What is a guitar equalizer pedal? Think of this EQ pedal as a tool that will help you define, shape and mold your sound to get exactly what you are looking for.
When talking about effects for guitarists, we immediately think of a distortion pedal, a fuzz, a wah-wah, a delay … But much more rarely to a pedal EQ! An Equalizer pedal for guitars is a pedal that can adjust and modulate the sound as you want: manage the bass, medium and treble. This type of pedal is very interesting for guitarists who are looking for a very personal sound.
It is true that a guitarist already has the ability to adjust the sound directly on his guitar or his amp. But neither allows control as precise as a good EQ pedal!
This effect, unjustly underestimated, can really prove to be extremely effective when placed in expert hands. Among other miracles, an EQ is able to give a spark of life to a guitar sound too dreary, to completely change the character of distortion, to soften a rhythm too aggressive, or to help a solo to exist in a bushy mix. Few other effects can be so versatile!!!!
Why trust us?
Our editorial team spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and comparing products to find the best value for money.
We do not publish any sponsored articles. We sometimes receive a commission from Amazon when you buy a product via our links. It allows us to finance our work while remaining completely impartial. Read more
How to choose an equalizer pedal for your guitar effects?
Investing more money generally means having a better product, in this case, an equalizer pedal. But you need to spend large amounts of money to have a decent equalizer pedal in your signal chain. In fact, an affordable equalizer is a great way to introduce yourself with this type of pedal and learn how to use it.
We will dissect some purchase options with the best equalization pedals of different price ranges.
Empress EQ Pedal with Boost
One of the names that appear every time we talk about the best equalization pedals, especially those of higher level, is Empress For EQ is currently sitting on the throne. One of the most efficient ways to adjust the timbre using an independent guitar effects pedal. Apart from being a high-quality unit, made to withstand a nuclear bomb if necessary, there are several quite impressive reasons why this pedal enjoys the type of reputation it has.
Let’s start talking about your main performance. Empress ParaEQ uses a clinically accurate three-band parametric equalizer to provide maximum control over a very well defined frequency range. The possibilities are endless as to what can be done with this unique pedal. The next thing that defines it is its ability to add 30 dB of enhancement where you see fit.
Speaking of which, you can also use the Empress ParaEQ as a boost pedal, even when the equalizer part of the effect is completely offset using the true bypass that comes standard. All these things combined make a very effective and persuasive equalization pedal that really has a great impact. If you need maximum control over your tone, this is the model you want to see first.
Discover more and the price here
MXR M109S Six Band EQ Guitar Effects Pedal
Unlike the pedal we just talked about, MXR offers one of the best equalization pedals with the MXR 6 Band EQ, only that its approach is a bit different. Instead of building a giant of a pedal that is as expensive as it is good, MXR lowered the tone of things a bit and delivered a great package that stands out for its balance of price and performance.
Interestingly, although it is not as refined as some of the most expensive models on the market, the 6 Band MXR equalizer still achieves a performance worthy of all the praise. In fact, it is so good that people tend to prefer it to a much more complex 10-band equalizer made by the same company. The layout of the controls for this model is based on the standard graphic equalizer with which most audiophiles are familiar.
The frequency bands supported by this pedal are somewhat optimized for the guitar’s timbre, and allow the user to grab those media with little or no effort. On top of that, there is an approximately 18 dB increase available in this small and affordable equalization box. Although it may be too tough for the most demanding users, most of us are more than satisfied with the kind of performance this thing has to offer.
Discover more and the price here
EarthQuaker Devices Tone Job V2 EQ and Boost Effects
From a purely practical point of view, EarthQuaker Devices Tone Job EQ is considered an equalizer by most guitarists who have used one of these pedals. Looking at it, it is not so difficult to see why. That said, EarthQuaker Devices Tone Job is also not a standard equalizer pedal. It is really a well thought out fusion of two quite large effects.
You get a booster pedal that also has a great equalization ability. Compared to the two previous models we have talked about, it may not be impressive once you take a look at the available controls. After all, can you really make that amount of tone adjustments with those standard treble, middle and bass knobs? The answer is yes.
What EarthQuaker Devices has achieved with this model is to give it a very simplified way to control the tone while maintaining the range you would get with a normal equalizer pedal. There is 20 dB of boost or cut to play in each of the three available bands. Speaking of which, these bands are not so rigid, and they come with a decent overlap between them. Apart from all this, that Level knob is capable of increasing the entire signal up to five times its original volume. That is what guitarists call versatility.
Discover more and the price here
Boss GE-7 Equalizer Pedal
There is much to say about Boss and his effects pedals. In most cases, if you are not sure which pedal to go to, you can always use the model Boss has to offer and most likely you will not fail with this option. This is how this company works. That said, it is not so shocking that the Boss GE-7 is one of the best EQ pedals at this time.
A look at this equalizer will tell you that it is a standard Boss box. The same that has proven to be able to withstand all types of abuse and continue working at the end of the day. The only real difference this time is the graphic equalizer with seven bars and its white color. Yes, there are seven bars to work with, not including the master level.
Considering how much this unit costs, this is really a lot of versatility in what is essentially an affordable pedal. In terms of performance, everything is solid. The Boss GE-7 has a lot to offer. 15 dB integers to be more exact. In practical terms, this is enough to push a tube amplifier towards that natural overdrive. It has quite impressive performance for such an affordable package.
Discover more and the price here
Caline USA 10 Band
The Caline EQ pedal for guitar is balancing on the edge between the top budget and medium price Equalizer guitar pedals. This EQ pedal is best suited for both guitar and bass.
It comes with ten bands and up to 12 dB boost, which is good enough. It is quiet in itself but does sometimes enhance noise from other pedals, so this pedal is best for live playing and not so much for recording. This little extra noise only occurs on certain frequencies though, so it’s possible that it won’t disturb you.
It also makes a little noise at startup, but this can be prevented by connecting the power supply to it before you connect the lead to your amp. So it’s partly got a will of its own, but as soon as you figure these things out it starts delivering.
Discover more and the price here
MXR M108S 10 Band Graphic EQ
If you know what you do in terms of equalization, this one is a piece of cake to put in place. If not, I advise you to work with each band individually until you get a good handle on what they are doing. Ten bands give you a fairly thorough level of control over your tone. The level and win sliders make it ideal for use as a boost. You can dial the number as much volume as desired, while the equalizer can be used to maintain a clear signal or introduce a mid-hump. The lit LED sliders are a really cool feature and makes adjustments on a dark stage a little easier.
The 10 full bands give you a tremendous amount of control, and extends sounds well enough that you can push your setup to reach.
To control the tone of your guitar going into the amp, run it in front of the amp. It can be quite powerful after a dirt pedal. Used as a nudge, you’re obviously going to have to run it in front of the amp. To shape the overall tone of the amp itself, run it in the effects loop.
Discover more and the price here
Danelectro DJ-14C Fish & Chips
This EQ pedal is not at the same level as the models we have mentioned so far. Danelectro is known for offering some of the cheapest guitar effects pedals that can be found in the market. However, that definitely does not mean that there is something intrinsically wrong with these pedals.
They can be a bit rough at the edges, maybe even without the necessary durability at times, but they are the absolute rulers of the affordable range within their respective categories. The Danelectro DJ-14C Fish & Chips is, by far, the cheapest equalization pedal that can be achieved and still offers some kind of quality performance. Seven bands to work, which are controlled by well-made sliders.
These are complemented by an additional level slider. Fish & Chips has a very basic configuration, but it has been tested to work so many times so far. One thing you definitely want to keep in mind is that you should treat this pedal as if it were made of glass. Seriously, if you step on it a little harder, it will most likely break in some way.
Discover more and the price here
Graphic or parametric equalizer?
There are two types of equalizers, graphics and parametric. For any of us they are not so different, they perform the same function, right? There is a significant difference between a parametric and graphic equalizer.
The main function of an equalizer pedal is to give you more control over the tone, allowing you to adjust certain parts of the frequency range of the signal.
Graphic equalizers are a bit easier to use, while parametric equalizers require a bit of research on our part.
Graphic equalizer
Most of the equalizers you have seen surely belong to the graphic variety. They are called graphic equalizers because they have 6 or more frequency bands that are adjusted with “sliders”. The route of these sliders is marked with different values, so you can quickly assess the situation with a look at the equalizer. On top of that, graphic equalizers go straight to the point.
There are generally no hidden features or abstract processes to worry about. Adjust your frequency bands and you’re ready to start. This simplicity of use is exactly the reason why so many guitarists prefer graphic equalizers over parametric. When you are on stage, in a low-light environment and need to adjust your tone, being able to do it quickly is very valuable.
Parametric equalizer
With parametric equalizer pedals, you get much more control over frequencies than with graphic equalizers. One of the most standard types of parametric equalizers is the one that allows you to adjust three different parameters for each frequency band.
The parametric equalizers will definitely be more complex than that, which depends on the specific pedal model you are using. This additional versatility will not be something that most guitarists will want to work with. That kind of control is interesting for those who need or want it, but not so much for those who just want to shape their tone.
Conclusion
An EQ pedal is really a must-have accessory to bring you a little closer to this professional sound that makes you dream!
Do not hesitate a second to add one to your arsenal of effects, and to try the wildest settings.
In terms of equalization, there is no perfect adjustment. It’s all about compromise, and especially about finding the right setting for your current needs.
Who knows, you may choose a totally surprising sound that will inspire you for your next song!