Playing an acoustic guitar doesn't mean you can't have a sweet pedal assortment just like any electric guitar player. Actually, pedals for the acoustic guitar can be just as beneficial, but how do you pick the best pedal for an acoustic guitar?
There is a wide range of options available, all of which have their upsides and downsides.
Fortunately, we have compiled a list of some great acoustic guitar pedals. Hopefully, you can find one that will be a good fit for you and your musical needs.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Accoustic Guitar Pedals
Table of Contents
Are All Acoustic Guitar Pedals the Same?
The only thing about the pedals that are the same is that they are acoustic pedals. Other than that, there are a lot of differences. Each of the pedals below is crafted by different brands that add different controls and effects. These units will differ in the quality of material and internal mechanisms.
There are different effects to be chosen from, which will affect your sound differently. They can be combined to create a unique sound that is all your own. There are pedals that can be used digitally, as well as those that need to be used through an amp. Some are capable of being used both ways.
As you can see, there are plenty of differences from pedal to pedal, and the ones we talked about are just a few. There can also be variations in tonal types, as well as materials used in the construction. Knowing what to look for can help you narrow your options down greatly.
How to Choose an Acoustic Guitar Pedal
In order to choose the right pedals, you will want to consider a few key aspects. The ones listed below will affect your choice the most.
Portability
Some acoustic guitar pedals are portable, while others feel cumbersome. Battery-powered pedals are the best choice for portability. This is because they can be used anywhere, as they need no outside power source.
Features
There are acoustic guitar pedals that have fundamental features, and these pedals tend to cost less. On the other hand, other pedals have additional features like pitch fixing, delay, phase inversion, and much more. These tend to be more expensive. As a beginner, you should pick the ones with fundamental features, since they are budget-friendly.
Response Rate
Not all acoustic guitar pedals have the same response to frequency bands. Be that as it may, all great acoustic guitars are receptive to high and low pitches. Purchasing a pedal that is receptive to low-mid, mid-high, or both is a great aspect to consider when looking for the right pedal. Another significant factor to consider is how much of a punch and lift the pedal has to offer without excess noise being produced.
Comparison Chart of the Best Acoustic Guitar Pedals
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Review of the Best Acoustic Guitar Pedals
With the information above, you should be well equipped to make your decision once you peruse our list of excellent acoustic guitar pedals.
Best Overall:
LR Baggs Venue DI
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There are a lot of reviews that rave about this pedal. Not only does it have an awesome battery life, but its built-in tuner is amazing. The unit doesn’t come with a 9-volt battery, but that is a small price to pay according to recent buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a lot of factors that stood out to us, but the one that has the most impact on the quality of the pedal is the five tunable frequency bands. This will give your sound a depth and versatility that makes this pedal by far one of the best available today.
Who Will Use This Most
This pedal is the best overall pedal, but the guitarist that will benefit the most from using this is the experienced studio performer. The versatility of tone and the ability to tune on the fly gives this model versatility that is perfect for moving between genres.
Bottom Line
This pedal is lightweight and compact and designed with a feature that can elevate any acoustic guitar's playability. That is why we knew this had to be the best overall choice. It may be a bit on the pricier side, but if you are looking for a model that gives a lot of versatility, then this pedal is worth the investment.
Runner-up:
Ernie Ball VP Jr. P06180
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If you talk to guitarists that have invested in this pedal, you will hear a lot of different thoughts. Most love the pedal for its length and feel. Though many feel that the inner mechanism being exposed could lead to problems, they still recommend it to others due to its quality and performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The inclusion of a micro taper switch allows for multiple swell effects. When we look at all the features of this pedal combined, this is definitely the feature that stands out to us the most. This capability allows for a full sound and ambiance.
Who Will Use This Most
This unit is great for the solo gigging guitarist. The unit is designed for high-quality materials that elevate the durability, which will be perfect to take on the rigors of the road. The versatility of sound is also great for the gigging professional.
Bottom Line
This pedal is perfect for passive instruments and is, therefore, perfect for a nice acoustic guitar. Fitted with features and crafted with high-quality materials, this pedal is one of the best on the market. Adding this pedal into your kit can have a significant impact on your style and sound.
Best for the Money:
Electro-Harmonix Tone Corset
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many recent buyers love having ultimate control of the compression and other effects while dealing with durable units. Though some feel that the number of controls may be a little overwhelming for new players, they still feel that the sound crafting capability is well worth the advanced learning curve.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There is a lot to love about this pedal, but the one thing that stands out to us the most is the layout. The control layout and the number of effects that are available with this pedal will only serve to enhance your acoustic sound well beyond the natural capabilities.
Who Will Use This Most
This pedal is great for the acoustic guitarist looking to elevate their sound, especially the studio artist looking for a wide variety of options. The sound crafting ability that you get with the superior control will help your acoustic guitar handle any production needs, no matter the music you are being asked to play. Plus, it comes at a great price!
Bottom Line
Electro-Harmonix equipment is well known for delivering quality sound with a durable build and versatile uses. With this acoustic pedal, that reputation is intact. It's simple yet detailed control system allows the guitarist to shape the dynamics of the sound to a heightened level and for an affordable price.
Best Reverb Pedal for Acoustic Guitar:
Boss RV-500
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
When you talk to people that have recently bought this pedal, you will find they have a lot to say. Most love the versatility of reverb available with the unit, as well as the learning curve it takes to get a handle on the pedal. There are a few buyers that feel that the spring could use a little work, though.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pedal is full of reverb goodness, and that is what appealed and stood out to us. With the 21 reverb modes, you have the versatility of sound that is a cut above the rest. You also get all the quality you expect from anything with the BOSS name emblazoned on its exterior.
Who Will Use This Most
Because of the sheer amount of options with this pedal, the guitarist that will use this most is one that needs access to multiple different sound styles. Therefore, the studio guitarist will definitely reap the most benefits from this BOSS pedal.
Bottom Line
Reverb is a standard effect to be used in many different music genres. With this pedal, you will be able to find a reverb for everyone. This unit is a well-built pedal that comes with the patented quality we all associate with the name BOSS.
Best Loop Pedal for Acoustic Guitar:
Vox Lil' Looper
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have recently purchased this pedal love the system that is easy to set up and allows you to get right to playing and experimenting with your sound. The extra effects are a big hit, as well. Though most feel that it takes up quite a bit of space, they will still tell you that it is one of the best loopers on the market.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There is a lot to talk about with this looper pedal. One thing that makes it special is the two-pedal design that allows you to carefully craft multiple loops at the same time with precision.
Who Will Use This Most
Due to the two-input design, this pedal is perfect for the traveling musician or busker who is doing it all on their own. This design allows them to have both their guitar and mic hooked up. That way, they can get the most out of limited equipment, which is key when playing solo on the road.
Bottom Line
Vox is one of those names that every guitarist knows. The company strives to deliver excellence and innovation. With this dual switch looper, they have achieved that goal. The control the musician has over their sound with this pedal is amazing. That's why this is easily one of the best pedals to invest in.
Best Acoustic Guitar Simulator Pedal:
MOOER Acoustikar
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The sound quality you get from this acoustic guitar simulator allows for maximized tone shaping. That is what most guitarists love about this pedal. There are some that feel you lose some sound quality when using a high gain amp. However, with all the effects that are built into the pedal, most will tell you that this drawback can be overlooked.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When you are dealing with a simulator, you want true and clear sound. With the decision to design this pedal with a true bypass, the engineers at MOOER have given that to you. This is one of the reasons we knew we had to include this pedal on our list.
Who Will Use This Most
The pedal is actually a great addition to any guitarists kit. The one that will get the most from it is definitely the indie rock musician who is traveling from gig to gig. It is lightweight and compact and offers a lot to this type of guitarist.
Bottom Line
The Acoustikar simulator pedal has a lot more going for it than other simulators. With its durable build and compact size, it is a great addition to any kit. What is included in the build when it comes to effects is what makes this a great option for any guitarist looking to add a pedal to their chain.
Best Delay Pedal for Acoustic Guitar:
Line 6 DL4 Stompbox Delay Modeler
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most guitarists who have recently added this pedal to their kit will tell you about its versatility. Not only is it a simulator, but it has a looping effect, as well. Users also love the true bypass and the clarity of the clean channel when using it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Line 6 pedal has a lot of great things about it. It's delay capabilities are by far the thing that makes this pedal sing the way it does. The fact that you have fifteen different deals to play with gives this pedal flexibility like very few of its competitors.
Who Will Use This Most
This delay pedal would work well for any guitarist in any music genre. Due to its build, the gigging professional that travels from venue to venue will get the most out of this product. It is compact, which makes it easy to transport. Since it is easy to switch between delays and effects, the gigging professional will be able to glide through the music with ease while rocking out on stage.
Bottom Line
There is just so much more to this pedal than simple delay capabilities. After combing the internet to build our list, there was no way any other pedal could fill this spot. It is durable and well-built and offers maximized sound and tone-shaping like no other.
Best Multi Effects Pedal for Acoustic Guitar:
Boss ME-80 Multiple Effects
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
When you talk to guitarists that have added this pedal to their setup, they have a lot of great things to say. The build and its durability are chief among the raves, as well as the effect options that are available to use to define their sound. The knobs, though, have some complaints when it comes to the lack of dynamics while editing.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The layout of this unit is simple to use and easy to set-up. Access to a wide range of effects is available and can be used to customize your sound. Along with the programmed effects, it is also designed with a manual mode that adds to the sound crafting capabilities.
Who Will Use This Most
This pedal would enhance any guitarists sound, especially the guitarist that plays a lot of live venues. The actual layout is stage-friendly and can easily be switched from one effect to another. The easy-to-use menu makes setting up simple, and that makes getting to the music so much easier.
Bottom Line
Known for its quality products, BOSS has maintained this mission with the ME-80. The build of the pedal is done with premium materials and is only amplified by the spectacular range of the effects that are programmed into the unit. That is why we had to make it one of our best choices.
Best Chorus Pedal for Acoustic Guitar:
MXR M134 Stereo Chorus
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The recent buyers of this pedal simply adore the low-frequency pedals' effect on the tonal quality of the sound. That combined with the full rich chorus sound makes this one of those pedals that few can find fault with.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The control over the chorus through the use of just a few knobs is simplistic but effective. This and the control system is what makes this pedal stand out the most to us. On top of that, it is an analog unit, which means no digital distortion will be created leaving a clean chorus sound.
Who Will Use This Most
This pedal is a must-have for any guitarist. The warm tone and ultimate control over the sound give the guitarist the versatile capability of crafting their own unique sound.
Bottom Line
This pedal from MXR is another well-made pedal from one of the best-known names in the musical industry. The chorus capability is not all that the pedal brings to the table. For that reason, it far outperforms many of its peers. That is why we included it in our guide.
Best EQ Pedal for Acoustic Guitar:
EarthQuaker Devices Tone Job EQ
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PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This pedal has many reviews across the web. Most love the wide array of effects available and the quality of the EQ boost that you get without loss of sound integrity. However, most feel it may take novices a little time to get the hang of the controls. Once they do, most guitarists will tell you this is one of the best options available.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The time it took to craft an EQ pedal that emulates vintage stereo amps can lend a lot to the sound you are trying to build. This is the feature that really stood out to us as we looked over the specs.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great pedal to add to your pedal chain if you are a guitarist who does a lot of live shows. The easy-to-use, multi-faceted pedal offers a great EQ effect. It can still be used to fill the room with your amazing music.
Bottom Line
EarthQuaker is one of the best pedal companies out there. The attention to detail and the overall durability of this company will give you a pedal that stands the test of time.
Types of Pedals Great for Acoustic Guitar Players
There are many types of pedals, but there are only a few that will be beneficially used with an acoustic guitar. Here are the ones we suggest:
Tuner
Regardless of what sort of stringed instrument you are playing, having a decent and dependable tuner is a necessary requirement. A pedal tuner is typically going to be an improved tool over the typical clip-on tuner or sound hole variety. Try to discover one that works best for you. Each tuner pedal has its own particular manner of showing pitch and pitch inconsistencies which can help you make a choice.
Chorus
Melody is one of the most fascinating effects out there. Having one ensemble pedal in your signal chain will have a great deal of effect on your tone and in general performance. For the individuals who don't have a clue, a chorus pedal duplicates your signal and reproduces it to create an enhanced sound.
Reverb
Reverb is among the most established guitar pedals available. It has been utilized for quite a while in all sorts of music and adding reverb to your pedal board is an extraordinary method to elevate your music.
Delay
Alongside reverbs, delays are the most impactful pedals being used today. The reason for using this pedal is to add a little delay or echo to your sound. In any case, that isn't the main thing these do. A few models are basic, for example, your standard simple delays, while some are substantially more intricate.
Volume
Despite the fact that they aren't staggeringly well-known, volume pedals can be extraordinarily helpful in front of an audience. Since most acoustic guitars don't have a volume handle, having a pedal committed to this effect can help control your levels. One thing most guitar players like to do with volume pedals is swells, particularly in a mix with a delay pedal. As a rule, volume pedals will, in general, give you more power over your tone, all while enabling you to build a unique sound.
Benefits of Investing in Quality Pedals
Investing in a high-quality pedal has so many great benefits that any guitarist would be remiss to not add at least one to their setup. Here are some of the biggest benefits you get or the inclusion of a new pedal to your kit:
Improved Tone
Depending on the pedal you choose to accompany tour acoustic guitar, you can change the sound and tonal quality with the addition of a good pedal. This ability will give you a chance to improve your tone, as well as expand your sound capabilities.
Customize Sound
A good pedal can be used to create a custom sound that is all your own. Even better would be to play with multiple effects to get an effect all your own.
Versatility
The wide range of pedals can help give you a lot of sound versatility. Pedals can help you fit into multiple music genres, as well as develop your own sound, as well.
Conclusion
Acoustic guitar pedals are instruments that can improve your music. They can add to vocals and improve music while performing with a band. In this case, you should get one or more, no matter what level of experience you are working with. That is why our round-up of the best acoustic guitar pedals could be just the help you need to find the right one for you and your musical needs.
