The Best Distortion Pedals of All Time (and Their Neural Amp Models on TONE3000)
Discover the most iconic distortion pedals ever made and explore their free Neural Amp Models
Distortion and electric guitar go together like cigarettes and alcohol: they’re both threatening enough on their own, but together they bring some real vice to the party. If you’re an electric guitarist, figuring out which distortion, fuzz, or overdrive pedal is part of most player’s journeys. But finding the right distortion for your own playing can be a costly process if you’re only working with hardware.
Luckily, there are thousands of NAM distortion pedal sims that are available for free on TONE3000. While some people assume that Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) just offers amp sims, the reality is that the same technology is also used to create the world’s most accurate neural models of distortion pedals. Let’s check out some of the best distortion pedals of all time, along with their free NAM captures on TONE3000.
Boss Blues Driver BD-2
The Boss BD-2 is a staple for millions of guitarists. With its warm, touch-sensitive breakup that responds like a vintage tube combo, it does produce a great blues tone. But don't let the name fool you. The BD-2 is also the secret weapon for tons of indie and punk guitarists, including guys like Bill Joe Armstrong, Tom Morello, and Kevin Parker.
Download Neural Amp Model ➝ Boss Blues Driver BD-2
ProCo Rat
Known for its absolutely nasty bite, the ProCo Rat features a circuit that produces much higher gain than your average distortion pedal. The rich harmonic overtones that come from this circuit are totally unique to the Rat (and the ProCo Rat pedal sim on TONE3000), making it a favorite of players such as Jeff Beck and Kurt Cobain.
Download Neural Amp Model ➝ ProCo Rat
MXR Rockman X100
If you own a Camaro and wear your hair feathered like the wings of an eagle, The Rockman X100 might be for you. Because it’s the sound of AOR arena rock. Developed by Boston’s guitarist Tom Scholz, its compressed, chorused, and polished lead sounds like you just took a time machine to 1985.
Download Neural Amp Model ➝ MXR Rockman X100
Ibanez Tube Screamer
With tens of millions of units sold since its release in the late 70’s, the Tube Screamer is possibly the most popular distortion pedals of all time. Whether boosting an amp or as a standalone drive, its tone can be defined by its signature “mid-hump”. This Ibanez Tube Screamer pedal sim can help you chase the tones of everyone from SRV to Kirk Hammet.
Download Neural Amp Model ➝ Ibanez Tube Screamer
Klon Centaur
With prices ranging from $6,000-$10,000, an original Klon Centaur is as legendary for its cost as it is for its tone. It’s been played by guys like Jeff Beck and John Mayer, but unless you have Jeff Beck or John Mayer money, you’re likely never going to own one. Luckily, the incredibly accurate (and free) Klon Centaur pedal sim on TONE3000 can get you the same tone without having to sell your car.
Download Neural Amp Model ➝ Klon Centaur
Spend $5,000-$10,000 for IRL version of the Klon Centaur, or get it 100% free with TONE3000? You decide.
Boss DS-1
The DS-1 is one of the most recorded distortion pedals ever made, but it’s also one of the most divisive. Some players love its treble-y high end and sharp clipping, others say it has an annoying squeal that’s so high it almost sounds like a dog whistle. Still, it’s a favorite for millions of beginners and even for icons like John Fruciante. Check out the NAM capture of the Boss DS-1 and decide for yourself.
Download Neural Amp Model ➝ Boss DS-1
Electro-Harmonix Op Amp Big Muff
The standard EHX Big Muff is one of the most recognizable fuzz pedals ever made, but the Op Amp Big Muff layers on even more fuzz for guitarists looking to get really dirty. If it sounds familiar, that's probably because it’s the definitive tone associated with Smashing Pumpkin’s Billy Corgan. Crank up the Op Amp Big Muff NAM capture and create your own wall of sound.
Download Neural Amp Model ➝ Electro-Harmonix Op Amp Big Muff
Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face
If you’re ready to turn on, drop out, and tune in to some psychedelic 60’s sounds, reach for the Fuzz Face pedal sim on TONE3000 and have your mind blown open. Using the famed germanium-style circuit, this is the pedal made famous by Jimi Henrdix (and vice versa, possibly.)
The iconic Jimi Hendrix Fuzzface. Kinky afro not included.
Download Neural Amp Model ➝ Dunlop Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face
Fulltone OCD
First released in 1991, the OCD was basically an instant classic. What sets it apart is its “HP/LP” switch, a feature that essentially makes it two pedals in one. On the HP setting you get more low end, more volume, and more overdrive. Also, lots and lots of color. On the LP setting you get pure overdrive that preserves the sound of your amp without coloring it.
Download Neural Amp Model ➝ Fulltone OCD
Why These Distortion Pedals Still Matter
Each of these pedals shaped the sound of entire genres and continue to influence modern music. With free NAM pedal captures on TONE3000, guitarists can load these iconic stompboxes into their DAWs (or NAM compatible hardware) and explore a whole world of classic tones without spending a dime.
