Sustain

Sustain Pedals – Frequently Asked Questions

What does a sustain pedal do to my guitar tone?

A sustain pedal extends how long notes and chords ring out by increasing gain and compression, often adding a little extra harmonic richness. Some designs, like the Maxon D&S Distortion and Sustainer, combine sustain with overdrive or fuzz so you get both longer notes and a more saturated tone.

Are sustain pedals just compressors with a different name?

They are related but not identical. Compressors even out your dynamics and can add some extra sustain as a side effect. Dedicated sustain pedals are voiced to emphasise long note hold and heavy saturation. The EarthQuaker Devices Hizumitas is a good example – it behaves more like a sustaining fuzz than a subtle studio compressor.

Where should I place a sustain pedal in my signal chain?

Most players place sustain pedals early in the chain, before modulation, delay and reverb. This means the sustained signal feeds into your chorus, delays and reverbs rather than the other way around. If you use several gain stages, try the sustain pedal before your main overdrive or fuzz first, then experiment to hear which order feels best.

Can sustain pedals work for ambient or experimental sounds?

Definitely. A flexible multi-effect like the Catalinbread Coriolis Effect lets you freeze chords, bend pitch and filter your sustained notes into glitchy, synth-like textures. Combine a sustain pedal with long delay and reverb for huge ambient soundscapes.

If you are unsure which sustain pedal will suit your guitar, amp and playing style, get in touch and we will be happy to help you choose.