Imagine playing a note on your guitar and having it ring out, pure and clear, for as long as you want. It’s a magical sound that can make your music soar. But getting that perfect, lingering tone isn’t always easy. Many guitarists find it tricky to pick the right sustain pedal. There are so many different kinds, and it’s hard to know which one will sound best with your guitar and amp.
This guide is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a good sustain pedal and what to look for when you’re shopping. By the end of this post, you’ll understand the key features that matter. You’ll be able to choose a pedal that will truly enhance your playing and bring your guitar’s voice to life.
Let’s dive in and discover how to find the perfect sustain pedal for your sound.
Our Top 5 Guitar Sustainer Pedal Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Guitar Sustainer Pedal Detailed Reviews
1. Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer Pedal
Rating: 9.4/10
The Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer Pedal is a fantastic tool for any guitarist looking to add polish and control to their sound. It helps make your notes ring out longer and sound more even. This pedal is designed for guitarists and works with electric guitars.
What We Like:
- It has a low-noise design. This means you won’t hear annoying background sounds when you use it.
- You can easily adjust the sound with its controls.
- It features Level, Tone, Attack, and Sustain knobs. These let you shape your guitar’s tone exactly how you want it.
- It’s a durable pedal that can handle being used a lot.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might find the tone control a little too subtle for drastic changes.
- While it’s generally easy to use, mastering all the nuances of compression can take a bit of practice.
This pedal offers great control and a smooth, consistent sound. It’s a solid addition for guitarists wanting to improve their playing experience.
2. TC Electronic INIFINITE MINI SAMPLE SUSTAINER Sample and Sustain TonePrint Pedal with Simple Controls and a Tiny Footprint
Rating: 9.2/10
The TC Electronic INFINITE MINI SAMPLE SUSTAINER is a super cool guitar pedal. It lets you sample and hold your guitar sound. This creates a dreamy background, like a soft cloud, for you to play over. It’s perfect for making ambient music or adding a unique touch to your solos. Its small size means it won’t take up much space on your pedalboard.
What We Like:
- It samples and holds your guitar sound, making a cool ambient pad.
- The Infinite mode lets you layer sounds over and over. They blend together nicely.
- You can use the footswitch in two ways: press once to turn on/off, or hold it down for sound.
- The controls are easy to understand. You can adjust how long the sound lasts, how it fades in, and how it fades out.
- You can connect it to the TonePrint app. This gives you more options and lets you make your own special sounds.
- It’s really small, so it fits anywhere.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “fade in” control might be a little tricky to get just right at first.
- While the basic controls are simple, unlocking the full potential requires using the app, which adds a step.
This pedal is a fantastic tool for any guitarist looking to explore new sonic textures. It’s a simple yet powerful way to add depth and atmosphere to your playing.
3. Electro-Harmonix Pico Deep Freeze Sound Retainer/Sustainer Pedal
Rating: 8.7/10
The Electro-Harmonix Pico Deep Freeze is a tiny pedal that does big things for your sound. It lets you grab a moment of music and hold onto it, creating cool sustained notes or even wild soundscapes. This pedal is super fun for guitarists, bassists, or anyone who wants to experiment with their audio.
What We Like:
- It instantly captures and holds your sound.
- You get three ways to use it: Latch, Moment, and Auto.
- You can control how loud your original sound and the frozen sound are separately.
- The SPEED knob changes how fast the sound fades in or out.
- The GLISS knob lets you smoothly change between frozen sounds.
- It’s a compact pedal, so it doesn’t take up much space on your board.
What Could Be Improved:
- The small size can make the knobs a bit tricky to turn precisely for some players.
- More detailed examples of how to use the different modes could be helpful for beginners.
The Electro-Harmonix Pico Deep Freeze is a powerful little tool that unlocks creative possibilities. It’s a great way to add unique textures and sustain to your music.
4. JOYO Infinite Sustainer Guitar Strings Sustainer Device Handheld String Trigger Sustain Effects for Guitarists & Guitar Devotee (JGE-01)
Rating: 8.6/10
The JOYO Infinite Sustainer (JGE-01) is a cool gadget for guitar players. It’s like a special bow that makes your guitar strings sing for a long time. This device helps you create awesome sounds, like long notes and cool echoes, right from your guitar.
What We Like:
- It gives you two different ways to make notes last longer.
- It’s made of strong plastic and feels good in your hand.
- You can easily switch between the two sound styles with a simple flip of a switch.
- It makes your electric guitar sound like it’s being played with a bow, adding vibrato and other neat effects.
- It’s designed to be easy for guitarists to use and get natural-sounding sustain.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might take a little practice to get the hang of using it smoothly during a song.
- The magnetic field effect might work differently on various guitar pickups.
The JOYO Infinite Sustainer is a fun tool that can really add new dimensions to your guitar playing. It’s a great way to experiment with unique sounds and express yourself more musically.
5. Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer Pedal
Rating: 9.2/10
The Electro-Harmonix Freeze Sound Retainer Pedal is a unique effect that lets you hold a single note or chord indefinitely. Imagine playing a beautiful sustained note and then being able to play something else over it! This pedal makes that possible. It captures your sound and keeps it going, creating a rich, layered texture for your music.
What We Like:
- It offers infinite sustain with its latch mode, letting you hold notes as long as you want.
- You get two cool decay options: a fast, quick fade and a slow, lingering fade.
- The latch mode for sample capture is awesome for creating atmospheric soundscapes.
- It comes with its own power supply, so you don’t have to buy one separately.
What Could Be Improved:
- The momentary switch for latch mode might take a little getting used to for some players.
- While the decay modes are great, more control over the decay time could be a nice addition.
The Electro-Harmonix Freeze is a fantastic tool for any guitarist or keyboardist looking to add new dimensions to their sound. It’s a pedal that can really spark creativity and open up new sonic possibilities.
Choosing Your Perfect Guitar Sustainer Pedal
What is a Guitar Sustainer Pedal?
A guitar sustainer pedal is a cool gadget for guitarists. It lets you hold a note for a long time. Think of it like a magic wand for your sound. It makes your notes ring out longer than usual. This adds a lot of emotion and depth to your music. You can use it for slow, dreamy songs or for wild, soaring solos. It’s a great way to make your guitar sound extra special.
Key Features to Look For
Tone Quality
This is super important. You want a sustainer that sounds good. Listen to demos if you can. Does it sound clear? Does it add a nice richness to your notes?
Control Options
Some sustainers have knobs. These knobs let you change how much sustain you get. You might also find controls for things like volume or a special “mix” setting. More controls mean more ways to shape your sound.
Durability
Your pedal will be stomped on a lot! Look for pedals made from strong stuff. Metal casings are usually tougher than plastic ones.
Ease of Use
You want a pedal that’s simple to plug in and use. Does it have clear buttons or knobs? Is it easy to understand?
Power Options
Most pedals need power. Check if it needs a battery or a special power adapter. Make sure it comes with what you need, or that you can easily get it.
Important Materials
The best sustainers are built to last. Many use strong metal for their cases. This keeps the inside parts safe. The buttons and knobs should also feel good and sturdy. Sometimes, there are rubber feet on the bottom. These stop the pedal from sliding around on the floor. The internal electronics are also key. Good quality components help make a better sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Sustainer Great
- Good Sound Chip: The part inside that makes the sound.
- Sturdy Build: A strong metal case that won’t break easily.
- Simple Controls: Easy-to-use knobs that do what they say.
- Reliable Power: Works well with batteries or power supplies.
What Can Make a Sustainer Less Good
- Flimsy Plastic: A plastic case can crack or break.
- Noisy Sound: Some cheap pedals can add unwanted buzzing or hum.
- Confusing Controls: Too many buttons or knobs that don’t make sense.
- Poor Sound Quality: The sustained note might sound thin or fake.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who Uses Sustainers?
Many guitarists use sustain pedals. Rock guitarists love them for long, powerful notes. Blues players use them to add feeling. Ambient musicians use them to create dreamy soundscapes. Even jazz players might use them for a unique touch.
When to Use a Sustainer
- Slow Ballads: Make your notes ring out beautifully.
- Epic Solos: Hold those high notes to make them stand out.
- Ambient Music: Create a wash of sound.
- Adding Emotion: Give your playing more feeling and expression.
It’s all about making your guitar sing. A sustainer pedal is a fun tool for any guitarist who wants to explore new sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a special amp for a sustainer pedal?
A1: No, you don’t need a special amp. A sustainer pedal works with most guitar amps. You just plug it into your guitar and then into your amp.
Q2: Can I use a sustainer pedal with other effects pedals?
A2: Yes, you can! Most guitarists use them with other pedals. You can put it before or after other effects like distortion or delay to see what sounds you like best.
Q3: Will a sustainer pedal make my guitar sound like a violin?
A3: It can get close! Some sustainers have a special setting that can make your guitar sound a bit like a bowed instrument. It adds a really cool, smooth quality to the note.
Q4: Are there battery-powered sustainer pedals?
A4: Yes, many sustainer pedals can run on batteries. This is great for playing gigs where you don’t have easy access to power outlets.
Q5: How do I connect a sustainer pedal?
A5: You connect it like most other guitar pedals. You’ll need a guitar cable from your guitar to the “input” of the sustainer. Then, you’ll need another cable from the “output” of the sustainer to your amp or the next pedal in your chain.
Q6: What is the difference between a sustainer pedal and a delay pedal?
A6: A sustainer pedal makes a single note ring out for a long time. A delay pedal repeats the note multiple times, creating echoes. They do different things for your sound.
Q7: Can I control how long the note sustains?
A7: Yes, many sustainer pedals have a knob or control. This lets you decide how much sustain you want. You can go from a little extra ringing to a very long, drawn-out note.
Q8: Is a sustainer pedal good for beginners?
A8: Yes, they can be! They are usually easy to use and can add a lot of fun to your playing. It’s a great way to experiment with your sound.
Q9: What is the “harmonic” setting on some sustainers?
A9: The harmonic setting on some pedals can make the sustained note have a slightly higher, ringing tone. It’s like adding a subtle over-ring to the note.
Q10: Do I need to modify my guitar to use a sustainer pedal?
A10: No, you do not need to modify your guitar. Sustainer pedals are external effects. They work with any standard electric guitar without needing any changes to the instrument itself.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!