We’ve been busy researching distortion pedals to help you to figure out what you need to make your best audio and video content and stay on budget.
Links to all the products on Amazon are included, as well as on other online retailers where available. Links are regionalised to your local Amazon store where possible.
Let’s get into it.
Boss DS-1
The Boss DS-1 distortion pedal is a classic and an icon in the world of guitar effects. When introduced, it created a revolution in the world of distortion pedals which previously produced a muddy and loose sound.
The Boss DS-1 has a unique distortion circuit that allows it to produce a hard-edged gain and a smooth sustain even at high gain settings.
It also boasts a versatile influence on all genres of music from jazz to hard rock.
The Boss DS-1 doesn’t mask the original sound and style of the guitar, which allows users to freely jump from one genre of music to another while still using the Boss DS-1 distortion pedal.
It also features three knobs; the level, tone and distortion controls which allow you to pull out a range of tonalities by cranking the knobs up or down.
Don’t let the small packaging of this pedal fool you because, despite its small and lightweight appearance, the Boss pedal is housed in a stomp-ready metal box with a rubberised stomp area for extra durability. Whether you want a gritty sound that tears through the speaker or a fuzzy, distorted effect, the Boss DS-1 will not disappoint.
Buy the BOSS DS-1 Distortion Pedal – (PAID LINK) https://geni.us/oio0
Pro Co Rat 2
The Pro Co Rat 2 distortion pedal is versatile and built like a brick. It is known for its soaring leads and arena-rock rhythm tones, which allow it to be used as a primary distortion or as a boost for solos.
The Rat 2 also features its legendary filter control, which lets you switch from brittle high-end frequencies or let the natural sound of your instrument shine through.
Another interesting thing about the physical design of the Pro Co Rat 2 is the sloped face for easy stomping. This offers little to no difficulty while using the distortion pedal during a live show.
It also has glow-in-the-dark graphics, which are a bonus for live performances.
Many users have noted that the Pro Co Rat 2 has the distinct sound of the 80s. The unique flavour of this distortion pedal lets it have the vintage vibe that is ever so popular in the music scene right now.
The Pro Co Rat 2 also features an extreme amount of distortion that borders near the sound of fuzz. The Pro Co Rat 2 distortion pedal weighs like a brick and certainly looks the part as well. It packs an array of features such as tone control, sustain and filter.
Overall, the Pro Co Rat 2 is recommended for musicians who are looking to invest in a well-built pedal or for those looking to reproduce the unique sound reminiscent of the 80s.
Buy the ProCo Rat 2 – (PAID LINK) – https://geni.us/GuqWxkS
KMA Machines Wurm
The KMA Machines Wurm distortion pedal has a shocking design that lives up to its name and tune.
The KMA Machines Wurm distortion pedal is powerful and monstrous in the way it roars. It keeps true to the classic chainsaw metal vibe that heavy rock has always had and fits the aesthetic well.
The Wurm has a 4-band EQ combined with internal switches for various modes.
It has 6 control knobs, namely, Volume, Terror, Highs, High Mids, Low Mids and Lows. The knobs focus on producing a bad and gritty sound reminiscent of classic rock.
However, terror and power aren’t the only things that the KMA Machines Wurm distortion pedal can do. It is also versatile and inspiring to tweak and may come out with the sound you didn’t know you were looking for.
It has an indestructible powder-coated die-cast enclosure that ensures its maximum durability.
The KMA Machines Wurm is a good purchase for those who are looking for a darker and grittier sound. The edgy design of the pedal is a bonus that makes whoever is using it look like a hard-hitting rock star.
Buy the KMA Machines Wurm – (PAID LINK) – https://geni.us/F81uo7
MXR M75 Super Badass
This is a monster in terms of versatility. The pedal has a wide turnaround for the distortion knob but manages to remain clean for the most part. It has a three-band EQ to raise the mids for a more vintage touch or to pull out a crispier sound.
The versatility this pedal holds is no small feat. It has increased touch sensitivity that lets you fully customize the sound and level of distortion and low noise levels.
The gain range is also impressive when turned three-quarters of the way. You can get a chunky growl or settle for a low gain as a boost.
The MXR M75 Super Badass has five knobs: Output, Gain, Bass Mid and Treble. It gives you the full spectrum of distortion and lets you create the best-suited flavour for your music. If you’re looking for a pedal that packs a punch, you can find nothing but praise for this pedal’s range and versatility.
The Super Badass comes in a classic black against silver, a combo you can never go wrong with. The only thing you have to watch out for is an over-saturated sound that can be produced by turning the pedals up too much.
The Super Badass is a good investment for musicians who are looking for a versatile pedal they can experiment with. It also helps that the quality of sound this pedal makes is up to par with what the professionals need.
Buy the MXR M75 Super Badass Distortion – (PAID LINK) – https://geni.us/FzeW
Fender Pugilist
The Fender Pugilist boasts not one, but two gain stages. This lets musicians stack and customize their sound like no other. Each gain stage also has its tone control which truly highlights the versatility of this distortion pedal.
The dynamic and dimensional sound you can achieve with the Fender Pugilist is a game-changer in the world of distortion pedals.
The features of this pedal afford you the flexibility of two pedals in just one.
The Fender Pugilist has five LED backlit knobs, tailored to make live performance more convenient. Even with a dark-lit stage, you would still be able to see your settings at a glance.
This pedal also features an innovative battery compartment that makes quick changes possible.
The Fender Pugilist is a bit heavier than other distortion pedals. It weighs approximately 544 grams or 19 ounces. Who can complain though, when you are getting the power and flexibility of two pedals in the golden package of one Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal. The casing of this pedal is of anodised aluminium and gives it that golden colour.
The Fender Pugilist is one of the best distortion pedals on the market right now based on consumers. It’s easy to see why the dynamic tones it produces and the clean sound it draws out give it a permanent place in pedalboards.
The Fender Pugilist is a worthy investment for dedicated beginners or for musicians looking for a good distortion pedal. This distortion pedal is versatile enough to keep up with the sound you’re looking for.
Buy the Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal – (PAID LINK) – https://geni.us/qmQy
