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.
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.
We have new and used MXR musical equipment available on our website for fast direct delivery from sellers across the UK & Europe.
MXR, short for “Mixing,” is a well-respected manufacturer of guitar pedals and audio effects units known for their reliability, innovation, and iconic sound. Established in the 1970s, MXR has been a staple in the pedalboard setups of countless musicians across various genres, from rock and blues to metal and beyond. Renowned for classics like the Phase 90, Dyna Comp compressor, and Carbon Copy delay, MXR pedals offer a wide range of effects to help guitarists shape and enhance their tone. With a commitment to quality construction and timeless designs, MXR continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in effects pedals, providing musicians with the tools they need to unleash their creativity and express their unique sonic identities.
£99.00
Output & fuzz foot control knob Led on/off indicator Germanium-powered, soft-clipped distortion. Classic 70s distortion. Made in benicia, californa
£188.00
Effect footswitch toggles effects on/bypass (red led indicates on) Distortion footswitch toggles distortion channel in/out (distortion led indicates distortion level active) Clean volume knob adjusts output level of clean channel (effect footswitch on and distortion footswitch off) Distortion volume knob adjusts overall output lev Made in benicia, …
read more £139.73 £128.92
Pedal Dunlop MXR M – 233 Micro Amp+ (SERIE AC17J397) Pedal Dunlop MXR M Jim Dunlop M-233 MICRO AMP+
£169.99
Delivers heavy, aggressive, razor sharp tone Features 3-band eq Razor sharp tone Ungodly output Made in benicia, californa
£143.00
Power: single 9-volt battery or dunlop ecb-003 ac adapter Controls: footswitch toggles effect on/bypass (red led indicates on) Three-position switch selects type of noise reduction: hiss, mid range, or fuji gate Led shows level of noise reduction Made in benicia, californa
