Best Sellers
Top products on Reverb over the past 90 days
Best Sellers in Effects and Pedals - Distortion
- 1
ProCo RAT 2 Distortion
78 available from $57The ProCo RAT ranks as one of the most widely used distortion pedals ever, a favorite of such disparate musicians as Jonny Greenwood, Nels Cline, Kurt Cobain and John Scofield. The ProCo RAT 2 emerged in 1988 and continues to be a popular pedalboard staple for both guitarists and bass players with its characteristic jagged gristle, courtesy of the legendary LM308 chip. - 2
Boss DS-1 Distortion
203 available from $44Arguably the most popular distortion pedal of all time, the ubiquitous Boss DS-1 is bulletproof, classic and affordable. Nearly every guitarist has had (or should have) at least one on his/her board at some point. Steve Vai even had two - one at the front of his chain and one at the end. - 3
EarthQuaker Devices Zoar Dynamic Audio Grinder
59 available from $109.50 - 4
Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive
157 available from $42.50Debuting in 1981, the Boss SD-1 is the second longest running Boss pedal and a pioneer in the world of compact overdrives. Even today, people still use it as an alternative to a Tube Screamer. Why pay $200 for a boutique overdrive when you can dial in the right amount of crunch and dirt for less with time-tested, original overdrive circuitry? - 5
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
158 available from $84.97Few stompboxes have shaped the sound of rock like the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi. Fewer still have gone through as many variations while still maintaining their fan bases. From David Gilmour to Billy Corgan to J. Mascis and Dan Auerbach, the Big Muff Pi continues to be the life blood of fuzz. - 6
Electro-Harmonix Soul Food Overdrive
232 available from $58.48The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food pedal seeks to mimic the classic Klon Centaur tone and succeeds in fooling most ears. The real value, however, is recognized by discerning listeners who appreciate the original and satisfying sonic territory that the EHX Soul Food overdrive provides in the spaces where it differs from the Klon. - 7
Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi
107 available from $61.99Featuring an ultra-compact enclosure and the same controls for volume, tone and sustain, the Electro-Harmonix Nano Big Muff Pi brings the same creamy fuzz and distortion as the original in a pedalboard-friendly package. Built using the same Big Muff Circuitry in a nano format, this effect is a great introduction to the Big Muff World or just a great fuzz pedal that won't eat up pedalboard space or cash. - 8
Fulltone OCD V1 Series 4
72 available from $150One of the most popular overdrive pedals in the world, the Fulltone OCD pedal is well known for enhancing the natural tones of your guitar and amp while adding a healthy dose of classic grit. The Fulltone OCD began an era of boutique overdrive pedal building, and is an inexpensive addition to any pedalboard. For a slight wicked sparkle or as extra muscle to a stacked chain, the Fulltone OCD is a must-have.
The "Series 4" OCD actually encompasses versions 1.4 - 1.7, as determined by the serial number (after about serial number 16,061 for 1.4) or written inside the housing for versions 1.6 and 1.7. All "Series 4" pedals have arrows around the knobs, and contain minimal circuit adjustments from version to version. The Series 4 OCD was replaced by the OCD V2 in 2018. - 9
Fulltone OCD V2 Transparent Overdrive
36 available from $129.99Building on the legendary design of one of the most-used transparent overdrives in history, the Fulltone OCD V2 Overdrive bolsters the amp-like roar and rich harmonics of the original with a new buffer, input section, and enhanced bypass.
- Controls: Volume/Drive/Tone knobs, HP (High-Pass)/LP (Low-Pass) Filter switch
- Other Features: Enhanced output buffer, Class A 2N5457 JFET input, True/Enhanced Bypass modes selectable via internal switch
- 10
Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Distortion
226 available from $50The Boss MT-2 is an undeniable icon of metal guitar tones and remains one of the most popular pedals in Boss' whole catalog. For players who need a one-way ticket to over-the-top distortion worthy of the legands of thrash, the MT-2 is an easy choice. - 11
Boss OC-3 Super Octave
11 available from $75When an octave bass accompaniment just isn't enough, the Boss OC-3 Super Octave steps in to sweeten the deal. In addition to the original OC-2 mode allowing for one and two lower octave notes, the OC-3 includes a Drive and Polyphonic mode for overdriven tones and an adjustable polyphonic effect. The OC-3 is used by The Black Keys, Van Halen and Tony Iommi. - 12
JHS PackRat Distortion
109 available from $180Inspired by the long history of the ProCo Rat, the JHS PackRat Distortion promises to deliver a whopping nine different variations of Rat in one pedal. JHS's Josh Scott worked on this pedal for an apt nine years, collecting tons of iterations of the ProCo Rat, photographing components, and getting to work on nearly 1:1 recreations. If you love the ProCo Rat in all of its forms iterations, the JHS PackRat is the one-size-fits-all solution for your pedalboard. - 13
Boss HM-2W Heavy Metal Waza Craft
95 available from $98The original HM-2 Heavy Metal is a cult favorite, responsible for the extreme "chainsaw" guitar tone of classic Swedish death metal. But other players across metal and rock have made the pedal their own. The HM-2W is Boss' new Waza Craft version. It offers the standard settings of the original, along with new expanded features: including a reduced noise floor, 3dB more volume on tap, and other modern perks. Since HM-2s are still popular on the vintage pedal market, the HM-2W is a premium choice at a more affordable price. - 14
Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion
80 available from $70One of Boss' longest running pedals (1987 - present), the DS-2 Turbo Distortion has two modes for either warm distortion or a more biting tone. The remote jack allows for an external foot switch to toggle between modes. - 15
Crowther Hot Cake Overdrive
27 available from $110The Crowther Hot Cake Overdrive incorporates elements like non-inverted phase polarity, internal bass accentuation switch for added low-end, and and easy to use three-knob interface consisting of controls for level drive, and presence. Designed to offer a wide range of sonic options, the Hot Cake serves uncolored clean boost with just the volume knob in play and commensurately scales gritty distortion as the drive knob is cranked. - 16
JHS Muffuletta Fuzz
124 available from $150Containing six separate Muff circuits, the JHS Muffuletta Fuzz is one of the most comprehensive fuzzes on the market, particularly for fans of the Muff sound. The Muffuletta has the circuitry of the '73 Rams Head, The Triangle, The Pi, The Russian, The Civil War, and JHS' own modern take on the Muff circuit. Choose between each of the six circuits and then shape your fuzz using Tone, Volume, and Sustain knobs. Artists like David Gilmour, J. Mascis, John Lennon, Jack White, The Edge, Pete Townshend, Jeff Tweedy, and many more have all had at least one of these five Muffs as pedalboard staples. - 17
Boss OD-3 Overdrive
91 available from $70Featuring a simple interface of tone, volume and level knobs for on-the-fly adjustment, the Boss OD-3 Overdrive can serve up everything from a clean boost to searing overdrive with ease. Housed in a sturdy metal Boss chassis, the OD-3 is a do-it-all overdrive perfect for the guitarist wanting a lot of functionality at a deal. - 18
Boss DS-1W Distortion Waza Craft
81 available from $90 - 19
Analogman Prince of Tone Overdrive Pedal
19 available from $180Clear the path for the heir to the throne. The Analogman Prince of Tone is capable of everything from pure boost to an assault of distortion, perfect for blues rock, stoner metal, or shoegaze. - 20
REVV G3 Distortion
38 available from $160The REVV G3 is a distortion pedal based on the "purple channel" of the brands most revered amp models. In addition to volume and gain controls and a three-band EQ, the G3 packs a three-position "aggression" toggle that adjusts the amount of gain and overall character of the drive. Though primed largely for full-bore metal tones, the G3 is an extremely versatile drive that can play nicely in just about any rig. - 21
Maxon OD-808 Overdrive Pedal
72 available from $90Featuring the original JRC4558 IC circuit and intuitive interface of overdrive, balance and tone, the OD-808 reissue brings all the warm overdriven power of the first generation in an updated chassis. Reasonably priced and built with high-grade components, the OD-808 brings the vintage into the modern for a contemporary classic. - 22
EarthQuaker Devices sunn O))) Life Pedal Octave Distortion + Booster V3
120 available from $256.03The sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 may just be the most refined approach for heavy, crushing tone available. Splitting the octave controls out to become independent (vs. previous models), the circuit itself has been updated to allow for a more pronounced octave effect. Alongside precise controls for distortion and boost, you get full tweakability to tame—or let loose—the Life Pedal's aggressive potential. - 23
J. Rockett Archer Overdrive
97 available from $114.95So many pedal companies have tried to put their own spin on the classic Klon KTR, but only the original could give the legend a successor to the throne. J. Rockett Audio's Centaur is a versatile boost and overdrive perfect for the likes of stoner rock, dirty blues, or the wide world of shoegaze. - 24
Fulltone Full Drive 2 Mosfet
79 available from $85The Fulltone Full Drive 2 is the most popular boutique overdrive in the world, combining two highly adjustable gain stages into a single casing. With a dizzying array of niche overdrives filling the market, the Fulltone Full Drive 2 remains a no-brainer necessity for studio or stage when you don't want to spend hours swapping out other ODs. - 25
DigiTech Bad Monkey Tube Overdrive
64 available from $99The DigiTech Bad Monkey is a Tubescreamer-esque overdrive with separate high and low EQ controls. It includes a Mixer Output to go direct into a board or interface, with a cabinet simulator built in. - 26
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff with Tone Wicker
93 available from $69Sporting the same muscle as the standard Big Muff Pi with the addition of a three-way tone wicker switch for light or heavy treble boost, the Big Muff with Tone Wicker combines classic fuzz tones with added versatility. From classic to fierce, the Tone Wicker serves up fuzz any way you want it. - 27
Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion
105 available from $55.80Combining their flagship distortion and overdrive pedals into one box the Boss OS-2 allows you to blend a parallel signal between a distortion and an overdrive for a complex variety of tones. This pedal is great for adding some clarity to your lead tone by blending in some overdrive, or add girth to your rhythm by thickening up your tone with some underlaying distortion. - 28
MXR M75 Super Badass Distortion
133 available from $50As part of the Custom Badass line, the MXR Super Badass Distortion has the same reliable components typical of the series. This Super Badass pedal boasts completely analog distortion that is dynamic and sensitive, and can bring you a wide variety of tones from low-gain overdrive to heavy, scooped metal distortion perfect for singing along. - 29
Strymon Riverside Multi-Stage Drive
121 available from $189The Strymon Riverside Multi-Stage Drive directs the company's eye for attention on the world of the overdrive, providing a pedal that captures a world of dirt in one chassis. Combining the company's coveted DSP technology with analog circuitry throughout four gain stages, the Riverside employs variable circuit tuning to nail that sweet spot whether you're after a warm, bluesy edge or a searing modern distortion. Laid out in an intuitive interface with a three-band EQ positioned after the gain stages for maximum tone shaping, the pedal does the work of multiple overdrives while providing total control over your tone. - 30
JHS @ The AT+ Plus Andy Timmons Signature Drive
70 available from $145After Andy Timmons began using a JHS Angry Charlie pedal back in 2013, he soon got in touch with the brand's Josh Scott about making some modifications to further suit his needs. The result of this collaboration is the @—a signature overdrive and distortion dirtbox that packs Andy's lead and rhythm tones into a pedalboard-friendly chassis. - 31
Electro-Harmonix Little Big Muff Reissue
76 available from $65Sporting the same iconic circuitry that made its larger predecessor famous but housed in a compact chassis, the Electro-Harmonix Little Big Muff captures all the legendary fuzz tone while saving space on your board. Built with high gain and designed for maximum sustain, this effect is an ideal choice for anyone looking to get into the world of Muffs while saving some cash. - 32
Walrus Audio Eras Five-State Distortion
110 available from $130The Eras Five-State Distortion is a high-gain distortion with five distinct modes. It's all packed into a translucent red enclosure, with art by Adam Forster featuring an apocalyptic four-horned, winged bull. - 33
JHS Double Barrel V4
74 available from $225The Double Barrel V4 Overdrive from JHS packs the brand-new Moonshine V2 circuit on the right and the Morning Glory V4 on the right. The Moonshine V2 captures the same classic mid-heavy overdrive tones, but with the addition of a clean knob for blending your clean and affected signals. Meanwhile, the Morning Glory V4 overdrive features a new high-gain toggle with Red Remote capability, allowing users to plug the Red Remote directly into the "remote gain" jack with a standard patch cable for even more gain-rich tonal options. akes the classic, versatile but transparent overdrive circuit to a - 34
MXR M104 Distortion +
111 available from $56The Distortion + is a classic stompbox from MXR. At the end of the '70s, the MXR logo used on the model changed from a cursive or 'script' logo to a thicker block logo. The modern M-104 Distortion + is produced under the MXR name by Dunlop. - 35
JHS Angry Charlie V3
124 available from $105Featuring the same gain-laden circuitry and nuanced drive/volume controls as the original with the introduction for a three-band equalizer knob section for dialing in that perfect Marshall stack sound, the JHS Angry Charlie V3 continues to bring the noise with more sonic options than ever. The pedal's bass/mid/treble section allows for easy cuts and boosts to transfer from chunky rhythm riffing to fully-scooped metal solos, providing an effect that's definitely a lot more than "Peanuts." - 36
Xotic SL Drive Distortion
82 available from $79The Xotic SL Drive is based on the iconic Marshall Model 1959, giving the feel of having a 50W head powering your amp. This little pedal can emulate the tonal response of both the Super Lead and the Super Bass, selectable via an internal switch. - 37
Analogman King of Tone V4 with Red Side High Gain Option
28 available from $655 - 38
Ibanez TS9DX Turbo Tube Screamer 1998 - Present
63 available from $76Building on the shoulders of the legendary Tubescreamer, the TS9DX incorporates the same circuitry as the original with an additional Mode knob for toggling between TS9, Turbo, Hot, and + settings. The TS9DX brings the same warm tube-like overdrive to the table as its predecessors with expansion into low-end territory for a remarkably versatile pedal. - 39
EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold Power Amp Distortion V2
110 available from $99.99 - 40
MXR Fullbore Metal
98 available from $60Crafted specifically to appease the distortion cravings of metalheads, the MXR Fullbore Metal ramps up your gain to insanely high levels while its noise gate keeps out noise that typically comes from high-gain pedals to keep your riffs tight and clear. A 3-band EQ with sweepable mid-range frequencies helps you precision shape your tone, and you can even adjust the noise gate to taste so it knows just what to get rid of so you can build that roaring metal distortion you crave. - 41
Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret MKIII
223 available from $90Built as the foundation for your sound, the Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret MKIII is the company's "always on" pedal. The answer for anyone in search of classic Marshall tones, the MKIII adds a switch for toggling between Super Lead and Super Bass modes, offering highly tweakable overdrive, clean boost and distortion ideal for rock, blues, metal and anything in between. - 42
Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive Overdrive Pedal
9 available from $85For nearly 15 years, the Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive has been the go-to for those seeking classic Ibanez TS-808 drive without the loss of attack that pedal is known for. It solves this problem by blending a controllable clean signal back in with the drive. - 43
Empress Heavy Menace
23 available from $195 - 44
ProCo RAT 2 (Flat Box) 1988 - 2002
44 available from $151.70 - 45
ProCo Lil Rat
37 available from $59.99 - 46
Boss ML-2 Metal Core Distortion Pedal
109 available from $65The Boss ML-2 Metal Core aims to codify the tones used in Nu Metal, Grindcore, Djent and Industrial recordings. It offers extremely high levels of gain and distortion with heavy lows. - 47
Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 Linear Power Booster Nano
97 available from $32.95A distant cousin of one of Electro Harmonix's earliest effects (the original LPB-1 from 1968), the LPB-1 Linear Power Booster Nano is one of the most commonly used boost pedals available. Using the same circuitry from the original, it ranges from a simple clean boost to full creamy saturation. - 48
MXR M78 Custom Badass '78 Distortion
121 available from $45The MXR Custom Badass '78 Distortion is factory-modded overdrive with a hot-rodded circuit to provide classic rock distortion regardless of what kind of amp you are using. - 49
Boss MT-2W Metal Zone Waza Craft
94 available from $120Built in the image of a legendary box of destruction with a new fleet of tricks at its disposal, the Boss Metal Zone MT-2W Waza Craft captures arena-filling shred and tear with the tonal options to please any fain of gain. The familiar three-band EQ with semi-parametric mids delivers the focused mid-driven sound that put this pedal on the map with dual-gain circuitry for sounds like a stack of amps. Throw in the added "Wide and tight" custom function to finely sculpt high-gain tone sure to complement any heavy style you'd come across today. - 50
Walrus Audio Melee Wall of Noise
67 available from $229.99 - 51
Joyo JF-14 American Sound Overdrive
21 available from $33.21Built with a range of features like three-band EQ, drive and level control, and a large-box design, the Joyo American Sound Overdrive pins down vintage-inspired tweed amp tone in a single box. Designed to emulate the beautifully organic overdriven tone of a '57 Fender Deluxe, the American Sound's affordability and timeless tone make it a first-round draft pick. - 52
JAM Pedals Rattler
42 available from $140The dudes at Greece’s JAM Pedals have a reputation for building gorgeous handmade effects, with custom paint jobs and premium, sometimes rare components. Their take on the RAT, dubbed the Rattler, doesn’t stray far from the vintage RAT design, using a new-old-stock LM308 chip and featuring the standard trio of RAT controls. Where this pedal really stands out is in its amp-like responsiveness and superlative tone, which really nails the fuzzier characteristics of the original RAT circuit. The Rattler doesn’t have a bad sound in it, and the gain is addictively thick and creamy. JAM might just have built the best-sounding RAT clone there is. It rules so much that Nels Cline uses one! - 53
Gamechanger Audio Plasma Pedal High Voltage Distortion Unit
49 available from $215For those who want to leave the earthly plane of overdrives and distortions and ride the lightning into uncharted sonic territory, the Gamechanger Audio Plasma Pedal High Voltage Distortion Unit should be your preferred means of transportation. Built around a xenon-filled tube that transform's your guitar's signal into high-voltage discharges, the Plasma Pedal forgoes circuits and transistors for a novel approach to distortion that yields rich non-linear harmonic saturation and enough juice to knock Zeus off of Olympus. - 54
Electro-Harmonix Hot Tubes Nano Overdrive
66 available from $57.99Electro-Harmonix has reissued its classic '70s CMOS Hot Tubes in miniaturized form with the Hot Tubes Nano. Get that same CMOS overdrive sound that's hyper-sensitive to your every touch and, if you want, remove any excess tone using the Tone Bypass switch for a cleaner sound. - 55
Electro-Harmonix East River Drive
109 available from $55The Electro-Harmonix East River Drive is one of the best pedals attempting to chase the original Ibanez TS-808 Tubescreamer tone. Using JRC4558 IC internals, it fosters near-identical classic Tubescreamer response at a much lower price than buying the real thing. - 56
Electro-Harmonix Black Russian Big Muff Pi
44 available from $150Already on its way to classic status, the Black Russian Big Muff is favored by many players for its great bass response and nearly infinite sustain. This Muff is great for leads or thick wall-of-sound fuzz. Grab one now as these Muffs are only going to get more valuable with time. - 57
Boss DS-1 Distortion MIJ 1980s
56 available from $123.02 - 58
Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion Pedal
81 available from $59Built for the aggressive sonic demands of modern metal, the Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion serves up heavy, bass-focused distortion through a dual-stage circuit and tweakable Gain Boost. The character of the effect is sculpted through Tone and Bottom controls for the ideal metal, hard rock, or hardcore tone. - 59
Walrus Audio Iron Horse V3
60 available from $145 - 60
Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal (Black Label)
64 available from $100 - 61
Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal
100 available from $125A legend in the annals of Boss pedals, the HM-2 Heavy Metal is, obviously enough, a pedal intended for those who play heavy metal music. For a lot of players in the heavy realm, the appeal of the HM-2 has a lot to do with the insane amount of boost and tone-shaping this pedal provides. Its unique character has spawned several imitators and landed the HM-2 a place in the signal chain as a who's who of extreme metal players. - 62
Zvex Box of Rock Vexter
39 available from $125A favorite pedal of J. Mascis of Dinosaur Jr, the Box of Rock is a clean boost and distortion housed within one unit. Designed to emulate the tones of a classic overdriven Marshall, the Box of Rock sports separate footswitches for boost and distortion, a streamlined four-knob interface, and Zvex's signature "Distortron" distortion circuit. - 63
JHS Cheese Ball
70 available from $110 - 64
Analogman King of Tone
17 available from $630In the realm of overdrives, the King wears purple. The Analogman King of Tone takes any rig into pure, overdriven tube territory, perfect for classic rock, shoegaze, and blues. As a company, Analogman keeps production numbers low which has resulted in a many months long waiting list for pedals like the KoT. This also means that used examples that come up for sale tend to sell very quickly, making the King of Tone one of the hottest used pedals on the market. - 65
REVV G4 Distortion
42 available from $150 - 66
DigiTech DOD Gonkulator Ring Modulator
40 available from $120.99Pairing an adjustable carrier signal with a revamped distortion circuit, the DOD Gonkulator essentially brings two effects into one chassis with controls for ring, frequency, gain and distortion. Capable of all the weird modulation goodness of the '90s original with the added ability to cover distorted experimental ground, this pedal pushes boundaries and makes statements with modulating effects limited only by imagination. - 67
Digitech Death Metal Distortion
14 available from $50Featuring a dual output, rugged chassis and EQ controls for low, mid, and high frequencies, the Digitech Death Metal is designed to bring high-gain buzz saw distortion at the stomp of a box. Dark, brutal, and vicious, this effect finds a natural place in death or thrash metal but also holds applications in noise rock or experimental. - 68
Black Arts Toneworks Pharaoh
14 available from $130Featuring a clipping switch for germanium or silicon modes and an additional switch for low or high inputs, the Black Arts Toneworks Pharaoh is a multi-foliate boost/fuzz/distortion that can act as a jack-of-all-trades on your pedalboard. Capable of retaining and enhancing a guitar/amp's tone or going to full-out fuzzed distortion, this pedal is an ideal choice for blues, stoner rock, or psychedelia. - 69
Boss FZ-5 Fuzz
97 available from $65Featuring COSM modeling technology designed to emulate the sound of classic fuzz pedals, the Boss FZ-5 is a frugally priced pedal that doesn't sacrifice on quality. Built with modern techniques that capture vintage tone, the FZ-5 is the perfect fuzzy marriage of new and old. - 70
Gamechanger Audio Third Man Records Plasma Coil Distortion
44 available from $248 - 71
Nobels ODR-1 Natural Overdrive
31 available from $74.99Featuring a responsive spectrum control, streamlined interface and heavy-duty all-metal chassis, the Nobels ODR-1 is a highly organic overdrive/boost that's also ready for use in minutes. Designed for the working guitarist thanks to low battery consumption and a design built to take road abuse, this tough little customer gives years of warm, bluesy goodness without missing a beat. - 72
JHS PG-14 Paul Gilbert Signature
95 available from $119 - 73
Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff Distortion with Top Boost
94 available from $40Built with the classic Big Muff circuitry and designed for the most extreme of playing, the Metal Muff Distortion with Top Boost capable of the most aggressive effects demanded in metal. In addition to an onboard three-band EQ for "scooping the mids," the Metal Muff also features a Top Boost control for increasing specific high frequencies for searing leads. - 74
Zvex Mastotron Fuzz
22 available from $115Featuring controls for pulse width, tone and volume, the ZVex Mastotron is a silicon-based pedal perfect for the guitarist who wants a fuzz accent on their pedal chain. Built for precise sculpting, the Mastotron is a little pedal with a big presence. - 75
TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion Pedal
30 available from $34For distortion as versatile as the universe is wide, look no further than the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion. Great for all manner of distortion, this true-bypass TC Electronic pedal can cover classic crunch and full-on high-gain metal distortion tones alike. - 76
Fender Pugilist Distortion
46 available from $79Give the mix a stiff right hook and a swift left uppercut with the Fender Pugilist Distortion, a dual-channel heavyweight bearing the title for gain-soaked champion. Dial in precise tones with independent Gain and Tone knobs for each channel, and when you really want to get a pummel going, blend the two channels to your heart's desire and finish the combo with a Bass Boost switch for fat bottom-end presence. - 77
Fulltone PlimSoul
32 available from $77Sporting two-stage clipping circuitry and featuring controls for level, sustain and hi-cut, the Fulltone Plimsoul covers the wide spectrum of warm overdrive to dirty distortion with ease. If you're trying to decide between an overdrive or a distortion, why not have both? - 78
DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 Reissue
74 available from $74Featuring a compact size, simple interface and updated circuitry, The DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 Reissue infuses vintage quality with modern features at an attractive price. Built for the working musician in need of a reliable overdrive that can go from bluesy warms to scorching leads, this pedal is a perfect choice for blues, alt rock, or funk. - 79
Stone Deaf FX PDF-2 Parametric Distortion
7 available from $145Successfully updating the popular PDF-1, the Stone Deaf FX PDF-2 is a parametric distortion that can be used with virtually any instrument -- guitar, synth, bass, even acoustic guitar and analog piano. You name it and the PDF-2 will deliver highly customizable distortion. With a super low noise floor and a slew of updates based on actual player requests, the PDF-2 is one of Stone Deaf's most user-friendly pedals. Parametric EQ with adjustable distortion and tons of expression pedal functionality, like frequency control knob sweeps, wah, and phaser control make the PDF-2 one killer pedal. - 80
Catalinbread RAH
77 available from $120The Catalinbread RAH was named after Led Zeppelin's 1970 performance at the historic Royal Albert Hall, so named for Catalinbread's effort to capture the sound of that show in a pedal. Its overdrive is inspired by Page's playing during the RAH performance and a three-knob tone circuit modeled after the "Jimmy Page" Hiwatt. Catalinbread's RAH overdrive is extremely dynamic, reacting to your pick attack and how you modify your guitar's controls. Hop in a time machine and take it back to '70s Royal Albert Hall with the Jimmy Page-inspired Catalinbread RAH. - 81
Maxon SD-9 Sonic Distortion
24 available from $119.99The Maxon SD-9 Sonic Distortion summons the sounds of the classic '80s effect through a triumvirate of a recreated knob layout, versatile tone control which takes you from boxy lows to punchy highs with a single twist, and a smooth mid-range gain. Capable of going all the way from a bluesy overdrive to vintage-voiced fuzz to full-on distorted madness, the SD-9 is an ideal candidate for the guitarist looking for classic distorted tones with a wider spread for more versatility. - 82
Boss FBM-1 Fender Bassman Overdrive Pedal
33 available from $135Featuring a three-band EQ, bright input, and vintage design reminiscent of the classic amp, the FBM-1 Overdrive dials in the legendary tones of the coveted Fender Bassman at a fraction of the size and price. The FBM-1 is the perfect solution to turn any amp into a classic rock machine. - 83
JHS Sweet Tea V3
64 available from $220 - 84
ProCo Turbo Rat Distortion
28 available from $115Featuring an LED display, traditional RAT filter control for nuanced brightness control and double the output of a traditional RAT with 2.8V, the Turbo Rat is the most intense distortion in the RAT family. Designed to slice through a mix when you really want your playing present, this is a natural fit for any metal genre, but also functions well in post-punk and indie rock. - 85
DigiTech Grunge Distortion
30 available from $59Featuring high and low EQ controls, a massive amount of gain and a die-hard chassis, the DigiTech Grunge Distortion summons swampy, searing tone with a quick stomp. Built to create the sound of from the muddy banks of the Wishkah, this pedal provides pounding tone and vicious attack. - 86
Joyo Vintage Overdrive
34 available from $22Joyo's Vintage Overdrive JF-01 gives you a Tube Screamer-like drive for a fraction of the price. The Joyo Vintage Overdrive clarifies the mid-range mud characteristic of the TS models and gives you more opportunity to pump up the volume with a wider gain range. If you want a Tube Screamer sound but don't want to shell out hundreds for an original or a fancy clone, consider the Joyo Vintage Overdrive. - 87
Source Audio Aftershock Bass Distortion
43 available from $120Rock your rig with the Aftershock Bass Distortion from Source Audio. Complete with three separate drive engines right out of the box, and a whole slew of other options using the Neuro Mobile App, the Aftershock can take you from creamy overdrive right to wailing fuzz and back again. Tube mode gives you the vintage crunch of an old tube amp, while Heavy mode offers up hard-core scooped drive. Finally, the Fuzz engine serves up intense germanium fuzz tones. - 88
Mooer Black Secret Distortion
25 available from $35Featuring a sleek design, two distinct distortion voices selectable via switch and simple controls for distortion, level, and filter, the Mooer Black Secret is a versatile distortion in a compact frame. Designed to emulate the legendary RAT tone through the pedal's various iterations, the Black Secret is an affordable, board-friendly way to add extra edge to your thrash, punk, or garage rig. - 89
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi V7 (Green Russian)
35 available from $20.25Housed in a formidable green all-metal chassis and built with Russian Cold War-era circuitry, the Electro-Harmonix/Sovtek Big Muff Pi is a transition-era powerhouse fuzz that sounds and looks like a tank. Big, mean, and green, the Sovtek Big Muff Pi is for guitarists looking to get ahead in the fuzz arms race. - 90
Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer Distortion Pedal
13 available from $55The Marshall JH-1 Jackhammer is a downright gnarly distortion pedal aimed at players looking for crushing high-gain metal tones. With an absurd amount of gain on tap and a sweepable Contour control for scooping and shaping the midrange, the JH-1 gets into Master Volume Marshall amp distortion territory and then takes it a couple steps further. But the Jackhammer's no one trick pony. Flip the Mode switch over to "OD" for dynamic overdrive and crunch sounds that most high-gain dirt boxes can't touch. Dual-concentric pots allow for a total of seven controls on this compact, sturdy pedal, saving precious space on your board. - 91
MXR ZW44 Zakk Wylde Overdrive
17 available from $79.99The MXR Wylde Overdrive is setup for Zakk Wylde's preferences. This model soon became rebadged as the Berserker Overdrive, with a slightly different looking casing but the same internals. - 92
Electro-Harmonix Hell Melter Advanced Metal Distortion
54 available from $120 - 93
Wampler Phenom Distortion
45 available from $62 - 94
Keeley Boss DS-1 Distortion with Ultra and Seeing Eye Mods
7 available from $125 - 95
JHS 3 Series Distortion
99 available from $69Get medium- to high-gain distortion sounds, all the way to fuzz-like tones with the 3 Series Distortion. A single toggle switch gives you the option of a more-compressed or more-open distorted effect. Three knobs give you control over everything you need: Volume, Distortion, and Filter, which chokes or opens your signal. (Find the rest of JHS' 3 Series for affordable, essential effects.) - 96
Death By Audio Apocalypse Fuzz
47 available from $174.69Ever wanted to have five tweakable fuzzes in one pedal? Then look no further than the Death By Audio Apocalypse. This fuzz and disotortion pedal five distinct fuzz modes along with a sweepable EQ to change up your tone, and the standard volume and drive knobs. From metal tones with a scooped circuit to octave-up sound to a smooshed, high-gain wall of fuzz, the Apocalypse proves an incredibly versatile, flexible fuzz and distortion, giving you a plethora of options to choose from. - 97
Darkglass Electronics ADAM Aggressively Distorting Advanced Machine
72 available from $329 - 98
Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive 1981 - 1988 Made In Japan
34 available from $135 - 99
MXR MX-104 Block Distortion + 1975 - 1984
78 available from $120The MXR Distortion + was designed in the early '70s and has since found its way onto many great players' pedalboards the world over, such as Randy Roads and Bob Mould. Though it's named the "+," this pedal doesn't go too far on the distortion - it can be turned down low enough to register as a subtle, low-volume overdrive. That's not to say you can't get crazy distortion from this pedal; you can get ferocious fuzz just by cranking the Output and Distortion knobs as far as possible. The MXR Distortion + is simply a versatile, intuitive tool for creating a wide range of tones. - 100
Wampler Plexi-Drive Deluxe V2 (Small Logo)
37 available from $145