I first experienced the potential of the Marshall Guv’nor years ago via an inexpensive copy. What surprised me about that pedal is that I could use its EQ section to shape Revolver-era Beatles tones. I share this anecdote because it speaks to the versatility of the Guv’nor circuit. And in this beautiful, U.K.-built Guv’nor reissue, that flexibility and its impressive power to enliven a stale tone shine.
In its original incarnation, the Guv’nor was an attempt to replicate a mighty JCM800 in a box. But it is capable of much more than ’80s-style Marshall crunch and mass, and it can compel you to wandering exploration or offer total utility. Dialing in tones is fast and intuitive, and the controls are rangeful and responsive. Bump up the midrange, and you can move from those Beatles ’66 tones to Angus Young with a twist of the gain knob. This adaptability also makes the Guv’nor an invaluable tool for moving between single-coils and humbuckers, and finding a sweet spot for each is quick and effortless. Even if you don’t tinker with the Guv’nor’s knobs much, its organic responsiveness means you can coax many shades of grit with guitar volume and tone attenuation. Much like a great Marshall amp, this is a pedal you can live in and explore deeply. And though $249 is a fair bit of cash, this high-quality box could become a cornerstone of your tone equation for years.
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Shubb C8b Partial Capo for Drop-D Tuning - Brass
The C8 covers five of the six strings, leaving either the low E or high E string open, depending on how it's positioned.
- Standard setup: Placed on the 2nd fret while leaving the low E string open, it simulates Drop D-style sounds—except you're still in standard tuning (key of E). You get that big, droning bass feel without retuning.
- Reverse setup: Flipping the capo allows the high E string to ring, giving you shimmering drones and new melodic options across familiar chord shapes.
- A flexible tool that lets you simulate alternate tunings and create rich sonic textures—all while keeping your guitar in standard tuning.
Shubb C7b Partial Capo for DADGAD Tuning - Brass
The C7 covers three of the six strings—either D, G, and B or A, D, and G—depending on how it's flipped.
- Typical setup (D, G, B): Creates an open A chord shape at the 2nd fret without needing your fingers. This frees you up for new voicings and droning notes in the key of A.
- Reversed setup (A, D, G): Gets you close to a DADGAD-style tuning vibe, but still keeps you in standard tuning—great for modal, spacious textures often found in folk or cinematic guitar parts.
Use it alone or stack it with the C8 for wild, layered effects and truly out-of-the-box inspiration.
