Black Coffee Metal Distortion Review

Danelectro Black Coffee Metal Distortion effects pedal for guitar. If you are into metal, wake up and smell the coffee. Nobody does metal better!

Ease of Use:	8.2
Sound:	7.7
Reliability:	6.1
Impression:	7
Overall rating:	7.4
Reviewer rating:	7.3
Users rating:	7.5
Votes:	25

overall: 9

Reviewed by: SURFraptor7, on august 03, 2004

Price paid: $ 35

Purchased from: OC Pawn Shop

Ease of Use: This pedal is relatively easy to use once you get the hang of it. The knobs are pretty self explanatory and easy to use. It was a little difficult to synchronize the settings on the pedal with my amp settings, but once I did that, it was very easy. // 8

Sound: This pedal has an amazing sound! I play it with my Gretsch Synchromatic solidbody guitar (which looks and plays like a Gibson Les Paul). I use a Fender Frontman G practice amp. I can get anything from low crunchy rhythm tones, to blazing high tones for solos and lead. I use this pedal for almost everything that I play. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I can definitely depend on this pedal and I plan to use it at my next gig. I use it at band practices as well. As far as a backup goes, I would be comfortable, but I would definitely bring an extra 9V battery just in case. // 8

Impression: This pedal matches my music perfectly. I am in a rock band that plays heavier things and some punk and this pedal fits my style perfectly. If this pedal were stolen I would hunt down the person who stole it and beat the crap out of them and steal it back. If I lost it, I would cry my eyes out, then rush to the music store and buy another one. I love everything about this pedal and I use it for just about everything. // 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on october 22, 2003

Ease of Use: I bought this pedal off the shelf straieght away. It included the pedal and the footgaurd (this protects the switches). Its also came with a battery already inside. THis can use 9V batteries but its eats them quick. I power mine with an adapter which I bought seperately. The pedal is very simple to set up. The controls are very simple as there are only three knobs, Volume , bass and treble. Its quite strong so you can stamp down hard without fear. // 8

Sound: I use the pedal with a Fender 15R amp and an Epiphone special. I play alot of Metallica and the sound is perfect for this music. I also play Blink and other punk and it doesn't sound as good for that. This pedal is strictly for metal(obviously by the name).The sound is very powerful and even on the treble on 0 its extremely crunchy. Turn it up high however on a small amp and the sound isn't that good // 10

Reliability & Durability: I would certainly depend on this pedal for gig's. I have experienced no problems with it to date. I would use it without back up without a doubt, as long as treble isn't up too high. // 8

Impression: I play a wide variety of music styles, I would only use this for metal though. I own a standard strat and epiphone, and 2 other pedals. If this pedal was robbed I would probably buy another Danelectro as they are quite reliable and I never experience technical problems.I don't like the slight feedback you get when its up full. However I love the simplicity of its design, Just plug in and play. I would definitely recommend the Danelectro range to first-time pedal buyers. // 8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on april 05, 2004

Price paid: $ 58

Ease of Use: This is a quite simple effects pedal to use. The three control knobs are very versatile, although the "level" knob acts much more like a second volume knob than it does to control the level of distortion. Patch in, patch out, plug in (if you don't feel like it easing you out of house and home in batteries), and stomp. The only thing I dislike about the ease of this pedal's use is the stomp switch is extremely small, and must be hit at the right angle. Entirely too easy to miss when you're jamming out. // 8

Sound: I play a Hondo strat-copy guitar, albeit a rip-off, I love the tone and sustain of this instrument. The pedal, while it still worked properly, delivered beautifully with this guitar through a 10-watt Silvertone practice amp. This is heavy, dirty distortion best suited to tearing up with powerchords and high-end leads. It easily covers artists such as KoRn, Static-X, System of a Down, and any other metal band you can imagine, I would bet. // 8

Reliability & Durability: This is the reason I posted this review, as a warning. As a general rule, Danelectro mini-fx pedals are not top of the line. Three days after the retail warrantee of my product expired, it began to emit a disgusting fuzzy white noise through my amp. No change in setting on any of the three variables (guitar pedal or amp) could get rid of the filth. The battery was fresh, and it made the same noise no matter what the input into the pedal. During play, the noise is less noticeable. But it is horrid in silence, the volume rivalling actual playing. Whether this was a freak accident or not, I would never trust my sound to this piece in a live performance. // 4

Impression: This can be fixed should I wish to ship it halfway across the United States to the product factory in California, which I do not. It will literally cost me less to buy a Boss metal distortion pedal that I can rely on. The sound was nice when it worked, but I wouldn't spring for the cheapness unless you're getting a young musician started, or you are one yourself. Don't depend on it on a professional level. // 4

overall: 7.5

Reviewed by: ChrisL2003, on january 13, 2004

Purchased from: Local Guitar Shop

Ease of Use: This is very simple pedal to use. It only has three controls: Level, Bass, ans Treble, nothing fancy, just what you need. Since it is simple to use, there are no instuctions. However they have included serveral setting suggestions for you to try. But, since there is no instruction manual, this will drop the rating to a 4. // 8

Sound: I am learning guitar, so I have a "lesser-known" brand of amplifier and guitar. I have a Tradition G-12 (guitar) and a Kustom Solo 16 (amp). Overall, it sounds great, but when you put the Level up high, you will get some buzz from the amp. Although, as the name suggests, this is a "metal" distortion pedal, you can get a variety of levels of distortion. From a softer level to a level that would scare neighbors. However, this is more of an effect you'd use for Black Sabbath rather than Blink-182. // 6

Reliability & Durability: I find this to be very dependable. You could stomp on this for a while and I'm pretty sure it would still work the same way it did when it came out of the box. Very dependable, but I would probably suggest a backup at a gig. // 8

Impression: I mostly play Hard Rock, but I will occasionally play some Blink. And while this is perfect for the Hard Rock, it goes a little to far for anything short of it. I have been playing for a while, but this is my first effect. I'm not sure if I would replace it if I lost it. I really like how easy it is to use, but it irritates me how much it can buzz sometimes. // 8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on january 05, 2012

Price paid: $ 30

Purchased from: bestbuy

Ease of Use: This pedal is really easy to use, with just a patch in/out, a dc 9v output for power (or you have the option to put a 9v battery in) and three switches, one for leval, one for bass and one for treble. The first time I used this, it took less than a min. To get this amazizing distortion sound out of it. // 9

Sound: I am using a Ibanez RG350 with a Behringer VT100 FX Head and a Kustom cab. I have the pedals level about 3/4s of the way up, so it provides a sound boost, but there is a little feedback and buzzing. The distortion is really heavy, and I don't even have it turned all the way up. I can get sounds from Crue to Pantera and Megadeth to Death. // 7

Reliability & Durability: It seems to be holding up fine, but I haven't put it to the test of a gig yet. I would use it at a gig but with a battery backup. It is made out of plastic, but it can take a stomping. Since it is very small and light, I would defenatly say it is built tough. // 7

Impression: I play thrash metal and some glam, and it works perfectly. I have been playing for three years and have always depended on the distortion built in on my amps, but none match this. I think this pedal is excellent for the price and would recommend it greatly. // 8

Reviewed by: unregistered, on february 25, 2010

Price paid: $ 10

Purchased from: eBay

Ease of Use: Three knobs and a stomp switch, if you can't figure this one out, you probably shouldn't be driving or using fire. There's no manual, but it's pretty self explanatory. Finding "your sound" takes a little while, but mess with your EQ with your neck pickup on. // 9

Sound: People rate this pedal down in the sound category, but think about what this is. It's a $20 plastic stompbox by Danelectro. I've tested this against Ibanez, Boss, and a Foxx Tone Machine, and liked this one the best. You can get some crunchy metal grind out of this, but it's more classic, like Sabbath type stuff. My band plays stoner, classic rock, and Grunge, ie Queens Of The Stone Age, Zeppelin, Hendrix, and Soundgarden.

Easy Hendrix/Josh Homme tone: plug in everything, then set your pedal and amp EQ the exact same. For me (Pyramid StudioPro) this is treble at 1 o'clock and bass around 3:30. Powerchords and main riffs are pretty tasty, and have a sick little fuzzy bite to them... but solo up around the 12th fret and watch stuff change colors.

A little bit heavy for most mainstream stuff, but really good and pretty ambiguous if you get it right. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Never caused me a problem before, but the first one I bought was a dud. It's plastic, so although rather sturdy, it's pretty cheap. I would have a backup just in case, but for $20, why not?

The knobs on the EQ and volume pots can fall out, so be careful! // 7

Impression: Perfect for stoner rock and heavy rock/metal. I would buy it again, cos it beats out most pedals for 1/3 the price. You really can't go wrong for a 20, but if boutique pedals are your schtick, by all means go blow your money on the same circuitry in a prettier box. // 9

Reviewed by: unregistered, on september 20, 2008

Purchased from: White House of Music

Ease of Use: This pedal is a nice pedal, but you are really going to have to play with it. The tones make the pedal have too much treble or overwhelming bass. The best tones for this guitar would be a Black Sabbath, Wolfmother, or Heavy White Stripes sound. I bring the bass up on my pedal and down on my amp and keep the treble on the pedal very low. I have a Epiphone SG and strat standard, and I'd have to say it sounds okay with a strat, but only shows it's balls when used with my SG. The only disability is that the gain works as a volume, so you can't adjust how much distortion you're using. // 6

Sound: This pedal is meant to sound low. It can be compared to the big muff, but not nearly as crunchy. It give you a perfect Black Sabbath tone if you turn the tones on your guitar down to a lower based tone. It sounds great for loud, fast(or slow), and bassy songs. I use this pedal whenever I play metal because it really doesn't have a light distortion. The best advice I can give is to turn the bass up and treble down on the pedal and the opposite on your amp. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I would say this is a semi reliable. It's very light, and if you hit the pedal you some times run the risk of messing with the knobs. I notice to that sometimes the knobs pop out, making it extremely annoying. I wouldn't use this as a primary distortion pedal unless you are looking for something relatively cheap. Best suggestion... keep the $50 and spend a little more for a Big Muff. They sound better, are more adjustable, and can take a beating. // 7

Impression: I like this pedal. I've had it for 3 years and use it moderatly. I play all kinds of music, and this is the boost I have when I want it to sound more brutal. I love the sound of this pedal, it's just not durable. It's great for playing around with but not great for gigs. I wish you could mess with the distortion settings a little more, but other than that it's a great cheap pedal. Anyone should still invest in spending a little more on the Big Muff. // 8

overall: 8.8

Reviewed by: Seth Shadows, on september 18, 2007

Price paid: $ 57.117

Purchased from: Local Music Store

Ease of Use: Yet another breath-taking, feedback-freak Guitar-effects pedal from Danelectro. Black Coffee, Metal Distortion. With only three knobs (level, treble and bass) it looks pretty simple and not worth the money, but it is. There's no manual, but it's not like you need one. This pedal doesn't require an editing patch at all. It's perfect for Metal and Shred. // 8

Sound: I'm currently using a Schecter Synyster Custom guitar with a Bogner Metropolis amplifier and the tone from it is absolutly orgasmic. The treble and bass that come from this is like no other I've ever used. It's great for playing Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, Children Of Bodom, Pantera ect. Despite it's horrible feedback, it's a definate 5 star, compact Metal Machine. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I'd depend on this at a gig if I wasn't jumping around and freaking out as long as I had the adapter, not the 9-volt battery that comes with it. One tug on this baby and it'd go flying. But the foot guard Is quite a good idea. It's very reliable and very useful. // 7

Impression: I've played metal with this pedal for about two years and it hasn't let me down yet! If I ever lost it, I'd definatly run back up and get a new one as fast as I could. The only thing I hate about this pedal is the horrible feedback. The rest, is perfect. The crunchy sound. The tone boost for Artificial/pinch harmonics. Everything. I'm looking forward to the next "metal pedal" from Danelectro. // 10

overall: 4.5

Reviewed by: Subbliminal, on october 08, 2005

Purchased from: Intercontinental Music Land

Ease of Use: The manual is not that great but it is the best you can get for such an non-complex distortion pedal such as this one. When I bought this pedal it did not come with a power supply, as usual, but it did come with a 9V battery which had already been drained out. It is not a hard pedal to firgure out as it only has three knobs (treble, bass, level) which explain themselves pretty well. // 8

Sound: I use a Peavey EVH Wolfgang Special with a TCM Ranger 60FX 60 watt amp. I must say that it is very loud when your not using it that is. This pedal was buzzing like strange old man pretending to be a bee. When you play the buzzing stops and the distortion sounds. The distortion is pretty sweet, though it is a strictly metal pedal for sure. I don't think there is enough actual tone while I'm in a room with myself and the range on the knobs isn't very wide, so your stuck with a kind of sound akin to playing under water where nots are not very distinct from each other. // 4

Reliability & Durability: I would never depend on this pedal, it would be a last resort for me. The gain is already overwhelming in a small room. Playing a gig with it likely would not turn out very well. The gain is to high and the distortion would just blend in and sound like crap live. There is enough problems with people cranking their gain live and then wondering why it sounds, like the guitar isn't making sound, this pedal doesn't have a really safe level of gain and I'm not willing to test out if I would beable to hear it. Only pluss is the knob protecter which is a good idea. The pedal is plastic and way to light, in my opinion, and one little tug and the pedal will flip and flail around. // 3

Impression: I play all sorts of stuff, mostly metal or hard rock and even then this pedal is slightly overboard. I have been playing for almost 4 years now and I would not replace this pedal if I lost it. I havn't even used it for 6 months. I don't think the input and output jacks were placed very well for the weight of the pedal as they are both stuck on the very end of the pedal causing the wires to bend overtop. I own some other pedals and guitars and amps which I don't feel like listing all of right now, but this pedal is at the bottom of my list next only just above the line of deffective equipment. Find something else is my adive to those thinking of buying it. // 3

overall: 4

Reviewed by: ChrisL2003, on july 06, 2004

Purchased from: Local SHop

Ease of Use: Well, this is it's strongs area. There are three knobs: level, bass, and treble, I don't think anything could really be more simple than that. It doesn't really come with a manual, just some suggested settings. // 10

Sound: I am using this with a Fender Standard Strat, and I must say this is absolutly horrible. Barely even turning the level up makes a disgustingly loud cracking sound. The cracking sound is about 75% or so of the noise the guitar makes. Ugh! That said, the distortion is pretty bad anyway, it is very heavy and could only really be used for Death Metal. // 2

Reliability & Durability: To put it bluntly, you cannot depend on this at all. Made of plastic, I believe that it would crack if it hit the ground. The bottom panel refuses to stay on, and the knobs are always falling off if you kick one. Not only that, but if you miss with you foot, it is extremely easy to accidenlt hit, and turn one of the knobs. I wouldn't even think of doing a gig with this. // 2

Impression: I play classic rock, and have been playing for about a year. This was the first effect that I purchased (so long ago), and I very much regret it. The pedal is cheap, unreliable, and most importantly: bad sounding. If it were stolen, I would be happy someone solved one of my problems. I hate everthing about it. Forget it, I would much rather crank up the gain on my amp than use this. // 2

Comments

[funkymonkey1049]

I used this pedal for many shows. it does have feedback but its got ****ing awesome tone and gain. its load too.

[zleftyguitarist]

i stick with boss pedals

[TheIcelandicGuy]

Subbliminal just f*ck you i love this effect and i use it all the time

[by_guitar11]

I got one right after I bought my first amp and it kicked alot of ass, I've moved on to natural tube distortion now, but I keep it in my pedal case just in case I need skull crushing distortion on a different amp.

[saintjimmy924]

this pedal sounds bad ass but it isn't very durable
i broke the treble knob off and it has some pretty bad feedback
luckily my amp has a bit of a noise gate on it because you will need it!

[punk4punk]

perfect for sounding like black flag, thus the name lol!!