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Rare Guitar Pedals You Might be Lucky to Find

  • Writer: Tapetown
    Tapetown
  • Sep 5
  • 2 min read

Vintage guitar effects pedals, including Mu-Tron Bi-Phase, Boss Chorus, Electric Mistress, Maestro, and Rangemaster. Bold colors and varied knobs.

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Pedal effects let guitarists shape their sound, adding texture to songs or solos. Rare pedals from the 1960s to 1980s, used by players like Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmour, have unique tones that stand out in recording studios and live shows. Their limited production makes them hard to find, but they’re worth it for music creation. Here are 10 rare pedal effects that can define your sound.


1. Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (Triangle Version)

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Jimi Hendrix on Band of Gypsys

  • Sound: Thick, creamy fuzz for heavy riffs.

  • Rarity: Early hand-built models are scarce.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its bold tone works for studio recording and live gigs.


2. Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-1

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: The Rolling Stones on Satisfaction

  • Sound: Gritty fuzz for raw rock tones.

  • Rarity: One of the first fuzz pedals, limited run.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its classic sound inspires songwriting.


3. Vox Tone Bender MKI

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Jeff Beck with The Yardbirds

  • Sound: Smooth fuzz with singing sustain.

  • Rarity: Early MKI models are rare.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its nuance fits performance gear and studio work.


4. Colorsound Overdriver

  • Era: 1970s

  • Used By: David Gilmour on Pink Floyd records

  • Sound: Warm overdrive for dynamic solos.

  • Rarity: Small UK production.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its subtle boost enhances music creation.


5. Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Rory Gallagher for blues

  • Sound: Bright, cutting high-frequency boost.

  • Rarity: Limited run, many modified.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its clarity shines in live and recording studios.


6. Shin-Ei Companion Fuzz

  • Era: 1960s

  • Used By: Eric Clapton with Cream

  • Sound: Harsh, biting fuzz for experimental tones.

  • Rarity: Obscure Japanese brand, few made.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its raw sound sparks creative songwriting.


7. Mu-Tron Phasor II

  • Era: 1970s

  • Used By: Stevie Wonder for funk guitar

  • Sound: Swirling phase effect for rhythmic textures.

  • Rarity: Limited production, niche brand.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its funky vibe suits performance gear.


8. Korg SDD-3000 (Pedal Version)

  • Era: 1980s

  • Used By: The Edge on U2’s War

  • Sound: Warm digital delay for atmospheric tones.

  • Rarity: Rare prototype pedal version.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its lush delays enhance studio recording.


9. Lovetone Meatball

  • Era: 1990s

  • Used By: Radiohead on OK Computer

  • Sound: Funky envelope filter for unique effects.

  • Rarity: Small UK brand, limited run.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its quirky sound inspires music creation.


10. Z.Vex Fuzz Factory (Early Version)

  • Era: 1990s

  • Used By: Jack White with The White Stripes

  • Sound: Chaotic, versatile fuzz for experimental riffs.

  • Rarity: Early hand-built models are scarce.

  • Why Musicians Want It: Its wild tones fuel creative songwriting.



Rare pedal effects like the Big Muff and Tone Bender give guitarists unique textures for music creation and performance. Their scarcity makes them valuable for recording studios and live setups. Check out our articles on vintage amplifiers for more gear to shape your sound.


Related Reading: About a Studio: Sound City https://www.tapetownstudio.com/post/about-a-studio-sound-city

 
 
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