After John Mayer identified the Bluesbreaker pedal as the key to his great Strat tones on his album “Continuum,” the pedal skyrocketed in popularity. But as a result, the cost of the original Bluesbreaker pedal increased. For your benefit, a lot of pedal makers have recently tried to imitate the Bluesbreaker by developing their own transparent overdrives.

The Morning Glory was developed by JHS, the Pantheon is owned by Wampler, and the Snouse Black Box is almost an identical reproduction of the original circuit. The Tone City Blues Man and the Mooer Blues Crab are two less expensive producers that have attempted it and succeeded spectacularly.

Bluesbreaker pedal History, Where Did It All Begin?

Although the first, original Marshall Blues Breaker pedal, an overdrive, debuted in 1991, the moniker has a 30-year history. The 1960s band the Bluesbreakers, with John Mayall and Eric Clapton, is where Marshall got his moniker. On their self-titled album, Clapton’s guitar tone, which was produced with only a Les Paul connected into a Marshall 212 JTM combo, is legendary. After the record, the amplifier’s circuit which was based on a Fender Bassman circuit, became known as the Bluesbreaker. This classic overdrive, blues rock style overdrive pedal was discontinued and so clones were introduced to the market.

What Are Bluesbreaker pedal clones?

Like any successful circuit, pedal manufactures aim to recreate a piece of history buy adding their own twist to an already classic pedal. There are many Blues breaker clones on the market which are based around the original circuit and for the most part keep it simple by including a volume, drive and tone knob. On a few bluesbreaker clones, there are added functionality such as three band EQ and boosts to give additional options to the pedal.

The Best Bluesbreaker Style Pedals

Now we know the history of the Bluesbreaker, lets take a look at the best clones or similar style pedals that you can own today. Many Blues breaker style pedals have been made by the top guitar pedal manufactures so you can ensure that the quality is there. Whilst these pedals may not be identical to the original, they will carry many tonal similarities that will be noticeable when playing.

Best BluesBreaker Pedals & Processors

1. JHS Morning Glory Overdrive

JHS Morning Glory is one of the most popular overdrive pedals on the market. It’s used by some of the biggest names in guitar, including Steve Vai, John Petrucci, and Joe Satriani. I’ve been using the Morning Glory for about a year now, and I can say without a doubt that it’s one of the best overdrive pedals I’ve ever used.

The Morning Glory has a very simple design: two knobs (Volume and Drive) and a three-way switch (Mode). The pedal can be powered by either a 9V battery or a 9V power adapter. The pedal is true bypass, so it won’t color your tone when it’s turned off. The sound of the Morning Glory is absolutely incredible. It has a very smooth overdrive that doesn’t sound harsh or muddy.

2. Wampler Pantheon Overdrive

There are a lot of things that go into making a great overdrive pedal, and the Wampler Pantheon is no exception. This pedal has it all: great tone, versatility, and build quality. The first thing you’ll notice about the Pantheon is its excellent tone. It can go from a light overdrive to a full-on distortion, and everything in between. It’s also very responsive to your playing style, so you can get a huge range of sounds out of it.

The second thing you’ll notice is the Pantheon’s versatility. It has two different channels (normal and boosted), each with its own set of controls. This gives you a lot of options for shaping your sound. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a built-in boost function that can really help you push your sound to the next level.

3. Analog Man Price Of Tone Overdrive

There’s no question that the Analog Man Price Of Tone overdrive pedal is one of the best sounding overdrive pedals on the market. But what makes it worth the price tag?

For starters, the Price Of Tone is built with high quality components that give it a great tone. The pedal has a three-position switch that allows you to choose between two different clipping modes, which gives you a lot of control over your sound. The Price Of Tone also features a true bypass circuit, so your signal won’t be degraded when the pedal is turned off.

In addition to its great sound, the Price Of Tone is also built to last. The sturdy metal casing and high quality switches and jacks make this pedal withstand years of heavy use.

In conclusion, the best blues breaker pedal is the one that suits your playing style and preferences. There is no definitive answer as to which pedal is the best, but try out a few different pedals and see which one you like the sound of best. Experiment with different settings on each pedal to find the perfect sound for you.

Check out our buyers guide on the best overdrive pedals available to buy on todays market.

VISIT OUR GUIDE ON THE 10 BEST OVERDRIVE PEDALS

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FAQ: Best Bluesbreaker Pedals

1. What is a Blues breaker pedal?

Bluesbreaker pedals are overdrive pedals designed to replicate the iconic tone of the Marshall Bluesbreaker amplifier. They are known for their smooth, creamy overdrive and are widely used in blues and rock music.

2. What makes a Bluesbreaker pedal different from other overdrive pedals?

Bluesbreaker pedals are specifically designed to emulate the distinctive tone of the original blues breaker Marshall amplifier. They often feature a mid-range emphasis, smooth tone shaping, and a touch-sensitive response, capturing the essence of the classic blues tone.

3. What are some popular Blues breaker pedal options?

There are several popular Blues breaker pedal options available on the market. We’ve mentioned a number of the most popular and reputable units above. Look for ones that offer authentic Bluesbreaker-style overdrive, smooth tone shaping, and a dynamic response to your playing.

4. How can a Bluesbreaker processor enhance my guitar tone?

A Bluesbreaker pedal can add warmth, sustain, and a touch of grit to your guitar tone. It provides a smooth overdrive that enhances your playing dynamics and can be used to push your tube amplifier into natural, responsive breakup.

5. Are Bluesbreaker pedals suitable for other music genres besides blues?

While classic Blues breaker pedals are most commonly associated with blues music, they are versatile enough to be used in various genres such as rock, classic rock, and even some forms of country. Their smooth, mid-focused overdrive can complement a wide range of playing styles.

6. Can a Bluesbreaker pedal be used with different types of amplifiers?

Yes, Bluesbreaker pedals can be used with various types of amplifiers, including tube amps, solid-state amps, and modeling amps. They are designed to enhance your tone and can work well with different amplifier setups.

7. How does a Bluesbreaker pedal compare to other overdrive pedals like the Tube Screamer or Blues Driver?

Bluesbreaker pedals offer a unique tonal character compared to other overdrive pedals. While pedals like the Tube Screamer and Blues Driver have their own distinct characteristics, Blues breaker pedals aim to replicate the specific tone of the Marshall Bluesbreaker amplifier.

8. Can a Bluesbreaker pedal be used as a boost pedal?

Yes, a Bluesbreaker pedal can be used as a boost pedal. By dialing back the gain and increasing the volume, you can use it to push your amplifier or other overdrive pedals, providing a clean boost to your signal.

9. Are there different versions or variations of the Bluesbreaker pedal?

Yes, there are different versions and variations of the classic Bluesbreaker pedal available from various manufacturers. These pedals may offer additional features, different voicings, or improvements on the original circuit while retaining the essential Blues breaker-style overdrive.

10. What are some tips for using a Bluesbreaker pedal effectively?

• Experiment with different settings to find your desired tone.
• Place the Bluesbreaker pedal before or after other overdrive/distortion pedals to explore different stacking options.
• Adjust the output volume and gain to achieve the right amount of breakup and sustain.
• Use the tone controls to shape the character of the overdrive to match your playing style and guitar.

Remember, finding the best Bluesbreaker pedal ultimately depends on your personal preference and the specific tone you’re seeking to achieve.