Pete Townshend

On this page of TheWho.net Pete's use of the Univox Superfuzz is dated from 1968 to 1979 using extensive photographic evidence from live Who shows of that era.

Beginning in 1999, Pete began using a Boss OD-1 overdrive pedal to drive the Fender Vibro-King amps at moderate stage volumes. The pedal was paired with an MXR Dyna Comp compression pedal (until 2004, when he began using an MXR Super Comp).

Pete Townshend used a Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face fuzz pedal on stage for a brief period in 1968. The only photos showing its use are from August 1968.

Pete briefly used a mkIII USA-made Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal in his rig occasionally in 1976, in the studio in 1977, and in the Gaumont/Shepperton gigs for The Kids Are Alright film. Rather than using this as a traditional floor pedal, the pedal was taped down on top of the Hiwatt amp rack, and was engaged by hand, as can be seen during Pete’s solo in Won’t Get Fooled Again in the The Kids Are Alright film.

Used on stage 1979–1985 (and again 1999–2006). This effect replaced Pete’s use of the Univox Super-Fuzz, which he had used consistently on stage since 1968. The effect is employed as a boost for leads and outro rave-ups.

Iconic guitarist with The Who, Pete Townshend, was after a compression pedal for his rig so his guitar tech, Simon Law, dropped us a line to see what we would suggest. Pete likes to keep things simple where effects are concerned so opted for the Cali76 Compact, our user-friendly 1176-style compressor.

We received a message back from Simon a few weeks after Pete received his new pedal saying that “Pete absolutely loves his Cali76”. Rock and roll!!

Used from 1967-1968 on stage. Before he changed to the Uni Vox

Pete Townshend's use of the Arbiter Soundimension delay pedal is evident in a photo shared by yaggerdang on Instagram, showcasing his home studio on Wardour Street from 1966 to 1969.

Pete Townshend's delay pedal is a T-Rex Engineering Replica, which is placed in a custom effects board built by Pete Cornish. It can be seen briefly in Pete Townshend's studio vlog at 1:28-1:30.

In an Instagram video uploaded by his wife, Rachel Fuller Townshend, Pete Townshend is shown using a Vemuram Shanks ODS-1 on his pedalboard during a recording session for "Pete Townshend's Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet."

Pete Townshend is confirmed to use the Way Huge Smalls Conspiracy Theory Professional Overdrive, as evidenced by a photograph shared by Instagram user daiya5150, which shows Townshend's pedalboard including this specific gear.

Pete Townshend is confirmed to use the Mr. Black Tapex 2 Stereophonic Tape Echo, as shown in a photograph shared by Instagram user daiya5150. The image, which features Townshend's pedalboard, was accompanied by a caption detailing that the photo was sent by one of his techs, Simon.

Pete Townshend uses the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS, as evidenced by a photograph shared by Instagram user daiya5150, which features Townshend's pedalboard.

In the video titled "The Who Rig Rundown with Pete Townshend & Jon Button" by Premier Guitar, at 8:26, Pete Townshend's guitar technician, Simon Law, is visibly demonstrating the Boss OD-1X Overdrive pedal as part of Townshend's pedalboard setup.

In this Rig Rundown from Premier Guitar, Pete Townshend's pedalboard is seen to include a Demeter COMP-1 Compulator. Pete Townshend's guitar tech mentions it at 8:33 into the video.