The ProCo Rat is more than just a distortion pedal; it’s a legend. For decades, guitarists across genres have turned to this seemingly simple stompbox to achieve a wide array of overdriven and distorted tones. From subtle grit to full-blown fuzz-like saturation, the Rat’s versatility and unique character have cemented its place as a cornerstone of guitar effects. But what exactly is it about the Rat that makes it so iconic, and how can you harness its power in your own playing? Let’s dive deep into the world of the Guitar Pedal Rat.
The History and Evolution of the Rat
The story of the Rat begins in the late 1970s at Pro Co Sound, a company primarily known for its cables and audio equipment. As the demand for distortion pedals grew, Pro Co sought to create their own offering. In 1978, the now-famous Rat was born. Designed by Scott Burnham, the original “Big Box” Rat quickly gained traction for its unique distortion circuit and robust build.
Over the years, the Rat has seen several iterations, each with slight variations in circuitry and features:
- The Big Box Rat (1978-1984): The original and arguably most collectible version, known for its raw and aggressive tone.
- The Whiteface Rat (1984-1988): Transitioned to a smaller enclosure and a white faceplate but maintained the core circuit.
- The Rat 2 (1988-Present): The most widely produced and recognized version, featuring a slight refinement of the circuit and a readily available, affordable price point.
- Turbo Rat: Offered a different clipping diode configuration for a more aggressive and brighter distortion.
- You Dirty Rat: Introduced a different op-amp and aimed for a more vintage, smoother distortion.
- Mini Rat: A compact version of the Rat 2, offering the same core sound in a pedalboard-friendly size.
This evolution demonstrates the enduring appeal of the Rat and Pro Co’s commitment to catering to diverse player preferences while preserving the essence of the original design.
What Makes the Rat Sound Unique?
The magic of the Rat lies in its unique approach to distortion. Unlike many overdrive pedals that rely on soft clipping, the Rat employs hard clipping diodes and a specially configured op-amp gain stage. This combination results in a distortion character that is often described as:
- Versatile Gain Range: The Rat can go from a light overdrive, perfect for pushing a tube amp into breakup, to a thick, almost fuzz-like distortion suitable for heavy riffs and solos.
- Filter Control: The “Filter” knob is a key element. Unlike a traditional tone control, the Filter on the Rat is a low-pass filter that cuts high frequencies as you turn it clockwise. This allows you to shape the harshness of the distortion, making it darker and smoother or brighter and more cutting.
- Mid-Range Focus: While not overly mid-scooped, the Rat has a distinct mid-range presence that helps guitars cut through a mix, especially in band contexts.
- Dynamic Response: Despite being a distortion pedal, the Rat retains a surprising amount of dynamic response to your playing. It cleans up reasonably well when you roll back your guitar’s volume knob, offering expressive control over the gain.
These sonic characteristics contribute to the Rat’s flexibility and its ability to work well across various musical styles.
The Rat in Different Genres and Famous Users
The Rat’s versatility is reflected in its adoption by guitarists across a wide spectrum of genres:
- Rock and Hard Rock: From classic rock tones to heavier hard rock sounds, the Rat excels at providing punchy rhythms and searing leads. Think of bands like The Police (Andy Summers) and R.E.M. (Peter Buck).
- Punk Rock: The raw and aggressive nature of the Rat makes it a perfect fit for punk rock. Guitarists like Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) have been known to use Rats.
- Indie and Alternative Rock: The Rat’s ability to create both subtle grit and more extreme distortion makes it a favorite in indie and alternative rock. Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) famously used a Rat, contributing to his signature grunge sound.
- Metal: While not typically associated with extreme metal genres, the Rat can deliver a thick and heavy distortion that works well for classic and some modern metal styles. Jeff Beck, known for his eclectic playing, has also utilized the Rat.
This diverse user base underscores the Rat’s adaptability and its ability to become an integral part of a guitarist’s signature sound, regardless of genre.
Rat vs. Other Distortion Pedals: Finding Your Distortion Flavor
With countless distortion pedals on the market, it’s natural to wonder how the Rat stacks up against the competition. Here’s a brief comparison to some other popular distortion types:
- Rat vs. Tube Screamer: While both are overdrive/distortion pedals, the Tube Screamer is generally smoother, mid-focused, and often used to boost tube amps. The Rat is more aggressive, versatile in gain, and has a more pronounced filter control.
- Rat vs. Big Muff: The Big Muff is a fuzz pedal known for its thick, scooped-mid, and sustaining fuzz. The Rat, while capable of fuzz-like tones at high gain settings, generally has a tighter, more focused distortion and more pronounced mids.
- Rat vs. Bluesbreaker/Transparent Overdrives: Pedals like the Bluesbreaker aim for a more transparent, amp-like overdrive that preserves the guitar’s natural tone. The Rat, in contrast, is more characterful and overtly shapes the tone with its distinct distortion circuit.
Choosing between these pedals depends on your desired sound and playing style. The Rat is an excellent choice if you need a versatile distortion pedal that can cover a wide range of gain levels and tonal colors, from overdrive to fuzz-like saturation.
Choosing the Right Rat Version for Your Needs
With various Rat versions available, selecting the right one can seem daunting. Here’s a simplified guide:
- Rat 2: The most versatile and readily available option. It’s a great starting point and covers a wide range of Rat tones. Ideal for players wanting a classic Rat sound without breaking the bank.
- Turbo Rat: If you need a brighter, more aggressive, and cutting distortion, the Turbo Rat is a good choice. Well-suited for heavier rock and metal styles.
- You Dirty Rat: For those seeking a smoother, more vintage-voiced Rat with a slightly warmer character, the You Dirty Rat is worth exploring.
- Vintage Big Box or Whiteface Rats: These are collector’s items and can be expensive. They offer the original Rat circuit and are prized for their raw and aggressive tone. Best for vintage gear enthusiasts and those seeking the “authentic” Rat experience.
- Mini Rat: If pedalboard space is a premium, the Mini Rat delivers the Rat 2 sound in a compact format without compromising tone.
Ultimately, the best Rat version for you depends on your personal preferences and sonic goals. Trying out different versions, if possible, is always recommended.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Rat
The guitar pedal Rat has earned its legendary status for good reason. Its unique distortion circuit, versatile gain range, and distinctive filter control make it a powerful tool for guitarists of all genres. Whether you’re seeking subtle overdrive, crunchy rhythm tones, or searing lead distortion, the Rat delivers. Its enduring popularity and continued production are testaments to its timeless design and its ability to inspire guitarists to create their own unique sounds. If you’re looking to add a classic and versatile distortion pedal to your rig, the Rat is undoubtedly a pedal worth considering.
