Black Friday guitar pedal deals 2023: You can still save big on pedals and stompbox accessories
Black Friday guitar pedal deals: Quick menu
1. Quick links
2. Editor's picks
3. Black Friday FAQ
4. Shopping tips
5. How we choose
6. Why trust us
7. Last year's top deals
Well, Black is done for another year - but that doesn't mean you can't still score a bargain. Black Friday is easily one of the best times of year to grab a stompbox-related bargain - and luckily the offers are still available!
For example, Sweetwater is still offering up to 75% off a wide range of guitar gear - and yes that includes pedals. Elsewhere, you'll find up to 50% off a wide variety of popular models in Fender's Black Friday sale and up to 50% off at Musician's Friend.
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.
Of course with Black Friday coming to a close, we'll be setting our sights on the Cyber Monday pedals deals, which are due to land soon. We'll be searching high and low for the very best pedal deals we can find, so be sure to bookmark that page and return regularly to see what we uncover. We've also answered a few frequently asked questions surrounding Cyber Monday and included some handy shopping tips as well.
Black Friday guitar pedal deals: Quick links
US deals
Amazon: Cyber Monday deals
Fender Play: 50% off a one-year sub
Fender store: Up to 50% off guitars
Guitar Center: Up to 40% off
Guitar Tricks: One-year sub for $99
IK Multimedia: Total Studio Max sale
Musician's Friend: Up to 50% off
Plugin Boutique: Software deals
Positive Grid: Epic amps deals
Reverb: Up to a huge 82% off
Sweetwater: Up to 75% off sale
UK deals
Andertons: Black Friday bargains
Fender Play: 50% off a one-year sub
Gear4Music: Big deals on guitars
Guitar Tricks: One-year sub for $99
IK Multimedia: Total Studio Max deal
Plugin Boutique: Software deals
Positive Grid: Epic amp deals
Reverb: Up to a huge 82% off
Thomann: Up to 60% off
Black Friday guitar pedal deals: Editor's picks
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.View Deal
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 Black Friday 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.
Price check: Sweetwater $99View Deal
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.View Deal
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.
Price check: Sweetwater $379.99View Deal
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.
Price check: Sweetwater $169View Deal
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.View Deal
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.View Deal
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!View Deal
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.View Deal
EarthQuaker Devices pedals: 20% off at Guitar Center
Head to Guitar Center before November 29 to take advantage of a 20% discount on ALL the renowned pedal company's stompboxes, including the Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3, plus great prices on the Rainbow Machine V2, Avalanche Run and Hizumitas Fuzz Sustainar.View Deal
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.View Deal
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.
Price check - Guitar Center $186.75View Deal
AmazonBasics Compressor: Was $25.45 now $16.91
One of the cheapest compressor pedals around just got even cheaper, with Amazon reducing the price of its Basics Compressor to just $16. Sure, it might not be a Keeley or a Boss, but it is less than $20 and, strictly speaking, not even an Amazon pedal: it’s a rebranded NUX unit. A great gateway option for those assembling their first ‘boards, or those simply looking to snap up a comp on the cheap.View Deal
Mooer Reecho Delay: Was $78 now $39
Digital delays don’t get any smaller than this feature-packed offering from mini-pedal OGs Mooer. The Reecho features up to 780ms of delay time with three delay types – Tape Echo, Analog and Real Echo – adjusted by industry-standard Level, Feedback and Time controls. It’s a no-frills offering, but perfect for anyone seeking to get their start in the world of delay, or squeeze another delay on their ’board, especially with 50% off at Amazon.View Deal
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.View Deal
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.View Deal
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.View Deal
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.View Deal
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.View Deal
Black Friday guitar pedal deals: FAQ
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday 2023 will land on Friday, 24 November. The deals will extend across that weekend (also known as Cyber Weekend) before finishing with a bang on with Cyber Monday guitar deals on 27 November.
The deals won't be restricted to those four days, though. Previous experience tells us that some of the best Black Friday 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 Black Friday?
If you're concerned about buying a guitar or other gear on Black Friday 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 Black Friday 2023?
It's not just about the Black Friday 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.
Black Friday guitar pedal deals: Shopping tips
Got your eye on a few things and wondering whether Black Friday 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 Black Friday music 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.
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.
Black Friday 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.
Black Friday 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.
Black Friday guitar pedal deals: Last year's top deals
Select Behringer pedals: only $14 each at Sweetwater
Last year you could get your hands on a selection of Behringer guitar pedals – the TO800 Vintage Tube Overdrive, EQ700 Graphic Equalizer, VD400 Vintage Delay and UO300 Ultra Octaver – for just $14 apiece!
Boss RC-500 Loop Station: $416.99, now $339.98
The Boss RC-500 is great for guitarists, vocalists and keyboard players, channeling Boss's expertise as a market leader in looping technology. Last year this was at a fantastic price at Sweetwater.
Origin Cali76 Compact Deluxe Compressor: £299 £249
The Cali76 line of compressor pedals represents some of the very best in the market and this limited edition Compact Deluxe represents a pedalboard-friendlier option - and better yet you could save £50 last year.
Keeley Red Dirt Overdrive: $179, now $99
Green Dirt? A Sweetwater exclusive Green Sparkle finish with a special saving on this superb germanium overdrive pedal that shines for blues and classic rock tube-style breakup and dynamic saturation. It does premium lower gain well too for superlative stacking. Huge tones here and a huge $80 at Sweetwater last year. View Deal
MXR M249 Super Badass Dynamic O.D.: $129, now $99
Featuring MOSFET clipping diodes and a super-simple control set highlighted by a nifty Boost/Cut switch, this stompbox can function as a smooth clean boost or a conduit for screaming vintage gain. We've been excited about this unit since it launched and this was a great deal.
Boss HM-2W Waza Craft: $169.99, $149.99
The pedal that became the sound of an entire genre, the 'chainsaw' buzz of the Boss Heavy Metal soon spread from Swedish Death Metal to pretty much every genre. This Waza Craft version features a second mode but keeps everything very true to the original, even down to the classic orange and black look. View Deal
Line 6 HX Stomp: $699 $651, free plugins & Cubase LE
Gotta get those sweet Helix tones, but want to integrate them with your existing pedalboard? That’s precisely what the HX Stomp sets out to achieve. It’s the most tone per inch you’ll find on the market, with an astonishing level of flexibility given its diminutive stature.
Boss GT-1000CORE: $699 $597 at Sweetwater
$102 off Boss’s flagship compact multi-effects pedal? Yessir: with all the processing power of the big-boy GT-1000, the GT-1000CORE is a veritable beast of a triple-footswitch multi-FX, especially at this price. It packs 32-bit audio, 24 simultaneous assignable effects blocks, AIRD guitar and bass preamps, two effects loops and USB connectivity. And with legendary Boss effects onboard, you know it will deliver tonally.
HeadRush MX5: $429 $399 with free backpack
If you’ve previously found multi-FX and amp modelers a pain to program, HeadRush has the answer: the MX5’s four-inch touchscreen makes managing your signal chain a breeze, while the pedal itself is equipped with 46 amps, 15 cabs, 10 mic emulations, 300 IRs and 63 effects. Add in a 20-minute looper, simple patch switching and USB recording, and this was a steal at $399 – and it came with a free backpack worth $149!
Keeley ECCOS Delay and Looper: was $249, now $211
The ECCOS is a smart space-saving option for tightly packed pedalboards, teaming a delay pedal and looper in one twin-footswitched company pedal. Of course, this being a Keeley pedal, there’s more to it than that: the delay offers tonesome tape-style echoes, while the looper delivers reverse and half-speed functions, as well as a ‘play-once’ trigger.
