By Paul Atkins

5 Must-Know UK Pedal Brands We Don’t Sell (Yet!) [Part 1]

It's no secret.

For guitarists, guitar pedals aren’t just effects, they’re an extension of creativity, and they give us a way to escape, and like so many of you, I just love 'em!

There are so many incredible UK-based pedal builders nowadays, all crafting innovative, unique, and downright awesome gear, and I think you'd agree, we're spoilt for choice. 

We already stock some amazing UK brands in our lineup here on Pedal Jungle, but the following brands we don't carry (yet!)

I wanted to highlight them all the same, as they’re all making waves in the
 guitar pedal scene and deserve a place on your radar.

So, in part 1 of this series, I'm diving into just five of these outstanding brands, all pushing the boundaries of tone, style, and pedal craftsmanship.

And if you don't know about them, which I'm sure you already do, you need to!

1. Funny Little Boxes

Where affordability meets top-tier tone.

Simply awesome pedals, and I'm honoured to call Andy who's at the helm of Funny Little Boxes, a cool friend I've now made in the community.

Based in the fine city of Norwich, Funny Little Boxes was established in 2020 and have built a reputation for crafting handmade guitar pedals that capture the sounds of legendary bands and albums, all while being affordable and accessible to all, as no pedal is ever over £100.

Think Pearl Jam's debut album with the '1991', chugging riffs of 90's hard rock and metal such as Alice In Chains, Slipknot, Silverchair, Tool and Tom Morello with 'Dirt', and (my personal favourite) the guitar tones found across the back catalogue of one of my favourite bands, Queens Of The Stone Age with the amazing 'Skeleton Key'.

Who knows what sounds of legendary albums or bands will be next? 

I for one can't wait to find out, as you know it's just going to be epic!


Check out Andy's pedals at: funnylittleboxes.co.uk


2. Reeves Electro

Markus is a dude, and alongside his daughter Izzy, have shown you how it's done since 2013 with their range of handcrafted, analog, boutique pedal magic.

Their range and brand is simply exploding at the moment, pedals can't be made fast enough, and if you want something genuinely boutique, you'll find it here.

Their line-up is impressive.  From the 'Point-to-Point' series Markus creates, to the Daughterboard series Izzy makes, and Markus checks, they absolutely rock!

The 'Point-to-Point' series contains versions of classic fuzz and drive pedals, which look as incredible as they sound, and are all designed, painted, drilled, screen-printed, etched and built-by-hand from the Reeves family garden workshop.

With pedals such as 'Leo', 'BlackHatSound', 'ZO: Zonk Machine' and the 'RedDotSound Jnr', so many amazing tones have been created, and style preferences catered for...the hard part is choosing the next one for your board!

For those who love truly boutique analog pedals, Reeves Electro is an essential name to know.

Check out Markus & Izzy's pedal range at: reeveselectro.co.uk


3. The Zero Fret

From Wokingham comes The Zero Fret, and if you're looking for nasty, huge sounding, heavy hitting sludge and doom monsters, and epic dirt pedals only, you've found your place!

Kerry is another top dude; who along with Markus, I've had the pleasure of having a few conversations with along my journey in this community.

Think awesome tones, from awesome pedals with awesome graphics, Kerry has created an amazing lineup with The Zero Fret, all that ship worldwide for free by the way!

Check out pedals such as the Black Russian Rat, Hate Muff and Void King, and you'll know exactly what I mean.

If you’re after unique handmade dirt pedals from the UK, The Zero Fret is one to watch.

Explore Kerry's creations at: thezerofret.bigcartel.com


4. Fredric Effects

Fredric Effects are known for making truly boutique, high quality effects, but again, ones which are affordable and accessible to all.

Tim has created an extensive range of pedals at Fredric Effects, all of which are handmade either one at a time or in small batches from their London based HQ.

There are so many great pedals in the lineup, it's hard to choose which to mention, but the 'West Germany Tremolo', 'BugCrusher', 'Utility Perkolator', 'Zombie Klone', 'Demon Fuzz' and 'Blue Monarch' are great places to start - and all are designed for years of use, with a focus on build quality and ensuring the finishes last.

If you love handmade boutique pedals without the price tag, Fredric Effects is a name you’ll want to remember.

Discover more of Tim's epic pedal range at: www.fredric.co.uk


5. Tate FX

High-quality, road-ready, and full of mojo.

Founded in 2014 by Stuart Tate, Tate FX have gone on to be one of the most talked about, independent, boutique pedal brands in the UK.

They have gained a strong reputation along the way, for their range of durable,
handmade guitar pedals, made from the highest quality parts to deliver exceptional tones. 

One aspect that sets Tate FX apart is that Stuart looks to take on user feedback when incorporating it into his design decisions, which then greatly improves on established classics by doing so.

The 'Raise the Dead fuzz' is a prime example. Inspired by a vintage 60's one-knob fuzz, it brings you something fresh, rich, harmonic, loud, and right up to date!

My personal favourite is the 'Hot Coals Germanium Rangemaster', which in true  Rangemaster style, offers you that classic treble boost, but with an extra trick up it's sleeve...another more modern full range dirty boost.  Epic stuff!

If you need handmade British FX pedals that deliver killer tone, Tate FX is one to check out.

Find Stuart's handcrafted pedal lineup at: www.tatefx.co.uk


So, there we go. 

5 more incredible UK pedal brands to consider when you're in the market for your next guitar pedal.

At the time of writing this, we don't currently stock any of these amazing UK brands here on Pedal Jungle, but never-say-never, as they say.

Who knows who you may see in our lineup in the future...


We'd love to hear about your experience with any of these brands! Drop a comment below and tell us about any of them.

Thanks for being part of our FX Pedal Brotherhood. Your support means the world to me! And remember, I'm always here, ready to help you elevate your sound.

Much love,
Paul


Frustrated with your pedalboard, feel like you’re always chasing the sound that lives in your head, or effects simply just not sounding right, then maybe our new Secret Setup Blueprint Guide could be the answer.

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