What is: Guitar Overdrive Distortion Pedal?
A guitar overdrive distortion pedal is an electronic device that can be used to affect the audio output of an electric instrument; in this case, a guitar. It can be used during a live performance or added in later to a recorded performance. There are distortion devices for other instruments as well. The changes can be very subtle or can be extreme. That is the reason that certain models are known as screamers. Some musicians use several types of pedals and will mount them on a board. This can be homemade or commercially produced.
Prices for distortion overdrive pedals can range from around forty dollars to $250 when you shop online. In an online format you can compare not just prices but also the effects and functions of the pedals. It is there that you will find the classic Ibanez TS808 “Tube Screamer” in its reissued form. It has tone, overdrive and level controls and has its own unique tone. You will also find pedals by Boss and Electro-harmonix and many other well known names.
Distortion is the name for effects used in lots of musical styles, such as metal, blues and punk. The first examples appear to have happened when vacuum valves were damaged and when speakers or amplifiers were altered by poking holes in the speaker cones for various new sounds. Some of the early pedals were dubbed the fuzz box or stomp box.
Overdrive and distortion pedals use transistors to create their distortions since they are designed to use low voltages, such as 9 volt batteries. Electro-Harmonix and Ibanez are examples of pedals that work in this fashion.
You probably have heard distortion pedals in use. They have names that mimic their sounds, and will strike a chord with the listener when described. For instance, there is a Wah-wah pedal. It imitates the human voice with a sliding sound. Think of music by Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd. Often this effect also has a fuzz effect available as well as overdrive. If someone would mention a ring tone effect pedal you would be reminded of music by Black Sabbath.
These effects are actually just a minor sampling. They are now available both as analog and digital effects. The traditional guitar overdrive pedal is alive and well, but the same effects can also be found as midi functions, or can be produced by a computer or synthesizer. For purists and diehards though, nothing quite matches a guitar overdrive distortion pedal at their feet.
US $150.00
