Guitar effects pedals have played an essential role in shaping the sound of popular music for decades.
While there are countless options available on the market, some pedals have become highly sought-after due to their unique tones and scarcity. In this article, we will explore ten of the most rare and coveted guitar effects pedals, including the Shin-Ei Univibe, Maestro FSH-1, Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster, Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face, and Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1.5.
Shin-Ei Univibe
The Shin-Ei Univibe is renowned for its ability to replicate the lush, swirling tones of a rotating Leslie speaker. Made famous by guitar virtuosos like Jimi Hendrix, this pedal offers a distinctive, watery modulation effect. Due to its limited production and the company’s eventual closure, the Shin-Ei Univibe has become a rare gem among collectors.
Maestro FSH-1
The Maestro FSH-1, also known as the Filter Sample/Hold, was an innovative pedal released in the late 1960s. This pedal produced unpredictable filter sweeps and sample/hold effects, making it ideal for experimental and psychedelic guitarists. Its scarcity and unique sound have made it highly sought-after among collectors and sonic explorers.
Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster
The Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster is a legendary pedal known for its ability to push tube amplifiers into sonic overdrive. Famous guitarists like Eric Clapton and Tony Iommi relied on this pedal to achieve their signature tones. Due to its limited production in the 1960s, the Rangemaster has become a rare and coveted piece of gear for vintage tone enthusiasts.
Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face
Another legendary pedal from the Dallas Arbiter family, the Fuzz Face is synonymous with classic fuzz tones. Popularized by Jimi Hendrix, this pedal delivers a warm and rich fuzz sound that has stood the test of time. The early models, particularly those with germanium transistors, are highly sought-after due to their unique tonal characteristics.
Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1.5
The Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1.5 is a highly prized fuzz pedal that emerged in the late 1960s. This British-made pedal features three germanium transistors and offers a more aggressive and edgier fuzz tone compared to its predecessor, the MKI. Its rarity, distinctive sound, and association with iconic guitarists like Jimmy Page have elevated its status among collectors.
Klon Centaur
The Klon Centaur is a legendary overdrive pedal that has attained near-mythical status in the guitar community. Its transparent and dynamic overdrive tones have made it a staple on countless pedalboards. Despite its simple design, the limited production and the skyrocketing demand have turned the Klon Centaur into one of the most sought-after pedals in the world.
Colorsound Power Boost
The Colorsound Power Boost is a versatile and powerful pedal that gained popularity in the 1970s. With its ability to provide clean boost, overdrive, or even fuzz-like tones, this pedal found favor among guitarists like David Gilmour and Jeff Beck. Its rarity and ability to add warmth and character to any amplifier make it highly sought-after by tone enthusiasts.
Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger/Filter Matrix
The Electric Mistress from Electro Harmonix is a classic flanger and filter matrix pedal that found its place in the psychedelic and progressive rock scenes of the 1970s. With its distinctive swooshing sound and versatile controls, this pedal continues to captivate musicians. Vintage models, particularly those from the early production runs, are rare and highly prized among collectors.
Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
The Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble is a legendary analog chorus pedal produced by the Roland Corporation under the Boss brand. It was first introduced in 1976 and is considered one of the earliest chorus effects units ever created. It quickly gained popularity among guitarists, becoming a staple on many professional pedalboards. Its distinctive sound can be heard on countless recordings across various genres, ranging from rock and pop to jazz and fusion.
Mu-Tron Bi-Phase
The Mutron Bi-Phase is a classic analog effects pedal and is known for its unique and highly sought-after phaser effects. The Bi-Phase was originally designed and manufactured by Musitronics Corporation in the 1970s. The Bi-Phase is a dual-phase pedal, meaning it has two independent phaser circuits that can be used simultaneously or individually. Each phaser circuit consists of multiple stages, which create a series of peaks and troughs in the audio signal to produce the classic sweeping phaser sound. The pedal has become a sought-after vintage unit, and its scarcity has led to the development of modern reproductions and emulations to meet the demand of musicians.
Rare effects pedals
The world of guitar effects pedals is filled with countless options, but a handful of rare and sought-after pedals have stood the test of time. The Shin-Ei Univibe, Maestro FSH-1, Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster, Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face, Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1.5, and others mentioned in this article represent the crème de la crème of rare guitar effects. Whether for their distinctive tones, association with iconic guitarists, or limited production, these pedals continue to captivate musicians and collectors alike.