Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $270

High-end/Boutique

$80

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Wampler Pinnacle". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the power of your guitar tone with the Wampler Pinnacle, a distortion effects pedal meticulously designed to replicate the coveted "brown sound" that defined the early '80s rock scene. Known for its versatility and dynamic response, this pedal is a must-have for any guitarist looking to inject their sound with vintage warmth and modern precision. Whether you're dialing up crunchy rhythms or soaring solos, the Pinnacle provides a rich palette of tones to explore.

Engineered with a dual gain stage, the Wampler Pinnacle delivers everything from subtle overdrive to a full-on sonic assault. The pedal's intuitive interface includes controls for volume, tone, contour, gain, and a boost switch, allowing you to craft a sound that's uniquely yours. With its carefully tuned EQ section, it offers exceptional clarity and definition, ensuring every note cuts through the mix with precision.

Perfect for both stage and studio, the Pinnacle offers the reliability and durability Wampler is renowned for. Its compact design means it fits seamlessly into any pedalboard setup without compromising on performance. Elevate your playing and join the ranks of guitarists who trust the Pinnacle to deliver that iconic, unmistakable tone.

Key Features:

  • Dual gain stage for versatile distortion options
  • Volume, tone, contour, and gain controls for precise sound shaping
  • Boost switch for added power and impact
  • Carefully tuned EQ section for clarity and definition
  • Compact, pedalboard-friendly design

Product specs

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

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Wampler Pinnacle Distortion Pedal?

The Wampler Pinnacle is designed to emulate the iconic EVH "brown sound," offering rich, harmonically complex distortion tones that are ideal for rock and hard rock genres.

Does the Wampler Pinnacle have a boost function?

Yes, the Wampler Pinnacle includes a boost switch that alters the gain structure, allowing you to switch between overdrive and distortion settings for added versatility.

Is the Wampler Pinnacle suitable for live performances?

With its robust construction and dynamic sound range, the Wampler Pinnacle is well-suited for live performances, providing the tonal flexibility needed for various rock styles.

What kind of power supply does the Wampler Pinnacle require?

The Wampler Pinnacle requires a 9V DC power supply and does not support battery operation, ensuring consistent performance during use.

Can the Wampler Pinnacle Distortion Pedal be used with a clean amp?

Yes, the Wampler Pinnacle is designed to work effectively with clean amps, delivering a powerful distortion that enhances your guitar's natural tone without needing an already overdriven amp.

Wampler Pedals

Wampler Pedals

Wampler Pedals - Pinnacle (Steve Townsend)

Video thumbnail for Wampler Pedals - Pinnacle (Steve Townsend) by Wampler Pedals

Wampler Pedals - Pinnacle (Steve Townsend)

Wampler Pedals

Wampler Pedals

Video thumbnail for Wampler Pinnacle distortion - demo by Nikolay Karageorgiev

Wampler Pinnacle distortion - demo

Nikolay Karageorgiev

Nikolay Karageorgiev

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 Standard Overdrive Pedal Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Wampler Pinnacle Standard Overdrive Pedal Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Wampler Pinnacle Overdrive/Distortion | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Wampler Pinnacle Overdrive/Distortion | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for REVIEW WAMPLER PINNACLE OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION PEDAL - MUSIX BOX DEMO by Musix Box

REVIEW WAMPLER PINNACLE OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION PEDAL - MUSIX BOX DEMO

Musix Box

Musix Box

Video thumbnail for The ONLY distortion PEDAL you NEED. Wampler Pinnacle. by Fer Aguirre

The ONLY distortion PEDAL you NEED. Wampler Pinnacle.

Fer Aguirre

Fer Aguirre

Reviews

PROS

  • Captures classic Van Halen sounds effectively

  • Authentic sound, more so than MXR 5150 OD pedal

  • Great harmonics, makes strings feel "lit"

  • Dial-friendly, with tone and db toggle switches

  • Versatile for various tones, especially for leads

  • Clear tone when rolling off guitar volume

  • Absolutely silent even at high gain settings

  • Works exceptionally well with Fender type amps

CONS

  • Does not pair well with non-Fender type amps

  • Limited versatility beyond core EVH sound

  • Too high gain for those seeking lower/mid gain settings

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The built-in tubescreamer is not identical to a TS9 but integrates well with other pedals like the King of Tone and Timmy.

    Source
  • The sag switch enhances articulation for low pitch riffs, making it a favored feature that owners often keep engaged.

    Source

Comparisons

  • In Modern mode, the sound can be too buzzy and shrill, especially with American Pro Strat and PRS McCarty guitars.

    Source
  • The Suhr Riot was tested as an alternative but was not well-received compared to the Pinnacle.

    Source
  • The Wampler Gearbox, which includes a Pinnacle side, is preferred over the Pinnacle Deluxe due to its built-in noise gate, reducing noise floor issues.

    Source
  • The Pinnacle Deluxe was noted as having a higher noise floor compared to other pedals like the Wampler Gearbox, affecting user preference.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Running the pedal at 18v can help reduce fizz, offering a smoother tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Works effectively in a "many shades of drive" setup, complementing clean amp channels like Deluxe Reverb with Cannabis Rex speaker for high headroom.

    Source
  • The Pinnacle Deluxe is used in a DadRock/BloozDad band context, interfacing well with an HSS Strat or Les Paul into a clean Fender amp.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The large footprint of the pedal might be a drawback for those with limited pedalboard space.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report switching from the Pinnacle Deluxe to the Wampler Gearbox due to noise concerns, indicating the Gearbox as an upgrade.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
paulo_henrique_bergamini

Top Van Halen Brown Sound

Zeke Clark, Edward Van Halen's longtime renowned guitar tech played through a pinnacle and this is what he had to say:

"I've played tons of pedals that promised that "Brown Sound"... this pedal NAILS it better than anything I've ever heard or played." - Zeke Clark, former tech for Eddie Van Halen

b_wolfen

Brown sound deluxe

It is indeed right: The pedal is - especially in front of Fenderish Tube Amps - giving you the cracking voice of a hot rodded amp, as made famous by Eddie van Halen. Two things are really impressive: The tone is clearing up nicely when rolling off the volume of the guitar, and the pedal is absolutely silent, even if higher gain settings are dialed in. If you find a store having them, give it a try and test them!

jimmarchi1

great review

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tosin Abasi uses Wampler Pinnacle

Tosin Abasi

Guitarist

Animals as Leaders

...
Verified via Photo

Shout out to @wamplerpedals. Can't wait to plug these in!

See how Rob Chapman uses Wampler Pinnacle

Rob Chapman

Composer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

Straight forward: Rob tested Wampler pedals and you will find him stating in later videos that he (as guitarist of Dorje) is now a proud endorser of Wampler pedals. The Pinnacle is one of the std pedals on his pedal board.

See how Jeff Rosenstock uses Wampler Pinnacle

Jeff Rosenstock

Singer, Guitarist

Bomb the Music Industry!

...
Verified via YouTube

Used this distortion pedal around the time post- came out. Volume and gain are cranked all the way. Tone is set to about 1 or 2 o'clock. Contour set to around 11 o'clock.

See how Wayne Krantz uses Wampler Pinnacle

Wayne Krantz

Guitarist

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to the gear list found along with Premier Guitar's interview with Wayne Krantz, he uses the Wampler Pinnacle.

See how Hershel Yatovitz uses Wampler Pinnacle

Hershel Yatovitz

Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitar

According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Yatovitz uses the Wampler Pinnacle pedal.

See how Hannah Findlay uses Wampler Pinnacle

Hannah Findlay

Guitarist

Stonefield

...
Verified via Imgur

In a picture of her pedalboard available on Imgur, we can see that Hannah Findlay uses a Wampler Pinnacle distortion pedal.

See how Niko Tsonev uses Wampler Pinnacle

Niko Tsonev

...
Verified via Wamplerpedals

The product website insists that Niko Tsonev uses the Pinnacle distortion pedal.

See how Nick Ayre uses Wampler Pinnacle

Nick Ayre

Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

"Used this as a solo tone from 2015-2016"

Album Usage

The Wampler Pinnacle has been featured on the following albums:

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, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    Gear IQ 207