As the festive season approaches, finding the perfect gift for the guitarists in your life can be complex, both in terms of price and the various possibilities…
Here’s an article for those looking to treat their loved ones without emptying their wallets. We present a carefully-curated selection of 10 pedals under €100, ideal for surprising and delighting guitar lovers under the Christmas tree. From warm distortion to mesmerizing reverb, discover a range of affordable options for your Christmas presents!
Proco Rat 2 Distortion
The Pro Co Rat 2 Distortion is an iconic effects pedal that’s been a favorite since the ’80s. Its unique analog distortion circuit offers a powerful, rough sound, with three main, simple controls: “Distortion” to adjust saturation intensity, “Filter” to adjust tone, and “Volume” for overall output level.
Its solid metal construction guarantees durability on stage. Versatile, it offers an instantly recognizable vintage sound. An inexpensive, must-have option for guitarists looking for character and versatility in their tone. This pedal has been on the pedals of great guitarists such as Kurt Cobain (Nirvana), James Hetfield (Metallica), Graham Coxon (Blur) and Joe Walsh (Eagles).
Retail price: approx. €90
Vox VX V847A Wah
The Vox VX V847A Wah embodies the essence of sonic expression in a rugged case with classic Vox design. Thanks to Vox Halo Inductor technology, it delivers a dynamic and captivating wah response, registering every nuance of the playing. Its True Bypass switch ensures uncompromising sonic integrity when the effect is deactivated.
With an adjustable expressivity control, it allows customized wah modulation to suit any playing style. Made from durable materials, this pedal retains Vox’s timeless charm. Powered by a 9V battery or mains supply, the VX V847A is a versatile option for guitarists seeking classic and modern wah tones. Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Slash (Guns N’ Roses) and David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) have all had Vox wah-wahs on their pedalboards.
Retail price: approx. €88
Digitech DOD Phasor 201
The Digitech DOD Phasor 201 pedal offers a vintage phaser experience in a compact package. Based on the classic sound of the ’70s, it offersa warm, fluid phaser effect, ideal for creating atmospheric textures.
Featuring a simple speed control, it lets you adjust phaser depth with ease. Rugged construction guarantees durability on stage, and the True Bypass switch maintains sonic integrity when the effect is deactivated. Powered by a 9V battery or mains supply, the DOD Phasor 201 offers an affordable way to explore the psychedelic tones of vintage phaser, appealing to guitarists looking for a distinctive retro effect.
Retail price: approx. €98
Ernie Ball EB6180 VP-JR B-stock
When you don’t have the money, B-stocks can be a good solution! B-Stocks are models that can present slight aesthetic imperfections without compromising performance. The Ernie Ball EB6180 VP-JR is a volume pedal, offering transparent and precise volume control for guitarists.
The compact, robust design characteristic of the VP-JR series makes it an ideal option for pedalboards. The infinitely variable volume range allows smooth adjustment, and the durable foot switch ensures easy activation. Powered by a 9V battery or external power supply, this volume pedal is a reliable choice for guitarists seeking dynamic volume control on stage.
Retail price: approx. €99
Electro Harmonix Small Clone
The Electro Harmonix Small Clone pedal is a reference when it comes to chorus analog chorus. Renowned for its rich, spatial sound, it offerswarm modulation without sacrificing signal clarity. Featuring two simple controls – “Rate” and “Depth” – it allows easy adjustment of chorus speed and intensity.
Its robust design and simplicity have made it a popular choice for decades. The Small Clone has been adopted by many guitarists to create atmospheric textures, including Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain. Powered by a 9V battery or external power supply, this pedal offers classic, timeless chorus to enrich your sound palette.
Retail price: approx. €95
Joyo D-SEED II
The Joyo D-SEED II is a versatile digital delay pedal offering a wide range of features in a compact package. With two independent channels, it lets you create rich and varied delays. Four delay modes (Analog, Tape, Digital, Reverse) offer sonic flexibility, while Time, Feedback and Mix parameters provide precise control.
The LED display makes it easy to navigate through the settings. The D-SEED II also features advanced functions such as Tap Tempo, Ping Pong and a delay loop. This pedal is powered by an external 9V supply, offering a complete solution for guitarists looking for a powerful, affordable delay.
Retail price: approx. €79
Boss DS-1 Distortion
The Boss DS-1 Distortion pedal has been an icon in the world of distortion for decades. Offering a powerful, saturated sound, it’s known for its key role in creating iconic riffs. Featuring three simple controls (Tone, Level, Dist), it allows intuitive adjustment of distortion tone and intensity.
Its rugged construction makes it a reliable choice for the stage, and its compact design makes it easy to integrate on a pedalboard. The DS-1 has been adopted by countless guitarists, from Kurt Cobain to Steve Vai, helping to shape the sound of various musical genres. Powered by a 9V battery or an external power supply, this pedal remains a must-have for lovers of saturated tones.
Retail price: approx. €77
Electro Harmonix Little Big Muff Pi
The Electro Harmonix Little Big Muff Pi pedal is a compact version of the famous and iconic Big Muff, offering massive distortion in a rugged case. Renowned for its iconic fuzz sound, it offers rich saturation with powerful harmonics. Equipped with three simple controls (Volume, Tone, Sustain), it allows precise adjustment of distortion level and tone color.
Its compact size makes it easy to integrate on a pedalboard. Adopted by many guitarists looking for a classic fuzz, the Little Big Muff Pi is powered by a 9V battery or an external power supply, making it a must-have choice for fans of explosive vintage tones.
Retail price: approx. €77
TC electronic Skysurfer Reverb
The TC Electronic Skysurfer Reverb pedal offers a versatile reverb experience in a compact format. With three simple controls (Reverb, Tone, Level), it allows precise adjustment of ambiences, from subtle reverbs to atmospheric layers. Its intuitive design makes it accessible to guitarists of all levels.
TC Electronic TonePrint technology allows you to download additional presets. The Skysurfer Reverb is appreciated for its ease of use, outstanding sound quality and robust construction. Powered by a 9V battery or an external power supply, this pedal is an ideal choice for those looking for quality reverb at an affordable price.
Retail price: approx. €49
Boss GE-7 Equalizer
The Boss GE-7 Equalizer pedal is a graphic equalizer offeringexceptional tuning precision for guitarists. With seven frequency bands, it provides detailed equalization for a variety of musical situations. Its intuitive controls offer total control over frequency levels, enabling precise sound sculpting.
The GE-7 is prized for its versatility, allowing the sound spectrum to be adjusted to suit different playing styles and guitars. Its rugged casing and reliability make it a popular choice on stage. Powered by a 9V battery or an external power supply, this pedal is a powerful tool for shaping guitarists’ sound.
Retail price: approx. €99
