The 3 Best EQ Pedals for Guitar (Acoustic, Electric, Bass):
| EQ Pedal | Reason to Buy |
|---|---|
| Empress Effects ParaEq | Offers versatile parametric EQ controls and a built-in boost feature, allowing for precise tonal shaping and added volume when needed. Empress Effects pedals are known for their exceptional build quality and sound fidelity. |
| MXR M108S Ten Band EQ | Provides a wide range of EQ options with ten adjustable bands, allowing for precise frequency shaping. MXR is a renowned brand known for its reliability and robust construction, making the M108S a popular choice among guitarists. |
| Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer | A classic and widely-used graphic EQ pedal that provides seven bands of EQ control. It offers a simple yet effective way to shape your tone and has a reputation for durability, making it a staple on many pedalboards. |
Whether you’re a guitar virtuoso, a studio recording artist, or an avid audiophile, one thing remains constant: the quest for perfect sound. The best EQ pedals stand tall as an indispensable tool for achieving an amazing sound for your guitar.
In this blog post, we will dive deep into the realm of guitar EQ pedals and uncover the finest options available today. So, buckle up, as we embark on a journey to discover the best EQ pedals for acoustic, electric, and bass guitar!
Related: best compressor pedals for guitar and best delay pedals for guitar.
Go here if you’re looking for the best guitar pedals (effects pedals) overall.
New to this? Read how to build a pedalboard first for the basics, then use the picks below.
Best EQ Pedals for Guitar (Acoustic, Electric, Bass)
1. Empress Effects ParaEq with Boost EQ Pedal
Specifications:
- Type: Parametric equalizer with boost
- Number of Bands: 3
- Boost Range: ±15dB
- Input/Output: 1 x 1/4″ (instrument)
- Power: 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
- Dimensions: 3.5″ x 4.5″ x 1.5″
- Weight: 1 lb
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Versatile parametric EQ | Relatively expensive |
| Boost function for added gain | Lacks visual EQ display |
| High-quality build and sound | Limited number of bands |
| Compact size and lightweight | |
| True bypass switching |
The Empress Effects ParaEq with Boost is a versatile parametric equalizer pedal designed to shape your guitar’s tone with precision. It features three bands of EQ with adjustable frequency and boost controls, allowing you to target specific frequencies and boost or cut them as needed. The boost function provides up to 15dB of additional gain, making it suitable for solos or adding sustain to your sound.
With its high-quality build and sound, the ParaEq delivers transparent and studio-grade EQ performance. It is housed in a compact and rugged enclosure, making it suitable for both studio and live use. The pedal also features true bypass switching, ensuring that your guitar’s signal remains unaltered when the pedal is not engaged.
The Empress Effects ParaEq is a powerful tool for guitarists who demand precise control over their tone. Whether you need to shape the midrange frequencies, boost the bass for a thicker sound, or add presence to the treble frequencies, this pedal allows you to sculpt your tone with ease. While it may come at a higher price point compared to some other options, its build quality, versatility, and transparent sound make it a worthy investment for those seeking professional-grade EQ capabilities.
2. MXR M108S Ten Band EQ Pedal
Specifications:
- Type: Graphic equalizer
- Number of Bands: 10
- Band Centers: 31.25Hz, 62.5Hz, 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz, 16kHz
- Input/Output: 1 x 1/4″ (instrument)
- Power: 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
- Dimensions: 4.75″ x 2.87″ x 1.5″
- Weight: 0.84 lbs
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| 10-band EQ for precise control | No boost function |
| Wide range of frequency centers | Relatively large size |
| Bright LED indicators | |
| Reliable MXR build quality | |
| True bypass switching |
The MXR M108S Ten Band EQ is a versatile graphic equalizer pedal that offers precise control over your guitar’s tone. With ten bands of EQ and carefully selected frequency centers, you can shape your sound with precision, adjusting specific frequencies to enhance your overall tone. The pedal features bright LED indicators that show the current EQ settings at a glance.
Built with MXR’s renowned reliability and quality, the MXR M108S Ten Band EQ is designed to withstand the rigors of both studio and live performances. Its sturdy construction ensures durability, while the compact size makes it pedalboard-friendly.
This pedal provides a wide range of frequency centers, allowing you to target specific frequency ranges and make fine adjustments to your tone. Whether you want to boost the lows for a thick and heavy sound, tame the highs for a smoother tone, or shape the midrange frequencies to cut through the mix, the MXR M108S gives you the tools to do so.
One of the standout features of this EQ pedal is its true bypass switching, which ensures that your guitar’s signal remains unaltered when the pedal is not engaged. This maintains the integrity of your tone and prevents any unwanted coloration or signal degradation.
While the MXR M108S Ten Band EQ doesn’t offer a built-in boost function like some other EQ pedals, its primary focus is on providing precise EQ control. If you’re looking for a straightforward and reliable EQ pedal that allows you to fine-tune your tone, this pedal is a solid choice.
In conclusion, the MXR M108S Ten Band EQ is a versatile and reliable graphic equalizer pedal that offers precise control over your guitar’s tone. With its ten bands of EQ and wide range of frequency centers, you can shape your sound to suit any musical style or venue. The pedal’s bright LED indicators, true bypass switching, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any guitarist’s setup. Whether you’re a studio musician or a live performer, the MXR M108S Ten Band EQ provides the tools you need to achieve the perfect tone.
3. Boss GE-7 Graphic EQ Pedal
Specifications:
- Type: Graphic equalizer
- Number of Bands: 7
- Band Centers: 100Hz, 200Hz, 400Hz, 800Hz, 1.6kHz, 3.2kHz, 6.4kHz, plus/cut for each band
- Input/Output: 1 x 1/4″ (instrument)
- Power: 9V DC power supply (sold separately) or 9V battery
- Dimensions: 2.9″ x 5.1″ x 2.4″
- Weight: 1 lb
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Widely used and trusted brand | No boost function |
| Seven bands for versatile EQ control | No LED indicators |
| Compact and durable design | |
| Battery or power supply options | |
| Affordable price |
The Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer is a popular choice among guitarists seeking precise EQ control. With seven bands, each covering a specific frequency range, this pedal allows you to shape and tailor your guitar’s tone to your liking. Whether you need to cut through the mix with boosted mids or add more warmth to your sound by boosting the lows, the GE-7 offers the flexibility to achieve your desired tonal characteristics.
As a Boss pedal, the GE-7 is known for its durability and reliability. It is built to withstand the demands of live performances and frequent use. The compact design of the pedal makes it easy to fit on a pedalboard, and it can be powered either by a 9V battery or an external power supply, providing versatility in terms of powering options.
One notable aspect of the Boss GE-7 is its affordability. It offers a solid set of EQ features at a budget-friendly price, making it accessible to a wide range of guitarists. While it may lack some advanced features found in higher-end EQ pedals, it delivers reliable performance and essential EQ control for those on a budget or looking for a straightforward solution.
However, it’s worth noting that the Boss GE-7 does not include a built-in boost function, which may be a drawback for those who require a dedicated boost capability. Additionally, the pedal does not feature LED indicators to display the current EQ settings, requiring you to rely on your ears or additional visual aids for precise adjustments.
In conclusion, the Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer is a trusted and affordable option for guitarists who want to shape their tone with precision. With its seven bands and compact design, it provides versatile EQ control while maintaining the durability and reliability associated with the Boss brand. While it lacks a built-in boost function and LED indicators, it remains a solid choice for those seeking essential EQ capabilities at an accessible price point.
4. EarthQuaker Devices Tone Job EQ Pedal
Specifications:
- Type: Equalizer and boost
- Number of Bands: 3
- Boost Range: ±20dB
- Input/Output: 1 x 1/4″ (instrument)
- Power: 9V DC power supply (sold separately) or 9V battery
- Dimensions: 4.625″ x 2.5″ x 2.25″
- Weight: 0.5 lbs
| Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Combined EQ and boost pedal | Limited EQ bands |
| Flexible and responsive controls | No LED indicators |
| Versatile tone-shaping capabilities | |
| Compact and rugged build | |
| True bypass switching |
The EarthQuaker Devices Tone Job is a unique pedal that combines an equalizer and a boost function, offering versatile tone-shaping capabilities. With three bands of EQ and a ±20dB boost range, this pedal allows you to sculpt your tone and provide a volume boost when needed.
The Tone Job features intuitive and responsive controls for bass, treble, and midrange, allowing you to fine-tune your sound. The bass control adjusts the low frequencies, the treble control adjusts the high frequencies, and the midrange control provides a boost or cut in the midrange frequencies. This level of control enables you to tailor your tone to suit various musical styles and playing environments.
One advantage of the Tone Job is its compact and rugged design, making it suitable for both studio and live use. The pedal is built to withstand the rigors of the road and is pedalboard-friendly. It can be powered by either a 9V battery or an external 9V DC power supply, providing flexibility in terms of power options.