Tremolo Pedals

A tremolo pedal is a true pedalboard staple, adored for adding space and depth to chords. Tremolo pedals increase/decrease the volume of your signal at a steady rate, which can be controlled via a dedicated speed control. Crank it high, and you’ll achieve fast and choppy staccato-style sounds.    

Originally built into old-school Fender Tremolux and Vibrolux amplifiers from the 50s and 60s, later amplifiers featured LFO-controlled optical tremolos for a smoother sound. A lot of current boutique-style amps still include this popular effect as standard, including Hamstead and Milkman amps. However, pedals make it far easier to attain that classic sound without having to buy a specific amplifier.

With many brands manufacturing their own tremolo pedals, the amount of choice available is better than ever before. Electro Harmonix are notable for their trem pedals, producing the feature-packed Super Pulsar; an ultra-versatile tremolo with tap tempo and stereo connections.

Modern pioneers such as EarthQuaker Devices and Chase Bliss Audio also make their own variants, the latter of which manufactures one of the best tremolo pedals around - the Gravitas. The Fulltone Supa Trem is another fantastic option, but if you're looking for an affordable tremolo pedal then the Mooer Trelicopter is a great shout.

Interested in finding out more about tremolo stompboxes? Read our Ultimate Guide To Guitar Tremolo & Vibrato!