Category: Gear Review

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Best Guitar Effects Pedals For Metal

Metal band playing at concert.

Face-melting riffs. Savoury crunches. There’s nothing quite like metal. If you’re looking to dive into the dirty world of metal music, you’ll want some pedals under your belt to achieve your sound. To help in your quest, we’ll go over the best guitar effects pedals for metal. 

Best Guitar Effects For Metal

There are several effects metalheads rely on to deliver dirty riffs. Some of the most popular guitar effects are as follow:

  • Distortion
  • Compressor
  • Delay
  • Harmonizer

Distortion

Keeley Filaments High Gain Distortion Effects Pedal
Keeley Filaments

If there is any guitar effect metalheads need, it’s undeniably distortion. However, when it comes to the best metal distortion pedals, declaring a subjective winner is impossible. Distortion is a very personalized effect, and every guitarist wants different things from a distortion pedal. Whether you want face-melting distortion or a satisfying crunch depends entirely on you. That given, we can still go over some of the most popular distortion pedals amongst metal guitarists. Since distortion is such a broad genre, we’ll go in-depth over our picks.

Best Distortion Pedals

Pro Co Rat 2 Overdrive Pedal

The Pro Co Rat 2 is a unique pedal, described as 45% distortion and 55% fuzz. Many famous guitarists love this pedal, including James Hetfield and Kurt Cobain, thanks to its incredible versatility. No matter if you crave sweet and soft or crude and vulgar tones, this pedal has you covered.

Keeley Electronics Filaments Distortion Pedal

The Keeley Electronics Filaments distortion pedal delivers both aggressive high gains and gentle distortions for the best of both worlds. You also have access to incredible tone-crafting capabilities thanks to its 7 methods of EQ shaping.

BOSS MD-2 Mega Distortion Pedal

For modern metal guitarists, the BOSS MD-2 Mega Distortion pedal is the beast you need. This box delivers extreme, low-end distortion suitable for modern metal guitarists. If you’re a new-school metalhead, you’ve gotta head your hands on the BOSS MD-2.

Compressor

TC Electronic HyperGravity Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal
TC Electronic HyperGravity Compressor

A simple compressor pedal can make a massive difference in your tone. This guitar effect tightens up otherwise mushy tones, leaving you with sharp, defined sounds. If you don’t have one of these in your arsenal, you may be shocked at the difference it can make in your playing.

Best Compressor Pedals

Delay

TC Electronic Flashback Delay TonePrint Series Guitar Effects Pedal
TC Electronic Flashback

Delay is an awesome effect that can thicken up your lead tones and make you stand out. Without this effect, your lead tones can sound thin and watery, and adding a delay pedal is an easy fix. To help solidify your leads, let’s go over the best delay pedals for metal.

Best Delay Pedals

Wah-Wah

Dunlop Cry Baby 535Q Multi-Wah Guitar Effects Pedal
Dunlop Cry Baby 535Q

Wah-wah pedals are used by legendary guitarists worldwide. This effect alters the tone and frequencies of the guitar signal to achieve the onomatopoeic “wah-wah” sound. You manually step on this pedal for the higher-pitched “wah” noise and release for the “wu” sound. However, achieving your desired wah effect takes time and practice. Let’s go over the best wah-wah pedals for metal.

Best Wah-Wah Pedals

Get Down ‘n’ Dirty

While metal generally keeps things simple in terms of effects, these essential guitar effects will take your playing to the next level. Want to browse more pedals for metal? Browse our extensive line of guitar effects pedals.

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4 Best Bass Amps For All Levels

Person playing bass guitar.

A great bass amp is vital to achieving great bass sound.  Even if you have a great bass guitar, if you plug it into a low-end or average amp, you’re gonna get a nonoptimal sound. For this reason, it’s important that you put a lot of thought into your bass amp purchase. To help with your decision, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best bass amps and bass combo amps you can buy now.

Best Bass Amps

1. Orange Crush Bass 50

Orange Crush Bass 50 OR Bass Combo Amp (Orange)

The Orange Crush is a 50W bass combo amplifier that is deceptively versatile. The 12″ speaker delivers bold and punchy sounds that you can customize with the onboard 3-band EQ. For even more versatility, the interactive Gain and Blend controls are primed for creating enormous ‘bi-amped’-style tones with ease, adding extra harmonics and variable levels of grit to the core bass tone. Other handy features include a buffered effects loop, integrated tuner, aux input, and a headphone output with Orange’s Cabsim circuitry. If you need more or less power, there are also 100-watt and 25-watt options. Plug into the Orange Crush Bass 50 today and experience new sounds!

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2. Orange Terror Bass Amp

Orange Terror Bass 500W Bass Hybrid Head Amp

The Orange Terror Bass amp is back and more of a mini monster than ever! This highly portable 500W amp packs huge power into a tiny package. Whether you crave clean pop sounds or gritty rock tones, the Orange Terror Bass can do it all. Not only does it deliver a great tone, but it’s surprisingly loud! Unleash your inner beast with the Orange Terror Bass amplifier. 

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3. Hartke HD50 50W Bass Combo Amp

Hartke HD50

 

The Hartke HD50 is a combo amplifier that runs at 50 watts of power, making it suitable for your practice needs. Its 1×10″ cabinet houses a 10″ bass speaker for fat tones. After connecting your instrument to its 1/4″ jack, you can manipulate the signal with bass, mid-range, and treble controls. If you need more or less power, this model also comes in 150-watt or 25-watt versions.

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4. VOX Pathfinder 10B PB10 10W Bass Combo Amp

Vox Pathfinder 10B 10W 6.5" Bass Combo Amp

The VOX Pathfinder 10B 10-watt bass combo amp sports classic VOX looks. This low-watt powerhouse houses two 5″ BullDog speakers to deliver practice-level volumes. You get versatility with its top-mounted controls that allow you to adjust the bass middle and treble filtering, as well as increase or decrease your drive for a dirtier tone. And thanks to its compact and portable design, you can easily take the VOX PB10 to your sessions.

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Plug In And Crank Up The Bass

Hopefully, now, you’ll find a great bass amplifier that suits your needs. If you would like to browse more bass amp options, check out our entire range of bass amplifiers. 

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5 Best Mini Pedals For Your Precious Pedalboard Space

The best mini pedals

Your pedalboard real estate is like an apartment in Manhatten – extremely valuable and limited in space. Given this, every addition to your pedalboard needs to bring something strong tone-shaping capabilities to help you craft your sound. Luckily, there are some great options that not only give you excellent sound but save on precious pedalboard space. Let’s go over our picks of some of the best mini pedals.

1. Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini Overdrive Pedal

 

Ibanez TSMINI Tube Screamer Mini Guitar Effects PedalThe Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini is a bite-sized version of the iconic Tube Screamer pedal. Don’t be fooled – it may be smaller, but Ibanez did not compromise on tone when making the TS Mini. Known for its rich midrange growth and versatile touch sensitivity, the Tube Screamer Mini is a welcome addition to any pedalboard. Plug into the Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini today and experience big sounds. 

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2. TC Electronic Hall of Fame Mini Reverb Pedal

TC Electronic HOF (Hall of Fame) Mini Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal

The TC Electronic Hall of Fame Mini packs big sound into a miniature stompbox. With TC Electronic’s preloaded hall reverb, this pedal is great on its own. However, since it also has TonePrint enabled, you can load the effects of the original HoF pedal into it. So, whether you crave spring, hall, room, plate or the amazing lush cathedral reverb, you’re covered. Discover the vast creative possibilities of the TC Electronic Hall of Fame Mini.

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3. Dunlop CBM95 Cry Baby Mini Wah Guitar Effects Pedal

Dunlop CBM95 Cry Baby Mini Wah Guitar Effects Pedal

One of the guitar world’s most beloved effects is available in a small package. The Dunlop CBM95 Cry Baby Mini Wah pedal is the perfect addition for any pedalboard that doesn’t skimp on tone or usability. This mini beast comes equipped with the legendary Fasel inductor, a full sweep range, and three internally adjustable voicings—Low, Vintage, and GCB95. Save precious space without sacrificing tone and put a CBM95 Cry Baby Mini Wah on your pedalboard.

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4. Dunlop FFM6 Band of Gypsys Fuzz Face Mini Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

Dunlop FFM6 Band of Gypsys Fuzz Face Mini Guitar Effects Pedal

The Dunlop FFM6 Band of Gypsys Fuzz Face Mini replicates the legendary lost fuzz tone from Jimi Hendrix’s performances for the Band of Gypsys. Woo the masses with this snarling and aggressive tone honed by Hendrix aficionado. No matter your pedalboard setup, you can make room for the Dunlop FFM6 Band of Gypsys Fuzz Face Mini Distortion.

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5. Electro-Harmonix Nano POG Polyphonic Octave Generator Guitar Effects Pedal

Electro-Harmonix EHX Nano Pog Polyphonic Octave Generator Guitar Effects Pedal

Octave effects have long been beloved by guitarists, especially when combined with fuzz. Now, guitarists get four distinct octave voices to adorn the dry signal with the Electro-Harmonix Nano POG. With this mini jewel, you get the same beloved sounds as the other POG pedals but in a pedalboard-friendly package. Create unique octave tones with the Electro-Harmonix Nano POG!

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Same Tone, Smaller Package

With any mini pedal on our list, you don’t sacrifice tone for a tiny footprint. Each one offers superior sound and tone-crafting capabilities while saving you pedalboard real estate. Pick up one of the best mini pedals from our list or browse more guitar effects pedals today!

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5 Best Effects Pedals for Bass Guitars

 

 

The best bass guitar effects pedals

If you’re a bassist looking to explore new sounds, you’ve come to the right place. Adding effects pedals to your collection lets you experiment with new tones and express your style and creativity. There are endless opportunities to tinker with your sound with the help of effects pedals. To help with your tone crafting, let’s go over our pick of some of the best effects pedals for bass guitars.

Best Effects Pedals for Bass Guitars

1. Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro Synth

Electro-Harmonix Bass MicroSynth Guitar Effects Pedal

The Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro Synthesizer effects pedal offers vast tone-crafting potential for bassists of all styles. Whether you want classic vintage sounds or unruly custom tones, the Bass Micro Synth lets you express yourself. Its four modes – Guitar, Octave, Sub-Octave, and Square Wave – are independent and completely customizable. No matter your playing style, the Bass Micro Synthesizer will satiate.

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2. DigiTech Whammy Ricochet

Digitech Whammy Ricochet

The DigiTech Whammy Ricochet unlocks pitch controlling without touching your tuners. Instantly bounce your playing up or down in controlled or crazy shifts and get the Whammy action you know and love without using a treadle. Not only is it easy to control with a momentary footswitch, but the Whammy Ricochet is incredibly versatile with independent rise and fall ballistics. Dive into classic Whammy effects with the Digitech Whammy Ricochet!

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3. Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff PI Fuzz Pedal

Electro-Harmonix EHX Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi Guitar Effects Pedal

The legendary Electro-Harmonix Bass Big Muff PI is one of the best fuzz pedals for bass guitar because it gives you great control over the effect. For instance, you can dial in the perfect crossover point and blend between wet/dry signals without losing your dynamics and definition. Take control of your fuzz with the Electro-Harmonix Bass Big Muff PI!

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4. Dunlop Cry Baby 105Q Bass Wah

Dunlop Cry Baby 105Q Bass Wah Guitar Effects Pedal

Crafted specifically for bass, the Dunlop Cry Baby 105Q bass wah pedal grants you new grooving potential. Optimized for bass frequencies, the 105Q Cry Baby focuses on the midrange and top end of your sound, allowing your powerful lows to shine. You can also adjust the wah parameters with the Q control. Discover why the Dunlop Cry Baby 105Q bass wah is the choice wah pedal for many acclaimed bassists today!

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5. Electro-Harmonix POG2 Polyphonic Octave Generator

Electro-Harmonix EHX POG2 Polyphonic Octave Generator Guitar Pedal

The Electro-Harmonix POG2 takes your original signal and mixes in five polyphonic octave harmonics. Dial into everything from symphonic to dreamlike sounds! Love your creation? You can save up to eight presets and instantly recall them as you wish. Explore lush symphonic sounds with the Electro-Harmonix EHX POG2 polyphonic octave generator!

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Take Your Bass To The Next Level

Dive into the exciting world of effects pedals with any of our choices of the best bass pedals. No matter your style, there are bass effects that will accent your playing and take it to the next level. Want to browse more options? Shop our entire range of guitar and bass effects pedals.

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5 Best Ibanez Bass Guitars

Best Ibanez bass guitars

There has never been a better time than now to pick up a bass guitar. No matter your style, budget, and requirements, there likely exists the perfect bass for you.

If you’ve done any guitar shopping, you’ve likely come across the Ibanez brand. Their collections of bass guitars are renowned by bassists of all skill levels. To help in your search for the perfect axe, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best bass guitars you can buy from Ibanez. But first, let’s discuss why you should consider buying an Ibanez bass in the first play. 

Why Ibanez?

Ibanez is a world-renown Japanese guitar and bass brand. They have bass series for all levels of playing and are comfortable to play, affordable, have excellent build quality, and – most importantly – sound great. Whether you’re just stepping into the world of bass or a pro, there’s an Ibanez bass guitar with your name on it. 

More interested in playing an electric guitar? Check out our list of the best Ibanez guitars for beginners.

Best Ibanez Bass Guitars

1. Ibanez SR1340B-DWF 5-String Electric Bass

Ibanez SR1340B-DWF SR Premium 4-String Electric Bass with Gig Bag (Dual Shadow Burst Flat)

The Ibanez SR1340B-DWF is premium in both name and nature. Sporting an African mahogany body in Dual Shadow Burst finish, the SR1340B packs an aggressive tone due to its Nordstrand Big Singles pickups. Also, you get sound-crafting capabilities with Ibanez’s Custom 3-band EQ, including control over boost/cut for bass, mid, and high frequencies, a mid-frequency switch, and an EQ bypass. No matter your style, the Ibanez SR1340B-DWF electric bass is the perfect steed. 

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2. Ibanez SRH500-DEF 4-String Electric-Acoustic Bass

Ibanez SRH500-DEF SR Bass Workshop 4-String Semi-Hollowbody Electric Bass Guitar (Dragon Eye Burst Flat )

For over thirty years, the SR series has given bassists a modern alternative. The Ibanez SRH500-DEF 4-string electric bass is no exception, allowing players to indulge in warm acoustic tones. And thanks to its lightweight, ergonomic design, bassists can comfortably play for hours. Take the plunge into acoustic serenity with the Ibanez SRH500-DEF electric bass.

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3. Ibanez SR2405W 5-String Electric Bass

Ibanez SR2405W-BTL 5-String Electric Bass Guitar with Gig Bag (Brown Topaz Burst Low Gloss)

The Ibanez SR2405W electric bass displays both beauty and ferocious tones. Thanks to its two Aguilar Super Double pickups, your tones are fat, punchy, and beautifully balanced. And with the 3-band EQ, you’ll have more than enough sound-shaping power to hit the stage or studio with any band. This bass is a great choice for energetic players who want a premium axe. Enjoy the incredible playability of the Ibanez SR2405W electric bass today!

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4. Ibanez GSR200-BK GIO 4-String Electric Bass

Shure MV5-B-DIG Digital Condenser Microphone (Black/Red) Mic

Beginner bassists, meet your weapon of choice: The Ibanez GSR200-BK GIO electric bass. Ibanez’s GIO series focuses on providing beginner bassists with an instrument that punches well above its price point. When you play the Ibanez GSR200, you’ll fall in love with its clean, warm tones and high-level performance. This beginner-friendly bass is also available in Transparent Red. Experience Ibanez quality in an affordable package and pick up the GSR200 today!

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5. Ibanez TMB100-MGR Talman 4-String Electric Bass 

Ibanez TMB100-MGR Talman Bass Standard Series 4-String Electric Bass (Mint Green)

For those bassists who want a practical axe that sports Ibanez quality, check out the Ibanez TMB100-MGR. The solid single-cutaway body delivers maximum resonance and sustain, while the TMB4 neck is smooth and fast, providing unlimited playability for the most demanding player. The Dynamix DXP neck pickup and DXJ bridge pickup offer a rich, vintage sound. With minimal extra flairs and additions, the Ibanez TMB100 is an excellent-priced retro bass. If you want a simple guitar that packs a punch, consider the Ibanez TMB100 in either Mint Green, Walnut Flat, Mustard Yellow Flat, or Black. 

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Indulge in Fat Frequencies

Although often overlooked, bassists are an essential component of any musical group. If you’re considering picking up a bass guitar, we strongly encourage you to do so. Explore your options and see what Ibanez (and other brands) have to offer.

Want to browse more bass guitars? Check out our entire line of electric basses.

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4 Best Distortion Pedals For Dirty Sound

The best distortion pedals

Distortion is the heart and soul of metal and rock ‘n’ roll. However, distortion is a nuanced effect, and finding the right pedal is vital for your sound. To help in your search for dirt, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best distortion pedals you can get today. Whether you crave light gains or full-blown snarls, these pedals have you covered. Read on and find your match.

1. Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

Pro Co RAT2

The Pro Co RAT 2 covers all the bases: distortion, sustain, fuzz, and overdrive. This legendary pedal is perfect for those wanting a versatile distortion pedal that sounds thick and aggressive. While it excels at higher gain settings, it can also be used as a lower-gain boost. If you crave filthy gains with a hint of fuzz, you’ll love the affordable Pro Co RAT 2.

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2. TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

TC Electronic was inspired by the powerful roar of the Marshall Plexi. The result – the extremely versatile TC Electronic Dark Matter distortion stompbox. This pedal offers an enormous range of gritty and rich distortion sounds, covering everything from light fuzz to a roaring Plexi pushed into overdrive. No matter how much grit you crave, the extremely affordable TC Electronic Dark Matter will be sure to satiate. 

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3. Keeley Electronics Filaments Distortion

Keeley Filaments High Gain Distortion Effects Pedal

Metalheads, look no further than the Keeley Electronics Filaments distortion pedal. Although it is marketed as a high-gain drive pedal, it brilliantly dials in everything from light gain drive to crunching metal. With three toggles for Boost, Sag, and Crunch, you can fine-tune your desired tone. Experience everything the Keeley Electronics Filaments distortion pedal has to offer today.

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4. Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion

Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

The Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion is every modern metal guitarist’s dream come true. The secret weapon of this box is its dual-stage distortion circuit with an added Gain Boost, plus Bottom and Tone controls for crushing distortion with massive low end. Craft extreme new-school metal sounds with the Boss MD-2 Mega Distortion pedal today!

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Get Down and Dirty

A distortion pedal is arguably one of the most important effects for any metal or rock guitarist. No matter how much dirt you crave, you’ll be impressed with any of the pedals on this list. Want to browse more guitar effects pedals? Check out our extensive range of stompboxes for your choosing.

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