Well, Cyber Monday is over for another year. We all know Cyber Monday is easily one of the best times of year to grab a stompbox-related bargain - and this year may have been the best we've ever seen - luckily there's still time to grab a bargain! That's right, the Cyber Weekend deals are still alive and kicking, so if you're in the market for some tasty new pedals, now is the time to buy.
Over the last few years of covering this mega sales event, we've seen huge discounts applied to all the big-name brands, such as Boss, MXR, JHS, TC Electronic, NUX, Pigtronix, and so many more – and we'll be sure to see more of the same this year.
Of course, it's not only heavily discounted stompboxes on offer, there are also deals to be had on patch cables, pedalboard power supplies, and everything else you may need to build your dream pedalboard.
Pro Co Lil’ Rat: was $89.99 now $80.99 with code
The Pro Co Rat is the distortion pedal beloved by everyone from Dave Grohl to David Gilmour, and its latest incarnation downsizes the format to suit any pedalboard. The Lil’ Rat captures all those classic fuzzstortion tones in a teeny enclosure that still rocks the trademark Filter control for properly sculpting the filth – that’s why we awarded it 4.5/5 in our review. But it’s cheaper for Cyber Monday, too: you can knock that $89.99 price tag down to $80.99 at Musician’s Friend using the code CYBER at checkout.
Wampler Triumph Overdrive: was $99.99 now $84.99
Hailed as “better than the Bad Monkey” by JHS Pedals head honcho and guitar tone influencer Josh Scott, the Triumph takes the best features of DigiTech’s cult classic overdrive and mixes it with the Boss SD-1 for a dual-voice pedal that can handle all overdrive scenarios. A three-band EQ means it can slide into any rig, while its pair of modes offer two distinct flavors: the mid-hump Smooth mode and more open, touch-sensitive Punch. At $84.99 from Musician’s Friend, this is an absolute steal.
IK Multimedia AmpliTube pedals: $329 $229
Equip your pedalboard with a wealth of new tones with this killer deal on IK Multimedia’s feature-packed (and just a little bit Strymon-inspired) AmpliTube X-Gear pedals. The X-Drive overdrive, X-Time delay, X-Space reverb and X-Vibe modulation each boast 16 cutting-edge algorithms, a trio of footswitches and an aluminum chassis – and now feature a tasty $100 off at Sweetwater.
EarthQuaker Devices Plumes: Was $99, now $79.20
As one of our favorite Tube Screamer clones, we had to shout the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes. It’s a small-ish reduction at $19.80, but that still makes it cheaper than you’ll find anywhere else at the moment. As you’d expect from a good TS clone, it’s perfect for pairing with a mid-scooped amp and goes nicely stacked with other drive and distortion pedals too. Already excellent value for money, it’s certainly that more tempting at the moment in the Guitar Center sale. If you’re into EQD pedals then definitely check out the full EarthQuaker Devices pedal sale, with loads of offers from the Ohio-based pedal brand.
DigiTech Whammy: was $299 now $249
You’ve heard this perennially popular pitch-shifter on countless recordings, from Rage Against the Machine to Muse, Steve Vai, Radiohead and beyond. Its trademark octave-up squeals and synthesizer-esque harmonies have made it one of the most iconic pedals of all time, so any kind of discount is a rare thing indeed. Save $50 now at Guitar Center and revolutionize your pedalboard.
Boss RE-202 Space Echo: Was $419.99, $379.99 As one of our top picks for best delay pedals, this supreme tape delay emulation pedal is one of the most expansive sounds you can put on your pedalboard. It's still very new, so we're happy to see a healthy $40 discount off the regular price over at Guitar Center.
UAFX 1176 Compressor: Was $199, now $169 There are many imitators to the ubiquitous 1176 compressor, but we love that the UAFX 1176 has all the versatility of the plugin and the same tone sculpting options we’d get when mixing in the box. Use it as a sustainer, a clean boost, or even an overdrive in dual mode, or just as an always-on tone sweetener for your rig.
Neural DSP Quad Cortex: $150 off One of the most popular amp modelers around, the Neural DSP Quad Cortex delivers incredible guitar tones, but to be honest is pretty expensive. That said it's rare we see a price drop on such a quality bit of kit, so whilst it's a comparatively small $150 reduction against the retail price, it's undeniable that the QC is absolutely worth the investment.
Boss DS-1W Distortion: was $149, now $99
The DS-1W aims to be the ultimate DS-1, featuring the original tone beloved by Kurt Cobain, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, as well as a new Custom mode, which bumps up the volume and midrange for a more refined take on the iconic hard-clipping sound – we awarded it 4.5/5 in our review for a reason. This modern stompbox classic was only launched last year, so we’re surprised to see $50 slashed off the price at Sweetwater, but we’ll definitely take it.
Neural DSP Quad Cortex: Free plugin and GigCase As above, but with a far more suave, James Bond-esque aesthetic thanks to its black enclosure and ornate gold encoder footswitches. Again, you get a free plugin worth $159.99 and a Neural GigCase valued at $119.99. The perfect bundle for the perfect all-in-one rig? We'd say so.
Boss GT-1000 multi-FX: Was $1,099, now $899 With hundreds of Boss amp, effect and speaker models, plus loads of tactile controls, foot switches and an expression pedal, the GT-1000 puts the Boss tones you know and love at your feet. It’s got a looper, plenty of connectivity, and for a limited time only, $200 off at Guitar Center!
UAFX pedals: Up to $80 off Universal Audio pedals Bag amazing savings on almost the entire range of UAFX guitar pedals, with prices slashed by between $50 and $80 on our top picks and more, right through until November 16.
Pedaltrain Novo 18 SC: Was $149.99, now $119.99
Pedaltrain has long been the go-to for reliable, portable pedalboards. The Novo 18 measures 18”x14.5”, with a five-rail design. It’s made of ultra-lightweight aircraft aluminium and comes with its own fitted gig bag. They’ve even thrown in 90” of hook-and-loop tape, as well as zip ties for you to fasten your pedals. Save $30 today at Sweetwater.
JHS Bonsai: Was $249, now $186.75 Everybody needs a Tube Screamer on their ‘board, but how about nine of them? The JHS Bonsai gives you every imaginable flavor of the world’s most popular overdrive pedal. Whether you want the classic low-gain grind of the TS808, or the late 90s TS7 with its characteristic low-end dirt tones, this pedal gives you pretty much every iteration of this ultra-popular overdrive pedal.
NUX Flow Tune Mini Tuner Pedal: Was $69 now $39
Regular ol’ tuner pedals a little too… bland? NUX has got you covered with the retina-satisfying Flow Tune, a mini pedal with a pink enclosure and substantial high-def LCD display. All the essential features of a modern-day pedal tuner are present and correct: 0.1-cent tuning accuracy, strobe mode, and a choice of buffered and true bypass switching. And it’s a rather bonkers $39 – $30 off – at Musician’s Friend.
MXR M66S Classic Overdrive: Was $69 now $49
MXR’s most affordable overdrive may not offer all the bells and whistles of its pricier brethren, but it’s no slouch in the tone department. Spanning a touch of grit to hairier overdrives, it’s an easy way to give you clean tone some punch or stack with other drives. Plus, if you believe certain internet rumors, it can be turned into a far pricier Zakk Wylde Overdrive with the flick of a switch on the circuit board. Two pedals for the price of one? You can’t say fairer than that, especially with $20 off at Guitar Center.
JHS 3 Series pedals: Was $99 now $74.25 each
Even at $99, the JHS 3 Series pedals are a bargain. The comprehensive lineup covers quite literally all tonal bases – overdrive, distortion, chorus, fuzz, delay, screamer, reverb and tremolo included – and each unit is so easy to use it practically operates itself: just three control knobs and mode-switching toggles. Plus, they’re built by JHS, so you know you’re investing in a top quality pedal. They are now a generous 25% off at Guitar Center.
Walrus Audio Fundamental Series: $99 now from $79
Walrus Audio’s answer to the JHS 3 Series, the Fundamental Series pedals are almost just as affordable, equally easy to use, and also cover a vast tonal range. Here, there are three voices per pedal, and (get this) sliders to control the parameters. Nifty, eh? A selection of fuzz, overdrive, distortion, reverb and all sorts of other pedals are now available from $79 thanks to Guitar Center’s discount.
MXR Eric Gales Raw Dawg Overdrive:$119 now $79
Eric Gales is one of the most tasteful blues players of our age, and the MXR Raw Dawg is at the heart of his celebrated tone. The signature overdrive mini pedal is small enough to fit on the most crowded of ‘boards (you can never have too many drives, right?) but it has a Tube Screamer-inspired tonal capacity that totally outweighs its humble size. Look no further than Gales’ own demo of the pedal to hear what it’s capable of. Musician’s Friend’s $79 offer should tempt you.
Line 6 HX Stomp: Was $699, now $649 Possibly the best bit of kit you'll treat your pedalboard too, the HX Stomp is crammed with high quality Line 6 effects, all the amp and cab models you could ever need, and three footswitches that help you navigate the above in a number of different ways. Regular updates means this will just get better with age, and it's small enough to sit at the end of your current rig if all you need is a few extra effects. $50 off with a free gig case, as well as a Worshop bundle, is available from Sweetwater.
Line 6 HX Stomp XL Silver: Was $749, now $699 Another exclusive finish has been used for the HX Stomp's larger sibling, which is just as powerful but offers even more footswitches. Some might see those as surplus to requirement, but for others it will be the perfect rig replacement. Also available in standard black, with $50 off and a free gig case.
Line 6 HX Effects: Was $649, now $599 If you just fancy getting access to Line 6's catalog of Helix effects, this six-footswitch gadget is the ideal gateway pedal. The perfect stage companion thanks to its customizable scribble strip displays and compact size, there's a reason why the Helix is one of the most popular multi-effects out there: it's one of the best. $50 off, and it comes with a free gig case.
Cyber Monday guitar pedal deals: FAQ
(Image credit: Future)
When is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday 2023 will land on Monday, 27 November. The deals won't be restricted to just that one day, though. Previous experience tells us that some of the best Cyber Monday guitar deals will emerge well in advance of the event – so keep checking this page to see what epic deals we uncover.
Should I buy guitar gear online during Cyber Monday?
If you're concerned about buying a guitar or other gear on Cyber Monday without playing it first, you needn’t be. Online music instrument retailers like Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend and Sweetwater offer hassle-free returns as standard, so you can purchase a guitar, play it in the comfort and privacy of your home and, if it’s not right, send it back without issue.
You should check the specific returns policy for your chosen retailer before you purchase, but most offer between 30-45 days to return an item, as long as it’s in original condition.
What else can I buy during Cyber Monday 2023?
It's not just about the Cyber Monday guitar deals in November. Aside from music-making gear discounts, you'll find bargains on great tech like robot vacuum cleaners, iPads, MacBook Pros and Amazon Echos – and you can even pick up groceries, pet food and dishwasher tablets – but it’s the guitar deals we’ll be looking out for.
Cyber Monday guitar pedal deals: Shopping tips
(Image credit: Future)
Got your eye on a few things and wondering whether Cyber Monday is the time to buy? Here's a few tips from our personal experience that will ensure you're ready to strike if the gear you want is up for grabs:
1. Create a wishlist early - The most sensible way to take advantage of this year's Cyber Monday deals is to know in advance what you’re looking for. This will make searching much easier, rather than having to trawl through loads of deals you don’t want to find the ones you do, or pondering things you don't need. To help you create your dream shopping list, take the time to explore our expert and up-to-date buying guides and reviews.
2. Work out what you actually need - Check out your favourite brands, see what you need and will genuinely use - don’t waste your cash and fill your basket with stuff that will never truly see any action.
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3. Consider your music goals - What do you want to achieve with your music over the next 12 months or so? Do you want to gig more? Learn a new instrument? Or finally, record your songs? Now could be the time to invest in gear that helps you fulfil your musical aspirations.
4. Streamline your current gear - Something else you should consider ahead of time is whether you have enough space in your collection for new gear. Could you offload some gear you don't use to make room and generate funds for some new gear?
5. Sign up to mailing lists - In addition to bookmarking this page, we'd recommend signing up to mailing lists of your favourite retailers now to get the jump on the best deals when they do come around.
What to expect
As you'd expect, all major musical instrument retailers get in on the Cyber Monday action, slashing prices on a wealth of products, services and of course, guitar pedals!
Last year we saw money off all the pedal big hitters, with the prices slashed on everything from Boss to MXR, JHS to TC Electronic - and we have our fingers crossed we'll see the same this year.
Now, if you have all the pedals you'd ever need, Cyber Monday is still a great time to stock on pedalboards and pedal accessories such as patch cables, power supplies and carry cases.
Cyber Monday guitar pedal deals: How we choose deals
Here at Guitar World, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything guitar-related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products we recommend.
First and foremost, we are guitarists, and we want to match other players with the right products for them, at the best prices.
For us to recommend a deal it has to be a product we rate that’s a genuinely great price or part of a truly fantastic bundle. It’s also important that we only recommend retailers where you will have a positive shopping experience.
Cyber Monday guitar pedal deals: Why you can trust us
We spend a lot of our time scouring guitar retailers for fantastic deals on our favorite gear. Not only is it our job to research and recommend the best gear in our buyer’s guides, but we’re also dedicated to helping players get the best deals for the gear they need, too. After all, the only thing better than new gear day is a hearty discount.
We cover a lot of the big sales events throughout the year, including Memorial Day, Black Friday, 4th of July sales and Amazon Prime Day, and we have a good view on which products are likely to receive the biggest discounts and when, the prices they’ve been in the past and which deals are genuinely worth a look.
Daryl is a Senior Deals Writer at Guitar World, where he creates and maintains our 200+ buyer's guides, finds the best deals on guitar products, and tests the latest gear. His reviews have been featured in prominent publications like Total Guitar, Future Music magazine, and MusicRadar.com.
During his career, he has been lucky enough to talk to many of his musical heroes, having interviewed Slash and members of Sum 41, Foo Fighters, The Offspring, Feeder, Thrice, and more. In a past life, Daryl worked in music retail. For a little under a decade, he advised everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned pros on the right gear for their needs.
Daryl is also a fully qualified sound engineer, holding a first-class Bachelor's degree in Creative Sound Production from the University of Abertay.
