In this article, we’re going to be discussing and reviewing the best tremolo pedals of 2023.
Tremolo is one of the oldest effects around, but still an essential piece of equipment for most guitarists. In the early days, this effect was usually integrated into amps and it was driven by power tubes. It was the last station of the signal chain before a speaker. Some of the most legendary amps that feature integrated tremolo effect are Fender Vibrolux and Vox AC30.
However, modern guitar players rather choose this effect in a form of stompbox, due to significantly higher functionality and versatility. Therefore, it’s no wonder that the number of these pedals on the market is pretty big. They come with all kinds of varieties in terms of sound and tech characteristics, so we are here to help you make the right choice.
What Is A Tremolo Pedal?
A tremolo pedal is a device that provides your signal with a tremolo effect. In many cases, this effect is mistaken for vibrato. Even the tremolo arm on your bridge actually makes a vibrato effect. In fact, these two effects do sound similar, athough the way the tone is made is completely different. On one side, vibrato varies pitch, which goes up and down in cyclical order, at a certain speed. On the other side, tremolo doesn’t change the pitch, but rather varies the volume. Both effects create movement and rhythm, but more experienced players can easily spot the difference.
With this effect, you can create various kinds of sounds, depending on the parameters you set. Gentle use of this effect makes that pulsating sound, while more extreme use creates a kind of shuddering, which was frequently used in the 50s and 60s. Let’s take a look at the best tremolo pedals on todays market.
Best Tremolo Pedals
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
The TR-2 definitely justifies the company’s reputation as one of the biggest authorities in the world of guitar pedals. However, there’s a catch with this one. While most Boss pedals tend to be versatile, this one comes rather in a simplistic manner, as a pretty straightforward device that may not impress you with the number of features, but in terms of the sound quality and usability, it will.
Once again, you may count on the company’s typical layout. The housing features the familiar shape, while the build quality is bulletproof as always. There are just three knobs on the panel and two of them are pretty typical for these kinds of pedals. Of course, we are talking about the Rate knob, which adjusts the speed of the effect. On the other side, there is the Depth knob, which lets you set how deep the volume will dip when you use the effect.
The third knob shows that the pedal is more versatile than it looks. It lets you choose what kind of waveform you want, triangle or square. That’s the feature that adds a little bit of modern flavor, so the TR-2 delivers a little bit more than a typical amp tremolo from the ‘60s.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Those who are looking for a straightforward tremolo pedal that sounds good and it’s easy to use will find this pedal an obvious choice. Besides great tonal characteristics, you may also count on the company’s typically impressive reliability and durability. Finally, the price is quite affordable.
TC Electronic Pipeline
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
Most of us see tremolo as a simple and pretty straightforward effect, but TC Electronic Pipeline is here to prove that we are wrong. This pedal offers so many expansion options, so you may count on tremolo tones that you never imagined they exist. Moreover, this unit comes packed with several extra features.
The amount of tones you can get from this tiny unit is really impressive. First of all, there are typical tremolo controls, such as Depth, Speed and Volume. The fourth knob lets you choose between six different note subdivisions and works perfectly with the tap tempo function. Typically for TC Electronic pedals, there is a small toggle switch in the middle, which lets you choose between vintage and modern waveforms. The center position is reserved for the company’s well-known Tone Print mode, which allows you to connect the pedal with your computer or smartphone, so you can get even finer tonal tweaks. Moreover, you can also upload custom artist presets.
The overall layout is pretty familiar and you may count on the company’s typical design and size. The housing is solid and seems very durable, while the overall build quality is on a high level as well. Also, a true bypass is another extra feature that makes the pedal even better.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
A guitar player that seeks expanded functionality and a wider range of tremolo tones will definitely find this pedal very interesting. Whether it’s about classic or modern tones, the TC Electronic Pipeline will do the job in an amazing way and we have no doubt it will impress even the most demanding guitar players that use this effect.
Earthquaker Devices Night Wire
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
The Earthquaker Devices Night Wire takes the tremolo effect to a completely new level. We are talking about a harmonized tremolo, which comes with a full load of amazing features. First of all, a harmonized tremolo takes the signal and splits it into two sections, lower and higher frequencies, and then processes them with an LFO that is split 180 degrees. In such a way, the tremolo effect gets a completely new dimension, something that you won’t hear from most other pedals.
Besides the impressive sound quality, this pedal also offers impressive functionality and versatility. While Depth and Level knobs are pretty straightforward, things are a little bit more interesting with Rate and Frequency knobs. Each one comes in pair with a small toggle switch which assigns different tasks for the knob. In the case of Rate knob, you can choose between controlling the tremolo speed and pick sensitivity. On the other side, the Frequency knob can work in Manual, LFO, and Attack mode. Such diversity opens a whole new spectrum of tones, something that goes way beyond a typical tremolo effect.
Besides amazing tone quality and diversity, the pedal also comes with a couple of extra features. For example, there is a Flexi switch, so you can choose between a momentary operation or tap it to toggle on/off modes. The pedal is compact, sturdy and looks great as well.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Like most Earthquaker products, this is also a boutique-quality pedal, which features a pretty high price tag. Therefore, we see it primarily as professionals’ choice. Still, if you’re not on a tight budget, there’s no reason why you should benefit from its hi-end quality, even if you plan to use it in your bedroom only.
JHS Tidewater
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
You have finally found an amp that delivers amazing clean tones at a reasonable price. However, you’ve also realized that you miss the tremolo effect from legendary Fender and Vox tube amps. The JHS Tidewater is here to save your day, as it is designed in the same manner, to provide you with genuine vintage tremolo.
This is a pretty simple and straightforward and great tremolo pedal. It’s not the most versatile unit around, but if you know what you want, this is a perfect alternative for ultra expensive vintage amps. Therefore, you may count on traditional vintage waveforms that emulated original Fender and Vox tremolos. The controls are pretty simple, as you may count on just three, pretty typical knobs – Vol, Mix and Speed.
Many players will like the JHS Tidewater’s size and the ability to find the place on small pedalboards. Speaking of space-saving, another great thing about this pedal is that it can also work as a preamp booster pedal. Just turn the Mix knob all away down and you will be impressed the tone warmth this pedal delivers.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
As you can see, this pedal is designed for those who are looking for a genuine vintage tremolo, which can be found only in old and expensive Fender and Vox tube amps. The JHS Tidewater is a great alternative, especially because of its super-compact size. The ability to use it also as a booster is definitely a big plus.
Biyang TR-8 Tremolo
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
The fact is that most guitar players don’t need anything more than a basic tremolo effect. All those additional features just make the price tag higher. That doesn’t seem very rational for someone who doesn’t plan to use all those goodies. Therefore, picking up something more basic seems like a reasonable choice but even among these straightforward options, you can find products that go in a wide price range.
Those who are looking for an affordable pedal should definitely check the Biyang TR-8 Tremolo. Although not exactly a familiar nameplate, the overall quality of this pedal is actually pretty good. The design is pretty straightforward and comes with three typical knobs, including the one that lets you choose between different waveforms. That’s all the diversity a typical guitar player needs. Soundwise, this pedal is more than decent.
Besides decent sound quality and functionality, the pedal also features pretty solid housing and it looks like it could be a reliable stage unit. Moreover, it also features a true bypass, so your tone will remain untouched when the pedal is turned off.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Given the price tag, the Biyang TR-8 Tremolo seems like a natural choice for beginners and those on a tight budget. Moreover, guitar players with no big requirements from a tremolo pedal will find it pretty useful as well, especially if we consider that a true bypass is included as well.
Supro 1310 Tremolo
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
The Supro 1310 Tremolo is a genuine vintage tremolo pedal that will provide you with everything you’ll ever need if your requirements are all about classic amp tremolos. A great thing is that you can choose between two modes that emulate the iconic tube amp tremolo effects. The first mode is a typical Amplitude mode that delivers the classic bias-modulated tube tremolo tone. On the other side, the Harmonic mode emulates the genuine vintage harmonic tremolo, which was a common thing among Fender amps in the early ’60s.
Controls on this unit are pretty typical. Other than a small toggle switch that lets you choose between two modes, you can count on common Depth and Speed knobs. The Gain knob is particularly interesting, as it provides you with a drive tone for a rich sonic saturation.
The pedal is pretty easy to use, while the extra feature that makes this pedal extremely versatile is an expression pedal input, so you can connect this unit with an expression pedal and control tremolo speed in real time. The pedal is compact and sturdy and looks it can last for ages.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Tone enthusiasts who are looking for genuine vintage tremolo sounds will find this pedal a perfect choice. If your ambitions don’t go beyond classic tones, this is the pedal for you, as you may count not just on impressive sound quality but on circuits that emulate authentic amp-based effects. Finally, the ability to use it with an expression pedal makes it one of the most functional pedals around.
Our Number One Choice
The tremolo was shaped decades ago and despite all the novelties in terms of tech solutions, the essentials of this effect have remained pretty much the same. Therefore, the Supro 1310 Tremolo seems like an obvious choice, as it delivers a genuine vintage tone by emulating legendary tube amp design. Moreover, the pedal is highly flexible and features pretty amazing overall quality, which is more than enough to pick this unit as our number one choice.
Buy On AmazonOur Premium Choice
Without any doubt, the Earthquaker Devices Night Wire is one of the best tremolo pedals around. Whether it’s about modern or classic tones, this device delivers impressive sound quality. Moreover, the pedal is extremely flexible and allows all kinds of tone tweaks in a huge range. Add to this a couple of extra features and impressive build quality, and it becomes pretty clear why this pedal is our premium choice.
Buy On AmazonBest Value For Money
No matter which effect we are talking about, it’s pretty hard to beat Boss pedals. The TR-2 is a perfect example. For a pretty affordable price, you get an impressive functionality, even though the layout is pretty simplistic. Three typical knobs and the possibility to choose between two familiar waveforms is everything most guitar players will ever need from a tremolo pedal. While there are many tremolo pedals with such a simplistic layout, the obvious advantage of TR-2 is build quality and the company’s well-known reliability and durability. All in all, the pedal offers an impressive balance between price and quality.
Buy On Amazon
That concludes this full buyers guide on the Tremolo pedals for guitarists. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions regarding the products you have seen in this article. Check out our other buyers guide for reverb pedals and overdrive pedals.
Here at Guitar Effects Pedalz we also provide full reviews of the best online guitar services so you can learn guitar online
FAQ: Best Tremolo Pedals for Guitarists
1. What are the different types of tremolo available in guitar pedals?
Tremolo pedals offer various types of tremolo effects, including optical tremolo, bias tremolo, tube bias tremolo, and amp-style harmonic tremolo. These different types provide a range of tonal characteristics and modulations to suit your preferences.
2. How does a tremolo pedal affect the guitar tone?
A tremolo pedal modulates the volume of your guitar signal, creating a pulsating effect. By adjusting the rate and depth controls on the pedal, you can control the speed and intensity of the tremolo effect, enhancing your guitar tone with rhythmic modulation.
3. Which tremolo pedal is best for achieving stereo effects?
If you’re looking for a stereo tremolo pedal to create immersive, wide-ranging tremolo sounds, consider pedals like the Strymon or other versatile pedal brands. These pedals provide stereo inputs and outputs, allowing you to fully utilize the stereo field and enhance your guitar world with spacious tremolo effects.
4. Can you recommend an affordable tremolo pedal with great control options?
For guitarists on a budget, there are many affordable tremolo pedals that still offer excellent control over your tremolo effects. Look for pedals that include features like rate and depth controls, wave control, and level control to shape your ideal tremolo sound without breaking the bank.
5. Are there tremolo pedals designed to reproduce classic or vintage tremolo tones?
Yes, there are tremolo pedals specifically designed to replicate the classic tremolo sounds found in vintage amps or iconic songs. These pedals often offer tremolo modes that emulate the tremolo effects from specific eras, such as surf, ’60s rock, or ’80s new wave. They can give your tone that nostalgic touch or recreate specific tremolo-driven songs like “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.”
6. What are some recommended tremolo pedals with built-in reverb effects?
If you’re interested in combining tremolo and reverb effects in a single pedal, there are options available. Pedals like the Strymon and other reputable brands offer tremolo and reverbs in one pedal, providing convenience and versatility for guitarists who need both effects without taking up too much pedalboard space.
7. Can you suggest a simple yet effective tremolo pedal for beginners?
For beginners or those looking for a straightforward tremolo pedal, there are many simple pedals that deliver great results. Look for pedals that have intuitive controls, such as speed and depth knobs, to easily create a tasteful amp-style tremolo effect without getting overwhelmed by complex features.
8. Which tremolo pedals are known for their durability and rugged build?
If you’re looking for a tremolo pedal that is built like a tank and can withstand the rigors of touring or frequent use, consider pedals from reputable brands known for their robust construction. These pedals are often built with high-quality materials and designed to withstand the demands of live performances or studio sessions.
9. Are there tremolo pedals suitable for rhythm guitar playing?
Absolutely! Tremolo pedals can be a great tool for enhancing rhythm guitar parts. Look for pedals that offer precise control over the rate and depth of the tremolo effect, allowing you to dial in the perfect pulsating tremolo rhythm that complements your playing style and adds dynamic textures to your chords.
10. Which tremolo pedal gives an amp-like harmonic tremolo effect?
If you’re seeking an amp-like harmonic tremolo effect, there are pedals available that aim to replicate the distinctive tremolo found in certain amplifier models. These pedals utilize all-analog circuit
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API