Distortion is a guitar effect that alters the signal’s waveform, creating a gritty, aggressive sound characterized by a high level of harmonic content and sustain. It’s achieved by amplifying the input signal to the point where the amplifier or pedal’s circuitry begins to clip, causing the waveform to become squared off and jagged. This clipping produces harmonics that weren’t present in the original signal, resulting in the characteristic “gritty” or “dirty” tone associated with distortion. Distortion pedals typically feature controls for adjusting the amount of gain or distortion applied, as well as tone-shaping knobs to tailor the sound’s frequency response. Distortion is widely used in rock, metal, and punk music to add power, aggression, and sustain to guitar solos, riffs, and rhythm parts, creating a bold and intense sonic impact in the mix. Popular distortion pedals include the Boss DS-1, Pro Co Rat, and Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi.
An electro-acoustic guitar is an acoustic guitar fitted with a built-in pickup or microphone, allowing it to be plugged into amps, effects units, PA systems, or recording gear. It retains the natural tone and resonance of a regular acoustic guitar but with added flexibility for live performance or studio use. Electro-acoustic guitars aren’t tied to any one style—they’re used in everything from folk and rock to classical and jazz—offering traditional sound with modern convenience.
Fuzz is a type of guitar effect that produces a highly distorted and saturated tone characterized by its thick, buzzy, and aggressive sound. It’s achieved by clipping the guitar’s signal in a way that creates extreme distortion and compression, resulting in a velvety, sustaining fuzziness. Fuzz pedals typically feature controls for adjusting parameters such as gain (the amount of distortion), tone (the frequency response of the fuzzed signal), and volume (the output level). By manipulating these controls, guitarists can create a wide range of fuzz tones, from gritty and raw to smooth and singing. Fuzz is commonly used in genres such as rock, blues, and psychedelic music, where it adds texture, power, and intensity to guitar solos, riffs, and rhythm parts. Popular fuzz pedal models include the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi, Dunlop Fuzz Face, and ZVex Fuzz Factory.
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 vintage guitar is a guitar that is considered to be of significant age, typically over 30 years old, and often possesses historical, cultural, or collector’s value. Vintage guitars are highly sought after by collectors, musicians, and enthusiasts for their craftsmanship, tone, playability, and historical significance.
Vintage guitars can come from various eras, each with its own unique characteristics and desirability.
Vintage guitars often exhibit signs of wear and aging, which can add to their character and authenticity. However, originality, condition, and provenance are crucial factors that determine the value of a vintage guitar. Well-maintained and all-original vintage guitars with documented history and provenance tend to command higher prices on the collector’s market.
While vintage guitars can be valuable investments, they are also cherished for their playability and the unique sonic characteristics they offer. Many musicians prefer vintage instruments for their mojo, vibe, and connection to music history.
We have new and used Electro Harmonix musical equipment available on our website for fast direct delivery from sellers across the UK & Europe.
Electro-Harmonix (EHX) is a pioneering brand in the world of guitar effects pedals and audio electronics, known for pushing the boundaries of sound exploration since its founding in 1968. Renowned for their innovative designs and iconic creations, Electro-Harmonix pedals have left an indelible mark on music history. From classics like the Big Muff Pi distortion and Memory Man delay to cutting-edge creations like the POG and HOG series, EHX continually pushes the envelope of what’s possible in effects processing. Whether you’re a guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, or experimental musician, Electro-Harmonix offers a vast array of pedals to inspire creativity and shape your unique sonic landscape.
£133.20 £122.55
Vintage-style octave fuzz optimized for bass Inspired by EHX x JHS Lizard Queen BLEND knob mixes from 100% clean to 100% fuzz TONE control smooths out the fuzz’s high-end Unique OCTAVE knob blends in retro octave tone SUN / SHADOW toggle for brighter or darker octave effect True-Bypass 9V Battery included (9V adapter optional)
£73.00
Unique transistor-based octave fuzz distortion circuit designed by Josh Scott Blendable Octave to dial in the analog octave chaos Balance control adjusts between smooth sustaining tones and raspy fuzz tones 1970s Electro-Harmonix graphic designed by Daniel Danger True Bypass
£93.00 £75.01
Distortion type Vintage fuzz. True bypass. Longer sustain. Fat Fuzz Sound. Made in the USA.
£24.36 £23.37
Versatile 3-Mode Operation: Switch between classic fuzz, grunge, and gain boost modes to cover a wide range of rock tones Precision Tone Shaping: Dedicated Level, Gain, Treble, and Bass controls let you fine-tune your sound with ease Robust Performance: A bright status LED and high-quality on/off switch ensure reliable operation and signal integrit…
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Reissue of the 1969 classic Muff Fuzz in a die-cast aluminum box Compact, die-cast aluminum package