An amp, short for amplifier, is a crucial piece of equipment that boosts the signal from your guitar or other instruments, allowing you to control volume and shape your tone. Guitar amps come in various styles, including valve (tube), solid-state, and digital modelling, each offering unique sound characteristics. Whether you’re practicing at home, recording in the studio, or playing live, the right amp can make all the difference in achieving your desired sound—from clean and crisp to rich overdrive and distortion.
Overdrive is a type of guitar effect that simulates the natural distortion that occurs when a tube amplifier is pushed beyond its clean limit. Overdrive pedals achieve this by boosting the input signal of the guitar, causing the amplifier to saturate and produce a warm, saturated, and crunchy sound.
Overdrive pedals are commonly used in various styles of music, including rock, blues, and punk, to add grit, sustain, and harmonic richness to the guitar’s sound. They are versatile tools that can be used to achieve a wide range of tones, from subtle breakup to full-on distortion, depending on the settings and the amplifier being used. Some classic examples of overdrive pedals include the Ibanez Tube Screamer, the Boss OD-1, and the Fulltone OCD, among others
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 special usually refers to a model or edition that stands out from standard versions due to unique features, limited production, or custom touches. This could include upgraded hardware, exclusive finishes, distinctive woods, or artist signature details. Specials often offer enhanced playability, tone, or aesthetics, making them prized by collectors and players alike. Whether it’s a “Standard,” “Custom,” or “Special Edition,” these guitars bring something extra to the table—whether that’s rarity, style, or performance.
We have new and used Universal Audio musical equipment available on our website for fast direct delivery from sellers across the UK & Europe.
Universal Audio (UA) is a leading manufacturer of professional audio recording hardware and software, renowned for their high-quality audio interfaces, preamps, and analog modeling plugins. Founded in 1958 by Bill Putnam Sr., UA has a rich heritage in recording technology, with a legacy that includes designing classic studio gear used on countless hit records. Today, Universal Audio offers a range of products, including their acclaimed Apollo series audio interfaces, featuring real-time analog processing and high-resolution audio conversion, as well as their UAD-2 DSP accelerator cards and plugins, which faithfully model vintage analog hardware. With a commitment to preserving the analog sound of yesteryear while embracing modern digital technology, Universal Audio continues to be a trusted name among audio professionals, musicians, and producers seeking premium-quality recording solutions.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.