Distortion Pedals
Popular Distortion Pedals
- BossEffects and PedalsDistortionCompare 54 from €60
- Boss
DS-1 Distortion
Effects and PedalsDistortion(237)Compare 45 from €69 - ProCo
RAT 2 Distortion
Effects and PedalsDistortion(183)Compare 23 from €86.78 - Boss
MT-2 Metal Zone
Effects and PedalsDistortion(111)Compare 77 from €75 - Electro-Harmonix
Big Muff Pi
Effects and PedalsFuzz(126)Compare 58 from €60 - Electro-Harmonix
Soul Food Overdrive
Effects and PedalsDistortion(266)Compare 52 from €67.50 - Multiple FinishesJHS
PackRat
Effects and PedalsDistortion(27)Compare 46 from €185.21 - Fulltone
OCD V1 Series 4
Effects and PedalsDistortion(174)Compare 34 from €162.57 - Boss
DS-2 Turbo Distortion
Effects and PedalsDistortion(45)Compare 34 from €64 - Boss
OD-3 Overdrive
Effects and PedalsDistortion(68)Compare 24 from €70 - Fulltone
OCD V2 Transparent Overdrive
Effects and PedalsDistortion(112)Compare 25 from €162.57 - Electro-Harmonix
Nano Big Muff Pi
Effects and PedalsFuzz(100)Compare 28 from €55
Used Distortion Pedals
Distortion Pedals For Sale on Reverb
The most focused and straight-up-aggressive of the effects, distortion has been an essential ingredient of rock music for decades. Whether it’s created by cranked tubes, hot analog circuits, or software emulation, guitarists, producers, and DJs alike continue to use distortion in new and compelling ways.
How does a distortion pedal work?
A distortion pedal uses a chip, LED, or other analog component to create clipping, attempting to push too much gain into an input. The amount of clipping, or distortion, is often adjustable with a gain knob. Usually, there is a level control to limit or increase how much this new gain changes the output volume. Many distortion pedals include a tone adjustment or more complex EQ.
What is the difference between overdrive, fuzz, and distortion?
To some extent, the terms are interchangeable and can often be applied to the same device. Generally, overdrive is the most mellow of the three, providing light clipping. Distortion tends to be more predictable and focused than fuzz. For a more in-depth explanation and exploration, see our guide on the differences between overdrive, fuzz, and distortion here.
What is the most versatile distortion pedal?
A mainstay in the distortion market, the ProCo Rat with its simple controls and powerful filter, is so popular that we made a ProCo Rat guide for all its variations, including the 1981 Inventions DRV. For guitarists looking for an expanded option, the Empress Heavy combines two distortions in one box.
What is the best distortion pedal for metal?
For many metal guitarists wanting a tight distortion, a pedal with EQ adjustments, like the Boss Metal Zone will provide more focus and control. Players relying mainly on their amp’s tube distortion may want a tube screamer-style circuit, like the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes, or a simple Boss DS-1 to push the amp further for solos and grinding riffs.