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5 Classic Distortion/Overdrive Pedals

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This is by no means one of those “best distortion pedals of all time” lists, but a list of distortion or overdrive pedals that are now considered classics or legendary. All of these pedals have been around for decades and have been used by pop, rock, blues and jazz players alike. The sound of these stompboxes has influenced the pedals that came later as well as a new generation of guitar players (these pedals even have their own Wikipedia entry!). Most have also been modified by boutique pedal builders like Robert Keeley and Analogman, and luckily they are all still available for sale.

1. Ibanez Tube Screamer
tube-screamer
The first Tube Screamer was made in Japan in the late 1970’s. The Tube Screamer circuit has been copied by many pedal manufacturers. The most popular use of a Tube Screamer is to push a tube amp to make it overdrive more. Notable users include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Kirk Hammett, The Edge, Scott Henderson and John Mayer.

2. Boss DS-1
Boss DS-1
The DS-1 has been manufactured by the Roland Corporation under the brand name Boss since the late 1970’s. Notable users include Kurt Cobain, Joe Satriani, Mike Stern and Steve Vai.

3. Pro Co Rat
Pro Co Rat
The original RAT was developed in Kalamazoo, Michigan in the late 1970’s. It became very popular in the early 1980’s and it’s still used by many players today. Notable users include Nuno Bettencourt, Robert Fripp, John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Dave Grohl.

4. Electro-Harmonix Big Muff
EHX Big Muff
The Big Muff was produced in New York City in the early 1970’s. Called a fuzz by some, distortion by others, it’s so legendary it had to make the list. The Big Muff was found in countless guitarists’ pedalboards of the 1970’s like Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, Carlos Santana and Frank Zappa. It’s still used today by many players like Jack White and Dan Auerbach (of The Black Keys).

5. MXR M104 Distortion +
MXR M104 +
Originally designed in the 1970s by MXR. The “MXR Distortion Plus” has only two knobs. Notable users include Alex Lifeson, Randy Rhoads, Jerry Garcia, Dave Murray and Thom Yorke.

If you feel I should’ve included other pedals here, please share your list below.

The SANYO Pedal Juice KBC-9V3U

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The Pedal Juice is a rechargeable 9V Lithium-Ion battery for analog, digital and multi-effect pedals. It is made by SANYO North America Corporation, a leader in rechargeable battery technology. With a list price of $199, it can be purchased in stores or online for approximately $149. The Pedal Juice can also be used to power other devices like multi-track recorders, synthesizers, mini amps (think Roland Micro Cube), and electronic drum kits.

It is very easy to use out of the box. It has one single ON/OFF button and two 9V DC outputs, fully recharges in 3.5 hours and can be recharged hundreds of times. When in use, the remaining charge/discharge power is shown via a 3-stage LED indicator. The unit feels and looks pretty durable and is water and shock resistant.

These are the standard usage times for effects (may vary depending on connected devices and usage conditions):

– 1 Analog effects unit (10mA): Approx. 50 hours.
– 1 Digital effects unit (50mA): Approx. 27 hours.
– 1 Digital multi-effects unit (100mA): Approx. 17 hours.

If you only use 3 analog pedals or one multi-effect unit, then you’ll be good for 17-20 hours or so. Plenty of time for rehearsals, jams and gigs.

Now, let’s say we have a basic 6 pedal setup (with both analog and digital effects):

1 Wah Wah + 2 Analog Distortions + 1 EQ + 1 Digital Delay + 1 Digital Reverb

Give and take, the Pedal Juice should be able to last about 5-6 hours with a setup like this. Still plenty of power for a rehearsal, jam or a 3 set gig. It’s also ideal for the recording studio since it eliminates noise interference created by electrical outlets. Probably not the best option if you have a much bigger pedalboard, specially if you own several digital effects.

All in all, the KBC-9V3U SANYO Pedal Juice is a great device, a very useful and handy addition to any guitarist’s setup.

PROS:

  • Battery saver. If you are the kind of player that buys a battery for every gig, then this device will pay for itself in a matter of a few months.
  • Design. The same footprint as standard effects pedal, it will fit perfectly in your pedalboard. It’s also very light.
  • Wireless. No need for extension chords or plugin in your effects to the wall, which also eliminates issues that result in unwanted noise (AC ground loops, spurious noise, hum, etc.).
  • Ideal for smaller-medium size boards. A great option for the studio, rehearsals or gigs where 1-6 pedals are needed. Could work great as a backup to bring to gigs as well.

CONS:

  • Price. Although it will pay for itself in the long run, the $149 price will make some players hesitate about trying it (or getting a regular power supply instead). Not for everybody in this price range, but a good investment if you have the money.
  • No extra cables. It only has two DC 9V ports, which keeps the unit small and portable, but it also means that daisy chain cables will need to be purchased separately if you want to plug more than two devices at a time (comes with only 2 DC output cables).