Guitar pedals are the heart and soul of every iconic tone. In this in-depth guide, we explore 10 of the most influential vintage guitar effects ever made, along with their modern reincarnations that continue to inspire musicians today.
Ready to upgrade your tone? Let’s dive in.
1. Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face (1966)
The Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face defined the sound of classic fuzz. Featuring germanium transistors, it delivers a warm, creamy tone that cleans up beautifully with your guitar’s volume knob. Think Hendrix’s explosive Woodstock tone.
Used by: Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour
Modern version: Dunlop Fuzz Face Mini Germanium
2. Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi (1969)
The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi is a fuzz legend, known for its thick, violin-like sustain. Perfect for soaring leads and heavy riffage.
Used by: Santana, Billy Corgan
Modern version: EHX Op-Amp Big Muff
3. Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone (1962)
The first-ever commercial fuzz pedal. The Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz Tone delivered a gritty buzz that changed music forever when Keith Richards used it on “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”
Used by: Keith Richards, Jimmy Page
Modern version: Maestro Fuzz-Tone FZ-M
4. Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 (1979)
The Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 is the king of overdrives. With its mid-boosted tone and smooth clipping, it’s the perfect tool to push a tube amp into bluesy heaven.
Used by: Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer
Modern version: Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive
5. MXR Phase 90 (1974)
The MXR Phase 90 introduced players to a lush phasing sweep with just a single knob. Simple, musical, and instantly recognizable.
Used by: Eddie Van Halen, David Gilmour
Modern version: MXR EVH Phase 90
6. EHX Electric Mistress (1976)
A unique hybrid of flanger and chorus, the EHX Electric Mistress delivers swirling, spacey modulation that’s great for ambient textures.
Used by: Andy Summers, David Gilmour
Modern version: EHX Stereo Electric Mistress
7. Roland RE-201 Space Echo (1974)
The Roland RE-201 Space Echo is a tape delay unit with organic, warbly repeats and lush spring reverb. It’s the backbone of countless atmospheric tones.
Used by: Radiohead, Pink Floyd
Modern version: Boss RE-202 Space Echo
8. Univox Uni-Vibe (1968)
The Univox Uni-Vibe delivers a phasing/chorus hybrid effect that oozes ’60s psychedelia. Great with a touch of fuzz and a wah.
Used by: Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower
Modern version: MXR M68 Uni-Vibe
9. ProCo RAT (1978)
The ProCo RAT blends distortion, fuzz, and overdrive into a raw, aggressive tone with a signature growl. It’s versatile and gritty – in the best way.
Used by: Kurt Cobain, Jeff Beck
Modern version: JHS PackRat
10. Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble (1976)
The Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble was the world’s first chorus pedal. With its rich, analog modulation and subtle vibrato, it shaped the clean tones of the late ’70s and early ’80s.
Used by: Andy Summers, John Frusciante
Modern version: Warm Audio WA-C1
In conclusion
Vintage guitar pedals are more than just nostalgia — they’re timeless and often the source of some of the most legendary guitar tones. Thanks to modern reissues, you can add these classic sounds to your pedalboard today.
Do you have a favorite vintage guitar pedal and are you looking for a specific sound? Leave a comment below or take a look at our full effects pedal catalog.