For a while now, digital plugin flangers have been sufficient, but the yearning for a dedicated Flanger Guitar Pedal is growing stronger. The goal is to capture that subtle, chorus-like shimmer reminiscent of The Police, alongside robust build quality. Features like a kill-dry or wet/dry mix are highly desirable for versatile effects routing in parallel setups. Any extra features would be a bonus. The question arises: can commercial flanger pedals offer something unique compared to DIY options?
Recent discussions and a plethora of new releases online have sparked curiosity, blurring the line between genuine need and the influence of targeted advertising. However, the core question remains valid for guitarists seeking that perfect flanger tone.
Is there a distinct advantage to choosing a commercially available flanger pedal over a DIY build, or vice versa? Can a pedal deliver authentic vintage flanger sounds while maintaining a low noise floor and incorporating modern, useful features? Sharing experiences and opinions on both commercial and DIY flanger pedals is highly encouraged, regardless of how minor they might seem.
Considering commercial options, brands like Spaceman Aurora, Thorpy Camoflange, Retro-sonic Flanger, Dreadbox Komorebi, Boss BF-2/3, A/DA Flanger, Moog MF Flange, and Strymon Deco come to mind.
For those inclined towards DIY, intriguing projects include the Lectric-FX Flintlock (A/DA Clone), DeadendFX Larry (Mutron), Enigma (Lovetone Flanger), and Flang-er-ama (Ibanez FL-99). Other DIY avenues include Electric Druid Flangilicious & Experimental Multiflange, Madbeans Current Lover, BYOC Stereo Analog Flanger, Dead Astronaut Flanger Filter, and PCBGuitarMania LectricLover. Exploring both commercial and DIY paths may reveal the ideal flanger guitar pedal to satisfy that sonic itch.
