The BEST Psychedelic Rock Guitar Pedals

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SUMMARY: BEST TRIPPIEST PSYCHEDELIC GUITAR PEDALS

1. MXR Phase 90 (Check it on Amazon)

Pros: Exceptional sound quality, vintage vibe, user-friendly, and solid build.

Cons: May color your sound, lacks versatility for diverse phasing effects.

2. EarthQuaker Devices Afterneath V3 (Check it on Amazon)

Pros: Incredible sound, diverse modes, unique Drag knob, robust build, and creative potential.

Cons: Bright LED indicator, minor footswitch noise.

3. Dunlop Germanium Fuzz Face (Check it on Amazon)

Pros: Vintage warmth, dynamic sound, versatility, pedalboard-friendly, and solid build.

Cons: Non-linear volume pot behavior, requires AC adapter, volume pot affects fuzz.

4. Electro Harmonix Ravish Sitar (Check it on Amazon)

Pros: Versatility beyond sitar sounds, separate sympathetic strings, creative sound processing, user-friendly, comprehensive package, and solid build.

Cons: Not an exact sitar replica, footswitch noise.

5. EarthQuaker Devices Avalanche Run V2 (Check it on Amazon)

Pros: Exceptional sound quality, creative versatility, expression control, top-notch build, unique modes.

Cons: Power-hungry, learning curve for some features, specialized use.

6. MXR Uni-Vibe Chorus/Vibrato (Check it on Amazon)

Pros: Authentic Uni-Vibe sound, intuitive controls, versatile chorus and vibrato modes, solid construction, noise-free operation, and an affordable alternative.

Cons: Lack of expression pedal input, volume alignment challenge, compatibility with drive pedals.

INTRODUCTION

Psychedelic rock is a genre known for its mind-bending sounds and dreamy atmospheres.

In this article, we dive into the world of psychedelic guitar pedals for creating these unique sonic landscapes: these pedals are the secret sauce behind the trippy and otherworldly electric guitar tones that have defined the psychedelic rock genre as a whole.

Whether you’re a seasoned psych-rock guitarist or simply curious about expanding your sonic horizons, join us as we explore the must-have tools for crafting mind-altering music.

1. A CLASSIC PSYCHEDELIC ROCK PEDAL: MXR PHASE 90

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Features at a Glance

Effect Type: Phaser
Vintage Phaser: Replicates the classic sound of the 70s
Control: Speed control for adjusting phasing speed

Construction: Rugged metal casing
Stability: Non-slip rubber base
Power Options: 9V battery or optional power supply

My Pros and Cons About the Model

Pros

1. Exceptional Sound: In my opinion, the MXR Phase 90 delivers a sensational phasing effect that’s both sensitive to picking dynamics and rich in depth. It adds a touch of gain to your signal, elevating its volume while maintaining clarity without noise.

2. Robust Build: The pedal’s solid construction, featuring a sturdy metal casing, assures durability for the long haul. The LED on/off indicator and the rubber foot control enhance its reliability.

3. Vintage Vibe: The Phase 90 has an unmistakable vintage character that can’t be replicated by many modern phasers. It’s the go-to choice for those seeking that classic sound.

4. User-Friendly: Its simplicity makes it a breeze to use, and the price point is quite attractive, making it accessible to a wide range of guitarists.

Cons

1. Tonal Coloring: While the Phase 90’s unique sound is its strength, it may not be suitable for every style. Some players might find that it colors their sound a bit too much for their liking.

2. Lack of Versatility: The pedal is primarily designed for that iconic Phase 90 sound, so if you’re seeking a wide range of phasing effects or advanced features, you might want to explore other options.

3. External Power Placement: The placement of the power input on the side of the pedal can be a bit inconvenient, especially if you have multiple pedals in your setup. It might cause cable interference issues.

2. EARTHQUAKER DEVICES (EQD) AFTERNEATH V3 (PSYCHEDELIC REVERB PEDAL)

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Impressive Features:

Let’s dive into the features that set the Afterneath V3 apart:

Nine Sound Modes: This pedal offers a range of sound modes, from basic to complex, allowing you to experiment endlessly.

Tails/No Tails Switch: You can decide whether the reverb effect fades out gradually or abruptly when you turn it off.
User-Friendly Switch: The pedal’s noiseless switch can function as a simple on/off switch or a momentary one, offering versatility.
Detailed Controls: The Length, Diffuse, Dampen, Reflect, Drag, and Mix knobs give you precise control over your reverb’s sound.

Expression Pedal Compatibility: When paired with an expression pedal, the Afterneath V3 truly shines, offering even more creative options.

My Take on the Pros and Cons:

The Positives:

Incredible Sound: The Afterneath V3 excels at creating dreamy, otherworldly reverb that can transform your studio into a sonic wonderland. It’s truly captivating.
Diverse Modes: Despite being specialized in “Cave Reverb,” this pedal surprises with its versatility. Each of its nine modes unlocks new creative potential.
Drag Knob Magic: The Drag knob, responsible for spacing reverb layers, functions like a delay and adds a unique dimension to your sound. Experimentation here leads to fascinating pitch-shifting effects.

Robust Build and Unique Design: The pedal is built to last and boasts a distinctive design that stands out on your pedalboard.

The Drawback:

Bright LED Light: The LED indicator on this pedal is noticeably brighter than others on my board. It’s a minor gripe, but worth mentioning.

In my opinion, the Earthquake Devices Afterneath V3 is a wonderful reverb pedal that offers a wide range of creative possibilities. Whether you’re new to reverb or a seasoned pro, this pedal will leave you inspired. It’s become an essential part of my setup, delivering the deep cave-like reverb I crave for my music. To all fellow musicians seeking a versatile reverb pedal, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

3. DUNLOP GERMANIUM FUZZ FACE: BEST FUZZ PEDAL FOR PSYCHEDELIC ROCK?

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Features

Let’s start by dissecting the features that the Dunlop Germanium Fuzz Face brings to the table:

Germanium Transistors: This pedal harnesses the vintage magic of Germanium transistors, faithfully replicating the tone of the ’60s.
Volume and Fuzz Controls: Offering simplicity with just two controls, this pedal allows you to dial in your desired level of grit and volume effortlessly.

Bright Status LED: A handy LED indicator ensures you always know when the fuzz is engaged, even in dimly lit venues.
Input and Output Jacks: The 6.3 mm jack inputs and outputs provide reliable connectivity to your guitar and amplifier.
Battery or AC Adapter: You can power this pedal with a 9V battery or an optional AC adapter, giving you flexibility on the gig.

Compact Dimensions: Designed with pedalboard real estate in mind, it won’t gobble up your valuable space.
Made in the USA: Dunlop’s commitment to quality shines through in the craftsmanship of this pedal.

My Pros and Cons About the Model

Pros

Vintage Warmth: In my opinion, the Dunlop Germanium Fuzz Face nails that warm, analog fuzz tone reminiscent of Hendrix and other psychedelic rock legends.

Dynamic Sound: This pedal impressively maintains its dynamism, even when cranked up, retaining clear definition in the mids and highs where others might turn into sonic mush.
Versatility: Despite its simple control layout, the Fuzz Face offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. It can add edge to your sound without sacrificing clarity.
Pedalboard-Friendly: Its compact size is perfect for pedalboards, making it a practical choice for gigging musicians.

Build Quality: Solid construction ensures durability, and it ages gracefully, gaining character with use.

Cons

Non-Linear Volume Pot Behavior: It’s worth noting that the volume pot doesn’t behave linearly, making it challenging to achieve a gradual transition into overdrive.
Power Supply Requirement: Unlike the original Fuzz Face, this model requires an AC adapter, which might be a drawback for players who prefer battery power.

Volume Pot Affects Fuzz: When your guitar’s volume knob is adjusted, it alters the fuzz level, which may not suit all playing styles.

4. ELECTRO HARMONIX RAVISH SITAR REVIEW (EXOTIC PSYCHEDELIC GUITAR PEDAL)

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Features:

Here’s a breakdown of the key features:

Sitar Emulator: The Ravish Sitar is designed to emulate the distinctive sound of a sitar, and it does so impressively well.
Polyphonic Lead Sitar Voice: This feature allows you to create rich, melodic sitar sounds that can be seamlessly integrated into your psychedelic rock compositions.

9 Presets: With nine presets at your disposal, you can easily switch between different sitar tones and experiment with various settings to find your signature sound.
Intuitive Knobs: The pedal features knobs for Dry, Lead, Sympathetic, Lead, Sympathetic Mode/Preset, making it easy to fine-tune your sitar tones to perfection.
Preset Switch: Switch between presets effortlessly to access your favorite sitar setups on the fly.

Bypass Switch: Toggle the pedal on and off with the bypass switch for instant sound control.
Main Out and Sympathetic Out: Separate outputs for the main and sympathetic strings provide flexibility in routing and sound manipulation.
Dimensions: Compact and pedalboard-friendly, with dimensions of 120 x 145 x 64 mm.

Power Supply Included: The package includes a 9.6 DC-200 power supply, ensuring you have everything you need to start experimenting with sitar-inspired sounds.

My Pros and Cons About the Model:

Pros:

Versatility Beyond Sitar: While the Ravish Sitar excels at simulating sitar tones, it offers much more. You can blend in the sound of simulated sympathetic strings and even create drone chords, opening up a world of creative possibilities.
Separate Sympathetic Strings: The ability to control the simulated sympathetic strings separately adds depth to your soundscapes and allows for creative sound manipulation.
Creative Sound Processing: The pedal’s capability to process the simulated strings and drones through a separate effects chain and amplifier adds a layer of versatility, especially for those exploring ambient and experimental sounds.

User-Friendly Design: Despite its complexity, the pedal’s thoughtful layout and intuitive controls make it accessible, especially once you’ve spent some time with the included manual.
Comprehensive Package: Electro Harmonix includes a power supply, which is a practical addition, given that the pedal requires 160 mA.
Solid Build and Design: The pedal’s build quality is top-notch, ensuring durability for long-term use. Its vibrant design adds a touch of character to your pedalboard.

Cons:

Not an Exact Sitar Replica: While the Ravish Sitar comes remarkably close to emulating the sitar’s sound, it’s important to note that it doesn’t replicate it precisely. Expect a unique sound that’s reminiscent but not identical.
Footswitch Noise: The audible noise from the footswitches can be a drawback in quieter settings, so keep this in mind when planning your pedalboard setup.

5. EARTQUAKER DEVICES AVALANCHE RUN V2 (EQD AVALANCHE): BEST WEIRD DELAY PEDAL FOR PSYCHEDELIC ROCK

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Features at a Glance

Before delving into my personal experience, let’s take a closer look at the Avalanche Run’s impressive set of features:

Stereo Reverb/Delay: The pedal offers a combination of stereo reverb and delay effects, perfect for creating lush, spatial soundscapes.

Up to 2 Seconds Delay Time: With a delay time that spans up to 2 seconds, this pedal opens up possibilities for both short and extended delay effects.
Selectable True/Trails Bypass: Users can choose between true bypass or trails bypass for seamless transitions between effects.
Footswitch Functionality: The footswitch serves both as a latching and momentary switch, enhancing control during live performances.

Tap Tempo: The tap tempo function allows for precise control over the delay time, ensuring your music stays perfectly in sync.
Versatile Sound Options: The Avalanche Run offers an array of tape and analog delay sounds, along with controls for time, repeats, tone, and mix for both delay and reverb.
Expression Control: The 6-way EXP rotary switch lets you select the expression parameter, adding creative depth to your music.

Tap-Tempo Subdivision: The 6-way ratio rotary switch allows you to choose the tap-tempo subdivision, offering rhythmic versatility.
Delay/Reverb Mode: A toggle switch enables you to seamlessly switch between delay and reverb modes, including reverse, normal, and swell.
Noiseless Relay-Based Circuit: The pedal features a noiseless relay-based soft-touch circuit for clean and precise performance.

Multiple Inputs/Outputs: It includes 2x 6.3 mm mono latches (L/R) inputs/outputs and a 6.3 mm TRS expression input.
Power Supply: The pedal can be powered via a 9 V DC power supply, and it comes with the necessary adapter.
Dimensions: It measures 140 x 120 x 57 mm, making it compact and pedalboard-friendly.

My Pros and Cons about the Model

Pros

1. Exceptional Sound Quality: In my opinion, the Avalanche Run delivers outstanding sound quality. It spans a wide spectrum, from warm analog-like delay tones to pristine HiFi sounds, thanks to its tone control.

2. Creative Versatility: This pedal offers a multitude of creative possibilities, making it a valuable addition to any musician’s toolkit. The reverb and delay combination allows for the creation of captivating soundscapes.

3. Expression Control: The EXP rotary switch opens up avenues for experimentation, enabling users to achieve unique and expressive effects, from glitches to time manipulation.

4. Build Quality: Handmade in the USA, the pedal boasts top-notch construction. Its metal housing ensures durability, and the graphics are visually stunning.

5. Unique Modes: The pedal’s three modes—normal, swell, and reverse—add distinctive character to your music, especially in the realm of ambient and drones.

Cons

1. Power Requirements: The Avalanche Run is power-hungry, drawing 425 mA. Users may need a dedicated power supply or adapter, and it’s not battery-operated.

2. Learning Curve: While user-friendly, some features like accessing the TAIL mode can be a bit tricky, requiring specific steps for configuration.

3. Specialized Use: This pedal shines in ambient and drone music but may not be the best choice for those seeking a straightforward digital delay.

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