Effects unit

Effect units are devices that affect the sound of an electric guitar or bass guitar when plugged in to the electrical signal path of the sound.

See also stomp box.

Effects include:

• Gain-based
  • Overdrive
  • Distortion (see Fuzz box)
• Tone-based
  • Wah-wah
  • Pitchshifter
• Time-based
  • Delay
  • Echo
  • Chorus
  • Flanging
  • Vibrato(see below)
• Volume-based
  • Tremolo(see below)

Vibrato and Tremolo

Guitarists use these terms inconsistently with each other and with other musicians. A vibrato unit in a guitar amplifier produces tremolo, while a tremolo arm on a guitar produces vibrato. However, finger vibrato is genuine vibrato. See Electric guitar, tremolo, vibrato.