Discovering tremolo pedals

In the guitarist’s arsenal, tremolo pedals are an often overlooked but oh-so-essential piece of equipment. While roaring distortions and atmospheric delays monopolize attention, tremolo operates behind the scenes, adding a touch of magic to the sonic texture.

In this exploration, we delve into the fascinating history of these pedals, discover how they work and examine some of the flagship models that continue to captivate musicians worldwide.

The history of tremolo

The tremolo is one of the oldest and most emblematic effects in the world of effects pedals. Its origins date back to the amplifiers of the 1950s, when it was integrated to simulate the effects produced by bowed string instruments such as the violin or mandolin. At the time, tube amplifiers were equipped with a modulation circuit that varied the volume of the signal at a speed adjustable by the user. This rhythmic fluctuation in volume createda distinctive sound wave known as tremolo.

Introduced in the 1950s, the DeArmond Tremolo Control (Model 601) tremolo pedal was one of the first pedals on the market. It was designed for use with tube amplifiers and offered adjustable volume modulation, enabling guitarists to create subtle or pronounced tremolo effects.

Fender, the famous amplifier and guitar manufacturer, also contributed to the development of the first tremolo pedals, notably the Fender Tremolo (or Vibrato) Footswitch. Their flagship amplifier, the Fender Twin Reverb, featured a built-in tremolo circuit. Fender then released an external footswitch pedal allowing guitarists to control the tremolo effect on the floor, offering greater flexibility during live performances. Although technically called “tremolo” by Fender, this effect is often confused with vibrato, which has led to persistent confusion in the language of many guitarists.

What’s the difference between tremolo and vibrato?

Vibrato

Strictly speaking, vibrato is a variation in the pitch (or frequency) of the sound produced by a musical instrument. On a guitar, for example, vibrato is achieved by slightly altering the tension of the strings using a vibrato lever or tremolo bar. This causes a slight fluctuation in the pitch of the notes played, creating an expressive, undulating effect.

The tremolo

Tremolo, on the other hand, is a variation in the intensity (or amplitude) of the audio signal. On a guitar, the tremolo effect is achieved by changing the volume of the sound in a regular, cyclical way. This creates a sensation of pulsation or beat in the sound, similar to that produced by ocean waves, for example.

Tremolo operation

Unlike compression, which affects the signal’s dynamics, tremolo modifies its amplitude by causing it to fluctuate cyclically. In other words, it varies the volume of sound at a given frequency, creating a sensation of pulsation or beat. This variation can be set according to the desired rate and depth, enabling an infinite range of sound textures, from a gentle beat to an intense pulsation.

Iconic guitarists and their tremolo pedals

Many legendary guitarists have incorporated tremolo into their sound palette, adding a hypnotic dimension to their playing. Among them are such figures as Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, whose subtle use of tremolo is an essential component of his atmospheric ballads. Similarly, Johnny Marr of the Smiths exploited tremolo to create ethereal, haunting sound textures, contributing to the band’s distinctive sonic identity.

Tremolo played a crucial role in the distinctive sound of the surf rock musical genre, popularized in the 1960s by bands such as The Ventures and Dick Dale. Dick Dale, in particular, was renowned for his extensive use of tremolo, creating electric guitar sounds charged with energy and attitude. His iconic track Misirlou is a classic example of the dynamic use of tremolo to create an intense, pulsating atmosphere.

The tremolo has also found its way into the world of cinema, where it is often used to create an eerie or mysterious atmosphere. Film composers such as Ennio Morricone and Bernard Herrmann have incorporated tremolo into their soundtracks, using it to heighten moments of tension and suspense in iconic films such as “Once Upon a Time in the West” and “Psycho”.

Some leading tremolo pedal models

Strymon Flint

Renowned for its exceptional sound quality and versatility, this pedal combines vintage tremolo inspired by tube amps with studio-quality reverb. It offers a wide range of settings, enabling guitarists to explore a variety of atmospheric tones.

BOSS TR-2 Tremolo

This iconic BOSS pedal offers classic tremolo with simple, intuitive controls. Its sturdiness, reliability and authentic sound make it a popular choice among guitarists of all backgrounds.

EarthQuaker Devices Hummingbird V4

Known for its ability to produce versatile tremolo effects ranging from the subtle to the severe, this model features extensive controls for fine-tuning tremolo speed and depth.

Walrus Audio Monument Tremolo

This pedal offersexceptional versatility with its standard and harmonic modes, as well as advanced controls such as waveform and tempo division, enabling guitarists to explore a wide range of unique sound textures.