Here, you'll find an extensive selection of pitch shifter effect pedals. Simply put, pitch shifters change the pitch of the notes you play, which can be either by semitones or whole notes, or even by one or more full octaves. Some pitch-shifting stompboxes can even stick the warped sound on top of the original sound for a rich, harmonious effect.
Pitch Shifters, Octavers and Harmonizers
Pitch shifter pedals can be roughly divided into three categories: the more adventurous pitch shifter effects; the octavers; and the harmonizer stompboxes. Below, you'll find what each type does. Also, need a patch cable, jack lead, a fresh 9V battery or a pedal power supply? Any accessories you might want or need with your new guitar pedal can be found in our webshop too.
Octaver Pedals
The most popular pitch shift-style effect for guitars and basses is the octaver. Octavers can be used to add a lower octave to your sound for more depth, but if you actually want to dive down into the sub-lows, you'll need a unit that allows you to go two octaves lower in pitch. For shimmer-style and organ-like effects, you'll want a stompbox that's able to go up in pitch instead and add one or more higher octaves to your normal pitch. Most of the time, the volume for any pitch - including the pitch of the dry signal - can be accurately dialled in. The most well-known octaver by the way is the BOSS OC-2 which, though it's sadly no longer in production, did lay down the groundwork for the current octave pedals in the BOSS range, as well as for various other stompboxes.
Simple Pitch-Shifting
A standard pitch shifter simply lowers or raises the pitch of the notes you're playing without mixing in the original sound and can be engaged by toggling the footswitch. There are also guitar and bass pedals that let you gradually tweak the pitch depending on the level of pressure you apply to the pedal - the most iconic example probably being the Digitech Whammy, which has popped up in various forms over the years.
Harmonizers
The third type of pitch shifter effect you can get is a harmonizer. These stompboxes can not just maintain the original pitch of your sound, but can add one or more different octaves to it. In addition, you get to opt for fifth intervals to create the thick sound of power chords, as well for major and minor thirds. More expensive pedals generally offer even more intervals so you can summon two, three or sometimes even four sounds at the same time. That said, you’ll need to dial in the right root note and scale beforehand to make sure that your harmonies line up with the key you're playing in.
Good Ol' Mono or Modern Polyphonic Stereo
Polyphonic pedals have been around - and popular - for decades but never evolved much until recently. As such, older pedals aren't as accurate in terms of tracking and may add more of their character to the sound. On the other hand, there are ample guitarists who don't mind colouring in their tone with the vibe of an older model, while players that seek a more contemporary sound and strongly improved tracking are better off with a more modern stompbox.
