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Are Today's Pedals Too Weird?

These days, pedals are getting weirder and more complicated than we could have ever imagined, even just a few years ago, as loads of new models draw inspiration from modular synthesis, drum machines, and big leaps in technology.


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Rhett and Zach are rolling old school. No guests today, just our two hosts, chatting about all things gear and tone. Today, the guys are talking about modern pedals.These days, pedals are getting weirder and more complicated than we could have ever imagined, even just a few years ago, as loads of new models draw inspiration from modular synthesis, drum machines, and big leaps in technology.

Some pedals make things more complicated—with buttons on buttons, operating systems that need updates, and user interfaces that are both unique and sometimes confusing—while others may help you simplify your rig—imagine a distortion pedal with an LFO that might replace your need for a separate tremolo unit. Basically, there are few limits on what you can do with a pedalboard if you’re willing to do a deep dive. And if you can’t find a pedal that does what you want, it might be on the way.

But our hosts have differing opinions. Rhett is down to do a deep dive on options, while Zach likes to keep things a little simpler. They suss out their differences and share their own takes, with shout-outs to Chase Bliss, Beetronics, Acorn, and Intensive Care Audio. They also discuss what they think is coming next in pedal and guitar design, and what they’d like to see come along (guitars using control voltage, please).

Later, they dip a rig based around a cool Eastman that catches Rhett’s eye, and a Line 6 HX Effects. With key pieces from Fender, Gibson, Boss, and more, what could be improved?

In shill mode, Zach hypes his Two-Rock Joey Landreth head, and Rhett is all-in on his Chase Bliss Mood.Rhett and Zach want to know which guests you’d like to see! Post your requests in the comments on YouTube to help them brainstorm future episodes.

Introducing the Future Impact V4 - VIP, the latest evolution in Panda Audio's renowned synthesizer pedals. Designed in response to popular demand, the VIP model is significantly smaller while retaining all the powerful features of the Future Impact V4. With its pedalboard-friendly dimensions of 5”x3.25”x2.5” and weighing less than 12 oz, the VIP seamlessly integrates into any setup.
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Berserker Electronics, creators of the cult-favorite Prehistoric Dog preamp pedal, has announced the release of their latest sonic innovation: the Aquanaut Delay / Echo pedal.
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Though Lou Reed seemed to only use a handful of chords, his shrewd right-hand strumming created limitless rhythmic variations.

Beginner to Intermediate

Beginner to Intermediate

  • Focus on syncopation.
  • Add muted strums to enhance your rhythm playing.
  • Learn how to modify complex rhythmic patterns into smaller, more comprehensible figures.

Though usually more lauded for his lyrics than his guitar playing, Lou Reed had a distinctive style of strumming that can make replication a challenge and seemingly impossible for beginners to comprehend. With a combination of syncopations and muted strums, Reed’s rhythm guitar—from his time with the Velvet Underground to his solo career—has a groove and feel that all guitar players can learn from.

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Montana’s own Evel Knievel

If artists aren’t allowed to take risks, and even fail, great art will never be made. Need proof? Check Picasso, Hendrix, Monk, and Led Zeppelin.

In sixth grade, I went to a strict Catholic school. When you have an Italian-Irish mother, that’s just part of the deal. The nuns had the look and temperament of the defensive line of the ’70s Oakland Raiders. Corporal punishment was harsh, swift, and plentiful–particularly toward boys—and we all feared them. All but one second grader. I can’t remember his first name; nobody used it, because his last name was Knievel. His uncle was Evel Knievel, the greatest and perhaps only celebrity ever to come from my home state, Montana. On the playground, we would watch in awe as this wild Knievel kid raced by us, nuns chasing in an awkward, sluggish pursuit as he knocked kids over, dust, books, and gravel flying behind his path of terror. This kid was fearless. It was truly inspiring to watch.

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