Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $206

High-end/Boutique

$80

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the raw, unadulterated power of distortion with the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue, a compact beast that blends analog warmth with digital precision. Crafted by the esteemed WMD, known for their high-grade, small-batch analog effects, this pedal takes the essence of its predecessor and infuses it with an onboard 8-bit computer, allowing for an expansive range of synth-like, bit-crushed textures. Whether you're sculpting your sound in the studio or unleashing chaos on stage, the Geiger Counter Civilian Issue offers a unique blend of control and unpredictability, perfect for musicians seeking to push the boundaries of their sonic landscape.

Key Features:

  • Features the original Geiger Counter's powerful circuitry
  • Onboard 8-bit computer for expansive sound-shaping possibilities
  • Designed for both studio recordings and live performances
  • Crafted using high-grade components for durability and quality sound

Product specs

Brand WMD
Model Geiger Counter Civilian Issue
Finish Yellow
Year 2015
Made In United States
Categories Noise Generator Pedals

FAQs

What type of distortion does the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue provide?

The WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue offers a unique digital distortion that is capable of producing extreme, glitchy, and bit-crushed sounds, making it ideal for experimental and noise music.

Does the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue work well with bass guitars?

Yes, the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue can be used effectively with bass guitars, offering a wide range of distortion textures that can enhance bass tones in experimental and heavy music genres.

What power supply does the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue require?

The WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most guitar pedals, ensuring compatibility with most pedalboard power setups.

How does the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue differ from other distortion pedals?

Unlike typical distortion pedals, the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue features a digital circuit that allows for extreme sound manipulation, including bit crushing and sample rate reduction, offering a unique sonic palette for adventurous musicians.

Can the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue be used for live performances?

Yes, the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue is well-suited for live performances, providing a wide range of distortion effects that can be easily adjusted on the fly, making it a versatile tool for dynamic live soundscapes.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue

Video thumbnail for WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue by ProGuitarShopDemos

WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Geiger Counter Civilian Issue - WMD by Guitar Gear

Geiger Counter Civilian Issue - WMD

Guitar Gear

Guitar Gear

Video thumbnail for WMD - Geiger Counter -Civillian Issue- by Dennis Kayzer

WMD - Geiger Counter -Civillian Issue-

Dennis Kayzer

Dennis Kayzer

Video thumbnail for WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue on the Drumbrute Drum Machine by WMDevices

WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue on the Drumbrute Drum Machine

WMDevices

WMDevices

Reviews

PROS

  • Turns guitar tone into unique "swarm of angry bees" sound

  • Offers beautiful, round, and wobbly tones at specific settings

  • Capable of producing wild, harsh, glitchy tones

  • Functions as a multi-effect fuzz pedal in a compact design

  • Easy to use with a lot of options for different fuzz sounds

  • Generates interesting feedback and 8-bit nostalgia tones

  • Integrates well with other effects like wah, phaser, and octave

  • Provides both classic fuzz and distinctive, static tones

CONS

  • Difficult to get usable sound with high gain settings

  • Not suitable as an all-purpose distortion/fuzz pedal

  • Price may be considered high by some users

  • Some sounds may be perceived as not great or overly different

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue.

Features and functionality

  • Turning off tone/distortion offers unique results across wave tables, adding to its versatility.

    Source
  • The absence of an expression pedal input in the Civilian Issue simplifies usage and offers quicker tone adjustments, despite missing features from the full version.

    Source
  • The pedal contains a microcomputer with 252 possible waveforms, offering extensive sound-shaping capabilities.

    Source
  • The tone knob, positioned before the waveform transform, can significantly alter the effect, providing unpredictable yet creative results.

    Source
  • Bank numbers on the pedal indicate the intensity of the sound, with lower numbers providing milder tones and higher numbers being progressively more radical.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Best results achieved when run in a parallel FX loop or delay loop, enhancing texture and musicality.

    Source
  • The pedal excels with lower-tuned guitars and bass, complementing its bit-crushed sounds.

    Source
  • Works well for styles ranging from Nick Cave to Nine Inch Nails, providing a versatile tonal palette suited for diverse genres.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A bass mod is available from WMD, allowing more low-end to pass through, ideal for bass guitars.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners regret not purchasing the full version initially, citing the Civilian Issue's limited control and extreme waveshaping.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the ability to quickly and painlessly find favorite settings, enhancing the overall ease of use without needing extensive adjustments.

    Source
  • Some users find the sheer number of algorithms overwhelming, making it challenging to understand the effects and usability of each setting.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Industrialectric 4640-M is compared to the WMD Geiger Counter as a more intense, "nuclear fallout" counterpart, suggesting different tonal extremes.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
peasinafookinpod420

great pedal

I use it on many songs, but most notably (combined with the Hendrix Wah, Octopus Expression Octave Fuzz, and Turbo Rat) "Open Amy" and "Opal Eye in A Minor". great pedal works great with any fuzz (especially a octave fuzz), any wah, phaser/flanger/chorus, and octave effect. the "Crunchify" switch on the Octopus Fuzz activates a circuit based off of this pedal. 100% recommend.

dorgsan

A piece of real GC

Good: it's more affordable geiger counter Bad: The sounds are not so great, different and crazy

Artist usage

Add artist
See how samuraiguitarist uses WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue

samuraiguitarist

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Appears in the linked video.

See how Christian Lembach uses WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue

Christian Lembach

Guitarist, Singer

Whores

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, on June 23 2018, Christian posted this image of various pedals in his home setup. The WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue is visible in the middle of the top row.

See how Steve Onotera uses WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue

Steve Onotera

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

The fourth weird pedal featured in this video.

See how Rainbow (The Birthday Massacre) uses WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue

Rainbow (The Birthday Massacre)

Singer, Guitarist

The Birthday Massacre

...
Verified via YouTube

This video (which has since been deleted) shows Rainbow giving a tour through his home studio. At around 2:45 he shows the Yamaha PSR-36 which has 3 effect pedals on top of it. The yellow one on the left can be identified as the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue.

See how Haizai Audio uses WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue

Haizai Audio

Music Producer

Wolf Creek

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided photo, the WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue can be clearly seen in the setup of Ryota from Haizai Audio.

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 WMD Geiger Counter Civilian Issue, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha Rm1X
Yamaha Rm1X Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
Yamaha PSR-36
Yamaha PSR-36 Portable & Arranger Keyboards
1
Krk V6 Series 2
Krk V6 Series 2 Active & Passive Monitors
1
DigiTech X-Series Synth Wah
DigiTech X-Series Synth Wah Guitar Synth Pedals
1
Devi Ever US Fuzz
Devi Ever US Fuzz Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
Robo Pedals FuzzChrist
Robo Pedals FuzzChrist Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
Soundslice FX Arcadiator
Soundslice FX Arcadiator Fuzz Effects Pedals
1

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