Best Acoustic Guitar Pedals 2024 - Guitarsite Researched
Here at GuitarSite, we’re dedicated to helping you find the best acoustic guitar pedals for both live performance and recording. We have provided a list of the best acoustic guitar pedals that are specifically designed to highlight the natural percussive tone of acoustic guitars.
Fishman Aura Spectrum DI
It stands out among acoustic guitar pedals, boasting essential features and innovative Aura Acoustic Imaging technology.
Tech 21 Acoustic Fly Rig
This compact acoustic guitar pedal provides versatile effects like FET compressors, delays, chorus, reverb, and a sturdy build and tuner.
Trace Elliot
Transit A
This durable acoustic guitar pedal features an intuitive layout, reverb/tuner, tap tempo, delay, chorus, boost, and feedback prevention.
TC Electronic BodyRez
This pedal enhances acoustic guitar resonance, simulating a mic'd sound without feedback issues, ideal for natural tone seekers.
SansAmp Para Driver DI V2
A versatile preamp pedal that adds tube-like warmth and saturation. It works great for acoustic-electric guitars especially when in a band setting.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Acoustic guitar pedals are meant specifically for acoustic-electric guitars.
Most acoustic pedals are meant to enhance the sound with minimal coloration. But there also a few that alters the sound much like electric guitar pedals.
Adventurous players who are looking for tone flexibility will love the modulation and acoustic guitar modeling pedals that are listed here.
While those who want to improve their acoustic tone should go for preamps and audio exciters that provide good EQ and compression.
All the main types of acoustic guitar pedals are covered by the pedals in this guide. From enhancers, to multi-effects, to preamp and EQ.
Best Acoustic Guitar Pedals: Our Top Picks
Fishman Aura Spectrum DI
Best Acoustic Guitar Pedal (Overall)
Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Acoustic Guitar Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Tailored for acoustic guitarists, the Fishman Aura Spectrum DI offers essential tools alongside digital audio modeling. Notably, its Aura Acoustic Imaging technology emulates 128 acoustic guitar models, expandable via USB. With an effects loop for seamless integration and balanced XLR DI out, it’s a comprehensive tone solution.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
With big-name guitar manufacturers trusting Fishman brand electronics, it is unsurprising that the Fishman Aura Spectrum DI tops this list of acoustic guitar pedals.
This good-looking pedal specifically targets acoustic guitar users, providing essential tools and modern digital audio modeling. Basic features include a 3-band EQ, compressor, automatic feedback suppression, and chromatic tuner, all housed in a rock-solid housing. So no more need for separate tuner pedals.
The most notable feature of this acoustic guitar effects pedal is the Aura Acoustic Imaging technology, it shapes your tone into any of the 128 built-in modeled acoustic guitars, with more images available for download via USB.
Finally, the Aura Spectrum DI comes with its own effects loop for easy integration into acoustic rigs. It also has a good quality balanced XLR DI out.
Pros:
- World-class Aura Acoustic Imaging technology
- Sturdy metal housing
- Auto feedback suppression
Cons:
- Expensive
Specifications: | ||
|---|---|---|
Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x XLR (DI Out) | |
Features: 128 acoustic images | Effects: Compressor, 3-band EQ | |
Power Source: 9V DC | Dimensions (L, W, H): 5.6″ x 5.25″ x 2.1″ | |
Weight: 1.7 lbs. | Bypass: Buffered | |
Tech 21 Acoustic Fly Rig
Best Value Acoustic Guitar Effects Pedal
Tech 21 Acoustic Fly Rig Acoustic Guitar MultiFX Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
A compact yet multi-function acoustic pedal. It features an acoustic guitar preamp, FET compressors, delays, chorus, reverb, and a tuner. The main goal of each is to enhance your acoustic guitar tone with warmth and transparency. Despite its robust rectangular design, the aluminum enclosure is solid and durable. While lacking color variety, its standard orange aesthetic remains sleek. Ideal for diverse genres–organized layout makes it a treat for any guitarist.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Multi-effects pedals like the Tech 21 Fly Rig pack are a serious punch when it comes to the number of things you can do with it.
Firstly, you have the standard built-in tuner with an LCD screen that shows you the notes. But after that, everything about this pedal is plastered with a warm tone that further enhances the musicality of your instrument. Transparent-sounding acoustic guitar tones are also achievable.
It’s all thanks to their FET compressors, delays, and chorus, which add that extra “sweetening” to your guitar’s timbre and provide rich-sounding reverb. Whether it be the hall, room, or ambiance, they have your bases covered.
They’ve gone rectangular on the form factor, yet the aluminum enclosure is built like a tank. Aesthetics-wise, it doesn’t offer a variety of colors. Only it has the standard orange, brushed aluminum look.
Despite its slew of features, picking it up as a new rig isn’t going to be hard. The effects are neatly organized and have their space in the pedal bundle. It is an excellent choice for acoustic guitarists of any genre.
Pros:
- Comprehensive multi-effects
- Good transparent sound quality
- Easy to use
Cons:
- No color variety
- Not shaped like a regular pedal
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4″ |
Effects: Reverb, Chorus, Delay, Boost, Compression | Features: Semi-parametric EQ, Notch Filter, Tuner |
Dimensions (L, W, H): 12.5″ x 2.5″ x 1.25″ | Power Source: 9V DC 200mA |
Bypass: Buffered | Weight: 1.29 lbs.
|
Trace Elliot Transit A
Best Multi-Effects for Acoustic Guitar
Trace Elliot Transit A Acoustic Preamp and Effects
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Digital sound processing has been Line 6’s bread and butter from the beginning, and they haven’t strayed from it once. They have persisted in making improvements despite criticism. At this point, other DSP gear manufacturers now use them as a benchmark for quality.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Sleek in design and built to last, this acoustic guitar effects pedal has a logical layout that can be easily picked up by a beginner or professional guitarist. You have a reverb/tuner at the beginning of the acoustic signal chain, followed by the tap tempo, delay, chorus, and boost.
Holding the reverb pedal footswitch will allow you to tune the instrument, and an LCD indicator will show you the nearest note you’re tuning in. The backlit knobs on top are for fine-tuning your effects and double as a tuner indicator for micro-adjustments.
What I find helpful as well is that the backlights behind the knobs will also turn no when any of the footswitches are toggled. This makes it easy for anyone to know which knobs control which effects pedal. Those single knobs make the operation easy to understand.
When you risk getting feedback, you can also use the notch filter it comes with.
A small but nifty feature is the ability to plug in headphones to rehearse alone in a corner. This feature also helps in situations where you can monitor how your effects pedals affect the sound.
It’s got everything you need for a great performance. It’s a great choice for singer-songwriters, buskers, and even electric guitar players.
Pros:
- Feature-packed yet intuitive
- All the effects sound great
- Sound good quickly with minimal tweaking
- Gig ready output connectivity
Cons:
- A bit bulky
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ , 1 x 1/8″ (Aux in) | Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ (Dry), 1 x 1/8″ (Headphones), 2 x XLR (DI pre, DI post), 2 x 1/4″ (Main out) |
Effects: Reverb, Delay, Chorus | Features: Pre-shape, Boost, 3-Band EQ, Phase Revers, Tuner, Notch Filter |
Power Source: 9V DC | Dimensions (L, W, H): 12.3″ x 4.5″ x 2.3″ |
Bypass: Buffered | Weight: 2.6 lbs. |
TC Electronic BodyRez
Best Tone Enhancer Acoustic Guitar Pedal
TC Electronic BodyRez Acoustic Pickup Enhancer Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Enhances acoustic guitar tone, compensating for pickups’ inherent limitations by adding resonance akin to mic’d recordings. With a single knob for adjusting body resonance and built-in feedback control, it ensures studio-quality sound without the hassle of mic setups—a vital addition for acoustic players seeking authentic, natural tones.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Acoustic guitar pickups tend to sound incomplete or lacking resonance. This is because acoustic pickups such as piezo, magnetic, and sound rely on the vibration of the strings. Unless you have a mic pickup, they tend to sound isolating.
BodyRez Acoustic Pickup Pedal is an acoustic resonance enhancer that compensates for the lost frequencies you’ll get if you mic your guitar with a condenser. It promises a studio-quality sound that brings back your guitar’s natural resonance.
It only has one knob that allows you to dial the amount of body resonance. Feedback control and suppression are also built into the unit, so you don’t have to worry about any messy frequencies popping up—a must-have tool for acoustic guitarists who already have chorus, delay, and reverb pedals.
This is for acoustic guitar players who prefer the guitar’s natural tone without dabbling with mic setups. It’s a great fit.
Pros:
- Eliminates the "piezo honk"
- Natural sounding acoustic tone
- Studio quality sound for live performance
Cons:
- One trick pony
- A bit pricey for what it is
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ |
Effects: Built-in Filter and Compression | Features: Acoustic Pickup Enhancer, Built-in Feedback Suppression |
Power Source: 9V DC | Dimensions (L, W, H): 1.9″ x 3.7″ x 1.9″ |
Bypass: True Bypass | Weight: 0.26 lbs. |
SansAmp Para Driver DI V2
Best Multi Effect Pedal (Overall)
SansAmp Para Driver V2 DI Preamp and EQ Pedal
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Offering tube-like warmth, presence, and control akin to mic’ing a tube amp, which adds a bit of body and warmth to an often thin sounding acoustic guitar. This is great to have if you’re playing with a band and want your acoustic guitar playing to sit better in the mix.
We’re reader-supported. When you click product links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
We’ve reviewed the SansAmp Para Driver V2 DI, which replaces the previous version. It retains the same functionality, and adds a Rumble Filter and Air. The Rumble Filter eliminates the boomy, low frequencies, and the Air adds that high-frequency “sparkle.”
This preamp pedal stands out because of its sound, which behaves as if it were mic’ing a tube amp, providing better warmth and presence while removing the harsh high-frequency harmonics of piezo pickups.
Controls include a semi-parametric EQ that affords you excellent mid-frequency control and a nifty drive knob. Finally, the Para Driver DI is built like a tank and can run on phantom power, which makes it convenient to carry around.
This versatile preamp works for acoustics and other instruments, including electric guitars and upright and electric basses.
Pros:
- Versatile gear, works well with electric guitars and basses
- Adds warmth and presence to piezo pickups
- Built like a tank
- Tweak friendly
Cons:
- Not an all in one unit (no effects)
- A bit bulky for a set and forget pedal
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ | Outputs: 1 x 1/4″, 1 x XLR |
EQ: 3-Band EQ with Mid Shift | Features: Rumble Filter, Air |
Dimensions (L, W, H): 3.75″ x 4.75″ x 2″ | Power Source: 9V DC |
Bypass: Buffered | Weight: 0.875 lbs. |
Things to Consider in Choosing the Best Acoustic Guitar Pedal
Sound Quality
Good sound quality can be achieved in a lot of ways.
First of which is the preamp quality, which includes the built-in piezo system of your acoustic electric guitar. It can also be a combination of the preamp pedal and the pickup electronics. And it gets even more complex when you consider the preamps in your acoustic amp or in the PA system you’re plugging into.
The pedals featured here all have built-in preamps that are proven to enhance your acoustic sound. But if you want a dedicated preamp, you should look for the best acoustic guitar preamp, and add one to your pedal board.
Having high sample rate is also important. 24 to 32-bit processing and or 44.1 to 48kHz sample rate ranges usually yield good sound.
Another thing would be the effects provided. Does the sound of a reverb, delay, or chorus pedal enhance the sound? Or will too much pedal effects just ruin the sound that you want to achieve?
More often than not, all you need is just basic EQ, and maybe a touch of reverb. But don’t be afraid to experiment and play with different effect sounds.
Features
Just like for electric guitar, there are standalone and multi-effects versions of acoustic guitar effects pedals.
Generally, you need an EQ, compressor, and some time-based effects such as chorus, reverb, and a delay pedal.
If you want multiple effects like chorus pedals, or even overdrive pedals, in one unit, you can go for an Acoustic Guitar Multi Effects Pedal.
For a one-man-band acoustic guitar rig, throw in a looper pedal. See which Loop Pedals received our highest ratings.
Intuitiveness
Pedals range from simple to complicated, depending on the person’s skill level. For beginners, it’s best to find a pedal bundle with a user-friendly interface. These usually provide a no-nonsense layout that you can explore and start dabbling with immediately.
Other pedals offer so much control, but you must get familiar with their controls and menu screens. Opt for the ones that are intuitive to use.
Most acoustic guitar players opt for a simple signal chain. But there are some who prefer complex setups to achieve unique sound textures.
Build quality
The unit should be able to withstand some beating, especially if you’re a traveling musician. An aluminum or metal enclosure is your best bet in terms of longevity.
Final Thoughts
With the best acoustic guitar pedals listed here, you should know what setup is best for you. Whether you want resonance modeling, effects, or frequency enhancements for your guitar, our recommendations will give you the best bang for your buck.
Let us know if there are other noteworthy acoustic guitar pedals by listing them down in the comments section.
Alexander Briones
Lead Author
Allen Articulo
Contributor: Research and Supplemental Writing
1 thought on “Best Acoustic Guitar Pedals 2024 – Guitarsite Researched”
Wow all these instruments are like treasure to me, i am learning guitar as i love music very much, i have a small band of my friends and i am looking forward to do shows on higher level, and i am gonna achieve that level…