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Pedal Update: SolidGoldFX 76 Mk II Octave Fuzz

A Silicon fuzz pedal with switchable octave-up inspired by the Ibanez Standard Fuzz circuit and sporting a JFET Preamp stage and a quartet of (new) high-gain Toshiba transistors, the SolidGoldFX 76 Mk II updates a versatile circuit that had an important role in raising the profile of the Montreal-based company.…Click on the title for more

Pedal Update: SolidGoldFX 76 Mk II Octave Fuzz

Flamma FC02 Mini Reverb

Flamma is an up-and-coming builder from China that has released some interesting multi-mode pedals in 2020 and it's now focused on the mini-format market, with a new series of stompboxes as affordable as $39. The Flamma FC02 is their new Mini Reverb pedal, featuring three modes (Studio, Church and Plate)…Click on the title for more

Flamma FC02 Mini Reverb

MXR Timmy Overdrive

The MXR Timmy is a faithful recreation (in mini format) of the Paul C Audio Timmy Overdrive, designed in collaboration with the original engineer, Paul Cochrane. The (hand-made) original is one of the most popular overdrives out there, and this MXR version will allow the Timmy's tone to be more…Click on the title for more

MXR Timmy Overdrive

The Brooklyn SYNTH+PEDAL EXPO is this weekend!

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The Brooklyn SYNTH+PEDAL EXPO is this weekend!

New Pedal: KSR Vesta Preamp

The KSR Vesta Preamp is nothing short of a tweakers' dream pedal for tone seekers, in particular ones with high gain leanings. Entirely manufactured in Cincinnati, OH, the Vesta is a two channel, multi-mode preamp with 12 knobs and 7 toggle switches. The two channels, named Rhythm and Lead, can…Click on the title for more

New Pedal: KSR Vesta Preamp

Uber-Boutique Pedal Builders at the 2022 Brooklyn Stompbox Exhibit

In this blog, the lion's share of attention goes to major pedal builders that are able to release (and promote) several new pedals every year. However, we always do our best to highlight cool pedals by smaller boutique builders, and this weekend's free Brooklyn Synth & Pedal Expo (aka Stompbox…Click on the title for more

Uber-Boutique Pedal Builders at the 2022 Brooklyn Stompbox Exhibit

JPTR FX Silvermachine Fuzz V2

The JPTR FX Silvermachine is a fuzz built by German hands with two gain stages in a parallel circuit (controlled by the two smaller knobs) and a shared master volume. This is a solo-style fuzz that only works well with single notes, and that, at different settings, can deliver tones…Click on the title for more

JPTR FX Silvermachine Fuzz V2

Pedal Line: Catalinbread Elements

The latest trend among boutique builders seems to be to release... lines of pedals, a bunch at a time! Following (probably) JHS's lead, the Catalinbread Elements is a new line of rather inexpensive yet hand-made one-knob pedals comprising - for now - three devices: Fuzz, Distortion and Overdrive. While we'll…Click on the title for more

Pedal Line: Catalinbread Elements

BLAMMO! Electronics Voltage Booster

Portland's Blammo! Electronics builds hand-made guitar pedals often inspired by classic vintage circuits. Their brand new Voltage Booster is their take on the Colorsound Power Boost, one of the first overdrive circuits ever made back in the late '60s. The Voltage Booster is built around the original BC184L transistors and…Click on the title for more

BLAMMO! Electronics Voltage Booster

Flamma FC15 Flanger

Like the other mini pedals by this newish Chinese builder, the Flamma FC15 Flanger is a simple effect that does well what it promises at a very affordable price. It also looks great, thanks to a tasteful choice for the metal case's color (Flamma excels at that) and the use…Click on the title for more

Flamma FC15 Flanger

Cat Box Customs Bean Machine V2 Fuzz

Although it's presented in the name as an update, the Cat Box Customs Bean Machine V2 is actually a "deluxe version" of its older sibling. A variant of the Harmonic Percolator fuzz, the original featured a Volume and Fuzz knob, a 3-way diode clipping selection with Germanium/none/Silicon options, and two…Click on the title for more

Cat Box Customs Bean Machine V2 Fuzz

Blind Panic Devices Dilithium Delay

The Blind Panic Devices Dilithium Delay is a pedal that puts a smile on our faces even just by looking at it. It's a PT2399 based, analog-voiced, delay pedal with a unique, modulation section that affects the delay time based on the dynamics of the input signal. We'll use the…Click on the title for more

Blind Panic Devices Dilithium Delay