Danelectro has carved a unique niche in the guitar world, renowned for producing quirky, affordable, and surprisingly good-sounding instruments and effects. Among their diverse offerings, Danelectro Guitar Pedals stand out for their budget-friendly price tags and often intriguing designs. Today, we delve into one of their more enigmatic creations: the FAB Distortion pedal. This little box of rock ‘n’ roll promises a lot for a very small price, but its marketing copy hints at a mystery that has pedal aficionados scratching their heads.
Decoding the Mystery of FAB Distortion’s Origins
The official description of the Danelectro FAB Distortion throws down a gauntlet of intrigue right from the start. It boldly claims: “In the late seventies, a tiny effects maker in Japan produced a small quantity of what many believe is the definitive distortion box.” This statement immediately piques the interest of anyone familiar with pedal history. The late 70s in Japan was a hotbed of innovation for guitar effects, but the phrase “tiny effects maker” is deliberately vague.
The copy continues, adding fuel to the fire: “It had delicious tonality and was highly responsive and versatile. Recently, a boutique pedal maker reissued that box at $300 plus.” Now the mystery deepens. Which boutique maker? What original pedal are they referencing? The implication is that the FAB Distortion is Danelectro’s ultra-affordable answer to this sought-after, vintage-inspired distortion. Finally, the marketing copy lands the punchline: “Danelectro offers you the divine FAB Distortion at an unbelievable price, as a sonic equivalent to the prized original.”
This all sounds very compelling, but here’s where the mystery truly takes hold for pedal history enthusiasts. In the late 1970s, the landscape of Japanese pedal manufacturing wasn’t populated by “tiny” unknown makers in the way the copy suggests. Established companies like Maxon (who were indeed making pedals for Ibanez), Shin-Ei, and later BOSS were already prominent. The claim of a tiny maker producing a definitive distortion box that was then reissued by a boutique company leaves many pedal experts puzzled.
Initial guesses might lead one to consider the Maxon D&S, given Maxon’s connection to Ibanez and their presence in Japan at the time. However, the FAB Distortion’s sonic character and circuit design don’t align with the D&S, which is essentially a Big Muff variant. Furthermore, the FAB Distortion doesn’t seem to be a clone or direct descendant of any readily identifiable vintage Japanese distortion pedal from that era. It’s certainly not related to classics like the Ibanez Tube Screamer (which came later anyway), anything from Shin-Ei’s fuzz-heavy lineup, the BOSS SD-1 or SD-9, Guyatone pedals, Coran, ADT, or Arion distortions.
Alt text: Danelectro FAB Distortion pedal in a vibrant color, showcasing its compact and budget-friendly design.
The truth is, the exact origin and inspiration for the FAB Distortion remain shrouded in mystery. Whether the marketing copy is a deliberate exaggeration, a misunderstanding, or a reference to an incredibly obscure pedal is unknown. Perhaps the “tiny effects maker” is lost to time, or maybe the connection is more loosely inspirational than directly imitative.
Sound and Value Proposition of the FAB Distortion
Despite the enigmatic origins, the most important question remains: how does the Danelectro FAB Distortion actually sound? The good news is, for its incredibly low price point, it’s a surprisingly capable distortion pedal. It delivers a medium-gain distortion that’s versatile enough for rock, blues, and even some heavier styles. It’s responsive to playing dynamics and offers a usable range of tones. While it might not dethrone high-end boutique distortion pedals, it certainly holds its own against many other budget-friendly options and even some more expensive ones.
The real strength of the FAB Distortion, and indeed many Danelectro guitar pedals, is the sheer value they offer. For the price of a couple of fast-food meals, you get a distortion pedal that can genuinely enhance your guitar tone. This accessibility is a hallmark of Danelectro, making effects pedals available to players of all budgets. If you’re looking to experiment with distortion, need a backup pedal, or are simply seeking a cheap and cheerful drive for your rig, the FAB Distortion is a compelling option.
Danelectro: Championing Affordable Guitar Effects
Danelectro’s legacy is built on providing musicians with affordable and innovative gear. From their iconic guitars with lipstick pickups to their quirky effects pedals, they’ve consistently offered budget-conscious alternatives without completely sacrificing quality or character. The FAB series, in particular, exemplifies this philosophy, offering a range of effects at prices that are hard to beat. While the mystery surrounding the FAB Distortion’s inspiration might remain unsolved, its value and sonic capabilities are undeniable. For guitarists exploring the world of distortion pedals, the Danelectro FAB Distortion, and the wider range of Danelectro guitar pedals, are definitely worth checking out. They prove that great tone doesn’t always have to break the bank.
