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Average Price: $126
Standard/Professional
$80
$181+
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Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Wampler Ratsbane". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Wampler Ratsbane, a potent distortion effects pedal that can transform your sound from a clean overdrive to a volatile fuzz, encapsulating the essence of rock music. Based on a classic high-gain distortion circuit popularized in the 80s, this pedal is an embodiment of Wampler Pedals' commitment to improving classic circuits while adding their unique twist.
The Ratsbane's versatility lies in its responsive controls. The distortion control allows for a wide spectrum of grit, from a subtle boost to a harmonically rich fuzz. The volume control caters to the needs of any rig, while the filter control is the pedal's secret weapon, shaping your tone to fit your style perfectly.
Notably, the Ratsbane features a 3-position gain switch that provides varying levels of distortion. The middle position offers the pedal's classic gain, the left position boosts the gain for a smoother tone, and the right position delivers an outrageous amount of distortion tailored for modern metal styles.
The Ratsbane's voice switch alters the pedal's compression and clipping to produce a tighter and more focused distortion. This feature rolls back some of the fuzz-like qualities of the circuit, delivering an aggressive tone perfect for contemporary metal genres. The Ratsbane is more than a distortion effects pedal, it's a legacy of tone that has transcended time.
Key Features:
- Overdrive / Distortion
- Based on the famous circuit of a classic "Nager" high-gain distortion pedal from the 1980s
- Three-stage gain control & two voicing options that completely change the compression and clipping of the signal
- Controls: Distortion, Volume, Filter
- Switch: Gain, Voice
- LED: Effect On
- Footswitch: Effect Bypass
- Input: 6.3 mm jack
- Output: 6.3 mm jack
- Power supply connection: Barrel connector 5.5 x 2.1 mm, negative polarity inside
- Power supply via 9-18 V DC mains adapter (not included)
- Note: Battery operation is not supported
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Distortion |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| True Bypass | Yes |
| EQ | Filter Control |
| Controls | Gain Switch, Voice Switch |
| Power Source | 9V-18V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Height | 1.5" |
| Width | 1.5" |
| Depth | 3.5" |
FAQs
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What type of power supply does the Wampler Ratsbane require?
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The Wampler Ratsbane requires a 9V-18V DC power supply, which is sold separately.
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Does the Wampler Ratsbane have true bypass switching?
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Yes, the Wampler Ratsbane features true bypass switching to ensure your guitar's signal remains unaltered when the pedal is not in use.
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Can the Wampler Ratsbane be used for both overdrive and distortion effects?
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Yes, the Wampler Ratsbane is designed to provide both overdrive and distortion effects, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities.
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What kind of control options are available on the Wampler Ratsbane?
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The Wampler Ratsbane includes a Gain Switch, a Voice Switch, and a Filter Control to shape your sound precisely.
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Is the Wampler Ratsbane suitable for use with bass guitars?
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While primarily designed for electric guitars, the Wampler Ratsbane can be used with bass guitars, though tonal results may vary depending on individual preferences.
Videos
Wampler Pedals
My take on the Rat Circuit - Wampler Ratsbane
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile distortion range, from overdrive to fuzz
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Compact size fits any pedal board
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Maintains classic Rat sound with additional modern mode
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High-quality build and durable knobs
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Provides both original and turbo Rat modes
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Sustain for days with high gain setting
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Tighter sound option for more precision
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Less noise than the original Rat pedal
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Easy integration into an analog setup
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Suitable for various music styles, especially older genres
CONS
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Not suitable for players seeking exclusively modern sounds
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Small knobs and switches can be tricky to adjust
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Labeling is difficult to read
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Clipping character not fitting all styles, described as one-dimensional
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Noticeable OFF/ON gain jump, potentially unwanted
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Does not pair well with modern digital or hybrid setups
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Some modes produce undesirable hum/buzz with modelers
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Lack of switching between gain types compared to other pedals
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Wampler Ratsbane.
Features and functionality
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The Ratsbane fits a mini enclosure, providing a space-saving solution while maintaining versatility with extra switches for different tones.
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The pedal can introduce noise into the signal, particularly when using the mid-pushed voice setting, but creates an impressive mid-boosted distortion sound.
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Mods and upgrades
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The pedal's chip is socketed, allowing for easy swapping with chips like the LM308 to experiment with different tonal qualities.
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Comparisons
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Users compare the Ratsbane with the Black Mass 1312 for versatility, noting the Ratsbane's smaller footprint as a key advantage for those with limited pedalboard space.
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Compared to the Mooer Black Secret, the Ratsbane is preferred for its dynamic range and reactivity, especially noted by bassists for better bass response.
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Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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Some users suggest the price is high compared to alternatives like the Black Mass 1312, which offers more options at a similar cost.
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User experience
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Appreciated by users who prioritize design aesthetics, with the pedal's artwork being a standout feature that enhances its appeal.
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Owners highlight the graphic design, particularly the plague doctor image, as a standout feature, adding visual appeal linked to the RAT heritage.
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The pedal is particularly enjoyed when paired with an Orange Rocker 32 on the clean channel, delivering an appealing distortion sound.
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Build quality
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Owners appreciate the "premium" feel, highlighting the knurled knobs as a distinct feature enhancing tactile interaction.
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Setup and maintenance
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Users note a high noise floor, recommending integrating a noise gate like the ISP Decimate to effectively manage excess noise.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
1184
A very temperamental rat
Despite some real nagging issues this would be a 4 star review if Brian Wampler would name this pedal the "Wamp Rat"... For all you Star Wars fans out there, you know this is a superior name for the pedal.
What are the good? Well for starters it's a rat with a lot of versatility, quality build and can fit on almost any board. Has the classic rat mode, turbo rat mode and a modern clipping mode too. Whatever the application is, whether that be a little dirt, Modern High Gain Rhythm or all out Fuzz this pedal has you covered. Super big HOWEVER though...
This pedal does not work or play well at all with any modern modeler I've tried. I ran it through my HX Stomp and it sounded bad, clipped too quickly and had a nasty hum/buzz on two of the three modes. Had almost an identical issue with a friends Axe Effects and my buddies Kemper didn't play well with it either. I actually thought there was something wrong with my unit and the folks at Wampler sent me a new pedal (Awesome customer service BTW) but it ended up having the exact same problems as the old unit. That said, It did sound absolutely killer with a Tube amp setup (at first with my Randall Diavlo and cab through my backup board, all analogy pedals on a Pedal Train Nano). I feel that this pedal is meant/made for an all analog setup and that's cool, but I didn't want that personally. Also kind of wish it had switching applications between the gain types similar to some of the NuX pedals, but that's honestly a personal preference.
I did recently use this pedal for a worship electric guitar gig and it held up and sounded fantastic in the mix. I used it all analog through a tube amp (Dr. Z), which I think is where this pedal truly shines. It's totally not meant for the modern player through. Doesn't sound or work well with modelers which is super disappointing since I have several other cheaper pedals that work great with my HX Stomp and through other modelers I've tried. This probably just has to do with the Rat circuit in general. It is a good pedal with a good construction but you gotta keep in mind that this pedal isn't going to work well with modern Digital or hybrid setups. It's an analog boy... In a burgeoning digital world, hence the three stars.
Take all this with a grain of salt, I love the Rat but I know it's a sound that not everyone can get into. If you are a fan of the Rat, whatever the type (Old school OpAmp or Rat II type) this pedal has all those sounds plus more ready for your analog rig. Despite the three stars, if you are that old school guitar into pedals into amp type of player, it gets a Recommend from me!
Genre Usage
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