Best distortion pedals for telecaster

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 2, 2022

In this article, we've compiled the best distortion pedals for telecaster one can find out there. We've analyzed about 103 of distortion pedals for telecaster and selected the 36 top options by PROMARK, Gazechimp, Taylor, Remo. Read on to find out what exactly made us choose these ones.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Bundle
#TOP 1
Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Bundle
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Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Guitar Effects Pedal
#TOP 2
Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Guitar Effects Pedal
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Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive Pedal
#TOP 3
Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive Pedal
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Top 36 Best distortion pedals for telecaster Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Bundle

BOSS

Features

  • Built-in remote jack allows users to connect an external footswitch such as the FS-5L for instant, hands-free switching between modes
  • Turbo Mode II provides biting distortion with a mid-range boost, perfect for leads
  • Bundle includes a premium 10-foot Roland Black Series instrument cable is included, as well as a 6-inch Roland Black Series Patch/Pedal cable, both featuring multi-strand, oxygen-free copper core wire that translates the true tones of your instrument, while high-density spiral shielding eliminates unwanted noise. We have also included a 3-pack of Boss celluloid guitar picks in varying thickness, so you can start playing right out of the box!
  • Turbo Mode I produces warm and mellow distortion with flat frequency response
  • Classic BOSS distortion tones with added Turbo modes
#TOP 2

Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Guitar Effects Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Tone
  • Gain Controls
  • Disttion Overdrive Effects Guitar Pedal with Tube Amplifier Simulation Blues Guitar Tone with Level
#TOP 3

Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Overdrive Pedal f Electric Guitar
#TOP 4

Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Distortion Guitar Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Disttion Stompbox with 3-b EQ
#TOP 5

Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal

Proco

Features

  • Use the RAT 2 as a boost for solos and get the extra kick you need
  • Used as a primary distortion, it excels at arena rock rhythm tones and soaring leads
  • Nails that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive
#TOP 6

Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Disttion Pedal f Guitar
#TOP 7

Boss MT-2W Waza Metal Zone Distortion Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal with 2 Modes
  • 3-band EQ
  • Premium Buffer
#TOP 8

Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal

blucoil

Features

  • PRODUCES 4 GUITAR EFFECTS IN 1 PEDAL - The Pro Co RAT2 provides distortion, sustain, fuzz, and overdrive effects in one compact stompbox!
  • RUNS ON AC ADAPTER OR BATTERY POWER - The Pro Co RAT2 offers versatile power source options, you can use either a 9-volt battery or external AC adapter.
  • INCLUDES - Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal. Power Supply with Slim AC/DC Adapter for 9 Volt DC 670mA with US Plug (Center Negative Polarity). 2-Pack of Blucoil Right-Angled Patch Cables for Effects Pedals. 4-Pack of Blucoil Thin Celluloid Guitar Picks (Assorted Colors).
  • DELIVERS RAUNCHY SOUNDS WITH ZERO TONE COLORATION - This pedal produces all kinds of raunchy sounds, starting from sweet to nitty grinding. It has true bypass circuitry to ensure your tone stays pure when the effects are off.
  • PROVIDES VISIBLE LED DISPLAY - It comes with a bright LED indicator that lets you know when the effect is on or off. The glow-in-the-dark control graphics are perfect for the dimly-lit stage.
#TOP 9

Boss DS-1 Distortion Pedal

BOSS

Features

  • Tone Controls
  • Level
  • Disttion Effects Pedal f Guitar
  • Bass
  • Keyboard with Disttion
#TOP 10

Behringer SUPER FUZZ SF300 3-Mode Fuzz Distortion Instrument Effects Pedal

Behringer

Features

  • This BEHRINGER product has been designed to compete head to head with leading products on the market
  • Recreate the whole variety of famous fuzz tones of the '60s and '70s
  • Dedicated Gain, 2-band EQ and Level controls for awesome sound shaping
  • Status LED for effect on/off and battery check
  • 3 different sound modes for classic fuzz, grunge and gain boost
#TOP 11

MXR Custom Badass '78 Distortion

JIM DUNLOP

Features

  • Engage the CRUNCH button to boost the harmonic content of the distortion
  • With only three knobs, dialing in a badass tone is a cinch
  • Under the hood, this high-performance machine features top-notch circuitry and hardware meant for a lifetime of use
  • MXR took a classic distortion circuit and hot-rodded it to deliver over-the-top, soaring leads and rich, saturated rhythms
#TOP 12

Boss DS-1 Distortion Bundle

BOSS

Features

  • Distortion, Level and Tone control to tailor overall sound as desired
  • Reproduces dynamics of playing, from soft to hard
  • Classic, affordable live distortion
  • BOSS 5-year warranty
  • Classic BOSS Distortion tones for guitar and keyboard
#TOP 13

Revv G3 - Preamp/Overdrive/Distortion Pedal

Revv Amplification

Features

  • Preamp/Overdrive/Disttion Pedal f Electric Guitar - Purple
#TOP 14

Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal

Fender

Features

  • Discrete tone controls per channel
  • Led backlit knobs
  • Fender amp Jewel LED
  • Magnetically latched hinged 9V battery door
  • Dual gain engines
#TOP 15

Max Metal High Gain Distortion Pedal

EX GEAR

Features

  • The Max Metal is made for metal and thrash metal guitarist who want to release the tone of carnage. The Illuminated Series, as the name implies feature illuminated knobs and footswitch as well as a magnetic bottom. Also, unique to the series is the custom die-cast metal casing.
  • One of the main features are the 4 brightly lit red illuminated knobs for the volume, bass, mid and treble. The bottom of the pedal is a rubber seal to prevent slipping. The pedal is true bypass.
  • The controls feature a 3-band EQ section, magnetic bottom plate, uniquely shaped durable die-cast metal casing with heavy-duty input/output jacks, a 3-way boost toggle switch ( hi/off/low ), ring illuminated footswitch and a larger vintage style gain knob that comes with a custom knob protector cap.
  • The Max Metal can be used with any combination of pedals and also magnetically sticks to the EX-GEAR custom pedal board that is sold separately. *Power supply shown in images is not included.
  • You can amass endless tone options using the 3 illuminated EQ knobs for bass, mid-range and treble along with the a 3-way boost toggle switch ( hi/off/low ). These features we found to be most prominent in metal genre driven style pedals that had superior tone and were in high demand.
#TOP 16

JOYO Distortion Pedal R Series Heavy Metal Dist Between American and British

JOYO

Features

  • Before playing, please make sure the guitar is fully connected with the pedal. in order to make JOYO pedals work properly and avoiding unexpected noise, we recommend you to purchase an extra JOYO original power adapter, or choose the other reliable brands and make sure it meets the working current requirement of single pedal.
  • JOYO is over decade of brand reputation, provide worry-free after-sale service. with the most popular budget pedals, amplifiers, wireless systems, controllers, metronomes, tuners winning the love of global guitarists and inspiring people's music dreams.
  • "GAIN" Knob and "VOLUME" Knob, both are of dynamic balance, adjust the "GAIN" knob while don't adjust the VOL, the signal from the circuit will adjust automatically, ensuring the volume is the same as before.
  • JOYO UZI distortion pedal, designed for heavy metal, it's characterized by High-Gain. with a "BIAS" knob, switch easily between American Distortion and British Distortion.
  • Whole new appearance and the iconic ambience lights bring out futuristic and retro styles, displaying a perfect fusion, will make our soul happy whether are jamming in the bedroom, studio or on the stage.
#TOP 17

TC Electronic DARK MATTER DISTORTION Phenomenal Distortion Pedal

TC Electronic

Features

  • Voicing switch - for an awesome shift in bass response
  • True Bypass - zero loss of tone
  • Gain, Level, Bass and Treble controls - total control of your distortion sounds
  • item package weight: 11.6 ounces
#TOP 18

JHS Pedals Packrat Distortion

JHS Pedals

Features

  • Building on our Multi-Mode pedal series that includes the Muffuletta and Bonsai, the PackRat uses the same unique digital runway system to direct the paths of 261 components through 40 individual switches
  • Artists from every genre have used the iconic tones in this unassuming black box to create their sounds
  • When you choose one of the nine legendary or rare modes, you are playing fully analog circuits that perfectly replicate that mode, even down to the aging components (also known as component drift)
  • The PackRat is the ultimate tribute to the 40+ years of rodent evolution and its impact on the guitar’s sound
  • Power: Uses 9V DC Negative Center. Do not use more than 9V DC. Your warranty will be voided. 100mA max consumption
#TOP 19

TC Electronic FANGS METAL DISTORTION Ultra-Thick

TC Electronic

Features

  • Super tight response
  • Ultra-thick, high gain distortion
  • Versatile mid-control
  • True Bypass for ultimate signal integrity
  • “Built-like-a-tank” metal chassis
#TOP 20

Abasi Pathos Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal (ABASIPATHOS)

Abasi

Features

  • High-grade components selected for their superior sound and response, with a soft-touch footswitch will last for years
  • Musically-tuned EQ shelves and mid control, as well as potent gain and level controls
  • Encompass the functionality of several dirt boxes in one; be it a push to a driven amp, a full-on distortion channel in front of a clean amp, or a boost in front of a digital modeler
  • “Smooth” and “edge” voicings range from emotive crunch all the way to scorching, yet controlled distortion and sustain
  • Crafted in the USA by Tosin Abasi in conjunction with Brian Wampler and designed to retain the feel of an American-style tube amp channel
#TOP 21

JOYO Overdrive Guitar Effect Pedal Orange Amplifier Simulation Distortion Pedal

JOYO

Features

  • Service Promise--directly sold by JOYO Technology, who is with over 14 years of experience in customer service,products research and development, JOYO received great reputation all over the world among the guitarists, we would satisfy you at the first time when receiving your request.
  • User-friendly pedal--very easy to operate, LEVEL knob to adjust the output level, DRIVE knob to adjust the Gain, the VOICE knob to adjust the frequency response and the distortion style, it can simulate various amp tones when adjust together with DRIVE knob.
  • Portable padal--JOYO vintage pedal's dimension(12cm*9.7cm*5.5cm),weights only 390g,not only easy to carry, also save your pedalboard space.
  • Classic pedal--JOYO JF-22 Oxford Sound reproduces the sound of Orange amp, bringing out the classic British rock of the 70's. It offers more versatility, which performs great for clean, distortion and more.
  • Solid pedal--Metal aluminum alloy case, high quality precision components, six knobs for flexible and free tuning, making it a solid pedal that is durable and worth trying.In order to make the pedal work properly and quietly, we do recommend JOYO 9V DC pedal power supply with noise reduction technology.
#TOP 22

EX-Inferno Metal Distortion Pedal

EX

Features

  • Uses a standard 9-volt negative tip power supply, or add a daisy chain to run multiple pedals from the one power supply source. (Adapter not included).
  • True-Bypass with powerful analog circuitry, housed in a compact, die-cast box. 1/4 inch input and output jacks and an AC adapter input on the top of the unit.
  • The EX-Inferno death metal distortion pedal is designed for total metal mayhem.
  • A three-stage guitar metal pedal boost toggle switch allows for total control of brutal chugging, screaming howls and massive attack for lead and rhythm playing.
  • Fine tune the metal guitar pedal overall balance with the level, tone and distortion control knobs. Dial up shrill metal leads, deep punchy distortion or total metal chunk.
#TOP 23

Donner Distortion Pedal

Donner

Features

  • [Durable Guitar Distortion Pedal] Aluminum-alloy classic, stable and strong.
  • [True bypass Guitar Pedal] True bypass provides transparent tone. LED indicator shows the working state.
  • [Notice] DC 9V Adapter power supply. (Not Included).
  • [Inspired by Classics and More] Dark Mouse distortion pedal is made to bring you the real underground rock scene. Sweet overdrives, grinding rhythms and roaring solos.
  • [2 Modes] Classic: Produce a classic, warm distortion sound with some fuzz feel. Hyper: Perform a more powerful sound with more edges and bottoms.
#TOP 24

Rowin Analog Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

Rowin

Features

  • 3 way toggle switch allows you to choose from a hi boost, low boost and off boost
  • Please note this pedal NOT include power adptor. Need a DC 9V power supply with negative in the center to power up. Pleae buy it separately at Rowin Music store. Thank you.
  • Additional shaping is achieved using the gain and tone controls. You can use the Lo and off boost positions to get a great rhythm tone. In this position play with the tone and gain knobs to recreate tones from your favorite bands or uniquely create your own sound. Then switch it into Hi-Boost for a face melting solo.
  • SOLID CONSTRUCTIONMade of high-quality zinc alloy, durable and sturdy.
  • TRUE BYPASSTrue bypass provide transparent tone.LED indicator shows working state.MINI SIZESmall and exquisite,can save a lot of space on pedal board.
#TOP 25

AZOR Distortion Guitar Pedal Effect 3 Modes Natural

AZOR

Features

  • Easy to control - 3 Working Modes: Natural/Tight/Classic, switch on/off with 3 knobs to control level, gain and tone
  • Mini style- Small, light weight and exquisite.Enduring, light-weighted Aluminumalloy chassis .
  • Power source- 9V DC adapter center negative(no power adapter included)
  • Classic Design- High degree distortion degree of metal, stable to solo, has strong expression with dynamic echo sound
  • Style-type- All-sided high-gain distortion with excellent dynamic response and definition
#TOP 26

JOYO High Gain Distortion Pedal

JOYO

Features

  • With a full range of EQ adjustment and tone control, from a little blues rock crunch to an all out snarling distortion this is one versatile pedal.
  • Before playing, please make sure the guitar is fully connected with the pedal. in order to make JOYO pedals work properly and avoiding unexpected noise, we recommend you to purchase an extra JOYO original power adapter, or choose the other reliable brands and make sure it meets the working current requirement of single pedal.
  • JOYO High Gain Distortion guitar pedal, get the kind of hard distortion used by the bands you love-from the crunch of AC/DC to the heavy metal of Metallica.
  • JOYO is over decade of brand reputation, with the most popular budget pedals, amplifiers, wireless systems, controllers, metronomes, tuners winning the love of global guitarists and inspiring people's music dreams.
  • When used with single coils at lower gain settings you'd have to make sure you hadn't stepped on your vintage overdrive. whole aluminium-alloy housing classic stoving varnish finish, stable and strong, with small LED flash indicator shows the working state.
#TOP 27

Distortion Guitar Pedal

kokko

Features

  • ANTI SKID - Rubber pads on the backside is anti-skid, which enhances the stability and avoids friction.
  • LED INDICATOR - LED indicator shows the status of effect. No battery, Powered by AC adapter(not included).
  • RELIABLE QUALITY - High quality by aluminum alloy which is durable and have a classic mini size brings you a musical feast.
  • RESONABLE PRICE - Provided the very reasonable price to match the high quality product, you will not regret it.
  • EFFECTS - Classic distortion tone. True bypass. stage distortion design provides higher degree of distortion.
#TOP 28

Fender Full Moon Distortion Pedal

Fender

Features

  • Onboard 3-band EQ with a low-pass filter; texture and bite switches
  • High-gain distortion effect pedal
  • Led-backlit knobs; Fender amp Jewel LED
  • Up to 12dB switchable boost
  • Magnetically latched hinged 9V battery door
#TOP 29

lotmusic Crunch Distortion Electric Guitar Effects Pedal Mini Single Type DC 9V True Bypass

lotmusic

Features

  • Solid Quality: The whole Crunch Distortion guitar pedal is made of aluminum alloy and classic, stable and strong. Aluminium alloy body makes this Distortion pedal safe to transport.
  • Integrated Noise Reduction: Developed with the code to reduce noise swells common with Crunch Distortion circuit, you get the quietest effect possible with this Distortion pedal.
  • Lifetime Promise: Unbelievably inexpensive two-knob setup,it's obviously simple to use. For any problem with this distortion pedal, just contact us for a perfect solution, we are always here and help!
  • Pure Signal:True bypass switching maintains pure signal flow when the Crunch Distortion pedal disengaged. Dedicated Gain & Volume &Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring.
  • Easy Carry: Powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package),this Crunch Distortion pedal has a small size body, light weight, suitable for out side gigs.
#TOP 30

SAPHUE US Dream Guitar Effects Pedal Distortion Effect Pedals Volume/Dist/Tone Knob

SAPHUE

Features

  • Low Noise: Developed with the code to reduce noise swells common with distortion circuit, you get the quietest effect possible with this diatortion pedal.
  • US Dream, Give your clean amp another distortion channel! Simulates the high-gain distortion tone of a driven tube amplifier.
  • Pure Signal: True bypass switching maintains pure signal flow when the diatortion pedal disengaged. Dedicated Volume & Dist & Tone knobs allow for precise effect tailoring.
  • Solid Quality: Aluminium alloy body makes this distortion pedal safe to transport.
  • Easy Carry: This distortion pedal has a small size body, light weight, suitable for out side gigs,powered by a DC 9V adapter (not included in this package).
#TOP 31

FLAMMA FC06 Distortion Pedal Electric Guitar Effects Pedal Mini Analog Guitar Pedal True Bypass Metal Shell

FLAMMA

Features

  • 2 distortion working modes: High Peak Mode, boost up the bottom-end, when increasing distortion by Drive knob, you will get more volume and a slight increase in high-mid range(around 3.5KHz). Low Peak Mode, color up extreme little to the original sound, very nice for clean boosting.
  • DC 9V adapter power supply. Not included.
  • Ultrawide dynamic range and extraordinary open tube-like drive sound.
  • Small size, full metal shell and durable design.
  • True bypass provides transparent tone.
#TOP 32

Sovvid Guitar Distortion Pedal

Sovvid

Features

  • True Bypass Design, Anti Skid Rubber: True bypass provide transparent tone. When the distortion effect pedal disengaged, true bypass switching maintains pure signal flow and minimize the tone loss to keep the tone quality. Humanized rubber pads on the backside is anti-slip which enhances the stability and avoids friction.
  • Excellent Gift, Quality Warranty: Thinking for the needs of musicians, Sovvid has provided premium gift of 9V power adapter and USB cable which other didn't provide. To guarantee the effect pedal quality, we have done 100% advance inspection before shipment. If you have any question for our pedal, please feel free to contact us.
  • Solid Material, Special USB Function: Sovvid guitar effects pedal is made of high-quality zinc alloy, which is more durable and sturdy than the normal aluminum pedal. And we designed a new USB Function, you can even connect the power bank to drive this pedal.
  • Powerful Tone Creating, Noise Reduction: Sovvid guitar distortion pedal developed with high quality electronic components and 2 layer circuit, it has excellent dynamic response and definition. With such upgraded design, in high gain settings, Sovvid pedals can reduce the buzzing noise and maintain sound natural which other distortion pedals often sound muddy when drive. Sovvid pedal with classic tones suit for all types of music. A very good replacement to DS-1.
  • Flexible Controls, Easy Carry: Our distortion pedals offers easy in/out and 3 function knobs. LEVEL (output volume), TONE (brightness of tone) and GAIN (degree of distortion). From the three knobs, many different sound colors can be coaxed. And this distortion guitar pedal has a small size body and exquisite, it can save a lot of space on pedal board and very suit for outside show.
#TOP 33

Orange Getaway Driver '70s Amp-In-A-Box Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal

Orange Amps

Features

  • A 70's Amp-in-a-box type pedal
  • Bypass (First Outlet) & Cab Sim Only Bypass (Second Output) stomp functions
  • Utilizes an internal charge pump for 18v of headroom
  • Powered with regulated 9-12V DC centre-negative power supply
  • Volume, Bite (tone), and Gain controls
#TOP 34

Sofadio Distortion Guitar Pedal

SOFADIO

Features

  • Dedicated level & tone &DIST knobs are built with Color LED lights allowing for precise and easy effect tailoring even in dark environment.
  • Premium chip and circuit are used to guarantee almost zero background noise. The distortion pedal requires a DC 9V Adapter power supply(NOT INCLUDED).
  • Mini size, light weight and whole aluminium alloy case make it super easy and safe to carry around in your pedal case.
  • True Bypass Switch provides transparent tone. Color LED lights indicate the working state.
  • After-sales support are always here to help 7 day 24 hours if you have any problems.
#TOP 35

Sondery Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

Sondery

Features

  • LED status indicator; user manual included; no batteries needed, powered by an AC adapter (NOT included) delivery, 9V DC, internal negative, external positive
  • 2 modes of Bright and Normal, switch to Bright position to distortion your sound for a bright tone or to Normal position to distortion the device for one-of-a-kind pedal sound. True bypass hardware switching
  • Made of reliable high-quality aluminum alloy with a beautiful art design on the top, and diamond cut along the edge; anti-skid rubber pad on the backside for stability and friction prevention
  • Distortion guitar effect pedal gives a British stack sound effect; a recreation of 70-80’s classical sound. 3 Controls by Volume, Tone and Gain
  • Measures 3.7 by 1.9 by 1.66 inches / 94 by 42 by 48 millimetres; backed by Sondery 1-year limited warranty
#TOP 36

Sondery Metal Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

Sondery

Features

  • Made of reliable high-quality aluminum alloy with a beautiful art design on the top, and diamond cut along the edge; anti-skid rubber pad on the backside for stability and friction prevention
  • LED status indicator; user manual included; no batteries needed, powered by an AC adapter (NOT included) delivery, 9V DC, internal negative, external positive - VERY IMPORTANT!
  • 3 modes of Solo, Turbo and Normal, easily switch to different positions to distortion the device for one-of-a-kind pedal sound. True bypass hardware switching
  • Measures 3.7 by 1.9 by 1.66 inches / 94 by 42 by 48 millimetres; backed by Sondery 1-year limited warranty
  • Metal distortion guitar effect pedal gives a warm, smooth and wide range of vintage distortion sound. 3 Controls by Volume, Filter and Distortion

Choosing the Ideal distortion pedals for telecaster: The Buyer's Guide

Should you get a distortion or an overdrive pedal?

Which effect is right for me? Distortion pedals typically fit in better with the needs of musicians who are interested in playing rock, metal, or heavy metal, while overdrive pedals are more commonly found in the use of country and blues musicians.

What amp did Van Halen use in Van Halen 1?

1967/68 Marshall 1959 Super Lead This Marshall amp was used for the first six Van Halen albums. There are many rumours and myths surrounding this amp and it's famous “Brown sound”. The amp was bought second hand and imported to the US from England.

Does John Mayer use a pick?

Possibly the technique that most defines Mayer's sound is his decision to use his fingers to pluck his strings rather than using a pick (plectrum). Of course, Mayer does use a pick for some of his songs and performances, but often, you will see him use his fingers instead.

What pedals did Eddie Van Halen use on Eruption?

Eddie's effects on “Eruption” were simple: an MXR Phase 90 and an Maestro Echoplex tape echo. But you can also hear Sunset Sound's legendary room reverb on the track (and throughout the entire album).

Editor's Notes

To make this list of the top distortion pedals for telecaster we spent 56 hours to read over 1207 buyer reviews carefully. Eventually, our experts selected the 36 products most people truly liked. They boast of the rating of 319, on average, and cost around $2830.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.