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PG contributor Tom Butwin details four pedalboard options that can help your acoustic sound its best onstage or in the studio. From subtle enhancements to total tone control, these preamps and effects from Grace Design, LR Baggs, and Radial cover the needs of any serious acoustic player.
Grace Design MOXi Acoustic Instrument Preamp
Moxi 2-chan Acous Inst Preamp
Grace Design’s Moxi is a powerful dual-channel preamp and blender that offers studio-level control in a surprisingly compact footprint. With independent EQ and high-pass filtering on both channels, it’s perfect for managing multiple instruments or pickups—especially in live scenarios where switching between guitars can be a headache. What sets it apart is the ability to blend two sources (like mic + pickup) or quickly toggle between instruments with different EQ profiles. Whether you’re solo or managing your own sound, the Moxy keeps your setup flexible without sacrificing tone.
LR Baggs Align Session Acoustic Saturation/Compressor/EQ Pedal
Align Session Pedal
The Session from LR Baggs is a smart, stage-ready pedal designed to give your acoustic guitar signal that final polish. Even if your pickup already sounds great, this pedal adds subtle compression and harmonic richness that really elevate your tone. With controls for volume, gain, saturation, and a simplified “comp EQ,” it’s incredibly intuitive—especially for those of us who don’t want to get lost in compressor settings. The goal here is to retain the natural sound of your acoustic while giving it a warm, studio-finished edge.
LR Baggs Align Chorus Acoustic Chorus Pedal
Align Chorus Pedal
The Align Chorus by LR Baggs gives acoustic players a lush, musical modulation option without compromising their guitar’s natural tone. Instead of overwhelming your sound, the pedal preserves your guitar’s character while adding subtle to rich chorus textures. The tone knob only affects the chorus effect itself, not your dry signal, which is key if you love the core tone of your instrument. With intuitive controls for depth and size, it’s easy to dial in anything from a gentle shimmer to a more expansive chorus that still feels organic and usable.
Radial PZ-Pro 2-channel Acoustic Preamp Pedal
PZ-Pro 2-ch Acous Preamp Pedal/Switcher
Radial’s PZ Pre is a tone-shaping Swiss Army knife for acoustic players. With two inputs, full EQ, a notch filter, effects loop, and multiple output options (pre- and post-EQ), this pedal is all about adaptability. It excels in complex stage setups where you might need different EQ profiles for monitors and front of house, or if you’re switching between instruments. The A/B toggle makes instrument changes seamless, and the boost function is perfect for stepping out during a solo. Whether you play acoustic guitar, upright bass, or even switch between them, the PZ Pre handles it all with pro-level control.
