Tremolo was one of the first guitar effects, and it was often found in many ’60s tube amps like Fender’s Vibrolux and the Vox AC30 – and it now exists in a huge range of stompbox guises, which is why our top tremolo pedals list has such a diverse selection. Tremolo covers a wide spectrum of wobbles and chops, as you can hear from these songs, so let us help you select the best tremolo pedal for your needs.
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Strymon Flint Tremolo & Reverb Guitar Effects Pedal
The Strymon Flint is the best tremolo pedal in 2023. The Flint offers high-quality effects in both categories, unlike the majority of multi-effects pedals. Basically, it’s two pedals in one. The Strymon flint pays homage to some of the best renditions of each effect with three adjustable presets for the tremolo and reverb channels. Controls on both channels are interconnected and interdependent, and they can significantly change how your guitar sounds. Additionally, the use of dual outputs opens the door to the use of two amplifiers.
It should come as no surprise that Strymon’s developers enjoy vintage tones themselves. A variety of their favorite sounds are represented by the Flint’s reverbs, which include a dual-spring tank from a 1960s tube amp combo that will sound instantly familiar to guitarists, an electronic plate reverb from the 1970s with lots of shimmer and clean tails, and an 80s digital rack reverb for intricate, modulating reverberations. The three tremolos on the Flint are based on three amp circuits from the 1960s: a hard-edged photocell tremolo, a dazzling and gritty power tube tremolo, and a rare gentle and pulsating harmonic tremolo.
Walrus Audio Monument V2 Harmonic Tap Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal
- Converted to smaller enclosure
- Expanded capability of side jack: now supports external tempo or can...
- Improved tremolo response across all Rates
The Walrus Audio Monument V2 harmonic tap tremolo effects pedal offers a wide variety of tremolo styles, as well as a Tap tempo switch for hands-free tremolo rate control. The tremolo rhythm can be precisely tailored for any purpose using four distinct time division settings. You can experiment with trem effects ranging from smooth and subtle to hard-chopped staccato using five distinct waveshapes: sine, square, ramp, lumpy, and random. The Walrus Audio Monument V2 is one of the most comprehensive tremolo pedals you’ll discover, with a harmonic tremolo mode for vintage rhythmic delicacy.
The first setting is a chewier setting modelled on Fender’s “brownface” amps, while the latter produces a more typical amp-style wobbling. A separate tap tempo footswitch (with division knob) is included, as is a temporary bypass feature and a full wave control that includes sine, square, ramp, lumps, and a random Monument Mode.
The input and output jacks on the Monument are positioned on the top of the enclosure in a pedalboard-friendly way, allowing room for an expression-pedal input socket. While this may be used as an auxiliary tap-tempo switch (by flicking a switch inside the pedal enclosure), it’s hard not to think of it as a bit of a pity in comparison to the world of temporal delight that opens up when you add an expression pedal. It’s worth noting that there were jack sockets for both of these options on the prior, larger generation of this pedal. This is the best tremolo pedal in 2023.
BOSS TR-2 Tremolo Guitar Pedal
- Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal with Wave
- Depth Controls
- Wave control alters LFO waveform from triangle to square
This Boss tremolo pedal is known for its well-made build quality and is a fantastic addition to your pedal board. Despite the fact that the great Tremolo pedal lacks any custom features, it provides consistent sound at an budget friendly price. If you’re looking for a simple tremolo pedal, the Boss Audio TR-2 is a great choice. To fine-tune the strength of a specific trait, you can experiment with rate control and depth. On the sought-after Boss PN-2 model, the rate knobs can be adjusted higher than before. The wave dial smoothly transitions the LFO from a conventional triangular to a square wave.
It comes with a variety of extras such as picks, a Jack lead, a patch lead, and a polishing cloth! The Boss TR-2 is a simple unit designed to fit into Boss’ iconic tiny stompbox configuration. It’s a simple-to-use pedal that gives guitarists (and other musicians) fantastic tremolo effects. The TR-2 is a mono pedal with a single input and output, as can be seen. It has a buffered bypass, but it has minimal effect on the tone of the signal it passes through, whether it’s on or off.
The Boss TR-2 emphasises why this brand is so well-loved in the guitar-playing community, with a sturdy metal chassis, three intricate rotary controls, and a small design. With the Rate, Depth, and Wave parameters, you may add to the pedal’s authentic-sounding tremolo and alter it whichever you want, within reason! After putting dozens of tremolo pedals through their paces, Boss TR-2 is the best tremolo pedal under $100.
Chase Bliss Gravitas
- Analog circuitry
- Volume, tone, Modushape wave selector
- Depth, sway, and drive controls
The Chase Bliss Gravitas is a tremolo pedal with an all-analog signal path that can do any kind of conventional volume modulation, harmonic tremolo (influenced by old Brownface), or both at once for a genuinely distinctive and lovely tremolo sound that fits just right in a mix. Your guitar’s signal path is opened by a stunning, transparent, distinct class. For the best tonal clarity and analog warmth, a clean boost circuit is followed by buffering and tone shaping using renowned Analog Devices AD823 opamps. Additionally, each knob and switch is linked to a tiny digital brain, yet the guitar signal is always 100% analog and never undergoes any digital processing. Since the effect is controlled digitally, it opens up previously unheard-of effects and features that are not available in analog stompboxes.
The Gravitas has an incredible level of control and an exceedingly complex design. There are both common and uncommon tremolo sounds, as well as almost anything in between. It goes quite far.
Electro-Harmonix Super Pulsar Stereo Tap Tremolo and Power Supply
- Adjustable modulation waveforms include sine wave, triangle and pulse...
- Modulation rate set by RATE knob, TAP TEMPO FSW, external Tap FSW or...
- The waveform phase for the right channel may be adjusted from 0 degrees to...
The Electro-Harmonix Super Pulsar is ideal for guitarists who prefer to create their own effects rather than relying on presets. It’s almost like having a separate effects unit on your pedalboard, with so many configurable features and settings. You’ll adore this pedal if you’re an effects nerd like me.
The EHX Super Pulsar is unsurpassed in terms of versatility, with a list of tremolo-producing possibilities that is too long to fit on the page. It can be used to create typical, smooth-sounding tremolo, or it can be used to explore the world of psychedelic effects and drastically change the tone of your guitar. There’s nothing the Super Pulsar can’t achieve, thanks to tap tempo and the ability to use an expression pedal.
The Super Pulsar takes EHX’s Pulsar to the next level, providing digital control over analogue stereo tremolo. Shape, depth, and rate handle the standard trem functions, but shift the wave control halfway and the shape knob transforms into a rhythm selection, complete with an eight-step sequencer and a number of amazing preset patterns. The envelope circuit then adjusts the depth and pace based on your playing dynamics, as well as giving you expression control over any parameter. Glitchy rhythms, rapid-fire blips, flutey fade-ins… it’s all here, and while it’s not the most basic of modulations, it’ll appeal to creative guitarists with spare time.
Stone Deaf Tremotron Analog Tremolo
- The Tremotron is a "Dual" analogue tremolo that's like nothing you will...
- What this means is you can set each tremolo at different speeds and they...
- You can also save 4 presets within the pedal and save and recall 128...
The Stone Deaf Tremotron combines a digital brain with an all-analog signal line to provide us with the best of both worlds in terms of practicality and acoustic purity. Two independent amplitude modulation circuits are included in this dual analogue tremolo, providing for fascinating rhythmic possibilities.
The Tremotron includes an internal memory with four assignable presets and MIDI compatibility. MIDI connectivity allows you to increase the number of presets available and manipulate other parameters with ease. Alternatively, we can use an expression pedal and assign it to alter the Rate, Depth, and/or Shape parameters for greater control. The Stone Deaf Tremotron gives one of the best tremolo effects of any effects pedal out there, from rhythmic possibilities and analogue sound to presets and tap tempo.
Stone Deaf has our undying admiration for cramming so much tremolo-sculpting power into such a small space. While the condensed control set isn’t always intuitive at first, it can be a strong and streamlined technique to create complicated and weird tremolo textures in the end. The extra functionality provided by the expression pedal and MIDI controls is significant, and for guitarists eager to fully exploit the Stone Deaf’s capabilities, the pedal may become a strong stage and studio staple. More casual players who enjoy meandering explorations of a pedal’s potential, on the other hand, will find treasure at every turn in the Tremotron. And I wouldn’t be shocked if one or more legendary riffs emerge as a result of the unusual, surprising modulations it may create and the rewarding way it rewards the inquiring. This is the best analog tremolo pedal.
TC Electronic PIPELINE TAP TREMOLO Guitar Tools
- Top-notch and innovative tremolo pedal off ers customizable classic AND...
- Choose from 7 diff erent singular or combined subdivisions to custom tailor...
- Adjust up to 4 diff erent subdivisions in sequence to create cool rhythmic...
The built-in tap tremolo for on-point tremolo times is the most remarkable feature of this digital endeavour — simply hold the footswitch down for two seconds, then start stomping. The ratio of the wave can be adjusted using a subdivision knob, resulting in a precision-engineered stutter.
The Pipeline also comes with an inbuilt volume control to compensate for any volume loss, as well as two iconic sounds: a vintage American-style amp tremolo and a more aggressive square wave cut. Through its computer-based editing software and smartphone preset beaming, TC’s TonePrint technology expands the sound set even further.
The Pipeline tremolo pedal is a terrific value for the price, thanks to its traditional TC design, longevity, and sound quality. It not only has six distinct modes, each with its own rhythmic characteristics, but it also has hundreds more when you link to the renowned TonePrint library, which you can do remotely. True bypass switching is also included to keep your clean signal as powerful as possible. This is without a doubt one of the best tremolo pedals available today.
Along with the standard tremolo functions, the Pipeline also has TC Electronic’s Toneprint technology and the option to select different subdivisions for your tremolo effect. This web interface allows you to choose from thousands of user presets, each of which replicates a specific tremolo sound. The possibilities are nearly unlimited, and almost every one of them sounds fantastic.
The speed, depth, and volume of your tremolo effect are controlled via the Pipeline’s control knobs. These knobs are quite typical and simple to adjust. The fourth knob, which enables seven different subdivision settings, including the option to alter up to four of the various subdivisions for a bespoke rhythmic sound, is the key difference.
The subdivision control, when combined with the Pipeline’s tap tempo feature, makes this pedal one of the greatest tremolo pedals for rhythmic playing. Few other pearls come close to this package’s level of rhythmic versatility, and nearly no other pedal makes adjusting the subdivisions of your tremolo effect as simple as this one does without getting online in some way. This is the best tap tremolo pedal.
Source Audio Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal
- Three styles of tremolo including Opto Tremolo, Harmonic Tremolo, and Bias...
- Download additional hybrid modulation effect algorithms or access a deep...
- Pair the Vertigo with the Neuro Hub and save up to 128 presets recallable...
With the Vertigo, Source Audio’s digital experts mastered the sound of three of the most classic amp tremolo sounds: the optical-style tremolo from a 1967 Fender Vibrolux; the Harmonic wobble from the Fender “brownface” series; and a Bias sound, akin to the tremolo on a Vox AC30.
Of course, thanks to the shape control, there’s more to it. This switches between square wave, sawtooth, and anything in between, while Source Audio’s Neuro programme can transport the sounds to new dimensions. The Vertigo is a great blend of authenticity and weirdness.
The Vertigo’s internal memory can store up to three presets. Connect the pedal to the Neuro App from Source Audio to gain access to extra parameters and sounds, as well as up to 128 presets. MIDI can be used to sync the pedal to a master clock (in a DAW or other MIDI device) and/or adjust more Vertigo parameters on the fly.
The One Series Vertigo supports expression pedals via its 3.5mm control input, in addition to MIDI. The Hot Hand 3 Universal Wireless Effects Controller from Source Audio is also compatible with the pedal. Wear the Hot Hand as a ring on your picking hand, and the pedal will regulate several parameters using the motion of your hand.
The Vertigo from Source Audio is one of the best tremolo pedals on the market. It features three custom-designed circuit settings that all pay homage to the most popular tremolo tones of all time. The pedal also contains many onboard settings for fine-tuning the effect, as well as USB compatibility for editing in the free Neuro Editor programme, which includes a variety of other processing tools. This is the best guitar tremolo pedal.
EarthQuaker Devices Hummingbird V4 Repeat Percussion Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal
- Flexi-switch f Momentary Latching Operation
- JFET-driven Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal
- with Expression Pedal Input
EarthQuaker is recognised for its innovative ideas, but they also make some excellent standard effects units. The Hummingbird is a simple sawtooth tremolo pedal with great tones and a surprising amount of versatility. Whether we’re looking for a classic “50s style” shimmering tremolo, a synthy delay-like chopping tremolo, or something in between, the Hummingbird can help.
Earthquaker Devices is a well-known pedal company that produces high-quality effects, and the Hummingbird is no exception. This real bypass, all-analogue tremolo pedal is based on vintage’repeat percussion’ units. Delivering a wide range of tremolo tones, from glistening, traditional warbles to high-rate chops with a synth-like ‘bit rate’ feel.
It has three modes (slow, medium, and fast tempo), and you may modify the rate and depth in each mode to your liking. The signal may be easily boosted or cut using the level control. When Depth is set to zero, it becomes a JFET clean boost. The extra functions definitely distinguish this tremolo guitar effect pedal from the competition. This antique tremolo guitar pedal provides something for everyone’s tastes, with vibes ranging from mild to outrageous.
The Hummingbird has a fairly broad tonal range, with plenty of sounds on both the “smooth” and “choppy” ends of the spectrum. It’s perfect for comfortable rhythmic playing without too much attack upfront when the speed is set to slow or mid-tempo. You may generate forceful, weird tremolo sounds that reach high “hummingbird” speeds by turning up the speed.
JOYO JF-09 Tremolo Guitar Effect Pedal
- The tremolo of the beloved classic tube amplifiers, using the same...
- "Intensity" and "Rate" knobs make it easy to adjust the tone and vibe.
- Rate knob controls how quickly the volume swells fluctuate, while the right...
Those who don’t want to spend a small lot on tremolo on their pedalboard should consider the JOYO JF-09. The JF-09 is a wonderful choice if you like uncomplicated operation and a small pedal size.
The Joyo JF-09 is a good size for most pedal boards, but not so small that it steps on other multi-effects pedals like a looper or distortion pedals, which is a common annoyance among pedal board users. The speed of the stutter can be adjusted from hardly audible changes to the high-speed thrum of a modern jagged stutter.
JOYO is known for producing a wide range of low-cost, high-quality effects pedals. Because to its basic set of responsive controls, real bypass switching, and smooth-sounding tremolo, the JF-09 is one of their best-selling models. This is a good option if you’re seeking for the best tremolo pedal under $50.
Fulltone Supa-Trem ST-1 Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal Black
- New Volume knob with added 15dB of gain
- True vintage-style photocell without ticking
- True bypass
Fulltone effects are noted for their rock-solid, classic effects that modernise antique pedals and effects genres. It’s no different with their Supa-Trem. This pedal features a warm, smooth amplifier tremolo that sounds like it belongs in the 1960s, as well as an extremely handy clean boost all in one pedal housing.
The AnalogMan JFET op-amp is the heart of the Supa-sound. Trem’s Warm, buttery sounds are produced by JFET op-amps, which are particularly good at imitating the tones of antique tube amplifiers. They’re the greatest ingredient on the market for recreating 1960s amp photo cell tremolo without using glass tubes in the pedal.
A photo-cell (or octocoupler) is used in this delicious tremolo effect pedal, which is commonly seen in antique American tube amps. The same circuitry as the well-known Fender vibrato pedals, but without the annoying tickling sound. The Fulltone Supa-Trem ST-1 features a half/full tempo foot switch, as well as Speed and Mix dials (which control the rate and intensity of the mix), and a secondary foot control that allows guitarists to choose between ‘hard’ for choppy machine gun, helicopter vibes and’soft’ for pleasing wavering tremolo tone.
The Fulltone Supa-Trem ST-1 uses antique octocouplers to give your tremolo a creamier, thicker tube-bias texture, as well as a superb tone boost with its extra 15 decibel gain. As an alternative, consider the Fulltone Custom Shop Supa-Trem ST-2.
Ernie Ball Expression Tremolo Pedal
- 5 different tremolo waveforms: slow rise, slow fall, sine, square, harmonic
- Control depth, rate, or both simultaneously with treadle
- Spring reverb level adjustment (Foot gesture controlled)
The Ernie Ball Expression Tremolo is a rocker-style pedal that allows you to manipulate five different tremolo waveforms at the same time. You can control the effect without taking your hands off your guitar thanks to this foot-sweepable control. You’ll also have access to an infinite range of tremolo sounds that typical stompboxes can’t match. A built-in reverb adds another effect to the mix, giving you two effects in one pedal. The Ernie Ball Expression Tremolo features a tiny footprint to save pedalboard space, and its sealed aircraft-grade aluminum chassis provides mechanical and electrical protection that is road-ready.
The Ernie Ball Expression Tremolo is a tiny tremolo with a lot of options. You may fine-tune the tremolo effect using individual Depth and Rate dials. You can choose from five distinct tremolo waveforms with the Waveshape control: Slow Rise, Slow Fall, Sine, Square, and Harmonic. Everything from subtle ambient ambience to epic soundscapes can be dialed in using the Reverb knob. The foot-sweepable treadle, in particular, allows you to alter the tremolo’s depth, rate, or both at the same time. This is the best reverb tremolo pedal.
Voodoo Lab Tremolo
- Authentic lamp and photocell tremolo circuit
- Slope control for waveform tweaking
- Ultra wide range of Speed and Intensity settings
The Tremolo pedal from Voodoo Lab recreates the buttery, sensuous tone of a vintage tube amp tremolo. The Tremolo achieves this by employing the same lamp and photocell arrangement as many popular antique amplifiers.
A slope control on the Tremolo pedal allows you to change the feel from a conventional calming tremolo to a harsh “machine-gun” stutter. The speed and intensity parameters cover a wide spectrum of sounds, from extremely slow to very deep. The output level can be reduced or increased using a volume control. With the most versatile tremolo available, you can now add warm, mind-bending trem vibrations to any amp.
Fender Tre-Verb Tremolo/Reverb Pedal
- Independent trem and reverb effects
- Easy to use
- Classic reverb voicings based on spring units form '63 - '65
The sound of a genuine Fender amp Tremolo and Reverb is unmistakable. These lush, dramatic amp effects influenced entire musical genres. In a tiny, easy-to-use pedal, the Tre-Verbpedal places independent Tremolo and Reverb effects at your feet. To ensure you receive the exact sound you need for your song, we added historic reverb voicings based on our famed spring reverb units from 1963 and 1965, as well as different tremolo patterns. This pedal has a full suite of tone-shaping settings, including tap tempo for the tremolo effect, and stereo inputs and outputs, making it easy to connect to any pedalboard or amp.
Fender guitar amplifiers from the 1960s and 1970s are famed for their famous tremolo and reverb circuits as well as their epic tone. You can add that legendary sound to your favorite guitar amplifier with the Fender Tre-Verb tremolo and reverb pedal. The Tre-Verb pedal, which is based on Fender spring reverb units from 1963 and 1965, as well as a best-of selection of tremolo varieties, produces on-demand classic ’60s guitar tones. This pedal’s stereo inputs and outputs make it excellent for multi-amp setups and keyboard players who want to spice up their electric piano tones. The Fender Tre-Verb pedal, which comes with a tough metal box, could be the finishing touch for your guitar tone.
Wampler Latitude Deluxe V2 Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal
- New Version 2 features top-mounted jacks
- Hand built in the U.S.A.
- High grade film capacitors and resistors picked for their superior sound...
The Wampler Latitude deluxe tremolo pedal features a few more controls to play with, as one would expect from a deluxe model. It has spacing, attack, and level parameters in addition to the standard speed (rate) and depth controls for experimenting with the tremolo’s primary tone.
This tap tremolo pedal features four rhythm subdivisions (quarter notes, eighth notes, dotted eighths, and triplets), allowing for precise sound modification. It contains a sophisticated tap tempo control that allows you to not only tap the rhythm but also alter it in real time for perfect synchronization.
Electro-Harmonix Super Pulsar Stereo Tap Tremolo Pedal
- Adjustable modulation waveforms include sine wave, triangle and pulse...
- Modulation rate set by RATE knob, TAP TEMPO FSW, external Tap FSW or...
- The waveform phase for the right channel may be adjusted from 0 degrees to...
The Electro-Harmonix Super Pulsar is ideal for guitarists who prefer to create their own effects rather than relying on presets. It’s almost like having a separate effects unit on your pedalboard, with so many configurable features and settings. You’ll adore this pedal if you’re an effects nerd like me.
The EHX Super Pulsar is unsurpassed in terms of versatility, with a list of tremolo-producing possibilities that is too long to fit on the page. It can be used to create typical, smooth-sounding tremolo, or it can be used to explore the world of psychedelic effects and drastically change the tone of your guitar. There’s nothing the Super Pulsar can’t achieve, thanks to tap tempo and the ability to use an expression pedal.
Behringer UT300 Classic Tremolo Effects Pedal
- Get the classic, warm and mind-bending tremolo effects of vintage ‘60s...
- This BEHRINGER product has been designed to compete head to head with...
- Dedicated Rate, Wave and Depth controls for awesome sound shaping
The Ultra Tremolo UT300’s specialized dials ensure that you can tailor a top-notch tremolo effect to your needs. Modeled after the classic surf sounds of the 1950s and 1960s that we all know and love. Playing homage to rockabilly, space-rock, and everything in between by emulating vintage amp pulsations. It’s well-labeled and easy to operate, making it an excellent guitar effect pedal for beginners. For luscious modulation that helps create a mood on stage, just alter the wave, rate, and depth controls to your taste. It’s small enough that it won’t take up too much room on your board. While bypassing, the on/off switch maintains integrity.
Behringer has created this fundamental tremolo pedal to compete directly with leading guitar pedals on the market at a fraction of the cost with zero sound compromise, making it one of the cheapest pedals on the market from a trusted company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tremolo pedal?
Tremolo pedals, in essence, alter the loudness of your guitar’s signal on a regular basis. It uses a variety of chops and wobbles to create unearthly sounds that are often difficult to control.
To alter the pitch, guitarists frequently use a “tremolo arm” or a “vibrato arm” on the guitar. The arm and the pedal both produce rhythmic effects, although they do so in distinct ways. Both approaches, however, are difficult to master; prior expertise is required. Tremolo pedals produce evocative soundscapes. Marc Ribot, Johnny Mar, Johnny Greenwood, Tom Morello, Duane Eddy, and Dan Auerbach are all big fans of these pedals.
How does a Tremolo pedal work?
A tremolo pedal produces a simple modulation effect by changing volume levels to produce rhythmic shifts. They rapidly increase and decrease the volume level.
The rate and shape of the wave oscillations can be changed to achieve a variety of effects. They do this in a variety of methods, but the most common is to use a Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO), which generates a waveform for volume changes. LFOs work at frequencies between 0 and 20 Hz that are inaudible to the human ear. With their rounded form, sine waves create a strong tremolo, whereas triangle wave patterns create attention-getting peaks, or even rises and dips in music.
In recent years, we’ve seen square waves that, if the depth is maximized, can entirely deaden the sound signal. Tremolo effects are generated by battling volume and frequency, and it is one of the most extensively used modulations by electric guitar players across numerous genres. The volume rises and falls more slowly with less regularity, resulting in a slower effect.
With a higher rate control, we get significantly more staccato percussive sounds, which have been described as jagged, metallic, or even machine gun-like. Tremolo types are classified according to their bias (in reference to the age old preference towards vacuum tube-amps.) The term “optical tremolo” refers to a circuit used in original Fender amplifiers that employs a photo cell or “optocoupler.” This is a light-dependent resistor with a smooth wave created by altering the resistance within it.
Where to place Tremolo Pedal in a pedalboard?
The optimum place to put it will depend on the type of pedal board you have and, of course, the different types of tremolo. Typically, your tremolo should be placed near the end of your amp circuit since you want the overall volume modulations to apply to everything you’ve configured.
This should ideally include reverb as well, but some guitar amps have built-in tremolo and reverb, so you won’t be able to control it unless you have a reverb pedal on your pedalboard. This ‘vintage’ signal flow at the conclusion of the chain enables for the best use of tremolo, which in its most subtle form will be lost if compressed. Technically, if tremolo is put before delay pedals, especially high rates that cause dramatic modulations, loudness changes are also reduced.