6 Tips for Getting the Most out of your Distortion Pedal

Written by admin on August 17, 2009 – 2:18 pm -

So, you’ve just bought that new distortion pedal you’ve been checking out, and for some reason it’s just not delivering the sounds you expected. This is a common occurrence for most people when buying new gear, and below are some things to take into consideration when your distortion pedal is not performing up to your standards. 1. Your distortion pedal does not match your style of playing There are three main types of distortion pedals; Distortion, Fuzz and Overdrive. Each of these create different guitar tones that may/may not fit into your desired style of playing, and this is why you never want to buy a distortion pedal without either hearing, or playing it first. Distortion - A straight distortion pedal will offer increased... more


Tags: , , ,
Posted in Guitar Tone | 2 Comments »

BOSS DS-1 Distortion Pedal Review

Written by admin on March 16, 2009 – 5:43 pm -

The Boss DS-1 is a great overall Distortion Pedal that offers some great tones, at an affordable price. This pedal usually ranges from $40-50, and sounds like it is worth a lot more. The DS-1 is a pretty standard Distortion Pedal, and can be used in a variety of playing styles. It really excels when used to play  rock tunes and punk songs though. If you’re looking for a heavy metal distortion, this pedal would not be my first choice. For that I would recommend the Boss MT-2. Like all Boss pedals, the DS-1 is built to last. It has a sturdy steel casing, and will withstand a lifetime of use. The pedal has controls for Tone, Level and Distortion so you’ll be able to dial in that perfect sound. Find great deals on the Boss DS-1 Distortion... more


Tags: ,
Posted in Reviews | No Comments »

Distortion Pedal Buying Guide

Written by admin on March 9, 2009 – 8:36 pm -

A Distortion Pedal is a very important part of your setup because it often times creates the foundation of your sound. Choosing the right one is a decision that should not be taken lightly, and in this post I am going to point out a few of the major aspects of varying Distortion Pedals that should be taken into consideration. 1. Determine the type of Distortion Sound you are looking for The first thing to decide upon is what type of distortion sound you would like to achieve. For example, if you plan on playing the Blues, you’d want to avoid a high gain, heavy metal pedal because it would not compliment the style well at all. If you are new to whole concept of Distortion Pedal stylings, a great way to figure out what kind would suit... more


Tags: ,
Posted in General Info | No Comments »

Top 5 Distortion Pedals for Under 100 Dollars

Written by admin on February 11, 2009 – 12:16 am -

A good quality distortion pedal is a necessity for any serious guitar player, but finding a stellar distortion pedal in your price range can sometimes be difficult. This is why I’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top 5 selling distortion pedals for under 100 bucks. These are all great effects pedals that I have had the privilege to play over the years, and they all produce a great sound. 1. Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Effects Pedal ($99.99) This Ibanez distortion pedal is a reissue of the early Vintage Tube Screamers that carried a larger price tag, but has many of the same components and classic tones that made the original such a popular choice among guitarists.It produces great tones, and is perfect for playing classic... more


Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Reviews | No Comments »

Distortion Pedal Review – Boss MT-2 Metal Zone

Written by admin on January 28, 2009 – 4:13 pm -

I have been using the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Effects Pedal in my setup for a few years, and I have to say, this thing rocks! It offers precision tone controls that allow you to dial in the perfect amount of room shaking, sustain filled distortion. The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone comes equipped with a 3-Band EQ also which allows you to set your High and Low shelving, as well as tweak the mid band parametric sounds. The pedal also allows you to control the overall volume level, and distortion level. This pedal can achieve a variety of different distortion sounds because of the EQ Tone controls on the pedals front. All of the sounds though are HEAVY. This pedal is designed for Hard Rock and Metal in mind. It allows you to really nail blazing solos, ... more


Tags: , , ,
Posted in Reviews | 2 Comments »

Distortion Pedal Review – BOSS SD-1 – Super Overdrive Pedal

Written by admin on January 26, 2009 – 7:09 pm -

This Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive pedal has been in my setup for nearly 10 years now, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. This pedal came out in the mid-80s, and the tones that this pedal produces are really something else. It  provides a warm, smooth overdriven sound that makes it sound like you’re playing through a classic Tube amp. The great thing about this pedal is that it maintains your picking nuances while playing, even while played on the highest drive setting. Overall Quality: The Boss-SD1 Super Overdrive pedal is practically bullet proof. It has a heavy steel casing, solid feeling control knobs, tight fitting input jacks and a sturdy rubber base. I have never had an issue with anything malfunctioning on this unit since... more


Tags: , ,
Posted in Reviews | 2 Comments »