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· By Paul Atkins
A closer look at 5 of the top UK pedal brands [Part 1]
Amp Up Your Sound with the UK's Finest Guitar Pedal Makers.
It's no secret.
To some, FX pedals are the secret sauce to an unforgettable guitar tone, and for us guitar enthusiasts, the quest for the perfect tone is a never-ending adventure.
We're lucky, as the UK is home to some of the most innovative and creative pedal builders, each with their own unique flair and product offerings, to keep us musicians creatively on our toes so to speak.
Welcome to part 1 of the best UK pedal builders right here, right now.
In this blog post, we're cranking up the amps and shining a spotlight on 5 of the top FX pedal brands in the UK that deserve your attention - all of which we have the honour of carrying here on Pedal Jungle.
We're lucky, as the UK is home to some of the most innovative and creative pedal builders, each with their own unique flair and product offerings, to keep us musicians creatively on our toes so to speak.
Welcome to part 1 of the best UK pedal builders right here, right now.
In this blog post, we're cranking up the amps and shining a spotlight on 5 of the top FX pedal brands in the UK that deserve your attention - all of which we have the honour of carrying here on Pedal Jungle.
1. Rainger FX
Where innovation meets quirkiness.
Rainger FX is a name synonymous with innovation in the pedal world. Known for their quirky designs and unconventional approach, they have carved a niche for themselves among those who crave something different.
Their pedals aren't just about sound; they're about a whole experience.
One of the standout products from Rainger FX is the Mini Bar Liquid Analyser pedal, and it’s not your typical overdrive. The Mini Bar uses different liquids to modify its sound, allowing for endless sonic experimentation; and it's a game-changer for guitarists looking to add an element of unpredictability to their sound.
Just think what you could put in it, we're thinking Pedal Jungle coffee for one!
Just think what you could put in it, we're thinking Pedal Jungle coffee for one!
David Rainger and his team really think outside the box, allowing guitarists to explore new sonic territories, which has earned them a loyal following among musicians who love to experiment.
You can check out our full Rainger FX range here.
2. Bleak District Electric
Artistry and atmosphere
Phil at Bleak District Electric is an awesome pedal builder that embraces atmosphere and mood in his designs. His pedals are crafted with an artistic touch, and create huge and immersive sonic experiences.
There are many popular offerings in Phil's lineup, but a true standout is The Tapescape. With its innovative design, the Tapescape is a Magnetic Ambience Generator, a tape echo-style unit, that offers completely unique, ambient sounds that can transform your playing.
2. Bleak District Electric
Artistry and atmosphere
Phil at Bleak District Electric is an awesome pedal builder that embraces atmosphere and mood in his designs. His pedals are crafted with an artistic touch, and create huge and immersive sonic experiences.
There are many popular offerings in Phil's lineup, but a true standout is The Tapescape. With its innovative design, the Tapescape is a Magnetic Ambience Generator, a tape echo-style unit, that offers completely unique, ambient sounds that can transform your playing.
Nestled in the Peak District, Bleak District Electric brings a touch of wilderness to your sound, making them an excellent choice not only for guitarists who want to evoke emotion and depth in their music, but for all types of musicians looking to create atmosphere in their music.
You can check out our full Bleak District Electric range here
3. ThorpyFX
Military grade pedals
ThorpyFX, founded by former British Army Ammunition Technical officer Adrian Thorpe, is renowned for its robust and reliable pedals, I mean, just look at those enclosures! Built to withstand a nuclear onslaught, let alone the rigours of the road!
The Fallout Cloud is a perfect example of their craftsmanship, and is a Triangle era style fuzz, intended to work with a variety of guitars and amps. It has an EQ that can produce a range of fuzz tones, from smooth to doom, and has the ability to beat any four transistor fuzz out there.
ThorpyFX pedals are designed with durability in mind, and are built like tanks, using premium military grade components to ensure longevity. They offer a level of reliability that few can match, making them a top choice for professional and casual musicians alike.
If you're serious about your tone and gear, ThorpyFX should be on your radar.
You can check out our full ThorpyFX range here.
4. Hudson Electronics
Vintage vibes meets modern reliability
Michael Hudson of Hudson Electronics draws inspiration from the iconic sounds of the past while offering you the reliability of modern technology. His pedals capture the warmth and character of vintage equipment, and are packaged up in studio and tour ready enclosures, perfect for modern players of all skill levels.
3. ThorpyFX
Military grade pedals
ThorpyFX, founded by former British Army Ammunition Technical officer Adrian Thorpe, is renowned for its robust and reliable pedals, I mean, just look at those enclosures! Built to withstand a nuclear onslaught, let alone the rigours of the road!
The Fallout Cloud is a perfect example of their craftsmanship, and is a Triangle era style fuzz, intended to work with a variety of guitars and amps. It has an EQ that can produce a range of fuzz tones, from smooth to doom, and has the ability to beat any four transistor fuzz out there.
ThorpyFX pedals are designed with durability in mind, and are built like tanks, using premium military grade components to ensure longevity. They offer a level of reliability that few can match, making them a top choice for professional and casual musicians alike.
If you're serious about your tone and gear, ThorpyFX should be on your radar.
You can check out our full ThorpyFX range here.
4. Hudson Electronics
Vintage vibes meets modern reliability
Michael Hudson of Hudson Electronics draws inspiration from the iconic sounds of the past while offering you the reliability of modern technology. His pedals capture the warmth and character of vintage equipment, and are packaged up in studio and tour ready enclosures, perfect for modern players of all skill levels.
One such pedal to showcase is the Dual Broadcast, which is inspired by classic broadcasting equipment of the 1960s. It offers a range of tones from sparkling clean boosts to gritty overdrives with a warm and fuzzy edge to them. It's a staple on so many guitarists boards around the world, and the Dual foot switch version is especially popular as it adds extra flexibility via the dual foot switch gain modes and separate level controls.
Michael Hudson has created timeless gear with his pedal range, ones that bridge the gap of yesteryears tones with the reliability contemporary gear gives you. A bridge between the past and present if you will, allowing musicians to capture the magic of vintage sounds with modern convenience.
You can check out our full range of Hudson Electronics here.
5. Sutton Instruments
Custom, handcrafted creations
Last, but certainly not least, is Sutton Instruments.
Sutton Instruments pedals are hand-built in East Yorkshire using automotive or audio standard components, and each pedal undergoes extensive testing and blueprinting before release.
The standout offering from their range is the Del Fuego, which is a dual pedal combining both fuzz and boost, that not only comes as a unit built specifically for guitarists, but they have also engineered one for all you bass players out there. The Del Fuego is a take on the 70’s Muff but with cool additional features, that has its own totally independent boost built in.
You can check out our full range of Sutton Instruments here.
5. Sutton Instruments
Custom, handcrafted creations
Last, but certainly not least, is Sutton Instruments.
Sutton Instruments pedals are hand-built in East Yorkshire using automotive or audio standard components, and each pedal undergoes extensive testing and blueprinting before release.
The standout offering from their range is the Del Fuego, which is a dual pedal combining both fuzz and boost, that not only comes as a unit built specifically for guitarists, but they have also engineered one for all you bass players out there. The Del Fuego is a take on the 70’s Muff but with cool additional features, that has its own totally independent boost built in.
You can check out our full range of Sutton Instruments here.
So there we have it!
That's just 5 of the awesome pedal companies doing amazing things here in the UK, and ones to consider when you're on the lookout for your next guitar pedal, each offering a distinct approach to pedal design.
Now, it's your turn to take the next step in your sonic journey.
Start by visiting the websites or social media pages of these builders. Listen to demos, read reviews, and see what other musicians have to say. If possible, visit a local music shop to try the pedals out for yourself. Pay attention to how they feel and sound, and consider how they might fit into your setup.
Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep playing! The perfect tone is not a destination—it's a journey. Enjoy every step of it, and remember that the best sound is the one that feels right to you. Happy playing!
Haven't tried the any of these brands out yet? I can't recommend it them enough. Take a look and discover a whole new world of sonic wonders.
We'd love to hear about your experiences with any of these pedal brands. Drop a comment below and tell us how it's transformed your setup.
Thanks for being part of our FX Pedal Brotherhood. Your support means the world to us! And remember, we're always here, ready to help you elevate your sound.
Much love
Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep playing! The perfect tone is not a destination—it's a journey. Enjoy every step of it, and remember that the best sound is the one that feels right to you. Happy playing!
Haven't tried the any of these brands out yet? I can't recommend it them enough. Take a look and discover a whole new world of sonic wonders.
We'd love to hear about your experiences with any of these pedal brands. Drop a comment below and tell us how it's transformed your setup.
Thanks for being part of our FX Pedal Brotherhood. Your support means the world to us! And remember, we're always here, ready to help you elevate your sound.
Much love
