Finding affordable yet high-quality pedals can be daunting for guitarists on a budget. Thankfully, several pedal brands offer excellent sound-shaping tools without breaking the bank. In this post, we’ll explore the ten best inexpensive pedal brands for electric guitars.

Each brand mentioned here has a reputation for producing top-notch pedals at affordable prices, ensuring you can enhance your guitar tone without emptying your wallet. I have reviewed and tested multiple pedals from these brands on my YouTube channel.

1. Donner:

Donner has gained a loyal following for their budget-friendly pedals without compromising quality. One standout pedal from their lineup is the Donner Yellow Fall Analog Delay. This compact pedal provides warm, vintage-style delay tones reminiscent of classic tape echoes, making it perfect for creating lush ambient soundscapes or adding subtle repeats to your playing. Donner is the king of inexpensive pedal brands.  Their pedals are solid, reliable, and affordable.

Donner US  <- 12% off by using this link

2. Joyo:

Joyo is renowned for offering great value for money, and the Joyo Vintage Overdrive is a prime example. This pedal emulates the iconic Tube Screamer, delivering smooth, creamy overdrive tones that work well for blues, rock, or even pushing your amp into a sweet saturation spot.

With its sturdy construction and affordable price tag, the Joyo Vintage Overdrive is a must-have for any guitarist on a budget. Joyo has so many great options available, including the Baatsin showcased below.

Joyo US <- Best deals using this link

3. Caline:

Caline has made a name for itself by producing affordable pedals that rival the sound and build quality of more expensive options. The Caline CP-22 Purple Smoke Overdrive is a versatile and transparent overdrive pedal. It provides a wide range of overdrive tones, from subtle breakup to medium gain, making it suitable for various musical genres.  Caline has the best $50 pedals on the market.  They sound as good as they look!

Caline US <- Full range here

4. Biyang:

Biyang is another brand that offers excellent pedals at budget-friendly prices. Their Baby Boom series features compact pedals with exceptional tonal capabilities. The Biyang Baby Boom Tri Reverb is a standout option, providing lush and spacious reverbs that can take your guitar tone to new dimensions. With its intuitive controls and solid construction, the Biyang Tri Reverb is a great addition to any pedalboard. Biyang pedals are hard to get these days, but I’ve posted a link under the video below so you can get the best price.

Biyang US <- Best range on eBay

5. Mooer:

Mooer has gained popularity for its mini-sized pedals that deliver outstanding sound in a compact form factor. One standout pedal from their lineup is the Mooer Yellow Comp Optical Compressor. This pedal offers studio-quality compression with a smooth and transparent response.

Whether you want to even out your playing dynamics or add sustain to your leads, the Mooer Yellow Comp is a fantastic choice for the price. I’ve tested so many Mooer pedals over the years, and the Groove loop pedal showcased below is one of the best.

Mooer US – Check them out here

6. TC Electronic:

TC Electronic is known for its high-quality effects pedals, but they offer affordable options for those on a budget. The TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster is a compact pedal that provides up to 20dB of clean boost. It’s a versatile tool that can push your amp into overdrive, enhance solos, or provide a clean volume boost for any part of your performance. My favorite TC electronic overdrive is the el Mocambo! It’s a beast.

TC Electronic – on Walmart US

7. Electro-Harmonix:

Electro-Harmonix is a legendary pedal brand that offers affordable options while maintaining outstanding quality. The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food Overdrive is a standout pedal that emulates the classic Klon Centaur, known for its transparent and harmonically rich overdrive. The Soul Food Overdrive delivers exceptional tones and responses at a fraction of the cost of its boutique counterparts.  Some EHX pedals are quite expensive, but they have a good mix of affordable pedals.

8. MXR:

MXR is a well-respected brand known for its robust and reliable pedals. The MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay is a prime example of its affordable yet high-quality offerings. This pedal provides warm and organic analog delay tones with up to 600ms of delay time. With its modulation and regen controls, the Carbon Copy Analog Delay can create everything from a subtle ambiance to lush, swirling repeats.  MXR represents the higher-end of the affordable market, but their pedals are exceptional quality.

MXR US – Best Prices

9. Boss:

Boss is a household name in the world of guitar pedals, and they also have some affordable options in their lineup. The Boss DS-1 Distortion is a classic pedal that countless guitarists have used. It delivers various distortion tones, from mild crunch to full-on saturated distortion. The DS-1 is reliable and affordable for players looking to add some grit to their sound.  BOSS pedals are the most sold pedals in the world for a reason! Check out the BOSS Blues Drive Pedal below.

BOSS US – Check the full range

10. Ibanez:

Ibanez is renowned for its guitars but offers some excellent pedals at affordable prices. The Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini is a compact version of their iconic Tube Screamer Overdrive. It provides the same warm and creamy tones as its larger sibling, making it a great choice for any guitarist seeking that classic bluesy overdrive sound.  Ibanez makes a great range of pedals, including this old-school SMASH BOX showcased below.

Ibanez Pedals – on Walmart US (fastest shipping)

Conclusion:

Enhancing your guitar tone doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These ten pedal brands offer excellent options for guitarists on a budget, providing top-notch sound quality and versatility without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for overdrive, delay, reverb, compression, or any other effect, these brands have you covered. So go ahead, explore their offerings, and unleash your sound without emptying your wallet.

Featuring crafted blends of carefully selected components, expertly engineered circuits, a classic full-size chassis, rugged metal knobs, all-metal construction, and a pristine metal flake paint finish, the six GAMMA Guitar Effects Pedals provide guitarists with a new palette of sounds that can be used for stage, studio and song-crafting inspiration.

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Prices between $69-$89 at Guitar Center

Westlake Village, CA, April 6, 2023 – Following closely on the heels of the launch of the GAMMA G25 and G50 combo guitar amplifiers, Acoustic Control Corporation announces the launch of the GAMMA Guitar Effects Pedal line — six pedals featuring crafted blends of carefully selected components and expertly engineered circuitry for reverb, echo, chorus and dynamic distortions. The range includes the ATLAS Boosted Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal, BACCHUS Dynamic Driver Guitar Effects Pedal, CUMULUS 3-Way Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal, EROS Clean Chorus Guitar Effects Pedal, HADES Metal Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal, and NARCISSUS Warm Delay Guitar Effects Pedal. All models feature intuitive operation, a stunning metal flake paint finish, heavy-duty full-sized metal chassis with metal knobs, and operation from a 9-volt battery or 9-volt DC power supply. Each can be used as a sole pedal unit or as a pedal board component. Additionally, all pedals feature mono audio input and output, with buffered bypass for consistent tone in any setup.

The ATLAS Boosted Overdrive lets you add nuanced, tube amp-style overdrive to your guitar sound. Featuring classic Level, Tone, and Drive controls, plus a Boost switch that pushes low frequencies and adds more high-end bite to the drive sound, the Atlas Boosted Overdrive’s distortion preserves your dynamics and articulation. It is nicely responsive to the volume, tone, and pickup adjustments you make on your guitar.

The BACCHUS Dynamic Driver is a versatile overdrive with wide-ranging Level, Tone, and Drive controls, plus a Fat switch for those times when you want a little more low-frequency push. Go from smooth blues through dynamic crunch to full-bore distortion while reflecting all the nuances of your individual playing style, guitar choice, and pickup configuration.

The CUMULUS 3-Way Reverb allows you to add an inspiring ambience to your guitar sound, with a choice of three classic reverb flavors with Mix, Tone and Decay controls. In the Studio setting, it emulates a crafted recording studio space, with a well-controlled decay that avoids muddying up your sound. In the Spring setting, it emulates the splash and bounce of the spring reverb hardware of vintage guitar amps. The Plate setting emulates the sound of a classic studio plate reverb, for smooth, mellow ambience.

The EROS Clean Chorus allows you to add bold or gentle modulation to your guitar sound. At low Depth settings, Eros’ classic chorus effect adds subtle richness, perfect for thickening up a solo or adding character and bounce to a rhythm guitar tone. High Depth or Speed settings transform your guitar tone into a richly modulated wash of sound. Level, Depth and Speed controls are also provided for sound-sculpting precision.

The HADES Metal Distortion empowers you to add aggressive yet articulate distortion to your guitar sound arsenal, with a particularly wide range of MID cut/boost for great tonal versatility. It’s the ideal choice when it’s time to unleash the “dark arts” of high gain, whether you’re chugging and palm muting, shredding intricate solos, or delivering soaring melody lines. Level and Drive control and three-knob EQs allow you to carve your ideal sound — from death-and-doom to hyper-speed shred.

The NARCISSUS Warm Delay allows you to add inspiring echoes to your guitar sound with a tone quality reminiscent of classic “bucket brigade” delay units of the past. The delay chip at the heart of this pedal provides echoes that get darker with each repeat, helping to ensure that the ambiance Narcissus creates doesn’t obscure the new notes you are playing, as echoes of previous notes are fading away. And when it’s time to get spacey, cranking up the echoes knob to the max will take you into self-oscillation as your saturated echoes build into a dark and distortion-rich pulse of throbbing sound. Level, Echoes, and Time controls are provided for sculpting the perfect sound.

The GAMMA Guitar Effects Pedals are currently available, with pricing as follows:

• ATLAS Boosted Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal: $69.99
• BACCHUS Dynamic Driver Guitar Effects Pedal: $69.99
• CUMULUS 3-Way Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal: $89.99
• EROS Clean Chorus Guitar Effects Pedal: $69.99
• HADES Metal Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal: $69.99
• NARCISSUS Warm Delay Guitar Effects Pedal: $89.99

Get the Best Prices at Guitar Center

For more information on the full range of GAMMA Guitar Effects Pedals, visit Guitar Genter

This is a list of the best overdrive pedals I have ever used.  I have reviewed each of these units on the intheblues YouTube channel and had extensive live playing experience. If you’ve been wondering what the best overdrives are of all time, consider this my definitive list!

Finding the best overdrive is all personal choice based on your own needs.  I encourage you to check out my video reviews below to find out which pedal best suits your tone. Check out my effects pedals buyers guide listing for more information. 

1. VS Audio Royal Flush

The Royal Flush is my favorite dual overdrive of all time.  If I had to pick one pedal to gig with, it would be the Royal Flush.  VS Audio makes their pedals in Greece, and they are among the best 10 pedals in the world.

The left side of the Royal Flush is one of the best overdrive tones I have ever heard.  The tones are musical and clear, without ever sounding thin.  This left channel is my “always-on” side, and then I use the right side as a boost.

The right side of the pedal is a much lower-gain version of the left side.  The result is that the right side can be used as a boost channel into the left.

VS Audio pedals are handmade in Greece and include great designs and robust build quality.  If the dual pedal is a little too large for your pedalboard, check out their single version called the Straight Flush. 

Below is a video I shot of the Royal Flush Dual Overdrive Pedal (Limited Edition version).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNgAnX6Q_ao

Buy it Worldwide on Thomann | Sweetwater Alternatives (USA)

2. Nordvang Gravity

The Nordvang is one of the best overdrive pedals of all time! This combines two of my favorite pedals in one.  The left side is based on the Ibanez TS10 and the right side on a Klon Centaur.  

I’ve tried so many dual overdrive pedals that try and do this circuit, and none of them come close to the Nordvang.  The Gravity is heavily inspired by the “good” John Mayer’s tone of days gone by.  

I have used a Klon KTR and a Maxon Overdrive Pro OD820 extensively for live shows. The Nordvang Gravity saves space over that combination of pedals, and it sounds just as musical as the real pedals.

Additionally, Nordvang kept it pretty simple.  I worked as a consultant with a few pedal companies over the years, giving them ideas on making this exact pedal, and they never hit it out of the park as Nordvang has. 

This top-loaded overdrive pedal allows you to select the signal path from right to left or vice versa. Furthermore, Gravity has some additional tone-shaping options thanks to the toggle switches on the top.  

Overall, the Nordvang Gravity is as good as the Royal Flush, only vastly different in its tonality.  Much like the VS Audio Royal Flush, the Nordvang will stack beautifully with your other effects pedals. 

Here is my video of the Nordvang Gravity as shown on the intheblues YouTube channel. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCrTpfMCO54

Buy it Worldwide on Nordvang Website | Thomann Alternatives | Sweetwater Alternatives (USA)

3. Maxon Apex 808

The Maxon Apex 808, where do I begin? This modern take on the famous Vintage overdrive circuit seems to offend so many, and yet, I love it. 

There are so many variations on the Tube Screamer circuit.  For those unaware, the Maxon OD808 is the circuit that Ibanez rebranded as “Tube Screamer.”  

This limited edition overdrive pedal has a little magic under the hood, making it, in my experience, a modern classic. 

Susumu Tamura was the creator of this legendary circuit, and he’s back making a run of these new APEX 808 pedals. 

What separates this from many of the other Tube Screamer variants is that it contains a variant IC chip that gives the pedal a different sound.

How different is the APEX 808 over an OD808, I hear you ask? This new APEX 808 has more headroom and top-end clarity than a stock OD808.  Does this make it better? While this is all personal choice, the APEX stacks far better as a boost thanks to the extended high-frequencies available.  

In conclusion, the Maxon APEX 808 is one of the best overdrive pedals I have ever used, and it’s going to be part of my live rig for years to come.  I wrote a full review on the Maxon APEX 808 that you can find on my website if you are interested. 

Below is my review video and sound sample of the Maxon Apex 808 overdrive pedal.

Buy it Worldwide on Thomann | Sweetwater Tube Screamer Pedals (USA)

4. Buffalo FX Carrera Overdrive

The Buffalo FX Carrera Overdrive pedal is a beast! I believe this to be arguably the best always-on pedal I have ever used.  This is very similar to a classic vintage overdrive circuit expect it has a few advantages.

The first advantage Carrera has is the two-band EQ.  This two-band EQ allows you to dial in more or less bass and treble, giving it a huge advantage over many other pedals.  One common complaint with any Tube Screamer circuit is that it rolls out your low-frequencies.  

This pedal has all of your amplifier’s full and round low-end sounds while still having a very familiar tone.

The second huge advantage to the Carrera overdrive is that it stacks fantastically with other effects pedals.  While you can run the Carrera into another pedal, but it shines best as the always-on pedal.  There’s not much to dislike about this effects pedal making it one of the best overdrive pedals.  

I have been using this as part of my live rig for several years, and I have no plans on moving or selling it.  Check it out of you are looking for a modern take on a classic tone. 

Below is my review video featuring the Buffalo FX Carrera Overdrive pedal. Sadly, this pedal has been discontinued, and your best bet is to find this on the used market.  Click the links under the video for my best alternatives. 

Buy it Worldwide on Thomann Alternatives | Sweetwater Alternatives (USA)

5. Maxon OD-820 Overdrive Pro

Earlier I mentioned that there are a lot of Tube Screamer-type pedals available.  The Maxon OD820 has been a favorite of mine for many years now.  This is more than just a one-trick Pony.

What separates the Maxon OD820 Overdrive Pro as one of the best overdrives of all time is that it is a two-in-one, with a twist! The overdrive pro is a more premium tone over that of the OD808.  This overdrive effect has some internal voltage-doubling that gives the pedal a similar headroom range to the Klon.  Reading some reviews and comments online, people seem to think this also sounds like a Klon; it does not.  It couldn’t sound further from a Klon Centaur or Klon KTR.  This is a Tube Screamer (vintage OD) through and through. 

The difference with the 820 over the 808 is that the “drive” kicks in once you gain control over 9 O’Clock.  With the gain under nine o’clock, the OD-820 is a clean boost with tone and volume control. 

Having these two effects in one can be great, depending on your signal chain. If you ever tire of the vintage overdrive sound, you can turn it into a clean boost.  This versatility makes the OD-820 a great addition to any pedalboard.

The only downside of the Maxon OD-820 overdrive pro is that it is HUGE. If you have enough space for this fantastic pedal, give it a shot.  I put this on an even level with the APEX 808, but this has a similar sound to a classic Tube Screamer.  If you can’t live with the size, then get the Maxon Apex 808 instead.

Below is my most recent review of the Maxon Overdrive Pro OD-820 pedal. 

Buy it Worldwide on Thomann | Sweetwater Alternatives (USA)

6. Boss OD-3 Overdrive Pedal

The Boss OD-3 overdrive is one of the best-sounding overdrive pedals ever.  This simple effects pedal does exactly what you want it to do.  Boss got it right back in the day, and this pedal still stands as one of the most functional pedals in overdrive history.

Loaded with three simple controls, the BOSS overdrive will give you anything from great rhythm tones to killer lead tones.  The Boss OD-3 stacks beautifully with other pedals, making it a great and compact solution for a single-stage dirt pedal for many players.

When I purchased my OD-3, I had no idea it would be as great as it was. I much prefer this over the Blues Driver BD-2 pedal because it sounds far better in a live mix, thanks to the additional mid-frequencies. 

Unlike a Tube Screamer, the OD-3 has a wider frequency of sound, allowing it to sound fuller and brighter when compared with a TS9, for example. 

In conclusion, for players wanting a great all-in-one for blues country, rock, and more, give the Boss OD-3 overdrive a shot. This might look like a bit of a bland pedal visually, but it’s all about tone, and the Boss OD-3 delivers the goods!

Below is my original review video of the Boss Overdrive OD-3 pedal. 

Buy it Worldwide on Thomann | Sweetwater (USA)

7. J Rockett Audio Designs Blue Note OD

The J Rockett Audio Designs Blue Note Overdrive is one of the most undiscovered pedals on the market.  The Blue Note offers a great ‘woody’ tone that allows you to get rich sound overdrive without much compression.  

The Blue Note features a two-band EQ section that includes a bass and treble control.  These controls allow you to shape the tone for more or less bass or treble, depending on your desired tone.

This pedal has slightly more gain than a Tube Screamer, for example.  This is not a Tubescreamer clone in any way, so don’t expect that.  The Blue Note can handle anything from an off-clean boost to moderate gain. 

In the center of the pedal is a two-way toggle switch. This switch controls the gain structure of the pedal from “standard” to “hot.”  This pedal is versatile and has a more open tone, allowing it to pop out of the mix in a band situation.

This is one of the best pedals I have ever purchased, and I can highly recommend it even all these years later. 

Below is my review of the Blue Note overdrive from J Rockett Audio Designs. 

Buy it Worldwide on Thomann | Sweetwater (USA)

8. Chellee Pony Boy V3

The Chellee Ponyboy V3 is handmade in Orange City, Florida. This pedal is unashamedly a Klon clone but with some key upgrades over the Klon KTR or Centaur.  That’s right, I like this more than my old Klon KTR, and I will explain why. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love the tones of the Klon Centaur, but some players find the pedal very limiting or a little nasty when it’s the only pedal in the chain. The idea of a Klon is to cut the mix with that classic upper mids and high-frequency boost, but that is clearly not for everyone.

The Chellee Ponyboy V3 takes this to the next level by adding in the classic tones of the Klon while adding in some EQ and tone-shaping options.  Included is a two-band EQ allowing you to fully shape the low and high frequencies of the overdrive pedal.  This means you can dial in a ‘modified’ Klon tone that works better when it’s your only dirt pedal in the chain. 

Additionally, a two-way toggle switch in the center gives us both a Modern and Vintage option. The Vintage option subtlely rolls out the high-frequencies, whereas the modern option gives the pedal its classic high-end. 

Below is my review video of the Chellee Pony Boy V3 Overdrive Pedal. 

Find it on Chellee Guitars Website | Thomann Alternatives | Sweetwater Alternatives

9. Rockfabrik Effects Aqua Lung Overdrive

The Aqua Lung from Rockfabrik effects made my best of 2017 list for a reason – it’s awesome! This lower-gain overdrive pedal is still in my top 10 of all time and features some of all time when it comes to great overdrive tones.  This truly is a wonder for both rhythm and lead guitar parts.

Rockfabrik effects are made in Turkey, and they designed the Aqua Lung to be as simple as possible while still sounding great. On the top of the pedal, we get three controls: Level, Tone, and Gain.  As a starting point, these three controls sound great with everything set around 1 O’clock.  

Additionally, we get two toggle switches that control the low cut and high cut options.  These two options allow you to keep or roll out some low or high-end (think high/low-pass filter), giving you more sound-shaping flexibility.

Furthermore, the Rockfabrik Effects Aqua Lung pedal stacks really well with other pedals.  If you wanted to run a boost pedal into the Aqua Lung, it works great.

Below is my original review video of the Rockfabrik Effects Aqua Lung overdrive pedal.  

Find it on RockFabrik Effects Website | Thomann Alternatives | Sweetwater Alternatives

10. Danelectro Pride of Texas

Do you like Texas Blues? If so, you’ll love the Pride of Texas by Danelectro.  When Danelectro released this range of ‘Billionaire’ pedals, it was refreshing to see.  Danelectro was known for cheap plastic pedals that were average at best, but then this range of pedals came out and surprised us all.

The best of the Danelectro Billionaire series is the Pride of Texas.  This power-house of an overdrive pedal gives you everything from classic blues tones all the way through to screaming blues-rock tones. 

Additionally, this pedal is loud! The Pride of Texas has no issue pushing the preamp on any good tube amp into total saturation while also working great on a clean pedal platform amp. 

The tonality of the Pride of Texas is very Marshall in its design, but this not a JCM800 or DSL clone.  The pedal is fitted out with a Gain, Volume for controlling the pedal’s output gain and volume structure.  The Pride of Texas also features a two-band EQ system allowing full EQ shaping of the high and low frequencies. 

As of writing this post, the Danelectro Pride of Texas brings a smile to my face thanks to the great tones available at a very affordable price point.  To my knowledge, this is not a direct clone of anything else, so it was a welcomed addition to the pedal market that is flooded with clones and copies.  Well done, Danelectro, for making a monster of an overdrive pedal!

Hear it for yourself by clicking on my review video of the Pride of Texas overdrive located below. 

Buy it Worldwide on Thomann | Sweetwater (USA)

11. PedalPalFX PAL800 (Marshall in a Box)

The PedalPalFX is the best Marshall JCM800 amp in a box ever.  I’ve tested so many different Marshall in a box pedal, and none of them do it better than PedalPalFX.  This pedal borders distortion territory, but it also works as a fantastic overdrive depending on your gain structure and signal chain. 

This pedal is made to replicate the tone-stack and feel of the legendary JCM800.  This means the gain and tone controls interact in a very familiar way for those who love Marshall amplifiers. 

Luis & Alvaro from PedalPalFX make a great mix of Marshall-style pedals and continue to add to their inventory over time without ever rushing out anything not up to their standards. 

Onboard is a three control EQ system that allows full shaping of the Low, Middle, and Treble frequencies.  There is also a dedicated presence control on the front of the pedal.  This presence control helps fine-tune the higher frequencies of the Pal800.  An Internal trim control allows a way to adjust the high frequencies for a brighter or warmer tone depending on your taste.

Since reviewing the PedalPalFX Pal800 pedal, it has become my go-to recommendation for anyone looking for a Marshall in a Box that replicates the tones and characteristics of the legendary JCM800 amplifier.  While this exact model can only be (rarely) found on the second-hand market, there are some new models available from the PedalPalFx website. 

Find it on PedalPalFX Website | Thomann Alternatives | Sweetwater Alternatives

12. The Timmy Overdrive Pedal

The Timmy overdrive was designed by Paul Cochrane and released in 2004. This extremely versatile and popular overdrive pedal is on many pro and enthusiast boards around the world. 

The Timmy overdrive pedal is best known for its lack of saturation and compression.  This characteristic gives the Timmy far more oomph and headroom when pushing an amplifier.  The Timmy is not a high-gain pedal, so this will appeal to those interested in a fantastic transparent overdrive. 

Much like the Tube Screamer and Klon, the Timmy has also been cloned a million times. Maybe the most famous overpriced example of this is the Vemuram Jan Ray, which looks really cool, but is not worth it over the Timmy. 

Additionally, the Timmy features a two-band EQ system, including Treble and Bass.  These two EQ options allow you to shape the low-frequencies to match your amplifier or beyond.  Furthermore, the Treble control can be set according to your use case.  For those wanting a vintage tone, you can roll out the high-frequencies.  Guitarists who want bell-like tones can adjust it brighter to suit their tones. 

In the center of the pedal is a two-way toggle switch.  This switch allows you to set the pedal up for more or less compression and gain.  In the lower gain position, the pedal is far more transparent and ‘open’ sounding.  This also sounds louder to the ear as well.  Those who need more gain can switch it into the second position at the expense of a little volume drop.  This volume drop can also be compensated for by using the output volume control. 

The Timmy is a favorite amongst many guitarists around the world with good reason – it rocks.  This is an original circuit and was not based on a Tube Screamer or Klon, for example. 

Below is my original review video for the Timmy Overdrive pedal.

Buy it Worldwide on Thomann (New Version) | Sweetwater (USA)

13. SviSound OverZoid OZ-01 Overdrive Pedal

The SviSound OverZoid OZ-01 pedal is a fantastic overdrive designed by Mark in Bulgaria.  I first had a chance to test the OverZoid out in 2014, and it was the best overdrive of the year for me, hands down.  This great-sounding overdrive pedal is decked out with an artistic ‘steampunked’ look that is as unique as you’ll find. 

Additionally, the SviSound OverZoid OZ-01 is very simple to use. Looking at the pedal top-down, we get three main controls: volume, tone, and gain.  Simplicity is a key feature of any great pedal, and SviSound nails it with its approach to pedal making. 

The two-way toggle switch very subtly shapes the low frequencies of the pedal.  I never really noticed a huge difference with this control, so leave it wherever and the tones will be fantastic either way. Unlike many pedals in the overdrive space, the SviSound OverZoid OZ-01 is not a clone of anything else. 

The SviSound OverZoid OZ-01 is very close to a full-range overdrive, making it feel great to play.  An advantage to this full-range sound is that it doesn’t feel like it reduces the overall fatness of any given amplifier.

Furthermore, the SviSound OverZoid OZ-01 stacks well with a boost or any other overdrive pedal before or after.  Mark builds some amazing pedals, and even when writing this article, the OverZoid is still a favorite.

Find it on SviSound Website | Thomann Alternatives | Sweetwater Alternatives

Ethics Disclaimer

This list is a compilation of pedals I have purchased, on loan from friends, or was sent in for video reviews. I am under no obligation to mention any companies on this list. Additionally, if you follow the intheblues YouTube channel, you will know I use many of these to this day. 

This article is my definitive list of the seven best multi-effects processor pedals.  This list will take into account several different situations of use. I will review these items based on their functionality in both a studio and a live case.  I have used each of these pedals on this list and reviewed them on my YouTube channel. Each of these 7 Multi-effects guitar processor pedals has its pros and cons for various reasons.

What is a Multi-Effects Guitar Processor Pedal?

A Multi-effects pedal processor is an all-in-one device that incorporates many effects in one unit. These can be a CPU-driven effects pedal or something that can appear more analog in design but with a digital brain.

The 7 Best Multi-Effects Guitar processor pedals I have chosen for this list all fall into the explanation above. This article has been updated as of Feb 3, 2023.

Are Multi-Effects Pedals worth it?

If you are asking if multi-effects pedals are worth it – the answer is “it depends.”  For guitarists or bassists wanting a simplified recording tool, then yes.  The answer is no for those wanting a true analog experience for live playing. 

Digital modeling multi-effects pedals take a while to learn. However, once you dial them, you can easily recall presets and saved settings.  If this sounds like the right tool for the job, then it’s a good way to go.  

Guitarists who prefer a more analog experience may find multi-effects pedals a tad on the confusing or irritating side when it comes to functionality. 

1. The Headrush Pedalboard

The Headrush is arguably the best all-in-one multi-effects pedal out there.  There are several reasons this is true. The first reasons are the unit is very functional in both a live and studio situation.

Some of the many positives of why the Headrush works for live players is it’s easier to edit sounds on the fly.  This ease of editing means if you need to tweak an effect like distortion, for example. You won’t spend 5 minutes trying to work out how.

Thanks to the intuitive hardware keys, the settings can be adjusted with the touchscreen LED panel and your foot.

The Headrush also supports third-party IR loading. This means you can import your favorite Celestion speaker IRS or any other effects you have IRS for.

One of the downsides of the Headrush over something like the Kemper is that this does not profile your actual sound. Instead, you use the Headrush to create your sound. So if you have a sound that you love, then go for the Kemper.

The build quality of the Headrush is spectacular.  I remember the first time I held it in my hand, thinking, “This is built like a tank.”  This is and also feels like a very premium product.  Headrush got this right.

Check it out on Sweetwater | Thomann

2. Kemper Profiler Stage

The Kemper profiler stage might be the ultimate solution for someone who wants to get “their sound.”  The stage can capture your favorite signal chains like the Kemper head and rack units.

One of the massive advantages of the Kemper product lines is they will capture the entire signal chain. So if you have an amplifier, pedal, and sound you love when you play live, then the Kemper is the best at replicating it.

Another huge advantage of the Kemper Profiler Stage is it comes loaded with the same software you get with other Kemper units. So you’ll be able to add hundreds of effects to your “captured” tone and layer it up with whatever you like.

The build quality of all Kemper products is fantastic. But, again, you are buying a piece of German engineering. I have had my Kemper rack unit for a few years now, and it continues to work perfectly.

Can you import third-party Impulse responses? Unfortunately, no, and you don’t have to.  The great thing about the Kemper is it makes its impulse responses separating it from the other units on this list.

If you don’t have an amplifier and tone you love, then maybe go for something else on this list. If you love your sound, the Kemper is for you.

Check it out on Sweetwater.

3. The Line 6 Helix

One of the strengths of Line 6 has been any other products than their amplifiers.  That statement might shock some readers, but I wouldn’t say I like many of their amplifiers.  What Line 6 does well is its pedal range, its old audio interfaces, and now its Helix range of products.

The Helix is easily the best product Line 6 has ever made! I used to own one of the M13 pedals, and the Helix is light years ahead of those older units.

One of the major strengths of the Line 6 Helix is it sounds great in a live situation but is also a fantastic studio tool.  Like the Headrush, the Helix can be used straight to a PA system or your favorite amplifier.

Another huge advantage to the Helix is much like many other units in this article. You can import third-party IRs. This allows you to shape the sound using official or created impulse responses.

If you are a live player, the Helix is one of the most functional units on the list.  Editing sounds on the fly might not be as easy as with the Headrush, but it’s close.  The touchscreen functionality is a huge bonus as well.

The Helix is a decent solution if you are considering replacing your entire board with a solid multi-effects pedal. In my opinion, the Line 6 Helix shines in a direct PA situation.

In my experience with the Helix, the simpler you keep the banks or effects, the better the results.  The same can also be said for the rest of the units on the list.

The build quality of the Helix is great. While I don’t think it feels as robust as the Headrush, it’s not far behind.  I couldn’t foresee any issues using this at gigs over and over.  It will stand the test of time.

Check it out on Sweetwater.

4. Hotone Ampero

The Hotone Ampero is a beast.  It might be the best ‘bang for the buck unit on this list in many ways.  One of the huge advantages is its form factor.  The Hotone Ampero is smaller than the Helix and has basically all of the same technology inside it.  With the smaller size, though, do come some limitations.

Let’s start with what is great about the Hotone Ampero. First, the touchscreen interface makes this a much easier unit to use than the Mooer GE-200 (below). The Ampero sounds great going into a sound card or PA system. Third, the Build quality of the Ampero is amazing.  This is a premium product; you can tell as soon as you pick it up.

One of the common limitations of almost every unit on this list is live playing functionality. Using the Ampero in a live situation requires you to understand the unit quite well and how to tweak the presets as required. Ampero’s three analog controls on the front are a huge benefit.  The benefit of these three controls is you can adjust things a lot easier than on the GE-200, for example.  I am not picking on the GE-200 either. I like those units!

In terms of third-party IRs, you have no issues importing them to the Ampero, making this little unit quite the powerhouse. However, after using the Ampero for a few weeks, I feel this is best suited to someone who is either required to play directly to a PA system or a home studio musician wanting to record quietly.

Unlike many other multi-effects units of its size, the Ampero features 2 x XLR outputs.  These balanced outputs are a very welcomed addition to the effects pedal.

The Expression pedal on the ampero has the best grip tape I have seen on a unit up until now.  The Ampero is a total beast.

You can read the best comprehensive review of the Hotone Ampero here.

Check it out on Sweetwater | Thomann | Amazon AU | Amazon de| 

5. Mooer GE200

So I already mentioned the GE200 a few times in this article as a comparison, and here I think it’s a good unit. Yes! You have a series of hardware keys instead of the touch screen that you find on the more expensive units.  These keys allow easy access to each effect.

This tactile feel allows for a really pleasant experience. While a touch screen would have been a welcomed addition, the GE200 interface is intuitive.  Each option can be edited thanks to the ‘value’ dial on the right.  They made this control huge, so it’s nice and easy to find and use.

I used this unit several times in a live situation direct to a PA system. What I found worked best for me was to keep the GE200 similar to my actual pedal and amplifier lineup. So I would choose the Fender-style amps and cabs and load up a Tubescreamer or Klon as my main dirt pedal.

I made three presets that worked well for me. Each preset had more gain and volume than the last, and the third added some delay.  This worked extremely well for solo and rhythm tones with just a button click. Of course, editing on the fly is possible, but it’s also one of the weaknesses of any multi-effects processor pedals.

One small limitation of the Mooer GE200 is the lack of XLR outputs.  Sadly, they are not included, but you get stereo line outputs that do the job just fine. I always prefer the XLR outputs on any device.  A device that comes way cheaper than the Hotone Ampero will give you the same exact sounds with just a small downgrade in functionality.

Much like the rest of the units in this review, the GE200 also allows for third-party impulse response importing.

Check it out on Thomann. | Amazon AU | Amazon de |

6. Mooer GE300

The GE300 is Mooers’ premium multi-effects process pedal.  It has huge advantages over the GE200, the Ampero, The Helix, and the Headrush! Yes, you didn’t read that incorrectly.  The GE300 will do something most of these multi-effects pedal processors will not do.

While you have all the effects you could want already installed into the GE300, it will also allow you to capture tones.  This means, much like the Kemper, you can profile real-world gear!  This opens up a world of opportunity for live players and studio musicians who want ‘Kemper-like’ functionality at a more affordable price.

This capture mode can be used on guitars, effects, and cabinets.  This means you can create your own IRs and use them to get ‘your sound’ instead of trying to recreate it using something else. Capturing your guitars allows you to swap between guitars and nail the tone of another guitar in your arsenal.  It has the same technology found in the Mooer Tone Capture GTR.

The Mooer GE300 is not a cheap item. The build quality is premium, we get 2 x XLR outputs on it, and it feels like a million bucks in hand.

Check it out on Thomann.

7. NUX Cerberus Multi-Effects Pedal

So this unit is maybe the odd man out on this list. While it’s not your traditional-looking multi-effects pedal processor, it does have a LOT of digital functionality.

The Cerberus is miles ahead of everything on this list regarding functionality when playing live. In addition, it has a very analog feel and looks, making it appeal to common analog effects pedals fans.

Don’t let the exterior fool you, though. The NUX Cerberus can be connected to a computer for editing and arranging the internal effects. Since the latest firmware update, the Cerberus is even more powerful.

Another key feature of the Cerberus is the speaker-simulated output.  This means you can get good tones going direct to a PA system. Notice, though, I didn’t say “great tones.”  One of the limitations of the Cerberus is it won’t be as customizable as anything else on this list when it comes to direct-to-PA/Audio interface recording or playing.

The NUX Cerberus works best straight into a good old-fashioned amplifier and becomes more like the pedals you might be used to in the analog world.  I believe the NUX Cerberus is the best analog-style multi-effects pedal processor on the market. I have tried over 20 all-in-one units, and the Cerberus is the king of the pile.

In a live situation, there’s nothing better than just being able to edit and effect by crouching down and changing it.  This saves having to go into menus or hook it up to a computer because no one has time for that.

Check it out on Thomann | Artist Guitars Australia

Multi-Effects Pedal Processors Wrap Up

Finding the perfect Multi-effects processor pedal can be a daunting task.  The good news is there’s so much common ground between them all.  All of the units on this list stand out regarding sound quality and usability.  If you are new to any of these types of Multi-effects processor pedals, you will have a slight learning curve ahead of you.

Will any or all of these units replace the need for traditional pedals in a live situation? That’s debatable and comes down to your taste. These are seven great choices if you want to record directly to a sound card or use them in a PA system without an amplifier.  My recommendation is always to try before you buy.

Please consider clicking the links provided in this post if you know what you are looking for. I put a lot of effort into this article and hope it was helpful.

Today, I am going to cover what I believe to be the top 15 Tube Screamer pedals and Tube Screamer clones I have tried.  This was initially a Top 13 but I have added some new ones to the list!  I have owned and tested the pedals on this list.  If you search my YouTube channel, you’ll see many comparison videos of the pedals below. While I haven’t filmed every single one on the list, I have tried them.

1. Maxon OD-820 Overdrive Pro

The Maxon OD-820 Overdrive pedal is by far the best Tube Screamer I have ever played.  It takes everything you love about the Maxon OD808 and makes it sound better.

Maxon changed up the design with the OD-820.  They made the physical size of the pedal larger and the controls are way easier to see and use.

In terms of sound, the Maxon Overdrive OD-820 Overdrive Pro has a very transparent sound and also has more headroom in terms of volume and the overall body of sound.

The OD-820 is built with the “Klon” in mind.  It doesn’t sound like a Klon, but it does have more headroom and a much lower noise floor.  This gives you a much richer and fuller sound than any of the other Tube Screamer on this list.  This is made for pushing a Tube amplifier over the edge but it can be also used as a great rhythm pedal.

Another interesting feature of this pedal is it has a “clean blend” gain control.  If you have the gain control under 10 O’clock, it won’t add any gain into the circuit.  This is a great thing because you can also run it as a straight up clean boost as well.

Overall, the Maxon OD-820 wins the category for best Tube Screamer overdrive pedal by a country mile.

2. Maxon OD-808

The Maxon OD-808 is what started it all.  This is still a very nice pedal covering the tones needed for sticking out in a mix.  If you’re into ripping blues guitar or if you want to turn your very clean amp into an off-clean amp, the OD-820 is the way to go.

This does sound different to the Maxon Overdrive Pro listed above, but it’s not a bad thing.  To my ear, this pedal sounds best with the gain under 12 O’clock and the volume up at around 1 O’clock.  This will allow the Maxon OD-808 to really sound great and open sounding.  A lot of people make the mistake of cranking up the gain way too far.  This is fine, but it also lends itself to lose a bit of clarity.

Before you crank up the gain, turn up the volume control and see what you think of how it sounds.  The Maxon OD808 might be the most copied pedal of all time.  There’s a number of reasons why this is copied so much.  They sound great without getting too bright or nasty on the top end.

Buy it on | 

3. Ibanez Tube Screamer

Yep! The Tubescreamer does not get the #1 spot.  Do you know why?  The Ibanez Tube Screamer is a clone! Most people think the TS9 is the original, but it is not.  Maxon allowed Ibanez to repackage their OD808 in a different enclosure.  This was perhaps one of the most brilliant ideas of its time because the “Tube Screamer” branding is now a household name.

I don’t blame people for thinking that the Tube Screamer was the original.  Before I looked into it, I thought the same thing. The only main design changes are the enclosure and footswitch design.  The internals in the early days was identical.  Now to be fair, Ibanez made various Tube Screamer but because it’s a clone, I am only mentioning this one once on the list.

The Two most popular Tube Screamers are the TS9 and the TS808.  Ibanez also makes a mini pedal called the Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini.

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4. Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive

I got a tip from John Mayer about this one.  No, I don’t know him personally but he mentioned it as being a great Tube Screamer clone so I had to buy it. I used the Sparkle Drive for a number of years in a dual overdrive pedal setup.  The main unique thing about the Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive is the clean mix control.  This allowed you to bring back note definition and clarity thanks to this extra pot.

You could wind the clean mix pot down all the way and you’ll be back to your stock Tube Screamer-style tone.  Overall this is another great pedal to get for that sound.  I really regret selling it and the original model as since been discontinued.

Their newest Sparkle Drive is called the Sparkle Drive Mod which allows for additional tones and clipping types. I may have to pull the trigger on this one soon and give it a run.

Buy it on Sweetwater |

5. Visual Sound Double Trouble

About 10 or so years ago I purchased a Visual Sound Double Trouble pedals.  Visual Sound changed their name a few years ago to True Tone and production ceased on this beauty.  The Double Trouble was a Stevie Ray Vaughan inspired dual Tubescreamer pedal that allowed you to stack or use two Tube Screamer in one box.

There was one problem with this pedal that didn’t affect 100% of them but it affected mine.  Visual sound decided it was a smart idea to include a noise gate into the circuit.  The noise gate was very noticeable especially if you let a note ring out it would clamp down in a slow robotic way that was a bit weird.

Disabling the noise gate was something you could adjust on the inside of the pedal thanks to a potentiometer. I could never get it to turn off and this might become a distraction if you’re playing on your own at home.  In the live mix, it’s really handy having a noise gate as it will cut out the noise of the guitar at idle.

One of the advantages of the Double Trouble was it had a bass boost switch on each side making it slightly different to a straight-up clone.  This bass boost switch was a very welcomed addition.

While my experience with the Visual Sound Double Trouble wasn’t perfect, it was an awesome pedal to use live and if you’re looking for a dual Tubescreamer setup it’s a monster.

6. Wampler Clarksdale

The Wampler Clarksdale is a great sounding Tube Screamer influenced pedal that is made in the USA. One clear advantage of the Wampler Clarksdale over the original Tube Screamer is it features a three-band EQ.  We get a bass, mids, and treble control as well as a two-way toggle switch.

The toggle switch changes the top end bite.  The two settings are “smooth” and “big”.  In true Wampler fashion, they’ve added a lot of extra functionality so you can tweak your sound as much as you like.  This will easily do the regular vintage overdrive tones we’ve all come to love, but it will also do a whole lot more.

7. Delta Lab TO1 Tube Overdrive Pedal

I was actually the first in the World to put a video review up of the Delta Lab TO1 overdrive pedal.  This pedal was sold at Guitar Center in the USA and I took a chance on it when I was in San Francisco in 2010.  This is a budget-friendly overdrive pedal that is built like an absolute tank.  The enclosure is made of thick metal and the pots and switches are very high quality.

I used the Delta Lab TO1 for 3 gigs a week for 8 weeks while I was in San Francisco and it held up to real-world use no problems at all.  I still have it in my collection 9 years later and it is working amazingly.

The only small flaw in the design is the battery cover.  The entire pedal is bulletproof minus the cheap plastic battery cover.  That aside, it’s a really great budget choice.

The Delta Lab TO1 has been discontinued but if you keep a look out online you should be able to find one for a bargain.

8. Joyo Vintage Overdrive

If you’re looking for a bargain the Joyo Vintage Overdrive is a cheap Tube Screamer clone.  Joyo pedals don’t have the “weight” in their design like the Delta Lab, Maxon, or Ibanez, but they quite reliable. These sound indistinguishable to their Maxon or Ibanez counterparts.

Joyo also uses metal enclosures on their pedals but they are a lot lighter in weight and the paint job is not as nice. Another clear cost-saving design is their “cheap” looking control knobs.  There’s nothing to stop you changing them to something else if you want the pedal to look cool, but it works and sounds great.

9. Caline Midlander

The Caline Midlander is a straight up budget Tube Screamer clone.  Caline makes a great range of affordable pedals and I would take the Midlander as perhaps the best budget pedal on this list.  The paint job and control knobs are a slight step above the Joyo and it looks a bit cooler as well.

I wrote a full article about Caline pedals and why I think they are worth checking out.  If you’re on the fence about which budget pedal to buy, check out my Caline article.  In terms of the Caline pedals, the Midlander is essential for blues and classic rock players looking for that iconic sound.

10. Chellee Odie

I’ve spoken about Chelle effects pedals a number of times in the past on videos.  I really believe they make the best and most affordable handmade pedals you will find.  Chellee pedals are made in Orange City, Florida in the United States and are built to last.  Peter the engineer does drop tests from drones to ensure the designs will stand the test of time.

The Tube Screamer design from Chellee is called the Odie Modified Overdrive.  While this is a Tube Screamer pedal is also is “more than a Tube Screamer” thanks to the toggle switches.  The Chellee Odie has three different clipping modes and also three different EQ voicings thanks to the second toggle switch.  You can get this to sound the same as a Tube Screamer or vastly different.

Overall, this might be the most versatile pedal on this list. The Odie can also be run on either 9v or 18v power supplies giving you more headroom and tone.  I am a huge fan of the Chellee pedals and I suggest giving them a look if you’re into the USA made effects that are built to last.

11. Electro-Harmonix East River Drive

The EHX East River drive is a straight up Tube Screamer clone with one difference: The build quality is not as good.  Electro-Harmonix is very hit and miss with the quality of their pedals.  The main culprit is their potentiometers.  They can break really, really, easily.

It might sound shallow but I love the East River graphic design on this pedal.  It really stands out and looks fantastic.  If you’re a huge fan of EHX then you will love the East River Drive.  If you throw your gear around a bit or if you are a bit clumsy, then I would suggest going for another brand.  The plastic potentiometers are really quite easy to break.  Pair this pedal with the EHX Soul Food and you’ll have a fantastic sounding dual overdrive pedal setup.

Buy it on Sweetwater |

12. Behringer TO800

Back in the early days of YouTube, I posted the first video of the Behringer TO800 and the rest was history.  To this day, the Behringer TO800 is still in production and is a really great Tube Screamer clone for a number of reasons.  The first reason why it’s a great pedal is the price.  The Behringer TO800 is nice and cheap.  The second reason it’s great is that it sounds awesome.

One negative (for some people) might be the plastic enclosure.  Some people don’t think a molded plastic pedal will last very long.  If a plastic coke bottle can last 90 years then a hardened plastic pedal will be fine.  The Behringer might not be the prettiest pedal on the list but if you can find them for a good price it’s a good deal.

If you are brand new to using effects I would suggest buying Behringer pedals to find out what it is you like first so you don’t waste a lot of money.  All of the Behringer effects pedals in this range are based on other iconic pedals.  I gigged exclusively with a Behringer TO800 and a Voodoo Lab Sparkle drive for over 2 years!

13. Harley Benton Vintage Overdrive

This is the same exact pedal as the Joyo Vintage Overdrive pedal.  Harley Benton pedals are all Joyo pedals.  Just get whichever is cheapest for you in your area.  The only difference is the brand name.

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14. TC Electronic El Mocambo Overdrive

TC Electronic is another company that has basically made a vintage overdrive pedal with that classic “mid hump”. The El Mocambo is named in tribute to the great SRV.  Stevie Ray Vaughan played a live show at the El Mocambo that has become one of his classic DVDs. If you haven’t seen this iconic show grab a copy here on Amazon.

This is another pedal that does nothing out of the ordinary but I love the design of the enclosure.  There is literally nothing to say about it other than its one of TC Electronic’s most affordable overdrive pedals to date.  If you love their stuff and want a Tube Screamer it’s a great choice.

Buy it on Sweetwater | | B&H

15. JHS Bonsai 9 Way Overdrive

One of the most unique things about this Tube Screamer clone from JHS is the 9-way selection pot. This pedal replicates all 9 unique Tube Screamer tones found throughout the years.  If you wanted the most tonal versatility while remaining true to the vintage overdrive sound, this is a really great choice.

If you’re into Klon Pedals then check out my similar article located on my website.

Caline effects are a budget pedal company out of Shenzen, China. These pedals have positioned themselves alongside companies like Joyo and Tone City. These are great for beginners and gigging musicians. I am a gigging musician and have used their pedals live without issues.

Inexpensive Does Not Mean Poor Quality

Sure, there’s a lot of cheap crap still out there, but there are also a lot of great pedals. Caline makes an effort to improve too continually. I have been testing and reviewing their products for years now. Each new range of pedals is generally better than the last.

When I First Tried Caline Effects

Not every pedal in the range is a winner, but the overall push to improve is rare and appreciated. The first pedal range I had my hands on was in 2014; these pedals are still available today. Instead of discontinuing an entire line when a new one comes out, Caline adds to it.

My favorite Pedals from the Original Range of Caline Effects

Caline Pure Sky

The Pure Sky is based on the Timmy Pedal. It is very similar tone-wise, but it is not a straight-up clone. One difference is that tone control operates the “regular” way. This is a very transparent overdrive making it great for rhythm guitar tones.

Caline Orange Burst

The Caline Orange Burst is one of the best inexpensive overdrives ever. Based on the tones of the Xotic pedals, it’s great for rhythm or lead tones. In addition, the Orange burst has more gain than the Pure Sky.

Caline Blue Ocean Delay

A nice-sounding digital delay pedal. It will sound great going into the FX loop of your amplifier or even straight into the front end. This is a very simple delay pedal without a tap tempo. You just set it up, then forget about it.

Caline 10 Band EQ

Arguably the best value-for-money EQ pedal on the market. Sure, some are cheaper, but not with the Caline build quality. I had a chance to test this out several times, and it was a very popular pedal for guitarists on a budget. There aren’t many ten-band EQ pedals in this price range.

Are Caline Pedals Worth it?

Compared with other effects, pedals are around the same price! I believe that Caline makes more robust pedals than Electro-Harmonix.

My Current Range Favorites

Caline Pegasus

The Pegasus is based on the Klon Centaur overdrive pedal. This is built well, and I would take it over many other, more expensive Klon clones. I wrote about this in detail in a post about Klon Clones.

Caline Ghost Rain

You’ll love the Ghost Rain if you are a fan of Analog delay pedals. The tones are awesome, and I also love the graphics on the pedal. Pair this up with the Pegasus, and you have a formidable tone.

Caline Midlander

The Caline Midlander is a Tubescreamer clone. It sounds as good as the Joyo Vintage Overdrive or the Ibanez Tubescreamer. The Caline Midlander is not covering any new ground, but it sounds great. Everyone needs a good mid-bump overdrive in their arsenal.

Which Caline Pedals to Avoid

It’s not all rainbows and Unicorns. Caline did make a few pedals I suggest you avoid. Here is my guide to make it easy to determine which ones suck. If there’s a dial on the front that gives you seven different types of sounds, avoid it.

What about the Caline Multi-effects Pedals

Caline C-300 Multi-effects Pedal

Caline makes a fairly wide range of multi-effects pedals as well. My favorite is the Caline C-300 6 in 1 multi-effects unit. The Caline C-300 has just about everything any guitarist would need on a pedalboard, including:

• Tuner
• Overdrive
• Boost
• Distortion
• Delay
• Reverb

Caline Scuru S6 3 in 1

Buy it on Amazon

The Scuru 6, aka: “Back to the Wild” pedal, is pretty good for a 3 in 1. It’s not quite the powerhouse of a pedal that the C-300 is, but it will be perfect for those who don’t need all the effects in the larger pedal.

This pedal features Distortion, Chorus, and Delay. This is not the pedal you want for those who prefer an all-in-one with overdrive. However, it’s a great choice if you love higher gain tones mixed with delay and chorus.

Caline Pedal Accessories

The Caline CP-04 Power Supply

My favorite pedal accessories I use daily are their pedal power supplies. Currently, I have two of them. The Caline CP-04 is my favorite small-form power supply. I have had zero issues with any noise or hum with this power supply which is why I use it. Having various power outputs is also really handy.

One downside to the CP-04 is that it requires its power supply to power the unit. The CP-08 below only requires a kettle lead. Unfortunately, the power supply’s cable length is too short, so you’ll probably need an extension cable.

The Caline CP-04 features

• Switch for LED lights: Bright blue LED for pedal board lighting&short circuit indicating if you turn it on, all lights will go on after the power is connected
• Short-circuit protection for stable and safe power supply and a short circuit in one channel won’t affect other channels’ function
• 10 isolated outputs: 4 x 9V 100mA,3 x 9V 300mA,1 x 9V 500mA,1 x 12V 300mA,1 *x 18V 100mA
• This power supply is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, with inbuilt USB charging for iPhones, iPad, mobile phones, etc.
• Package including a Caline CP-04 power supply, an adapter, ten cables, two connecting cables, and an English user manual

The Caline CP-08 Power Supply

Buy it on Amazon

Since it arrived, I’ve used this for 100% of my YouTube pedal videos. I love the dedicated isolated outputs and various voltages. The power supply is built like an absolute tank and is connected to the wall with a replaceable kettle power cable. Not having to worry about connecting an external power supply is a huge benefit of the Caline CP-08

the Caline CP-08 features

Pedalboards

Caline CP-105 Pedalboard