If you’re looking for the best vibrato pedals on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
The vibrato sound is a huge part of music, but they can be hard to find. You have to deal with unscrupulous companies and their products that don’t work as well as they should.
The best vibrato guitar pedal is the one you trust and love. With so many options on the market it’s easy for your favorite pedal to get lost in the shuffle!
There are so many options out there that it can get overwhelming trying to find the best fit.
We understand how difficult this process can be and we want to make your search easier. That’s why we created a guide detailing what makes each pedal unique and how they differ from one another.
This way, when you decide which pedal is right for you, you won’t have any doubts about making the right decision!
Best Vibrato Pedals
At Guitar Exclusive we’ve got you covered!
We only feature the highest quality vibrato pedals available from some of our favorite brands like Boss, TC, Walrus and more!
So if you are interested in having your guitar sound like it’s singing, then you need a vibrato pedal.
A vibrato pedal will make your guitar sound like its singing through the use of pitch bending.
This blog post shares our list of the best vibrato pedals in order to help you find the perfect one for you!
Best Overall
Walrus Audio Julianna Deluxe Chorus Vibrato Pedal
The Julianna Deluxe Chorus Vibrato Pedal is the best chorus, vibrato and tremolo pedal you’ll find.
The drift function makes it easy to subtly speed up or slow down the Rate knob which creates a programming effect. (Kind of like tapping in tempo on an NP200.)
The random LFO Wave shape gives you a variety of modulation options, while still being a true analog with no synth sounds to date.
Built with an eye for quality, the Julianna Deluxe Chorus Vibrato Pedal by Walrus Audio is a powerful tool that you can use to get lush and beautiful flange tones.
This chorus/vibrato unit gives you all of the modes from chorus, vibrato, tremolo, or slow rate phasing in one convenient pedal. You also have tap tempo control so that you can set the speed on your LFO which is touchless and therefore beautiful.
It’s got stereo outputs too so be sure to send it out to a good amp!
Pros
Pros:
- Tap tempo control.
- Stereo in/Out Jacks.
- Drift function.
- Expression control.
- Lag control to set center delay.
- Great blend of chorus and vibrato.
Cons
Cons:
- Could be expensive if you are on a budget.
Best Budget
Behringer Ultra Vibrato UV300
Plug in the BEHRINGER ULTRA VIBRATO to give your guitar signal vibrato effects that range from surfy, sensuous bends to Hendrix-style rises and falls.
This pedal provides adjustable speed and depth controls for the “vibe” factor you are looking for.
The Ultra Vibrato makes a great gift idea for any guitarist who wants to spice up their sound! This pedal has dedicated Depth, Rate, Rise and Mode controls for awesome sound shaping.
A status LED indicates when the effect is on or off as well as battery check. It can be powered by a 9-volt Battery or the BEHRINGER PSU-SB DC power supply (not included).
Pros
Pros:
- Great value!
- Experience vibrato effects from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
- Competes with the bigger brand pedals.
- Soft, subtle, and effective.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Sounds great alone or combined with other effects.
Cons
Cons:
- Plastic housings (which keeps the price down).
- Battery door design could cause frustration.
DigiTech -ventura-vibe Rotary/Vibrato Pedal Guitar-Multi-Effects
As one of the most popular guitar effects pedals ever, this rotating wah-wah is equipped with three unique Rotary/Vibrato types:
Vintage – Inspired by vintage phaser-based Uni-Vibe effects
Modern – Borrowed from Guitar Player magazine’s readers poll for “essential effect” nomination
Original pure pitch-based vibrato effect Rotary – Based on a Leslie speaker rotary effect.
With Slow to fast Footswitch speeds and (foot) switchable volume sensitivity, not to mention True Stereo I/O and bypass integrity (true bypass circuitry).
DigiTech® has re-engineered their popular DVP3 with a compact stomp-able rotary footswitch for the Ventura vibe pedal.
The pedals include an 18 volt power supply and on/off switch as well as three user presets, VOX™ style rotating speed control pot, true bypass circuitry, 9′ cable to plug in directly to your amplifier.
Take your Ventura Vibe Pedal anywhere-even on stage!
Pros
Pros:
- Features three unique rotary/vibrato settings.
- Compact size.
- Many settings to keep you entertained for hours.
- Budget friendly price.
- Attaches and locks to your pedal board.
- Easy and simple controls.
Cons
Cons:
- Must use A/C adapter which is not included.
Best Under $150
TC Electronic Shaker Vibrato Pedal
The TC Electronic Shaker Vibrato Pedal is a unique addition to any pedalboard.
Based on an entirely new type of circuitry, the Shaker can produce tones from gentle pulse to full-on earthquake.
It simply needs two 9V batteries (not included) and your foot as the input for all its fun!
this pedal has speed, depth and level controls so you can find exactly what you’re looking for and then latch it off with the latch button if only momentary usage is required.
This vibrato pedal is a compact tool for adding custom vibrations to your sound.
Once you set the perfect combination of effect, intensity and oscillator type with just three controls, it’s always available in an instant no matter what patch or pedalboard you’re on thanks to true bypass that has zero tonal loss.
Pros
Pros:
-
- Two main modes – classic and momentary.
- Instant access to custom pedal settings.
- Features a true bypass.
- Sleek and compact.
- Versatile tone.
- Feels like a full-on earthquake!!
Cons
Cons:
- Drains battery quickly.
TC Electronic TAILSPIN VIBRATO
Another TC makes our list and rightfully so.
Guitarists looking for a classic, true pitch vibrato with that iconic 80’s sound and vintage vibe will love the TC Electronic TAILSPIN VIBRATO.
Featuring an all-analog, bucket brigade design, subtle wobbles to pitch bending vinyl sounds – and all the way up to ultra smooth, fast or slow whirling speaker tones.
Tailor your sound for everything from cosmic tape echo effects, Lalo Schifrin jazz vibes to psychedelic garage fuzz distortion.
Combining an all-analog circuit design based on the legendary ARP® MULTI-VOX®/BBD effects unit from 1972 with modern components like true bypass to preserve your signal integrity and built of heavy metal for durability, this pedal is worth showing off!
Pros
Pros:
- Get sounds from 80’s to 90’s grunge.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Natural sounding vibrato.
- Power with a 9v battery.
- Easy-to-use control layout.
- Great for all types of rock.
Cons
Cons:
- Would benefit from a volume control.
Best Under $250
BOSS WAZA CRAFT Vibrato Guitar Pedal
The Boss WAZA CRAFT Vibrato Guitar Pedal is an all analog circuit with the bucket brigade type line.
WAZA craft pedal is an expression of the ultimate BOSS tone experience.
With WAZA craft, you will receive a fully functional, premium-edition Vibrato effect with a custom mode designed for premium component selection in its most capable and expressive form.
Powered by ACI (Acoustic Control Interface) technology—the very same engine found on our flagship GT-10 Editor MIDI Guitar Controller—our Expression Pedal Blend knob blends your dry guitar signal to any degree by placing it behind or in front of the affected signal; creating natural vibratos through wet/dry emulation.
The sound engineers in charge of this musical instrument were able to recreate a true rendition of the vintage vibes with just a simple switch and adjustment knob that controls the depth if needed.
For those who are looking for something unique, there is also the option to plug in an expression pedal which allows them control over both intensity and speed.
Pros
Pros:
- Versatile in sound.
- Great to combine with other pedals.
- Vintage and modern settings.
- Real-time control.
- Smooth and warm.
- Analog bucket brigade circuitry.
Cons
Cons:
- Power supply sold separately.
Walrus Audio Julia Analog Chorus/Vibrato V2
We already talked about Julianna and now we have Julia. This pedal offers a classic analog chorus and vibrato pedal, with an unparalleled tonal palette.
Deep resonance, lush waves of sound and rich undertones are just the start – Julia can mimic anything from sweeping jet airplane swells to cascades of sparkling synth tones that will take your music in new directions.
Julia features a lag knob which lets you set the center delay time that the LFO modulates around as well as a rate knob which allows you to set how fast you would like it to sweep up or down.
Walrus Audio is well known for their raw vintage tone with a and this pedal takes it to the next level.
The Julia pedals are meant to be used where solos and harmonics will make an impact, not just for ambiance in the background.
If you’re looking for David Gilmour-esque sound look no further than this Vintage D-C-V Chorus/Vibrato Pedal by Walrus Audio!
Experience lush vocal textures that create a liquid style phasing which mixes well with the natural reverb of your instrument or amp.
Pros
Pros:
- Rich chorus/vibrato tone.
- Features rate, depth, and lag controls.
- D-C-V blend.
- Top mounted jacks.
- Offers a variety of tones and soundscapes.
- Durable.
Cons
Cons:
- Isolated supply is recommended.
Alternative Option 1
For our first alternative option, we have a very versatile chorus pedal that can give you some of those “bends” that you are looking for!
EarthQuaker Devices Sea Machine V3 Super Chorus Guitar Effects Pedal
The Sea Machine V3 Super Chorus is a chorus pedal that strives to meet the needs of guitarists who play heavy sounds, but need subtle and clean echo.
Designed for both studio and stage settings, this analog device will keep your typically dirty tone intact even when you’re dialing in high-gain overdrive.
Put it before or after your favorite fuzz/overdrive/distortion pedal for an epic soundscape with all the sonic shadings of the ocean at twilight.
The EarthQuaker Devices Sea Machine V3 Super Chorus Pedal is a true-bypass pedal that contains two independent rhythm voices, one of which can be slow warped by the trademarked sub-octave circuit.
With controls for just about everything from subtle warble to extreme oscillation, it’s capable of producing anything from classic Leslie to seasick pitch bends with all kinds of far out sounds in between.
Improving on an already remarkable design with better performance and sound, louder output where more range has been added to most every control.
Pros
Pros:
- Versatile with several possibilities for sounds.
- Great for clean, fuzzy, and overdrive tones.
- Clean sound and low noise.
- Silent relay-based switch.
- Durable.
- True-bypass.
Cons
Cons:
- May not be for those looking for a typical Vibrato sound.
Alternative Option 2
Our second alternative option is another fascinating pedal that will expand your sounds past the point of vibrato.
ZVEX Effects Instant Lo-Fi Junky Vexter Series Chorus Vibrato Guitar Pedal
The Vexter is an innovative new pedal that does it all.
Combining decades of ZVEX engineering, experimentation and artistry with lo-fi looping technology, the Vexter is designed from top to bottom to emulate the sounds and textures of old records.
Sleek, modest and darkly elegant in appearance, this chunky little box offers such a lovely range within one streamlined package.
You will experience such a wide variety of tones from bright compression that lasts for days to uber-dark tones that are downright eerie.
Mix the sparkly clear compressed signal with the smashed lo-fidelity warbled signal for luscious emulsification you can blend to perfection for custom mix ratios to create your sound, either as thick and gooey or airy fluttering’s of haunting reverie.
The controls can be manipulated anywhere between full compression and full vibrato mix for a wide variety of otherworldly chorus and pulsating vibrato tones you’ve never heard anything like before—perfect for haunting shoegaze or noise rock tracks or swirling psychedelic explorations.
Adjust your settings during down time (or while recording).
Pros
Pros:
- Achieve anywhere from lo-fi to funky sounds.
- Warm chorus effect.
- Several vibrato options.
- Able to blend sounds together.
- Ideal for lo-fi music.
- Inspires creativity.
Cons
Cons:
- Does not come with power supply.
- Does not offer a clean vibrato option.
Frequently Asked Questions
We just got done reviewing some pretty cool vibrato pedals. Now let’s take some time to chat about vibrato and some questions that one may have with relation to it and the guitar.
What exactly does Vibrato do?
Vibrato refers to the rapid modulation of pitch on an instrument (most often done by guitarists).
It can be used as a subtle effect or to create dramatic effects like Jeff Beck’s “She’s A Woman”.
Vibrato doesn’t just change pitches, it also changes timbre and intensity.
The most common technique is using your fingers to push down on two strings at once.
If you want some more volume from your sound, try using your thumb against one string while holding down another with two fingers.
Why do you need a vibrato guitar pedal?
A vibrato guitar pedal is needed to alter the pitch of the notes you play on your guitar.
It creates a sense of motion and depth, as if you are playing the song with an orchestra. Vibrato pedals are fun to use in bluesy solos or during an acoustic performance when you want to add some extra flair.
The best vibrato pedals should be easy to control, offer smooth transitions between pitches, and have enough range for subtle effects. You should also consider whether it has true bypass circuitry, so that there’s no interference when the pedal isn’t activated.
Which famous guitarists used vibrato?
There are plenty of famous guitarists who have been known to use this technique including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page just to name a few!
Let’s explore some more details.
Jimi Hendrix
We will take Jimi Hendrix as the first example. Jimi Hendrix used vibrato in his signature song “Purple Haze” as well as some other songs.
He would use it to get this high-pitched sound in the guitar that really complemented and enhanced the vocals he usually had playing behind him.
In order to achieve this effect, Jimi Hendrix would have his guitarist turn down or cut off all of the strings on their guitar except for those on either side of where they were fretting (playing). This caused a type of wobbly effect which can be heard really created his signature sound.
If you like to know more about how to sound like Hendrix, head on over to our post on the gear you need right here: How to Sound Like Jimi Hendrix.
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page was one of the most popular rock and roll guitar players in history.
He got his inspiration from well-known blues musicians like Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Howlin’ Wolf who he listened to as a child in England.
While some question if he invented or just popularized this technique, there is no doubt about his popularity among other players.
Eric Clapton
Many know that Eric Clapton is one of the most respected and influential guitarists in history. But how did he use vibrato?
Eric Clapton’s signature sound was his trademark “woman tone” which is a heavy, wailing effect created by using lots of feedback from the amplifier with a bluesy feel.
This was achieved by using lots of subtle but quick tremolo arm movements to create a wide range of effects.
He would also use vibrato on his strings when playing chords as well as single-note lines.
Can you use a vibrato pedal on a bass guitar?
You can use your guitar pedals for bass!
A lot of people don’t know this, but almost all guitar pedals have sound effects that are good on both the electric, acoustic, and bass guitars.
However, you can create a lot of fun sounds when using a vibrato pedal with a bass guitar.
What kind of sounds you get depends mostly on the brand of both the bass guitar and pedal. Like anything else you will need to play around with the settings to achieve the desired sound.
What is the difference between vibrato and tremolo?
Guitarists often confuse tremolo and vibrato pedals because they sound similar, but there is one key difference.
Tremolo pedals cause the volume of your guitar to fluctuate up and down while vibrato pedals pull the strings back and forth at a constant rate.
Vibrato Pedals are used to produce either a slow or fast variation in pitch.
The speed of the variation can be varied by adjusting knobs on the pedal for depth (how much pitch change) and speed (speed or frequency).
Tremolo Pedals create an effect in which one note continues as another note gradually fades out.
What is the difference between vibrato and chorus?
Vibrato and chorus are both similar effects that can be achieved by using a pedal.
Vibrato as we know is an effect which makes the guitar sound like it’s being played with a slight variation in pitch, while chorus is an effect which adds depth to the sound.
Both of these effects can produce different sounds depending on how they’re used, so it’s important to know what you want before picking either one.
Conclusion
To summarize, finding the perfect Vibrato guitar pedal can be a daunting task with so many options available, but we hope that we have helped you along the way by narrowing your search and making it easier for you!
One of the best things about guitar pedals is that they can take your creativity to new levels.
With so many different types, some may be perfect for you and some not as much. But there are a few main ones out there that might just be what you need!
The best vibrato pedal is the one that works for you. It’s not a question of what the “best” vibrato pedals are, it’s about picking out the ones that work for your style and skill level.
The right pedal can transform how you play guitar – whether you’re looking to add some cool effects or just want to experiment with new sounds, there are plenty of great options on the market today!
So if you haven’t tried out a vibrato pedal on your guitar before, then maybe it’s time that you should! It’s an excellent way to add some flavor to the sound of your guitar. Vibrato pedals are really easy to use too so that is another plus side.
We hope you have enjoyed this article and feel that you have enough information to make a sound purchasing decision.
Thank you for taking the time to check our this article and remember to always HAVE FUN!!
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