Recent resurgence in the DIY pedal scene: A look at the innovative guitar accessories that have captured my attention this week, such as a reverb pedal styled after an abandoned nuclear power plant
In the ever-evolving world of guitar pedals, 2025 has seen a flurry of innovative releases that cater to a wide range of musical tastes. Here's a roundup of some of the most noteworthy pedals that have graced the market this year.
First up is the OC Pedal Co. LA HABRA Hard Clipper, the second pedal release from OC Pedal Co. This distortion pedal is inspired by the classic '80s and '90s drive tones, offering two clipping profiles, a master volume, tone knob, and a gain toggle switch. Designed to stack well with overdrives, it runs on 9-volt DC power and is made in the USA, priced around $179.
For those seeking a more experimental sound, the Eventide Knife Drop pedal, created in collaboration with Jack White and Third Man Records, is a unique offering. This fuzzed-out, glitchy, pitch-shifting pedal combines gritty octave fuzz, synth-like textures, glitch effects, and modulation, appealing to guitarists and sound designers looking for innovative tones.
The Collision Devices FZ Sparks Series is another new release that reflects the ongoing relevance and innovation of boutique and DIY-oriented pedals. This build-it-yourself gated fuzz pedal is part of a series that continues to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in the world of DIY pedals.
The Nucleo pedal, designed as a signature model for YouTuber Paul Davids, offers expansive and otherworldly ambient tones. Inspired by the natural reverb of an abandoned nuclear reactor, the parameter layout of the Nucleo pedal gives off nuclear reactor control panel vibes.
The Cornerstone Effects Nucleo is another pedal in the spotlight, part of D'Angelico's 60th Anniversary Grateful Dead Collection. This collection, catering to die-hard Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir fans, includes the red/white/blue Lightning Bolt design, revived from D'Angelico's first Grateful Dead model from 10 years ago.
For those in search of a compact multi-effects amp modeler, the NUX Amp Academy Stomp is a promising option. With three footswitches and an L/R CYBER IR Engine, it looks tactile, easy to operate, and has a color screen for displaying the signal chain.
Lastly, the Reverend Reeves Gabrels Spacehawk Supreme has been updated with a trio of Railhammer pickups and new finishes, making it a must-have for fans of this iconic guitar pedal.
These latest releases represent a spectrum from vintage-inspired distortion to highly experimental sound design pedals, reflecting the diversity of current DIY pedal innovation in the guitar market. For more detailed specs and demos, you can visit the manufacturers' sites or specific gear reviews on platforms like Guitar World and YouTube.
- In the world of guitar pedals, the ongoing trend of innovation is evident, as demonstrated by the 2025 releases catering to varied musical preferences.
- The OC Pedal Co. LA HABRA Hard Clipper, their second pedal, emulates classic '80s and '90s drive tones with two clipping profiles, a master volume, tone knob, and a gain toggle switch.
- Jack White and Third Man Records have collaborated to create the Eventide Knife Drop, a unique, fuzzed-out, glitchy, pitch-shifting pedal with gritty octave fuzz, synth-like textures, glitch effects, and modulation.
- The Collision Devices FZ Sparks Series reflects the ongoing relevance and innovation of boutique and DIY-oriented pedals, with its build-it-yourself gated fuzz pedal design.
- The Nucleo pedal, Paul Davids' signature model, offers expansive and otherworldly ambient tones, inspired by the natural reverb of an abandoned nuclear reactor.
- D'Angelico's 60th Anniversary Grateful Dead Collection includes the Cornerstone Effects Nucleo, part of a red/white/blue Lightning Bolt design revival from their first Grateful Dead model ten years ago.
- For those desiring a compact multi-effects amp modeler, the NUX Amp Academy Stomp appears to be a convenient option, boasting three footswitches and an L/R CYBER IR Engine.
- The Reverend Reeves Gabrels Spacehawk Supreme, with its new finishes and Railhammer pickups, has become a must-have for fans of this iconic guitar pedal.
- From vintage-inspired distortion to highly experimental sound design pedals, the latest releases showcase the diversity and innovation currently thriving in the DIY pedal market.
- To learn more about these pedals, viewers can visit the manufacturers' sites or check out specific gear reviews on platforms like Guitar World and YouTube.
- The world of guitar pedals and music gear intersects with various aspects of modern pop-culture, including fashion-and-beauty, gadgets, smartphones, technology, books, entertainment, celebrities, and sci-fi-and-fantasy enthusiasts.
- Guitars, electric guitars, PRS, Gibson, Fender, Les Paul, Stratocaster, and their accompanying amps remain instrumental in shaping the music industry and the lifestyle of musicians.
