With the invention of the electric guitar came a whole new industry: the pedal effects industry. Today there is a huge array of sound manipulating, distorting, and contorting devices to add layers of sonic possibility to your guitar.
But, do you know what the first “effect” designed for the electric guitar was?
It was the Tremolo.
The earliest version was actually called Vibrato and was a built-in feature on early Fender amplifiers. From there the Tremolo effect pedal was born.
Tremolo has been used by nearly every great guitar player. The sound is unmistakable, and the feel and vibe of Tremolo have left a long-lasting mark on musical styles and genres.
You can hear the sound of the Tremolo effect in the works of Pink Floyd, Nirvana, CCR, The Smiths, and Bo Diddly as well as a whole list of other great artists.
The Tremolo effect works by varying the volume level. Think about it like turning the volume knob up and down on your guitar but quickly and perfectly rhythmically. The effect is something like a trembling sound from your guitar, which is where the name comes from.
Tremolo is essential for any guitar player.
But which one is the right one for you?
Well, we are going to give you what’s what on the best Tremolo pedals available…
Contents
- Top 10 Best Tremolo Pedals In 2023 Reviews
- 1 Keeley KDYNA Keeley Dynatrem Tremolo
- 2 Wampler Latitude Deluxe V2 Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal
- 3 Fulltone Custom Shop Supa-Trem2 Stereo Tremolo Pedal
- 4 Boss Audio Tr2 Tremolo Pedal
- 5 Diamond Pedals Tremolo
- 6 Voodoo Lab Tremolo
- 7 Behringer Guitar Pedal Orange Ut300
- 8 Joyo JF-09 Tremolo Guitar Pedal With True Bypass Wiring
- 9 Earthquaker Devices Hummingbird V4 Repeat Percussion Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal
- 10 Source Audio Sa243 Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal
- Best Tremolo Pedal Buyer’s Guide
- And The Winner Of The Best Tremolo Pedal Is…
Top 10 Best Tremolo Pedals In 2023 Reviews
1 Keeley KDYNA Keeley Dynatrem Tremolo
The first entry on our list is a pedal with some technological innovation. The DynaTrem actually adjusts the Tremolo effect based on your playing. This is a highly-dynamic pedal that allows you to control the rate or depth of the Tremolo effect by playing harder or softer.
There are three tone settings that affect the response of the Tremolo. The first is Dynamic Rate, where the rate of the Tremolo responds to your picking. Send is Dynamic Depth, here the depth will adjust based on how hard or soft you play. And the Harmonic Tremolo setting, which has more of a phase and reverb sound.
The depth and rate control knobs on the pedal act as limiters on the responsiveness to your playing attack. There is a selector switch in the middle of the pedal which allows you to set the pedal to be responsive to rate or depth or to kick in the Harmonic Tremolo.
It also includes a shape knob that acts as a reverb switch combined with the Tremolo. This adds a really warm feeling that is modulated and carries out more of the Tremolo waves.
With four different shape settings, you can really add a lot of variation to your overall Tremolo sound and tone. The four wave-forms are Ramp Up, Sine Wave, Ramp Down, and Square wave. Each one is distinctive and pairs differently on any of the Tremolo settings.
Designed by Keeley, this Tremolo pedal is anything but an ordinary Tremolo sound. The different settings and responsiveness plus the shape wave-form option can really get your guitar sound shaking, rattling, and rolling like no other Tremolo pedal.
(5 / 5)- Innovative Dynamic Response.
- Four wave-form shape settings.
- Harmonic Tremolo setting for clearer depth and rate.
- Sturdy and made from quality materials.
- Wide-range of possible Tremolo sounds.
- Will not recreate the vintage tremolo sound and settings.
- Takes time to experiment with the settings.
2 Wampler Latitude Deluxe V2 Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal
The Wampler Latitude Deluxe V2 Tremolo is a digital pedal that offers the best in vintage sounds and the most modern tones. The digital aspect is pretty sweet because it allows you to control an analog signal. The overall effect is a great tone with consistency and control.
This Tremolo pedal features tap tempo controls with four subdivisions.
But, what does that mean?
It means that this Tremolo pedal can easily sync-up with just about any song you want to play. The four subdivision tempos are quarter note, eighth note, dotted eighth note, and triplets.
The choice of three different waveforms means you can vary the sound of the pedal to your liking. You can have it set to a smooth and classical sounding Tremolo, or you can flip it to sound like a thumping, choppy Blackhawk helicopter.
The basic controls for this Tremolo pedal are the following.
- Space Knob – this allows you to adjust the amount of “space” between the chords or notes you play. This control lets you really get some of those old vintage long Tremolo waves.
- Attack Knob – Adjusts the volume that comes through within each waveform. Essentially allows you to hit the initial sound hard with a smooth and steady fade out.
- Depth Knob – this controls how long or deep the Tremolo effect lasts.
- Speed Knob – obviously this controls how fast the Tremolo effect works. Using this knob allows you to set the number of times your guitar volume will peak in one minute.
- Volume Knobs – allows you to control the overall Tremolo output so that it will never get lost in the mix with any other effects.
This Tremolo pedal has a lot of diverse setting for you to explore. It offers a superb clean tone and sound when used on its own. When added to the mix with other effect pedals you can push out some trippy effects or methodical chainsaw-like sounds.
(4.3 / 5)- Digital controls for an analog signal.
- Four preset tempo subdivisions.
- Excellent sound and tone on a clean channel.
- Adjustable waveform.
- A little pricey.
- Will need to find the right position in your effects chain for optimal sound.
3 Fulltone Custom Shop Supa-Trem2 Stereo Tremolo Pedal
A true throbbing Tremolo that is in stereo. This pedal offers more than just a sweet Tremolo sound; it also acts as a boost pedal at the same time. This Tremolo can best be described as fat.
The volume on this Tremolo pedal can produce up to 15dB of pure, clean boost. This pedal features a mix control knob that lets you find the right amount of Tremolo you want in the mix. The same mix control also lets you use the pedal as a boost.
The Supa-Trem2 Stereo Tremolo pedal allows you to create your own distinctive sounds. The Waveform switch gives the option of three different waveforms to shape your sound. The Sine-wave is a simple, classic Tremolo vibe. The Square-wave setting gives you choppy and stunted waves at any speed even when played at a high gain.
The “Warble” wave setting helps make this a distinct Tremolo pedal. The “warble” is not found on other Tremolo pedals. It allows you to dial those vintage waveforms from the earliest tremolo effects. This setting is organic-sounding and will get you rolling all over the place in your own style.
The Phase Correlation Knob is another unique feature of the Fulltone Supa-Trem2 pedal. This knob lets you push the outputs to any degree either in or out of phase. This function can really pump out some unheard of Tremolo sounds.
The Tap Tempo switch can produce incredibly slow speeds when panning between the stereo outputs. Likewise, it can be revved up to super-fast speeds. This lets you match your speed to almost any tempo. There is also the option to enable the True Half Speed/Double Speed function, which can set the tempo to match 3/4 time easily.
As a stereo Tremolo pedal, the Fulltone Supa-Trem2 offers distinctive sounds that roll between the left and right channels. The kind of settings found on this pedal makes it truly a unique effect pedal.
(5 / 5)- Stereo output channels.
- Works as a clean boost.
- Waveform switch offers lots of sound possibilities.
- Captures the organic vintage Tremolo sound and tone.
- Phase Correlation Knob
- Stereo output not very noticeable when playing through a single speaker amp.
- A bit larger in size.
4 Boss Audio Tr2 Tremolo Pedal
A compact and easy-to-use Tremolo pedal. The BOSS TR-2 Tremolo gives you classic tremolo sound and tone without any bells and whistles. With just three different controls you can produce a variety of high-quality vintage Tremolo effects.
The dedicated Wave Knob controls the waveform, allowing you to adjust it from triangle to square waves and everything in-between. The Rate Knob adjusts the speed of the waves and allows for a greater amount of speed than the older Tremolo pedal made by BOSS. And the Depth Knob lets you control how much of the Tremolo effect you will be pumping out.
You can set this pedal to a smooth, pulsing waveform or sharp-edged on/off waves in a raging Tremolo effect.
This Tremolo pedal doesn’t create any noise or hum when engaged.
It is great for practicing and experimenting with your Tremolo sound since it has a wide range of sound settings.
This pedal also comes with a five-year warranty, which shows how much BOSS stands behind their products.
At a low price, this Tremolo pedal is the best starter pedal for those new to the Tremolo effect.
(4.5 / 5)- Easy to use and compact.
- Quality construction and low price.
- Good for experimenting with basic vintage Tremolo sounds.
- Five-year warranty.
- No true-bypass.
- Drains the battery quickly without an external power supply.
5 Diamond Pedals Tremolo
Here is a Tremolo pedal that utilizes a 100% analog signal, with a microchip controller to dial-in a wide array of sound features.
By making the signal a pure analog one, the Diamond Tremolo produces a vintage tone that is lacking in full digital Tremolo pedals. The analog signal makes use of an optoisolator, which transfers the electrical signals using light. This is the same design and circuitry used in vintage tube amplifiers that were made in the 1960s.
The Diamond Pedals Tremolo features Tap Tempo footswitch along with the ability to double the speed. The TapView feature allows you to actually see the tempo. An indicator light above the Tap Tempo footswitch will blink along with the tempo you want to be selected.
This pedal has preset timing accents for 3/4, 6/8, 2/4, and 4/4 timing.
It also includes a Rhythmic Tremolo mode and a “Chaotic” mode. The Chaotic mode means that the speeds will vary randomly along with any waveform. This creates some pretty wild shifts in the shape, size, and sound of your guitar. The name “Chaotic” is aptly descriptive.
The basic waveforms found in the Tremolo pedal are Sharkfin, Sine, and Square & Chop. The combination of waveforms and timing tempos offers a huge amount of possible sounds that will have you playing around for days, lost in trickles and tempests of Tremolo.
(4.2 / 5)- 100% analog signal.
- TapView lets you see your tempo setting.
- Vintage Tremolo tone that is clear and full.
- Variable waveforms.
- Chaotic timing setting for experimenting.
- A bit expensive.
- Not for Tremolo newbies.
- Optoisolator is delicate, so pedal needs to be handled with care.
6 Voodoo Lab Tremolo
A Tremolo pedal that pays homage to the old-school Tremolo sound and tone.
The Voodoo Lab Tremolo gives you a sexy, slippery tone reminiscent of vintage tube amps. By using the same lamp and photocell that were found in vintage amplifiers, this pedal can easily re-create the feeling of days gone by.
This is another pedal that makes use of an analog signal to capture the pure clarity of built-in Tremolo.
One of the biggest difference makers for this pedal is the Slope Knob. This allows you to control the waveform down to the slightest variation. While many other tremolo pedals have waveform presets, the Voodoo Trem opens up the field for sound shaping.
You can set it to a smooth-flowing triangle wave that stretches to the horizon or dial-in short, stuttering bursts that rattle in rapid fire.
Using the Slope control along with the Speed knob provides a range of Tremolo tones, shapes, and attack. A dedicated Volume Knob allows you to push the Tremolo effect up in the mix without sacrificing signal strength or clarity.
The Intensity Knob controls the mix between the rate (Speed) and the waveform (Slope). This allows you to blend the tremolo and the signal to your personal liking.
(3.8 / 5)- Captures vintage tube amp Tremolo tone.
- Analog signal with lamp and photocell.
- Slope Knobs allows for great diversity in the waveform.
- Intensity Knob provides a range of Tremolo sounds settings.
- Made in the US.
- Volume control needs more power.
7 Behringer Guitar Pedal Orange Ut300
Behringer has produced at Tremolo pedal that stays true to the classic and warm sound of a 1960s tube amp Tremolo effect, all at a very affordable price.
If you are looking for a Tremolo pedal that really captures the Surf-Rock sound of the 50s and 60s, then this little pedal may be just the thing for you. The Behringer Orange UT300 is easy to use and doesn’t try to be anything other than an honest recreation of past Tremolo effects.
This pedal has three dedicated control knobs: Rate, Wave, and Depth. The Rate Knob controls the speed of your Tremolo. The Wave Knob allows you to adjust the waveform between a triangle and a square wave. This lets you really tinker with how much attack, linger, snap, and chop you want to use in your sound. The Depth Knob allows you to control the level of the Tremolo effect.
These three control knobs let you easily shape your sound, anywhere from classic wobbly Surf-Rock to spacey, rolling pulses of modern Math-Rock.
Behringer has designed this pedal to compete with any high-end, expensive Tremolo pedal out there at a fraction of the cost.
(4.5 / 5)- A wide variety of sounds and shapes.
- Very low price.
- Compact and easy to use.
- Digital signal, so does not have an analog feel.
- Plastic case means possible issues with durability.
- Some concerns about component quality.
8 Joyo JF-09 Tremolo Guitar Pedal With True Bypass Wiring
The Joyo JF-09 Tremolo pedal is as bare-boned of a pedal as you can get. Made with a heavy duty footswitch and an all-metal casing this Tremolo pedal features True Bypass construction. It is sturdy and strong.
The only control knobs on this Tremolo pedal are Rate and Intensity. The Rate Knob obviously controls the speed of the Tremolo effect. The Intensity Knob is basically a depth control. It allows you to push the strength of the Tremolo effect up in the mix with any other pedal effect you are using.
This pedal produces authentic Tremolo tones. Somewhat wavy and somewhat gritty as you push the intensity level higher and higher.
It comes with a 9V battery for quick plug-in and play. It also has the option to use an external power supply unit.
What makes this pedal different from others is that it sounds like a pedal that could easily cost four times as much as it does.
It is manufactured in China, which will put some people off. However, this is why the price is so low, but it maintains a quality Tremolo sound and tone with enough heft to make it stand out in the mix.
A basic and compact tremolo pedal that is great for anyone just dipping their toe into the deep sea of Tremolo effects.
(4.1 / 5)- Very inexpensive.
- Authentic Tremolo tones.
- Easy to use and solid construction.
- True Bypass wiring.
- No a lot of variation in Tremolo sounds.
- Made in China.
- Some of the wirings are a bit flimsy.
9 Earthquaker Devices Hummingbird V4 Repeat Percussion Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal
This Tremolo pedal is breaking into new territory in the world of guitar effects.
The EarthQuaker Hummingbird Tremolo pedal gives you some of the choppiest and most daring waveform patterns found in Tremolo pedals. Modeled on vintage “repeat percussion” units found in 1950s tremolo makes this a very dynamic pedal. It can produce nearly any kind of Tremolo sound and tone. From the shimmering classic Tremolo sound to hyper-synth delays that pop and chop.
The Hummingbird features three different modes to accentuate your sound. The Modes are slow, mid-tempo, and fast that affect the range of the oscillator. The Rate knob controls the speed of the oscillator. The Depth knob allows you to adjust how much the oscillator affects the signal. This is different from the overall output of the pedal.
Basically, when the Depth knob is set to full, you will get heavy and thick choppiness. With the Depth knob turned down counter-clockwise, there is no chop, and it allows you to use this pedal more like a boost signal.
The Level knob controls the overall output of the tremolo effect. It has lots of power and can easily lift the Tremolo effect to soaring heights above all the other effects in the mix. You won’t have to worry about a drop off in volume with this pedal.
What’s more is that this pedal is made by hand in Akron, Ohio.
(4.1 / 5)- Three dynamic modes settings for tempo.
- Vintage and modern Tremolo tones and sounds.
- High-quality manufacturing.
- Made in the US.
- Powerful enough to use as a simple boost pedal.
- Not a pure analog tremolo effect.
10 Source Audio Sa243 Vertigo Tremolo Effect Pedal
The Vertigo Tremolo is the next generation in digital Tremolo effects.
This pedal offers you three Tremolo styles that are each distinct in their own ways. First is the Normal Trem, which provides the classic warm thumping hum of old Fender amplifiers.
The Harmonic Trem allows you to capture the ghostly waviness of Fender’s original Vibrato effect. This setting oscillates between high and low frequency boosts giving this pedal the feel of an undulating phaser effect.
And lastly is the Bias Tremolo which is slightly and sweetly over-driven. This setting lets you dive into the swamp of tube bias modulation, perfect for a grimy ripple-like Tremolo sound.
The Shape knob allows you to choose which kind of waveform you want to ride on, with the options being square, sine/opto, and sawtooth waveforms.
But where this Tremolo pedal looks to the future is that can be paired with the Neuro Mobile App. The app is available for both iOS and Android. With the app you can save up to 128 different presets of your own liking. You can then use a MIDI foot-controller to access each of your personal settings while playing live.
There is, even more, you can do with the app, which includes adjusting the wet/dry mix, parametric EQ, stereo modulation and a whole lot more.
Even without connecting the Vertigo Tremolo to a mobile app, it already offers you a great range of Tremolo sound possibilities and tonal accents. You can adjust the rate, depth, and volume of this pedal using standard control knobs.
The pedal is well-designed and strong with a metal casing. It requires a DC 9V adapter to power it, and it does have plenty of power.
Looking to bury your head in endless Tremolo combinations, and don’t have any hang-ups about going full Geek Squad with your effects and mobile device?
The Vertigo Tremolo pedal will satisfy any ADD itch.
(4.9 / 5)- Three distinct mode settings.
- Adjustable waveforms.
- Works with mobile devices to offer a whole new world of sound possibilities.
- Strong and sturdy.
- Not a good fit for those less tech-savvy musicians.
- A little bit pricey.
- Input and Output ports are parallel and on the same side.
Best Tremolo Pedal Buyer’s Guide
Not that you have had the chance to get to know the best Tremolo pedals there are a few more things you might want to take into consideration.
Learned Scholar Or Preschooler?
When it comes to effects like Tremolo, there are a lot of technical terms and words that get used. For example waveform, sine, and optoisolator just to name a few. Some of these terms will make perfect sense to the season players. But for those who are new to Tremolo, these might sound confusing.
Don’t worry if you are unclear. Remember the basics of the tremolo: it affects the volume output and gives you a delay-like vibe or tremble.
If you are someone who is inexperienced in the variety of Tremolo settings and mechanics, you are better served with a pedal that is more simplified.
A large number of variations in settings will not serve you as well as just getting to know all about the Tremolo.
Also read: Top 10 Best Vocal Harmonizer Pedals For The Money
And The Winner Of The Best Tremolo Pedal Is…
We have come to that point; picking a winner. While all the pedals we reviewed are excellent one will always stand out. And that is the…
EarthQuaker Devices Hummingbird V4 Repeat Percussion Tremolo Guitar Effects Pedal
We had to go with this bad boy for its dynamic simplicity, adherence to vintage tremolo construction, and fair price.
The mode settings are easy to understand and offer a wide variety of sounds. It is made in the US, so you won’t have to worry about quality control.
And we also think it looks sweet in green with hummingbird prints on it. For anyone just starting out with Tremolo or someone who is a philosopher of “All Things Trem,” you will be hard-pressed to find a better pedal to meet your needs.
We also need to give a strong, honorable mention to the…
BOSS AUDIO TR2 Tremolo Pedal
A simple and quality sounding Tremolo pedal at a price that can not be beaten. BOSS may not be your first choice for effects, but they have consistently made durable and high functioning effects that even the most novice of players can easily command.
We hope you now have a pretty good idea about the right Tremolo pedal for you. As one of the very first guitar effects ever, there’s a lot of diversity out there as the effect has evolved and technology has pushed that unforgettable Tremolo sound to new dimensions of musical divinity.
Tremolo is the Holy Ghost of guitar effects. Your guitar won’t forgive you if you haven’t heard it with a Tremolo.
So let the spirit move you.
There’s redemption to be found with your new Tremolo pedal.