Pedals & Effects - Gear Guides

RAT Distortion Pedal Guide: Settings & Top 2026 Picks

The Pro Co RAT forms one-third of the Holy Trinity of dirt pedals, alongside the Tube Screamer and Big Muff. But unlike its smoother, more polished siblings, the RAT offers raw, aggressive versatility that morphs from chewy overdrive to near-fuzz saturation. This comprehensive guide covers the RAT's accidental origins, the LM308 chip controversy, major eras from White Face to FAT RAT, and how to choose between modern clones, boutique evolutions, and the original Pro Co pedals. Whether you're chasing David Gilmour's sustain or Kurt Cobain's wall of sound, understanding the RAT's unique Filter knob, clipping options, and ideal settings will transform your tone.

Last updated October 2025

11 Best Overdrive Pedals You Can't Go Wrong With 2026

If you’ve always been curious as to which overdrive pedal will be the best fit for you rig you’ve come to the right place! This article will give you all the information that you need to make an informed decision.

Last updated February 2025

The 6 Best Amp & Cab Sim Pedals

Last updated July 2024

Best 7 Pedal Switchers in 2026: Expand Your Capabilities

Pedal switchers are a game-changer for guitarists. Say goodbye to tap-dancing on stage and hello to effortless sound changes. Whether you're a beginner or a touring pro, we’ve got the best options for you.

Last updated November 2024

9 Best Buffer Pedals: Preserve Your Guitar's True Tone

Think your guitar tone could be better? Buffer pedals are the unsung heroes of signal chain clarity. In this comprehensive guide, we show the leading buffer pedals, break down their real-world performance, and help you find the perfect match for your setup and budget.

Last updated December 2024

LM308 Chip: The Silicon Heart of the ProCo RAT

Inside countless pedalboards and recording studios sits a humble operational amplifier that was never meant to make music at all. The LM308 chip, originally designed for precision measurement equipment, would become one of the most revered components in guitar history, helping shape the sound of bands from Nirvana to Radiohead through its legendary implementation in the ProCo RAT distortion pedal.

Last updated December 2024

Best Dual Overdrive Pedals of 2026: Top 9 Stackable Options

In the quest for perfect guitar tone, dual overdrive pedals offer a space-saving solution that delivers multiple gain stages in a single enclosure. Whether you're chasing the legendary King of Tone sound or seeking affordable alternatives, these versatile pedals provide everything from subtle boost to saturated gain. Our comprehensive guide explores the best options of 2025 for blues, classic rock, modern applications, and versatile use across all playing styles and budgets.

Last updated April 2025

Best Bass Distortion Pedals

Distortion is ubiquitous in rock and heavier genres like metal. In fact, if you are in search of a bass tone like legendary bands Black Sabbath, Motörhead, and other hard rock and roll hall of famers, you’re pretty much guaranteed to want to invest in a the best bass distortion pedal you can. Here, we review some of the most proven bass distortion pedals.

Last updated August 2025

9 Best Guitar EQ Pedals to Transform Your Sound in 2026

An equalizer pedal gives you control over specific frequency ranges in your guitar signal, allowing you to boost or cut exactly where needed. Unlike the basic tone controls on your amplifier, which typically offer limited adjustment of bass, middle, and treble, an EQ pedal provides much more granular control. This allows you to target specific frequencies that might be causing problems or enhance ones that make your guitar shine in a mix. The difference between a good guitar tone and a great one often comes down to these subtle adjustments that an EQ pedal makes possible.

Last updated March 2025

Best Transparent Overdrives for Guitar Tone

Transparent overdrive pedals retain the tone of your guitar and amp by not drastically altering the EQ of your amp and tone. This is usually done by avoiding too much compression in order to keep all the frequencies of your guitar and amplifier. These pedals try to avoid tone coloration while pushing the amplifier.

Last updated October 2025

Best Fuzz Pedals for Guitar

So there are three main breeds of distortion: overdrive, distortion, and fuzz...

Last updated August 2025

4 Best Reverb Delay Combo Pedals: Perfect Pairings 2026

Combination pedals make a lot of sense with similar effects close to each other in the signal chain. They save space, you're guaranteed the pedals complement each other, and you need to power fewer pedals. We explore the best reverb-delay pedals on the market that are can't miss options.

Last updated May 2024

11 Best Fuzz Face Style Pedals: Complete 2026 Guide

The Fuzz Face stands apart from other fuzz circuits not for what it adds, but for what it preserves: the direct connection between your fingers and your amp. While Big Muffs compress and Tone Benders saturate, the Fuzz Face breathes with your playing, morphing from crystalline clean to singing sustain with just a twist of your guitar's volume knob. This guide explores twelve modern interpretations of the classic two-transistor circuit, from painstaking vintage recreations to bold reimaginings with MIDI control and modular architecture.

Last updated October 2025

The Best Big Muff Style Pedals: Complete 2026 Guide to Top 10 Picks

The Big Muff Pi stands alongside the RAT and Tube Screamer as one of the holy trinity of overdrive and fuzz circuits that shaped modern electric guitar. Since its 1969 debut, the Big Muff has become the foundation of countless tones across rock, grunge, shoegaze, doom metal, and experimental music. David Gilmour's "Comfortably Numb" solo and Billy Corgan's wall-of-fuzz approach on Siamese Dream defined generations of players' sonic expectations. What makes the Big Muff special isn't just its aggressive sustain or warm compression, but its adaptability. Over five decades, the circuit has been reissued, reinterpreted, and reimagined by boutique builders who understood that one pedal could sound like six different animals depending on its era and components. This guide takes you through the legacy of the Big Muff, breaks down how the circuit actually works, and walks you through some of today's best options whether you're chasing classic lead tones, building a heavy doom rig, or looking for a mix-friendly alternative that won't disappear into the murk.

Last updated October 2025

Best Delay Pedals | Reviews & Guide 2026

In this gear guide we recommend the best delay effect pedals for every budget and playing style. We review both analog and digital delays, and cover proven options for your pedalboard that are used by tons of artists and have great reputations.

Last updated September 2025

Best Bass Compressor Pedals: Guide to the Top 5 Bass Compressors 2026

One of the first pedals a bass player needs is a good compressor. In this guide we give an overview of the effect, explain why it should be part of a bassist’s rig, and make recommendations for [numitems] of the best bass compressor pedals out there today.

Last updated October 2024

Best Bass Preamps for Live & Studio

The foundation of great bass tone often lies in an unassuming box that many players overlook - the preamp. Beyond simply boosting your signal, modern bass preamps serve as powerful tone-shaping tools that can define your sound. Whether you're seeking pristine studio-grade DI signals or harmonically rich tube-like warmth, today's preamps offer unprecedented control over your tone. We've tested dozens to bring you the eight standouts that deliver exceptional results across different playing styles, budgets, and performance scenarios.

Last updated October 2025

7 Best Expression Pedals for Every Budget

From the space-saving Boss EV-30 to the engineering marvel of the Lehle Dual Expression, choosing the right expression pedal can dramatically expand your sonic possibilities. Our in-depth guide cuts through the marketing hype to examine what really matters - build quality, compatibility, and real-world performance - helping you find the perfect pedal for your setup and playing style.

Last updated December 2024

8 Best Boost Pedals: Top Picks and Reviews 2026

Interested in taking it to 11, but don't want to color your tone or distort your sound with an overdrive? These options will allow you to cut through the noise and be heard, while giving you a distinct effect.

Last updated June 2024

Best Reverb Pedals for Guitar | Gear Guides

Reverb is one of the most commonly used effects in the guitar world. Here we go through what makes a great reverb, the various types of reverb (spring, hall, plate… ), and finding the best reverb for your style of playing. No matter your preferences, you can’t go wrong with these on your pedalboard!

Last updated August 2025

Best Compressor Pedals for Guitar

For those of you who weren’t already aware, compression is arguably the secret weapon for gigging guitarists the world over. In this guide we review the best options for a guitar compressor pedal which will take your tone and dynamics from good to great.

Last updated August 2025

10 Best Impulse Responses: Studio-Grade Guitar Tone 2026

Exploring the world of impulse responses can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the best IR options, from premium collections like OwnHammer and York Audio to impressive affordable alternatives. Whether you're a bedroom producer or touring professional, we'll help you find the perfect IR solution for your setup.

Last updated December 2024

6 Best Flanger Pedals: Top Signal Shifters 2026

Beloved by everyone from shoe-gazers to professional Van Halen impersonators, flange pedals have been a feature in popular music for decades. If you’ve been looking to add this classic effect to your sonic palette you’ve come to the right place! This article will explain how a flanger functions, give you some valuable information that will help you find your perfect pedal, as well as give you [numitems] great recommendations that won’t break the bank.

Last updated July 2024

Overdrive Pedal Stacking: Tips, Tricks & Combinations

Stacking overdrive pedals is more art than science, opening up a world of tonal possibilities that a single pedal just can't match. Whether you're after subtle warmth or face-melting saturation, understanding how to combine different overdrives will give you the tools to craft your perfect sound. From classic blues stacks to modern high-gain combinations, we'll show you exactly how to build your dream tone.

Last updated February 2025

Best Distortion Pedals for Guitar

This guide will help you choose the right guitar distortion pedal, whether you are looking for just a little past overdrive or hard chugging attacks. We highlight some great pedals from quality manufacturers that are can't miss options for your pedalboard.

Last updated August 2025

Best Looper Pedals for Guitar: Gear Guide

Finding the best looper for your needs requires you to know how a looper works, what is critical to know when selecting one, and how you’re going to us it. Lucky for you, we've put together the ultimate list of the best looper pedals no matter your playing style or budget.

Last updated August 2025

Top 7 Guitar Multi-Effects Pedals | Gear Guides

From bedroom practice to professional studios, multi-effects pedals have revolutionized how guitarists craft their sound. Gone are the days of lugging around a NASA-worthy pedalboard – today's digital units pack incredible power into compact formats. Whether you're chasing classic tones or crafting your unique sonic signature, our comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect multi-effects pedal.

Last updated September 2025

The Unruly Majesty of Fuzz: A Complete Guide to the Tone Bender and Its Modern Legacy

The Tone Bender stands as Britain's answer to the fuzz revolution, a pedal born from necessity in 1960s London that would go on to define the aggressive edge of British rock. While American fuzzes dominated the early market, the Tone Bender carved its own path through relentless experimentation and circuit evolution. From the raw, gated sputter of the MKI to the refined versatility of later models, each version tells a story of sonic innovation. This comprehensive guide explores every major Tone Bender variant, demystifies the differences between circuits, and reviews the best modern recreations available today. Whether you're chasing Jimmy Page's sustaining leads or seeking that perfect splattered garage fuzz, understanding the Tone Bender family opens doors to some of the most expressive and characterful tones in electric guitar history.

Last updated November 2025

How Musicians Use Loopers In 2026

Looping is no longer about novelty or showing off. In 2026, it's about writing faster, practicing smarter, and performing with more control. Modern guitarists use loopers as workflow infrastructure, not performance tricks, transforming how they write songs, structure practice sessions, and build live arrangements.

Last updated February 2026

Best Tube Screamer Pedals of 2026 – Top Picks for Every Player

If there’s one pedal that has shaped the sound of countless guitar legends, it’s the Tube Screamer. This 2024 guide dives deep into the best Tube Screamer pedals on the market—whether you’re chasing warm blues tones, tight metal riffs, or a versatile lead boost. Get ready to find the pedal that’ll make your guitar sing!

Last updated January 2025

13 Best Klon Clones: Alternatives to the Klon Centaur

The best Klon Centaur clones available today. From accessible ways to access the legendary Klon tone to faithful boutique reproductions, these are the pedals to consider when searching for Klon alternatives.

Last updated August 2024

6 Best Vibrato Pedals for Guitar: Shimmers and Swells 2026

Vibrato pedals are very fun, useful pedals to own and can be a secret weapon in your arsenal. Gibson originally started using vibrato effects on some of their old amplifiers in the 40s, which created a demand for the effect that still exists today. However, with the uprise of digital pedals, and analog pedals that are controlled with digital switching systems, the Vibrato pedals of today are much more versatile then some in the past, which we will see reading about the pedals listed in this article.

Last updated June 2024

The Analogman King of Tone: Reigning Supreme, But At What Cost (and Wait)?

Is the Analogman King of Tone worth the hype? This article explores the legendary overdrive pedal's coveted tone, the infamous multi-year waitlist, and whether its high cost is justified against readily available alternatives like the Prince of Tone, Duke of Tone, and JHS Morning Glory.

Last updated July 2025

9 Best Guitar Tuners: Top Tuners and Reviews 2026

It doesn’t matter how great your instrument sounds if you can’t manage to tune it.

Last updated September 2024

7 Best Chorus Pedals: Top Picks and Reviews 2026

As an effect, chorus can cover everything from beefing up your guitar’s tone to drastically changing the voice of your guitar.

Last updated May 2024

10 Best Wah Pedals: Gear Review Guide 2026

The best wah pedals, period. In the this guide, we discuss how to choose the right wah pedal for you. We go through several types of wah pedals to talk about optical wahs and mechanical wahs and the pros and cons of each and recommend several proven wah pedals.

Last updated June 2024

The Best Boss Pedals: 50+ Years of Shaping Guitar Tone

In a dimly lit garage in Osaka, Japan, 1977, a small team of engineers huddled around a workbench, tweaking circuits that would revolutionize music forever. Their creation? The legendary BOSS compact pedal series - humble metal boxes that would go on to shape the sonic landscapes of countless hit songs, from Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' to Radiohead's 'Paranoid Android'.

Last updated November 2024

Oil Can Delay Explained: Ultimate Guide

Today a growing number of players are discovering the magic of Oil Can Delay, a long forgotten technology, that uses a spinning drum and a conductive liquid to record and create repeats, in a similar fashion to tape units.

Last updated August 2025

Best Volume Pedals: Turn It Up

Looking to add a volume pedal to your board? It can really open up more capabilities, especially when paired with different combinations of effect pedals. Check out this guide and expand your possibilities.

Last updated August 2025

Noise Gates: The Best Effect You’ve Never Heard

A noise gate’s purpose is simple (but important); to eliminate unwanted noise. Noise gates work by silencing or reducing the levels of an audio signal once the signal drops below a certain amplitude. These proven options are the best noise gates on the market and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Last updated September 2025

5 Best Phaser Pedals: Top Picks and Reviews 2026

Phasers have consistently creeped in and out of popularity throughout its existence in musical history. From subtle parts in Luke Bryan’s 2015 song “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day”, to the iconic phase sound on the intro of “Ain’t Talkin Bout Love” by Van Halen, a Phaser is a surprisingly versatile effect that is a great addition to any pedal board.

Last updated June 2024

Best Guitar Synth Pedals for Wild Creative Sounds

We review the absolute best guitar synth pedals on the market today. Making your guitar sound like a synth isn't always easy and comes with unique challenges. However, the [numitems] synth pedals on this list offer great features and are a pleasure to play with.

Last updated October 2025

Guitar Pedal Modification Guide: Classic Mods Explained

Guitar pedals are like recipes: some taste perfect straight from the cookbook, while others need tweaking to match your palate. For decades, players have been cracking open stompboxes with soldering irons in hand, chasing their perfect tone. From Robert Keeley's garage beginnings to Analog Man's obsessive component matching, pedal modification has evolved from basement hobby to professional craft. Whether it's taming the fizz in a Boss DS-1 or adding bottom end to a Tube Screamer, these modifications have shaped the sound of modern music and launched some of today's most respected pedal companies.Retry

Last updated October 2025

Top Octave Pedas | Gear Guides

Octave pedals have been around for many years. However, since our abilities to create complex digital designs for pedals have grown, we have seen a huge advancement in the usability of Octave pedals.

Last updated September 2025

6 Best Pedal Power Supplies in 2026

Volts, milliamps, AC/DC (no, not the band)... Equipboard teaches you how to properly power your pedals & make your rig sound better than you ever thought possible. No PhD in electrical engineering needed.

Last updated September 2024

Marshall BluesBreaker: The Transparent Overdrive Legend

In the world of guitar pedals, some legends are born from explosive debuts and instant acclaim. Others simmer quietly in the background, only to emerge decades later as the unsung heroes of tone. The Marshall BluesBreaker belongs firmly in the second category. This unassuming gray box spent years collecting dust on music store shelves, only to become one of the most sought-after and influential overdrive circuits in guitar history. From John Mayer's silky blues tones to countless boutique pedal builders who've made careers cloning its circuit, the BluesBreaker's journey from forgotten footnote to holy grail represents one of the most remarkable comebacks in gear history.

Last updated October 2025

Best Uni Vibe Pedals | Pedals & Effects

The best Uni-Vibe pedals of all time. Uni-Vibe is a little-known effect to many guitarists and bassists. In this guide we shed light on this fantastic effect, and recommend [numitems] of the best vibe type pedals around.

Last updated August 2025

Best Acoustic Guitar Preamps

One of the most important pieces of gear you can own as an acoustic musician is an acoustic guitar preamp, a device which can dramatically change your tone for the better. We go through the considerations you should evaluate when choosing an acoustic guitar preamp and review some of the best acoustic guitar preamps.

Last updated August 2025

Best Lovetone Big Cheese Clones: Delicious Cheesey Guitar Fuzz Pedals

The best Lovetone Big Cheese clones available today. From accessible ways to achieve the 1990's distortion and fuzz tones to faithful boutique reproductions, these are the pedals to consider when searching for Big Cheese alternatives.

Last updated August 2024

The Boss PX-1: A Deep Dive into the Plugout FX

The BOSS PX-1 Plugout FX looks like a classic Boss stompbox but operates like a digital ecosystem. This innovative pedal houses 16 authentic recreations of legendary Boss effects, including rare gems like the SG-1 Slow Gear and SP-1 Spectrum that command vintage prices. However, its controversial licensing model treats effects like downloadable content rather than owned gear, creating long-term uncertainties that don't exist with traditional pedals. Our comprehensive review examines whether the convenience and access to rare effects justify the trade-offs in ownership rights.

Last updated October 2025

Eventide H9 Max Review

The Eventide H9 Max comes with 51 algorithms from the premium effect creator. It can fill almost any void in your pedalboard, and with its thoughtful design, the 99 onboard presets are easy to manipulate. This really is an amazing pedal that contains Eventide's best sounds and is future proof since the company keeps releasing new algorithms that can be downloaded.

Last updated September 2024

Best Tremolo Pedals: Awesome Amplitude Adjustments

Tremolo adjusts the variation in your signals amplitude and has a really cool modulation effect on your signal that gives you a unique “underwater” sound. We’ll discuss what to consider and show you the top tremolo pedals available today. Don't buy a tremolo pedal before reading these reviews!

Last updated September 2025

Best Pedalboards: Pedal Platforms for Guitarists

You've got some pedals - now you need a pedalboard! Equipboard shows you our top choices as well as discussing the factors you should consider when shopping for a pedalboard.

Last updated September 2025

TC Electronic Viscous Vibe Review | Gear Guides

Describing the tone of the Viscous Vibe is a bit tricky considering how flexible it is, as well as the fact the voicing of the pedal itself can be changed through the tone print technology.

Last updated September 2025

Analog vs Digital Delay | Oscillation & Hold Explained

There are A LOT of delay pedals out there, from simple three knob analog delays up to an 8 knob, 12 mode, 3 footswitch digital foot-computers. I am going to experiment...

Last updated October 2025

EarthQuaker Devices Transmisser | Gear Guides

When I saw that the mad scientists at EarthQuaker Devices had released a new reverb with a synthesizer-style resonant low-pass filter built in I was feeling excited and asked for a demo unit thinking I was the perfect guy to review this thing being a real guitar purist live but a synth and processor tinkerer in the studio. Little did I suspect that this review would turn into a fun and frustrating trip down the cavernous rabbit hole that is the Transmisser.

Last updated September 2025