The quest for the perfect acoustic guitar tone doesn’t end with finding the right guitar; it extends into the realm of accessories, where the pedals play a pivotal role.
For many, the acoustic guitar epitomizes musical purity—the rich, unamplified sound of strings vibrating against wood, offering a direct connection between the musician and their instrument. Yet, even the most traditional acoustic players can find value in the subtle, tone-enhancing capabilities of pedals designed specifically for their instrument.
Acoustic guitar pedals are not about altering the instrument’s natural sound beyond recognition but about enhancing and refining what’s already there. Whether you’re facing the common challenges of live performance, such as feedback and tone loss, or seeking to inject a new dimension of creativity into your playing, the right pedal can be a game-changer.
Whether you’re looking to solve technical issues with your live sound or explore new sonic landscapes, the pedals can elevate your playing experience, making them a worthy addition to any guitarist’s toolkit.
With the right pedal, you can address any technical challenges head-on and unlock new creative potentials, making every performance better than the last.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: LR Baggs Venue DI
Looking for the pedals? The LR Baggs Venue DI stands out as the ultimate all-in-one solution. It’s designed to enhance your live performances with superior sound quality and control. Compact and user-friendly, it’s the perfect choice for musicians who demand the best.
Specifications:
- Adjustable Gain: For both passive and active pickups.
- 5 Band EQ: With tunable low-mid and high-mid bands.
- Notch Filter: Garrett Null notch filter for effective feedback control.
- Phase Inversion: For managing feedback and optimizing sound.
- Tuner: High-contrast chromatic tuner for quick, accurate tuning.
- Boost Button: For a seamless increase in volume during performances.
- XLR and ¼” Outputs: Offers versatile connectivity options.
- Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 2 inches; Weight: 2.64 pounds.
Who Is It For?
The LR Baggs Venue DI is the best pedal for acoustic guitar players who are serious about their sound on stage. Whether you’re a solo artist playing in coffee shops or a professional musician performing in large venues, this pedal offers unmatched control over your sound.
With features like adjustable gain, a 5-band EQ, and a notch filter for feedback control, it’s designed to deliver pristine sound quality. The integrated tuner and boost function make it incredibly practical for live performances.
If you’re looking for the pedals that can elevate your live sound, the Venue DI is tailored for you.
Best for Live Performances: TC Electronic Ditto X4
For those seeking the pedals, the TC Electronic Ditto X4 stands out as a top contender. This pedal is not just a tool but a gateway to enhancing your live performances with its intuitive design and powerful features. Compact yet robust, it’s designed to elevate your musical creativity without overwhelming you with complexity.
Specifications:
- Pedal Type: Looper
- Looper: Dual Loop Tracks, Sync/Serial Loop Modes
- Looping Time: 5 minutes
- Effects: 7 loop FX including Fade, Double, Hold, Reverse, Half, Once, Tape Stop
- Inputs: 2 x 1/4″ (L/R)
- Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ (L/R)
- MIDI I/O: In/Thru
- USB: Yes
Who Is It For?
The TC Electronic Ditto X4 is the ideal choice for musicians who demand the pedals, aiming to enhance their live performances. Whether you’re a solo artist looking to layer sounds for a fuller performance or a band member seeking to add depth to your arrangements, this pedal offers the flexibility and creative control you need.
Its dual loop tracks and extensive loop effects make it perfect for crafting intricate sonic landscapes on the fly. With MIDI sync capabilities, it seamlessly integrates into any setup, ensuring your loops are always in time with your band or backing tracks. If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of your acoustic guitar performances, the Ditto X4 is designed for you.
Best All-in: Fender Acoustic Preverb
Discover the pedals with the Fender Acoustic Preverb. This compact, easy-to-use pedal enhances your acoustic sound with rich, studio-quality reverb. Perfect for players seeking to add depth and ambiance to their acoustic performances, the Acoustic Preverb is your go-to for elevating your acoustic guitar’s natural tone.
Specifications:
- High-Fidelity Preamp
- Three Reverb Types: Room, Hall, and Shimmer
- Durable Anodized Aluminum Chassis
- Notch Filter for Feedback Control
- Easy-to-Use Interface
- Lightweight Design
- Tailored Specifically for Acoustic Guitar
- True Bypass Circuitry
Who Is It For?
The Fender Acoustic Preverb is the ultimate tool for acoustic guitarists seeking the pedals to enhance their sound with natural, studio-quality reverb. Whether you’re a gigging musician looking to add depth to your live sound or a recording artist aiming to enrich your acoustic tones in the studio, this pedal is for you.
Its high-fidelity preamp ensures your guitar’s natural sound is accurately amplified, while the three reverb types offer versatility to match any playing style or venue. The lightweight and durable design makes it a reliable companion for musicians on the go.
Ideal for both beginners and seasoned pros, the Acoustic Preverb brings out the best in your acoustic guitar, making it a must-have for anyone serious about their sound.
Best for Delay: Boss DD-500
For those seeking the pedals, the Boss DD-500 stands out as a top choice. This digital delay pedal offers unmatched sound quality and versatility, making it perfect for enhancing your acoustic performances. With its advanced features and intuitive design, the DD-500 promises to elevate your music to new heights.
Specifications:
- Sampling Frequency: 96 kHz
- AD/DA Conversion: 32 bits
- Processing: 32-bit floating point
- Delay Modes: 12 modes
- Maximum Delay Time: Up to 10 seconds
- Real-Time Control: Onboard switches, expression pedal input
- Memory: 297 patches
- Display: Large LCD
Who Is It For?
The Boss DD-500 is the ideal choice for musicians who demand the pedals, offering studio-quality sound and an array of versatile delay modes. Whether you’re a gigging professional looking to add depth and dimension to your live sound or a recording artist seeking to explore new sonic landscapes, the DD-500 delivers.
Its extensive customization options allow for precise tailoring of your sound, making it suitable for those who value creativity and control in their music. With its robust build and comprehensive features, the DD-500 is perfect for serious musicians committed to achieving the highest quality in their performances and recordings.
Best Compact: Strymon Flint Tremolo
For those seeking the pedals, the Strymon Flint Tremolo stands out as a compact powerhouse. It combines vintage-inspired tremolo and reverb effects in one, offering unmatched sound quality and versatility. Perfect for musicians who crave the classic vibes in a modern package.
Specifications:
- Digital/Analog Hybrid Circuitry
- Three Reverb Types: ’60s Spring, ’70s Plate, ’80s Hall
- Three Tremolo Modes: Classic, Tube, Harmonic
- Stereo Input and Output
- True Bypass and High-Quality Analog Front End
- Expression Pedal Input for Real-Time Control
- 24-bit 96kHz A/D and D/A Converters
- Compact Size: 4.5″ x 4″ (Approx.)
Who Is It For?
The Strymon Flint Tremolo is the ideal choice for guitarists who demand the pedals, offering a blend of classic and contemporary tones. Whether you’re a gigging musician looking to add depth to your live performances or a recording artist in search of the perfect sound texture, the Flint Tremolo’s superior sound quality and versatility make it a standout.
Its compact design ensures it fits easily on any pedalboard, while the intuitive controls allow for quick adjustments on the fly. From the lush, atmospheric reverb to the rhythmic pulse of its tremolo, this pedal is suited for players who appreciate the nuances of their acoustic sound and seek to enhance it without compromise.
Best Design: LR Baggs Align Chorus
The LR Baggs Align Chorus stands out as one of the pedals, offering a unique blend of simplicity and sophistication. Designed to complement rather than overshadow, it enriches your guitar’s sound with a natural, choir-like fullness. Its intuitive controls ensure you can easily find your perfect sound, making it a must-have for acoustic players.
Specifications:
- Chorus Control: Blends chorus signal with unaffected signal.
- Size Control: Offers a blend between two chorus voicings.
- Tone Control: Adjusts warmth and radiance of the effect.
- Power Options: Compatible with 9V battery or 9V DC.
- Footswitch: Engage for effect or true bypass.
- Volume Control: Manages output level.
- Output: Standard ¼” jack.
- Design: Tailored specifically for acoustic instruments.
Who Is It For?
The LR Baggs Align Chorus is the ideal companion for acoustic guitarists seeking to elevate their sound with one of the pedals. Whether you’re a gigging musician looking to add depth to your live performances or a recording artist in search of the perfect tone, this pedal offers unparalleled quality and ease of use.
Its design, specifically tailored for acoustic instruments, ensures that your guitar’s natural sound is enhanced, not masked. With intuitive controls and versatile tone adjustment, it’s perfect for players who demand quality without complication.
If you’re passionate about your acoustic tone and looking for an effect pedal that respects and enhances that sound, the Align Chorus is for you.
Best Simple: MXR Phase 95
Looking for the best pedals for acoustic guitar? The MXR Phase 95 stands out with its compact size and versatile sound. This tiny titan packs a punch, combining vintage vibes with modern functionality.
Perfect for players seeking to add a lush, swirling phase effect to their acoustic setup without sacrificing pedalboard space. Its ease of use and sonic flexibility make it a must-have for guitarists of all levels.
Specifications:
- Size: Mini, fits any pedalboard
- Weight: 0.28 lbs (127g), ultra-light
- Circuits: Combines Phase 45 and Phase 90
- Switches: 45/90 switch, Script switch
- Bypass: True bypass for pure tone
- Power Consumption: 9V DC, 8 mA, efficient
- Input Impedance: 800 kΩ
- Output Impedance: < 6 kΩ
Who Is It For?
The MXR Phase 95 is the ideal choice for guitarists searching for the pedals that offer a blend of classic and modern phasing effects without cluttering their pedalboard. Whether you’re a gigging musician needing to maximize space or a bedroom player looking to explore different soundscapes, this pedal delivers.
Its simplicity makes it accessible to beginners, while its tonal variety appeals to seasoned pros. The Phase 95’s compact design does not compromise on quality, offering lush, dynamic phasing that can elevate the sound of an acoustic guitar from ordinary to extraordinary.
If you’re after a pedal that’s easy to use, versatile, and capable of producing both subtle and pronounced phase effects, the MXR Phase 95 is for you.
What I Wish I Knew Before I Got The Pedal For Acoustic Guitar?
- Compatibility: Ensure the pedals are specifically suited or adaptable to acoustic guitars to maintain the integrity of your acoustic tone.
- Simplicity vs. Complexity: Some players regret not starting with simpler, more intuitive pedals, while others wish they had opted for pedals with more features and flexibility from the start.
- True Bypass: Understanding the importance of true bypass can save you from tone loss, something many wish they knew earlier.
- Power Requirements: Knowing the power requirements and ensuring you have the right setup can prevent noise issues and ensure optimal pedal performance.
- Pedal Order: The order in which you place your pedals affects the overall sound. Experimenting or researching optimal setups can enhance your tone.
- Quality Over Quantity: Investing in a few high-quality pedals can be more satisfying than having many lower-quality options.
What pedals to get for acoustic guitar?
When considering what the best pedals for acoustic guitar to get for acoustic guitar, aim for those that enhance your instrument’s natural sound without overwhelming it. The pedals include reverb for depth, a compressor to even out your tone, and a DI box for cleaner sound projection. Options like the LR Baggs Venue DI, TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb, and a quality tuner pedal are essential for any acoustic player looking to elevate their sound.
Do acoustic guitars work with pedals?
Yes, acoustic guitars work wonderfully with pedals, allowing players to expand their sonic palette and enhance live performances. The pedals can include effects like reverb, delay, and chorus, as well as practical tools like preamps and loopers. These pedals help in sculpting a richer, more versatile sound, proving that acoustic guitars can indeed benefit from the thoughtful addition of effects.
