Guitar FX (effects) refer to the wide range of pedals and processors that shape and manipulate a guitar’s signal to create different sounds. From classic distortion and overdrive to reverb, delay, modulation, and pitch-shifting, effects are at the heart of a guitarist’s creative toolkit. Whether analogue or digital, stompbox or multi-effects unit, Guitar FX allow players to express mood, texture, and dynamics in unique ways. Used thoughtfully, they can transform a simple riff into something atmospheric, aggressive, or entirely otherworldly.
A pedal is a compact device that guitarists use to alter their instrument’s sound by shaping effects such as distortion, delay, reverb, and modulation. Typically housed in a rugged enclosure and controlled by footswitches, pedals are designed to be placed on the floor for hands-free operation during playing. They can be analogue or digital, true bypass or buffered, and come in countless varieties to suit different styles and preferences. Pedals are essential tools for creating signature tones and adding colour and texture to a guitarist’s sound.
A preamp (preamplifier) is the first stage in your guitar signal chain that takes the weak signal from your guitar and boosts it to a usable level for shaping tone and driving the power amp.
It’s where much of your tone is formed—controlling gain, EQ, and character. In valve (tube) amps, the preamp stage is what gives you that classic warmth and breakup when pushed. In modern rigs, standalone preamp pedals or rack units can mimic classic amp tones or create entirely new ones. Whether in a studio or live setup, a good preamp is the heart of your sound.
Tube refers to vacuum tube technology used in guitar amplifiers to amplify the signal. Tube amps are celebrated for their warm, rich, and dynamic tone, producing natural overdrive and smooth distortion when pushed. They respond sensitively to a player’s touch and playing style, offering expressive sound shaping that many musicians prefer. Although tube amps require more care and maintenance than solid-state models, their classic sound and feel keep them popular among guitarists worldwide.
We have new and used Friedman musical equipment available on our website for fast direct delivery from sellers across the UK & Europe.
£275.34
12AX7 Tube Fuzz Pedal Fuzz, Bass Middle, Treble and Volume Controls Rage Momentary Switch True Bypass Included Universal 12V Power Supply
£188.22
Optical Compressor Pedal. Volume, Treble, Compression and Tight. Wide Range Gain Knob. True Bypass Switching. Powered by 18VDC (no battery)
£216.35
Brand:FISHMAN Fishman is dedicated to helping musicians achieve the truest sound possible whenever they plug in. Add the power and sonic clarity of Fishman’s renowned blending technology to your guitar, without any visible modification The Ellipse Matrix Blend combines the world’s best-selling under saddle pickup, the Fishman Acoustic Matrix, with …
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Pretty Effect: This effect pedal has 3 gears, DIRTY, TURBO and VINTAGE, and RAT is one of the most classic distortion effects. Ideal Playing: Providing you with a wide range of tones and distortion effects, which will largely improve your guitar playing. Practical Use: Suits perfectly for both guitar and bass, the effect pedal ensures no loss in lo…
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🎧 Classic distortion tone for rich and powerful sound 🎧 Anti-skid rubber pads enhance stability during use 🎧 LED indicator clearly displays operational status 🎧 Compact aluminum alloy shell for durability and portability 🎧 True bypass ensures pure path