The Most Popular Distortion Pedal, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the distortion pedal you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:35
For guitar enthusiasts, finding the right distortion pedal can be a pivotal part of crafting their signature sound. With a variety of models offering an array of sound-altering capabilities, it can be challenging to decide which pedal might elevate one's musical expression. A collective approach to evaluating these devices helps shed light on high-performing pedals as judged by a community of users.
This ranked list is dynamically generated based on user votes to highlight the best distortion pedals as judged by the community. Your participation is crucial, as each vote helps ensure the accuracy and utility of this list. By contributing your preferences, you help others in their quest for the perfect sound, while potentially discovering new options for yourself.
What Is the Most Popular Distortion Pedal?
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162votes
Kuriosatempel · CC BY-SA 4.0One of the most popular distortion pedals in the world. It has been used by many famous guitarists, including Kurt Cobain and Joe Satriani. It produces a classic, crunchy, and distorted sound that is perfect for rock and metal music.The Boss DS-1 Distortion is a classic guitar distortion pedal that has been a popular choice among guitarists for decades. It provides powerful and versatile distortion tones, ranging from mild overdrive to heavy, crunchy distortion. The pedal is known for its simplicity, durability, and affordability, making it accessible to musicians of all skill levels.- Controls: Level, Tone, Distortion
- Input Impedance: 470 k ohms
- Output Impedance: 10 k ohms
- Nominal Level: -20 dBu
- Power Supply: 9V DC battery or AC adapter (sold separately)
Boss DS-1 Distortion in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular guitar pedal
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235votes
tpeck111 · CC BY-SA 3.0This pedal is a classic distortion pedal that has been used by many famous guitarists, including Randy Rhoads and Eddie Van Halen. It produces a gritty and warm tone that is perfect for classic rock and blues.The MXR M104 Distortion+ is a classic distortion pedal that has been used by countless guitarists around the world. It offers a wide range of distortion tones, from mild overdrive to aggressive distortion, making it versatile for a variety of musical genres. The pedal provides a rich and warm tone, with plenty of sustain and harmonics. It is known for its simplicity and straightforward control layout, allowing users to easily dial in their desired distortion sound. The MXR M104 Distortion+ has become a staple in many guitarists' pedalboards and is highly regarded for its reliable performance and distinctive tone.- Controls: Output, Distortion
- Input Impedance: 470 kΩ
- Output Impedance: 5 kΩ
- Maximum Gain: 40 dB
- Power Requirements: 9V DC
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325votes
ProCo Rat
ProCo Sound, Inc.The ProCo Rat is a versatile distortion pedal that can produce a wide range of sounds, from warm and fuzzy to aggressive and cutting. It has been used by many famous guitarists, including David Gilmour and John Frusciante.The ProCo Rat is a popular distortion pedal known for its aggressive and versatile tone. It is considered a classic among guitarists seeking a wide range of distortion sounds. The pedal is well-regarded for its ability to cut through the mix and deliver a distinctive tone that suits various musical genres.- Type: Distortion
- Controls: Distortion, Filter, Volume
- Input Impedance: Approx. 1MΩ
- Output Impedance: Approx. 1kΩ
- Power Requirements: 9V DC Adapter or Battery
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418votes
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
Electro-HarmonixThe Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi is a classic fuzz/distortion pedal that has been used by many famous guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix and Billy Corgan. It produces a thick and heavy sound that is perfect for classic rock and heavy metal.The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi is a legendary distortion pedal widely regarded as one of the most popular and iconic pedals in the history of electric guitar effects. It delivers a thick, sustain-laden, and harmonically rich tone that is favored by countless musicians across different genres.- Circuit Type: Fuzz/Distortion
- Controls: Volume, Tone, Sustain
- Sustain: High
- Tone: Wide range of tonal shaping
- Articulation: Clear, yet heavy
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular guitar pedal
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521votes
Fulltone OCD
Michael FullerThe Fulltone OCD is a versatile distortion pedal that can produce a wide range of sounds, from clean boost to heavy crunch. It has been used by many famous guitarists, including Robin Trower and Eric Johnson.The Fulltone OCD is a highly acclaimed distortion pedal known for its versatile and dynamic overdrive tones. It is designed to deliver everything from subtle breakup to heavy saturation, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres.- Controls: Volume, Drive, and Tone
- True Bypass: Yes
- Input Impedance: 500 kΩ
- Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
- Power Requirements: 9V DC (center negative)
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69votes
Ibanez Tube Screamer
IbanezThe Ibanez Tube Screamer is a classic overdrive/distortion pedal that has been used by many famous guitarists, including Stevie Ray Vaughan and John Mayer. It produces a warm and smooth tone that is perfect for blues and rock.The Ibanez Tube Screamer is one of the most popular and iconic distortion pedals in the world of electric guitar. It is known for its warm, smooth overdrive and distinct mid-range boost, making it a favorite among blues, rock, and country guitarists. The Tube Screamer has a rich history and has been used by legendary guitarists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan and Gary Moore.- Circuit Type: Analog
- Controls: Drive, Tone, Level
- Drive Range: Low to Medium
- Midrange Boost: Yes
- Input Impedance: 500k ohms
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712votes
Kuriosatempel · CC BY-SA 4.0Boss MT-2 Metal Zone
BossThe Boss MT-2 Metal Zone is a popular distortion pedal that is designed for heavy metal music. It produces a thick and heavy sound that is perfect for shredding and chugging.The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone is a highly popular distortion pedal designed for aggressive and heavy guitar tones. It provides a wide range of options to shape the sound and is especially favored by metal and rock guitarists. With its powerful and versatile features, it has become a staple in many guitarist's pedalboards.- Type: Distortion
- Controls: Level, Distortion, High, Low, Mid, Mid Frequency
- Max Gain: +50 dB
- Input Impedance: 1 M ohm
- Output Impedance: 1 k ohm
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813votes
Wampler Plexi-Drive
Brian WamplerThe Wampler Plexi-Drive is a distortion pedal that is designed to emulate the sound of a vintage Marshall amp. It produces a warm and crunchy tone that is perfect for classic rock and blues.The Wampler Plexi-Drive is a popular distortion pedal that aims to recreate the classic British-style amp tones of the late '60s and early '70s. It is designed to provide the timeless, gritty and dynamic characteristic of the iconic Marshall Plexi amplifiers in a compact stompbox format.- Circuit Type: Analog
- Controls: Volume, Gain, Tone
- Voicing Options: Classic, Smooth, Fat
- True Bypass: Yes
- Input Impedance: 1M Ohms
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93votes
TC Electronic Dark Matter
TC ElectronicThe TC Electronic Dark Matter is a versatile distortion pedal that can produce a wide range of sounds, from warm and fuzzy to heavy and aggressive. It has a built-in EQ section that allows you to shape your tone to your liking.The TC Electronic Dark Matter is a highly regarded distortion pedal known for its rich and versatile tones. It offers a wide range of distortion possibilities, from subtle overdrive to heavy distortion, making it suitable for various genres of music. The pedal provides exceptional clarity and responsiveness, allowing players to maintain note definition even at high gain levels. With its robust build quality and easy-to-use interface, the Dark Matter is a favorite among guitarists looking to add grit and character to their tone.- Type: Distortion
- Controls: Gain, Level, Bass, Treble, Voice, True Bypass
- Gain Range: From light overdrive to heavy distortion
- Voicing Options: Toggle between two different voicings: Vintage and Modern
- EQ Controls: Bass and Treble knobs for tonal shaping
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106votes
Friedman BE-OD
Dave FriedmanThe Friedman BE-OD is a distortion pedal that is designed to emulate the sound of a vintage Marshall amp. It produces a warm and crunchy tone that is perfect for classic rock and blues. It also has a built-in EQ section that allows you to shape your tone to your liking.The Friedman BE-OD is a boutique high-gain distortion pedal known for its aggressive and versatile tones. It is designed to replicate the legendary British sound of the Friedman BE-100 amplifier in a compact stompbox format.- Pedal Type: Distortion
- Circuitry: Analog
- Controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Volume
- Switches: Mode, Tight
- Modes: Standard, Tight
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Ranking factors for popular distortion pedal
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VersatilityA good distortion pedal should offer a variety of distortion tones and sound options, catering to different musical styles and player preferences.
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Build qualityThe build quality of a distortion pedal affects its durability and reliability. A well-built pedal should be able to withstand regular use without any issues.
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Ease of useA user-friendly interface with simple controls and features makes it easier for players to explore different tones and adjust settings quickly.
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Pedal size and designThe size and design of the pedal should comfortably fit in a pedalboard setup while also being aesthetically pleasing.
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Bypass typeDistortion pedals come with either "true bypass" or "buffered bypass" options. True bypass pedals maintain the original guitar signal when the pedal is disengaged, while buffered bypass pedals can help maintain signal strength over long cable runs. The right choice depends on user preference and setup requirements.
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CompatibilityA good distortion pedal should be compatible with various types of guitars and amplifiers, allowing players to use their gear without any issues.
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Brand reputation and customer supportThe reputation of the pedal manufacturer and the level of customer support they provide can play a role in the overall ranking of the pedal.
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Reviews and recommendationsDistortion pedals that receive positive reviews and recommendations from professional musicians, websites, and user reviews can give some indication of their overall quality and popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular distortion pedal. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or pedal is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2097 views
- 205 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each pedal once every 24 hours. The rank of each pedal is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular distortion pedal
Distortion pedals are a crucial tool for any guitarist looking to add some grit and edge to their sound. They work by clipping the guitar signal, which creates a distorted and overdriven sound. The first distortion pedals were developed in the 1960s and have since become a staple in rock, metal, and alternative music. There are countless distortion pedals on the market, with varying levels of gain and tonal characteristics. From classic pedals like the Boss DS-1 and the Pro Co RAT to newer offerings such as the EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Reaper and the JHS Pedals Angry Charlie, there is no shortage of options for guitarists looking to add some dirt to their sound. So, what is the most popular distortion pedal? Let's take a closer look at the results of our StrawPoll and find out.
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