Best Distortion Pedal Reviews 2023

For a distortion pedal, what you will pay will likely be determined by the brand, build, number of effects and other features. Generally, we found that with between $25 to $100, you can get a good quality distortion pedal. Certainly, the more features you want, the more you will have to pay. There are more expensive pedals than what we have in this range, if you decide to go for much higher quality. There are also cheap distortion pedals that cost less than what we have listed. It is important to understand that these cheap products are likely not to deliver any value at all, so it will be safer to invest a bit more and get something that will deliver good value.

To choose the right distortion pedal for you, you need to take some time to consider some factors. Doing so will help you make a better choice. Some of the features to consider include:

• Genre of music
• Type
• Construction
• Controls
• Size
• Number of effects
• Additional features

Let’s take a closer look at these.

"Distortion" is actually a broad term that covers a range of sounds. The sounds generally covered by that single term are fuzz, overdrive and distortion. These are all distortion effects of varying degrees, with distortion being the highest, or "dirtiest," as guitarists will say. The type of distortion you will pick will be closely related to the type of music you play. People who play hard rock and metal will be found with the dirtiest of all. These genres usually use very high-gain distortions. This is different from what a blues or soft rock player will use; they will use milder distortions. Before picking a distortion pedal, be sure to determine its suitability for the kind of music you play or want to play.

Another thing to consider is construction. Another name for the distortion pedal (and other pedals) is the stomp box, for obvious reasons. (In the heat of a live gig, guitarists have been known to stomp very enthusiastically on their effect pedals). Choose a box that will withstand your style of play. If you are a gentle player, you may go for one made from durable plastic. If, however, you stomp with a lot of enthusiasm and heavy boots, it’s only sensible that you choose one made of metal.

Your choice can also be affected by the number of effects the pedal has. Some pedals only have the high-octane distortion sound, while some others can offer different shades of distortion. You will usually find some pedals offering a combo of overdrive and distortion effects. If you play a wide range of music genres, you may want to get this kind of pedal, as it offers more versatility.

The controls offered by an effect pedal can affect your use of it. The number of controls can mean more precision in setting the sound to your taste. It could also mean more confusion. It all depends on your experience and how easy it is to use the controls. Check the controls that come with the pedal you want to get, and be sure they offer you the kind of convenience you want.

Another thing that can enhance your use of an effect pedal is the additional features. Some features, such as LED lights that let you know when the device is on or when the battery is low, and switches that let you choose from different distortion types, can make it more convenient to use. Sometimes, these extra features can mean spending a bit more money. You need to decide if those extra features are vital to you or not.

Finally, your distortion pedal is likely going to be one of many pedals on your pedal board. You may need to consider the size of the effect pedal you are getting to determine if it will fit into your current effects setup. Consider all these factors and others that may be particularly important to you, and you will be sure to find the right distortion pedal for you.