The Japanese company Maxon has been around for a long time, although it has never really been known to the public. This is because Maxon has always been closely associated with Ibanez, and its effects pedals were developed for Ibanez and sold under its brand worldwide. Meanwhile, word has spread that it owns the legendary Tubescreamer TS808, and with the retro boom, Maxon is bringing back almost all of its old favorites.

Many might remember the SD9 Sonic Distortion, a pretty little thing (the green mamba comes to mind) produced by Ibanez in the 1980s. The sound is equally venomous: unlike classic fuzz pedals (as they were called), the tone and dynamics are not distorted, and the tone control can also be used to add a massive amount of bass—an infinite punch!

But it's a very particular distortion sound that you can only love or hate. However, with gentler settings, more moderate crunch sounds are also possible, while still retaining a wonderfully biting edge.

LowBoost/HiBoost Tone Control

Offers more low-end punch than other pedals

Up to 55 dB of Extra Boost

Distortion, Drive, and Level Controls

Melodic High-Compression Sustain