palette of tones suitable for any playing style. Whether you're chasing the perfect bluesy bite or a hard-rocking growl, the Pale Horse stands ready to elevate your sound beyond the ordinary.

Key Features:

  • Rugged metal chassis for durability and reliability on the road or in the studio.
  • Standard Tone/Drive/Level knobs paired with hi/lo cut mini knobs for nuanced tone shaping.
  • A versatile three-way clipping switch offering MOSFET and Asymmetrical styles.
  • Boutique build quality with a unique approach to the classic overdrive sound.

Product specs

Brand VFE
Model Pale Horse
Finish Green
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of overdrive tones can I expect from the VFE Pale Horse?

The VFE Pale Horse offers a versatile range of overdrive tones, from subtle boosts to rich, saturated distortion. It's designed to cover a wide spectrum of sounds, making it suitable for various genres, including blues, rock, and metal.

Does the VFE Pale Horse work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the VFE Pale Horse is designed to complement both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing clear and articulate overdrive tones regardless of your guitar's configuration.

Can the VFE Pale Horse be powered by a standard 9V power supply?

The VFE Pale Horse can be powered using a standard 9V DC power supply. It is also compatible with higher voltage supplies for increased headroom, offering flexibility in your pedalboard setup.

Is the VFE Pale Horse suitable for live performances?

The VFE Pale Horse is an excellent choice for live performances, thanks to its robust build and dynamic response. It maintains clarity and punch, making it reliable for gigging musicians.

How does the VFE Pale Horse differ from other overdrive pedals?

The VFE Pale Horse stands out due to its adjustable clipping options and tone-shaping capabilities, allowing for a customized overdrive experience. Its unique circuit design offers a blend of classic and modern overdrive sounds.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

VFE Pale Horse Overdrive

Video thumbnail for VFE Pale Horse Overdrive by ProGuitarShopDemos

VFE Pale Horse Overdrive

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for VFE Pedals Pale Horse by Mike Hermans

VFE Pedals Pale Horse

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

Video thumbnail for VFE Pedals Pale Horse OD by JetCityMusic

VFE Pedals Pale Horse OD

JetCityMusic

JetCityMusic

Video thumbnail for The Noiz Faktory Presents the VFE Pale Horse Featuring Carter Arrington by The Noiz Faktory Recording Studios

The Noiz Faktory Presents the VFE Pale Horse Featuring Carter Arrington

The Noiz Faktory Recording Studios

The Noiz Faktory Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for VFE Pale Horse Dynamic Overdrive Pedal by intheblues

VFE Pale Horse Dynamic Overdrive Pedal

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for VFE Pale Horse OverDrive - through gain channel by EffectsBay

VFE Pale Horse OverDrive - through gain channel

EffectsBay

EffectsBay

Video thumbnail for VFE Pale Horse in 100 Seconds by docSanchezFX

VFE Pale Horse in 100 Seconds

docSanchezFX

docSanchezFX

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique tone blending abilities, combining qualities of Klone, BB, and Timmy

  • Highly dynamic overdrive adds a signature presence to tone without over-compression

  • Retains the classic Tube Screamer dynamic while offering greater tone-shaping capacity

  • High and low cut knobs for subtle yet effective tone adjustments

  • Offers three different clipping diodes for varied sound and output levels

  • Exceptionally quiet operation, even with high gain settings

  • Encourages creative tone exploration with its versatile controls

  • Maintains amp's original tone while adding its own character

  • Superior to many boutique and classic overdrives, according to users

  • Described as a "god-tier" pedal for its exceptional overdrive quality

CONS

  • Requires patience and experimentation to dial in the desired sound

  • VFE is no longer in business, potentially limiting availability and support

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about VFE Pale Horse.

Use cases and applications

  • Works exceptionally well with Sovtek Mig 60's chimey Low Input, providing an impressive amount of low end for clean-to-driven transitions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Preferred over Dr. Scientist's The Elements due to cost considerations, while still delivering satisfactory overdrive performance.

    Source
  • Unlike typical Tube Screamers, the Pale Horse lacks the mid-hump, making it appealing even to those who generally avoid TS-style pedals.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Pale Horse offers versatile overdrive tones, ranging from transparent to dense, without losing clarity or introducing harsh treble spikes.

    Source
  • The pedal's circuit evolved from a TS base but was heavily modified to become distinctively unique, as clarified by the builder Peter.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the Pale Horse has remained a staple on their pedalboards, prompting re-recording of tracks to utilize its sound.

    Source
  • Owners express regret over VFE's cessation, indicating a high level of brand loyalty and satisfaction with the Pale Horse's performance and build.

    Source

Build quality

  • The switches on the Pale Horse are highly praised for their satisfying feel and durability, considered by some as the best they've experienced on any pedal.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Rob Layton uses VFE Pale Horse

Rob Layton

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

VFE The Force Left Side: Pale Horse

"The Force is a custom double pedal Peter at VFE made me not long after we met. The left side is the Pale Horse OD. This pedal is everything that you would want in a hotrodded TS circuit. Its great for everything from classic TS tones to extremely high gain or even chuggy, down tuned, palm muted stuff. Great one stop shop OD 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 VFE Pale Horse, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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