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.
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.
Signature refers to instruments, pedals, or amps designed in collaboration with or endorsed by a well-known musician. These products often feature customised specifications, unique aesthetics, or special features that reflect the artist’s personal style and sound preferences. Signature gear allows fans and players to access the tones and playability inspired by their favourite players, offering a distinct and personalised musical experience.
We have new and used Wampler musical equipment available on our website for fast direct delivery from sellers across the UK & Europe.
Wampler Pedals, founded by Brian Wampler, is renowned for producing boutique-quality guitar effects pedals that cater to a wide range of musical styles. Their lineup includes overdrive, distortion, fuzz, delay, reverb, modulation, and compressor pedals, all known for their meticulous design and high-quality components. Wampler pedals are celebrated for their exceptional tonal characteristics, robust construction, and user-friendly interfaces, making them a favourite among professional musicians and tone enthusiasts.
Among the most popular Wampler pedals are the Tumnus Overdrive, Ego Compressor, and Faux Tape Echo. The Tumnus Overdrive is praised for its transparent overdrive and versatility, capable of both clean boosts and rich, full-bodied overdrive tones. The Ego Compressor is acclaimed for its transparent compression and blend control, which allows for a perfect mix of compressed and dry signals. The Faux Tape Echo stands out for its warm, vintage-inspired delay sounds and modulation controls that emulate classic tape echo machines. These pedals exemplify Wampler’s commitment to providing high-quality, professional-grade sound and innovative features.
£256.70
Built in the U.S.A. with high-grade components selected for superior sound and response, premium finish and controls Dual Independent Overdrive and Distortion channels Independent Level, Gain, Tone and Fat controls for both channels, Blend Control for Overdrive channel Channel Order switch with two pairs of Input and Output jacks Dimensions: 5” x 4…
read more £73.00 £59.80
Since 1981, the SD-1 Super Overdrive has been a go-to gain pedal for generations of players—trusted across genres for its reliable tone and performance. Built on the groundbreaking asymmetrical clipping circuit of the iconic 1977 OD-1—one of the first-ever BOSS compacts—the SD-1 carries forward a true overdrive legacy. The SD-1 delivers rich, smoot…
read more £129.22
Designed to be a versatile addition to any setup, any style Use with other pedals to shape the total gain, as a stand alone overdrive, or as a slightly dirty boost to push the front end of your amp Can even be used as a buffer because this pedal is not true bypass This pedal contains a buffered bypass tone legendary in its own right The streamlined…
read more £211.29
Designed in conjunction with Brad Paisley to create the perfect overdrive for him to record and tour with This pedal gets a clean sound, but can get crunchy and add some "beef" to the tone It has a particularly fluid tone when soloing It can add a little hair to a tone, or it can give you all out gain without wrecking the tonality Great not only fo…
read more £182.06
Same magic sounding buffer with all of the clarity, punch, and detailed breakup of the original Tumnus Active bass and mid controls boost or cut the desired frequencies Normal / Hot switch goes from standard Tumnus gain to higher gain.Use it to boost a driven amp or another pedal, as a stand alone overdrive, or as an "always on" tonal sweetener Int…
read more