Have you ever wondered how pro guitar players sound incredible? Well, a big part of their sound comes from guitar pedals. They are the secret sauce for perfecting the sound of the song, and they can turn a simple riff into an incredible masterpiece.
There are a lot of different guitar pedals on the market, but one of them is quite popular at the moment. We are talking about a guitar pedal named Horsemeat. Kind of a strange name right?
I don’t know about you but I get horse racing vibes and get the urge to find what horse to bet on today after hearing the name of this guitar pedal, even though it doesn’t have anything to do with horses.
Let’s learn more about this guitar pedal, what it does, why it is so special, and do you actually need one.
What Is the Horsemeat Pedal?
Before you buy any equipment, it is best to dive into the actual brand that makes these products. Why? Well, their history will tell you a lot about their quality, goals, and whether or not the product is actually worth the buy.
The Horsemeat guitar pedal is developed by Paul Reed Smith (PRS), which is a good start! The brand is known for its high-end guitars, and the Horsemeat is their ticket into the pedal market.
This is a transparent overdrive pedal, which is designed to add grit and sustain to your tone without overshadowing your guitar’s natural sound, which is something that every guitarist love to hear.
Basically, it is a tool designed to add that extra spice to your sound, without making it sound completely different.
But what makes Horsemeat so special?
Well, unlike other guitar pedals that directly alter EQ or compress the tone to a point that doesn’t sound natural, the Horsemeat guitar pedal only emphasizes clarity and articulation. In other words, your sound sounds clearer and crisper.
What Does “Transparent Overdrive” Mean?
Ever wondered why some overdrive pedals muddy up your sound? Transparent overdrive avoids this pitfall. It enhances your signal by adding gain or harmonic richness without tampering too much with your guitar’s natural tone. The Horsemeat accomplishes this with five key controls:
- Gain: Adds grit from subtle breakup to throaty growls.
- Level: Controls the output volume.
- Treble and Bass: Fine-tune the high and low frequencies for optimal EQ balancing.
- Voice: Alters the frequency response, akin to the presence knob on an amp.
Whether you’re after a soft boost or a roaring lead, this pedal delivers while preserving tonal integrity.
Why Is It Named Horsemeat?
Let’s address the elephant—or rather, horse—in the room. The quirky name nods to its playful rivalry with the iconic Klon Centaur, a legendary transparent overdrive pedal with a steep price tag (often north of $5,000). PRS’s cheeky branding is a confident jab, suggesting that their pedal might dethrone the reigning champion
Who Is It For?
Are you a studio rat? A live performer? A bedroom shredder? Horsemeat caters to all. Its versatility shines in these scenarios:
- Clean Boost: Pushes your amp into natural overdrive without added distortion.
- Low-Gain Overdrive: Adds subtle grit while keeping your chords clean and defined.
- High-Gain Distortion: Produces a more open, uncompressed tone, even at extreme settings.
Features That Stand Out
- True Bypass and 100% Analog Circuitry: Keeps your signal pristine when the pedal’s off.
- Germanium Diodes: Provides vintage warmth and clarity.
- Durability and Design: Built like a tank, but with sleek aesthetics that scream boutique quality
Is It Worth the Price?
At roughly $250 to $300, the Horsemeat is positioned as a premium product. While it might not fit every budget, its high fidelity, tonal flexibility, and studio-grade performance justify the investment for serious players. Whether you’re a pedal connoisseur or looking for an all-in-one overdrive solution, this pedal offers exceptional value compared to its pricier competitors.
Who’s Using It?
Pro guitarists love this pedal. Eric Gales, a blues-rock virtuoso, recently added Horsemeat to his pedalboard. He praised its ability to maintain the organic feel of his playing while enhancing specific tonal elements.
The pedal isn’t just for the pros, though—it’s a versatile tool for any guitarist looking to elevate their tone.
What Makes It Special?
Here’s why Horsemeat stands out in a crowded pedal market:
- Transparent Tone: Unlike traditional overdrive pedals, Horsemeat avoids muddying your sound, letting the guitar and amp do the talking.
- Versatility: It works equally well for blues, rock, jazz, and even funk.
- Build Quality: PRS Guitars is known for its top-notch craftsmanship, and this pedal is no exception. Its sturdy build ensures durability on the road.
Should You Buy It?
Here’s a quick checklist to see if this pedal is for you:
- Do you value your guitar’s natural tone? If yes, this pedal won’t disappoint.
- Are you into subtle but effective overdrive? Horsemeat’s smooth sound is perfect.
- Do you need a pedal that works for multiple genres? Check, check, and check.
So, this guitar pedal might have a strange name, but don’t let this distract you from its capabilities. We are talking about a great guitar pedal that will make your sound much better, and it can be used by everybody.
