Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $319

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the sonic versatility of the Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe, a powerhouse overdrive pedal that packs a punch with its dynamic range and tonal flexibility. This pedal is the ultimate tool for guitarists seeking to explore new dimensions of their sound, from subtle overdrive tones to aggressive, high-gain leads. With its highly sensitive two-band EQ and the innovative "Brown Sound" switch, the Pinnacle Deluxe empowers you to shape your sound with precision and creativity.

Whether you're chasing the iconic tones of rock legends or crafting your own unique voice, the Pinnacle Deluxe is designed to be your perfect companion. The bright tone toggle enhances your sound with clarity and definition, while the high-gain switch unleashes the raw power when you need it most. This pedal is a testament to Wampler's commitment to quality and innovation, offering a level of control and expression that's rare in compact pedals.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Pinnacle Deluxe isn’t just a pedal, it’s a gateway to a world of sonic possibilities. Whether you’re playing in your bedroom or on stage, this pedal ensures your tone remains rich and articulate. Join the community of musicians who trust Wampler for their sound-shaping needs and take your music to the next level.

Key Features:

  • Highly sensitive two-band EQ for precise tone shaping
  • "Brown Sound" high-gain switch for iconic tones
  • Bright tone toggle for enhanced clarity
  • Versatile range from subtle overdrive to searing leads
  • Compact design with robust build quality

Product specs

Brand Wampler
Model Pinnacle Deluxe
Finish Red
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe for rock music?

The Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe is renowned for its ability to produce classic British 'brown sound' tones, making it ideal for rock music. It offers a versatile range from smooth overdrive to aggressive distortion, emulating the iconic sound of late '70s and '80s rock guitarists.

Does the Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe work well with both humbuckers and single-coil pickups?

Yes, the Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe is designed to perform well with both humbuckers and single-coil pickups, providing a rich, dynamic response that complements various guitar types and pickup configurations.

What power supply does the Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe require?

The Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe requires a standard 9V DC power supply. It is recommended to use a high-quality, isolated power supply to avoid noise and ensure optimal performance.

How does the Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe differ from other overdrive pedals?

The Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe stands out due to its unique 'brown sound' emulation, offering a distinct high-gain distortion reminiscent of classic British amplifiers. Its versatile controls allow for fine-tuning of tone, making it more adaptable compared to many standard overdrive pedals.

Is the Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe is well-suited for live performances, providing reliable and consistent high-gain tones. Its robust build and dynamic tonal capabilities make it a favorite among gigging musicians looking to capture a classic rock sound.

Wampler Pedals

Wampler Pedals

New Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe v2 - Breaking outside of the Brown Sound...

Video thumbnail for New Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe v2 - Breaking outside of the Brown Sound... by Wampler Pedals

New Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe v2 - Breaking outside of the Brown Sound...

Wampler Pedals

Wampler Pedals

Video thumbnail for Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe v2 by ProGuitarShopDemos

Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe v2

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe V2 demo by Pete Thorn by Pete Thorn

Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe V2 demo by Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe Overdrive Pedal Demo at GearFest '13 - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe Overdrive Pedal Demo at GearFest '13 - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe v2 Drive Pedal with a bit of Tumnus love!! by Rob Chapman

Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe v2 Drive Pedal with a bit of Tumnus love!!

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe Demo- ft Brian Wampler by Robert Baker

Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe Demo- ft Brian Wampler

Robert Baker

Robert Baker

Video thumbnail for Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe Demo by H. Read Davis

Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe Demo

H. Read Davis

H. Read Davis

Video thumbnail for Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe Demo by Ben Coombs

Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe Demo

Ben Coombs

Ben Coombs

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers authentic "Brown Sound" akin to early Van Halen albums.

  • Offers excellent definition and clarity with a concert arena feel.

  • Versatile Vintage/Modern toggle switch for diverse tonal options.

  • Robust metal construction with convenient front power input.

  • Provides a significant range of distorted tones from 80s metal to modern sounds.

  • Aesthetic appeal with red sparkle finish and clear graphics.

  • Offers multiple gain and boost stages for varied soundscapes.

  • Works well with both single coils and humbuckers.

  • Includes recommended settings for Van Halen songs.

  • Can produce a huge sound at low volumes, ideal for home use.

CONS

  • Pedal may not maintain individual amp tones, leading to a loss of amp personality.

  • Some users find it introduces a small amount of noise when activated.

  • Certain amp and pedal combinations can result in a muddy sound.

  • The pedal's tonal range may be too narrow for some users' preferences.

  • Boost function is not independent, limiting flexibility.

  • Expensive compared to other mid-gain Marshall-style pedals.

  • Darker tone in Vintage mode may not suit all tastes.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe.

Features and functionality

  • The Modern toggle position is described as too buzzy and shrill, while the Vintage mode delivers a desired "brown sound" but can become fizzy past 12 o'clock gain.

    Source
  • The built-in tubescreamer variant is appreciated for its compatibility when used with the King of Tone and Timmy pedals, differing from the TS9 sound.

    Source
  • Tone controls are praised for flexibility, allowing easy adjustments across bass, mid, and treble.

    Source
  • The sag switch is highlighted for improving articulation in low pitch riffs, becoming a favorite feature for some users.

    Source
  • The Wampler Gearbox, which includes a Pinnacle circuit, is noted to have a built-in noise gate, addressing the noise issues prevalent in standalone Pinnacle Deluxe units.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest running the pedal at 18 volts as a potential solution for taming the fizzy sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for users who prefer clean amps with high headroom, like a Deluxe Reverb fitted with an Eminence Cannabis Rex speaker.

    Source
  • The Pinnacle Deluxe is favored for "dad rock" sounds from bands like Van Halen and Def Leppard, but noise issues can hinder its performance in live band settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners have issues with noise specifically from the Pinnacle Deluxe when used with clean Fender Twin Reverb amps, despite similar setups with other pedals being quieter.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MXR 5150 Overdrive is highlighted as having a similar sound to the Pinnacle Deluxe but includes a built-in adjustable noise gate, making it a potential alternative for noise reduction.

    Source
  • The Tight Metal Pro II from Amptweaker is suggested as a pricier but effective alternative with a built-in noise gate and additional effects loops for those seeking a 5150-like preamp experience.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
outlier52

Not a good expeience

This pedal really made me mad. To me, the usable tones were very limited, the pedal was noisy (especially with boost on), and the contour and tone knobs could only dial in only a narrow spectrum of useful tones. I like a dark tone, but this pedal is too dark in vintage mode and the modern mode was not the Masrhall sound I was looking for.

I was using this pedal with a Mesa Boogie with 6L6s, a Les Paul and a Strat. I tried countless permutations of amp settings, ranging from utlra clean with Twin-like headroom, to slightly broken up and moderately overdriven. It responded best with the humbuckers on the Les Paul at moderate gain levels, but there are so many other Plexi-sound pedals out there that do mid-gain Marshall tones that are for the most part less than this $230 price tag. This pedal pissed me off so much that I sold it in favor of JHS Charlie Brown for mid-gain sounds and the amazing Xotic SL Drive fo high gain Marshall Super Lead tones. A lot of people like this pedal, but for my particular setuup it served a limited purpose that did not warrant the price tag.

jimmarchi1

I didn't think this was supposed to be plexi-ish, doesn't wampler make a plexi-drive that is plexi flavored that's a similar BSIAB2 derived circuit like the Charlie brown and DLS? I was under the impression this was soldano/bogner flavored.

outlier52

My understanding is that it is an "EVH-in-a-box" type pedal. The Wampler website includes an endorsement from EVH"s former tech. His so-called "brown sound" was achieved in part with a modded Super Lead. But regardless of what the pedal was intended for, it didn't achieve a whole lot for me that was pleasing.

I'm really looking at the Charlie Brown for a less gainy JTM45 type tone. This experience kind of soured me on Wampler.

jimmarchi1

even trying to do early EVH, I gotta say the best way to do that is with a superlead on a variac and a loadbox through a big crown power amp plus effects.... its not that big a deal, I've done it sans-variac back when I played superleads all the time, definitely a cool tone

jimmarchi1

I don't know about the Charlie brown, but having owned a lot of old marshalls I really can say the catalinbread DLS in ANY version gets a fender blackface type amp pretty close to plexi turf.... the JTM45 isn't much less gainy than a 50 watt plexi, its just not voiced the same, so the 50 watter seems to break up faster on the volume knob due to the split cathodes and the larger value bright caps with no adjustment of the volume knob tapers... it actually has more headroom because of the substantially increased output power and no rectifier sag.... put a JTM45 next to a black flag 50 watter and be amazed and how much faster the 45 breaks up... the metal face amps are another story because around 70 they reduced the negative feedback... the difference you're thinking of is more of a voicing thing

onetrickpony

Not just for EVH Fans

Yes, I you want that Brown Sound this pedal delivers in spades.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Chapman uses Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe

Rob Chapman

Composer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

"The guitar goes in here and I got the Pinnacle giving me my high gain lead tones" - Rob at 1:00.

See how Tom Quayle uses Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe

Tom Quayle

Guitarist

...
Verified via Wampler Pedals

The product website states that Tom "Also currently using the Ego Compressor, Faux Tape Echo, Pinnacle Deluxe and the Decibel +."

See how Phillip McKnight uses Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe

Phillip McKnight

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

seen in the video around 1:20

See how Kane Roberts uses Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe

Kane Roberts

Singer, Guitarist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Photo

Kane Roberts mentions on his Instagram that Reb Beach recommended the Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe to him for achieving a distorted sound on his amp.

A

Afif Rahim

Guitarist

Dirgahayu

...
Verified via Photo

The pedal can be seen at the centre of the pedalboard.

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 Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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