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In this article, we’re going to be discussing the top 5 guitar organ emulating processors that you can purchase in 2020.
Firstly, we’re going to talk a little more about what exactly a guitar organ pedal is, and where these processors are most likely used.
Then, we’ll talk about the exact products available on the market today, and their unique functionality and features, so that you’re more knowledgable on which processor is more suited to your needs and requirements.
What is a Guitar Organ Processor, or an Organ Emulation Pedal for Guitar?
Quite simply put, it’s a processing pedal that is used to manipulate the input guitar signal, and use algorithmic analog (or digital) processing, to manipulate the signal based on the required wave shapes of a specific type of organ sound, similar to a guitar synth pedal.
Thus on output, you and the audience hears a realistic organ sound in replacement of your normal guitar tone.
A guitar organ emulator can be used on both electric and electro-acoustic guitar. Although it must be noted that these pedals are primarily designed to be used on electric guitars.
Where would an organ pedal likely be used?
An organ emulating processor would likely be used within either a studio recording, or practicing environment.
Alternatively, if a band/musician has recorded organ sounds on their songs and wants to replicate this in a live performance, they may use the pedal there too.
Ok, so now that we have explained what exactly the pedal is, and where it may be used, let’s now talk about the top organ emulation pedals on the market.
In the list below, we’ve arranged the products based on what we feel is probably the most important factor (other than the pedals sound), which is the uni’s price. With that being said, we hope that you manage to find the perfect organ pedal for your needs!
If you’re in a rush, take a look at the bottom of this article, where we’ve featured a conclusion, which includes the main feature (s) that set each unit apart in our opinion.
Let’s get to it then! What are the Top 5 Best Guitar Organ Pedals in 2020?
Best Guitar Organ Pedals – Top 5
Best Vocal Effects Pedals Of 2020
Aural Dream Organ Synthesis A Guitar Effects Pedal
Cheap and cheerful, although there are better alternatives
Features
- Guitar Organ Machine manufactured by Aural Dream
- Aluminum alloy outer casing
- Relatively small in size, ideal to fit on a pedal board
- Monophonic Input & Output
- Includes the following interface controls
- Acc: Adjust the tonality of the overall sound
- Speed: Adjust the limits of the frequency rotary speed
- AM: Adjust high and low-frequency modulation
- Balance: Adjust the overall balance of the sound
- Type: Choose between several different organ sound presets (explained below)
- Runs on a 9V Power Supply (Not Included – Linked to below)
- LED light when the pedal is engaged
- True Bypass
Technical Specifications
- 1 x 1/4″ jack input
- 1 x 1/4″ jack output
- A 9v Power adapter is needed for operation. This is sold separately (Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight : 0.25kg
- Dimensions : 5.7″ x 3.5″ x 2.3″ inches
Customer Review Rating
The Aural Dream Organ Synthesis A pedal has not received any reviews so far, although we’ve featured a video demonstration below, showing this unit in action.
Summary
The Aural Dream Organ Synthesis A processor is the cheapest organ emulation machine featured within this article, and the only reason we’ve featured it in this list is because of the cheap price, since we like to accommodate for every budget.
However, even despite its lower price in comparison to the other more expensive units, the Organ Synthesis A still offers a large amount of functionality for the price.
The processor itself has 5 different organ modes, which can be selected and switched between through the use of the ‘Type’ knob. These different presets include ‘organ core’ reggae organ, rock band, blues organ and rock organ bright’. Additionally, once the base organ preset has been chose, this sound can then be further modified through using the other available interface controls, which include Acc, Speed, Balance, AM.
All of these controls can be used to make adjustments to the organ preset’s volume, EQ, waveshaping and oscillation.
The unit has monophonic input and output, and provides True Bypass, meaning that the input/output signal is not interfered with when the processor is disengaged.
So how exactly does it sound?
As you can hear from the video demonstration, when compared to other more expensive units, it simply doesn’t hold up!
The sound quality, by comparison, is just not here.
What would we improve?
It’s hard for us to be too critical about this unit, as it’s the cheapest pedal featured within our list. Hence, any improvement suggestions would likely incur additional manufacturing costs, and therefore an increase in price for the consumer.
And as the unique selling point of this pedal is the price, it wouldn’t make much sense for Aural Dream to start increasing the price-tag.
However, we’re not too keen on the overall sound of this unit, but that’s just our personal preference.
This brings us to the next section.
Who is this pedal for?
We like to be brutally honest here at Sustain Punch, and hence if you’re looking for an organ pedal, this is a ‘decent’ budget-priced unit. Although we highly recommend saving up a little more money and purchasing the Electro-Harmonix B9, or other organ machines featured in this list, as they are all much better sounding.
However, before you decide, take a look at the video demonstration of the Aural Dream Organ Synthesis A pedal in action.
Electro-Harmonix B9 Organ Machine
Incredibly versatile, suitable for pop/rock and orchestral settings
Features
- Guitar Organ Machine manufactured by Electro-Harmonix
- Durable Aluminum Protective outer casing
- Relatively small in size, ideal to fit on a pedal board
- Range of positive review ratings
- Monophonic Input & Dual Output
- Features a ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ output
- Includes the following interface controls:
- Dry: Controls the overall volume of the unaffected signal
- Organ: Controls the overall volume of the affected signal
- Mod: Adjusts the speed of modulation on the affected signal
- Click: Controls the percussive click level
- Type: Choose between 9 different organ sound presets
- Fat & Full, Jazz, Gospel, Classic Rock, Bottom End, Octaves, Cathedral, Continental, Bell Organ
- Runs on a 9V Power Supply (Included)
- LED light when the pedal is engaged
- Buffered Bypass
- Owners Manual
Technical Specifications
- 1 x 1/4″ jack input
- 2 x 1/4″ jack output
- A 9v Power adapter is needed for operation. This is included.
- Weight : 0.60kg
- Dimensions : 4.0″ x 4.75″ x 2.25″ inches
Customer Review Rating
The Electro-Harmonix B9 Organ Machine has received an average rating of 3.9* out of 5 stars from 200 Amazon customer review
Summary
The B9 Organ Machine by Electro-Harmonix is just a slight increase (ahem) in price than the previous pedal that we’ve featured. The B9 Organ Machine provides a multitude of organ effects to help transform your guitar tone, 9 tones to be exact.
The individual tones include ‘Fat & Full, Jazz, Gospel, Classic Rock, Bottom End, Octaves, Cathedral, Continental and Bell Organ’… We’ve featured a video demonstration of the B9 in action, so you can hear exactly what all these presets sound like, alongside what exactly this unit is capable of.
The B9 is capable of achieving some well-known organ sounds, an example being that it emulates the sound of 1962 Vox Continental, which was famously used in “I’m a believer” by The Monkeys, and by the band ‘The Doors”. This setting can be achieved via the ‘Continental’ setting.
If you’re just looking to gain a plain organ sound, this can also be achieved with the use of the Gospel, Cathedral and Bell Organ settings.
Additionally to these core settings, each organ tone can then be further adjusted through the use of modulation (Mod) and percussive (Click) control, the type of adjustment available is specific to the organ setting, so there are much more than just 9 organ tones that can be achieved.
The B9 has two separate 1/4″ jack outputs, one which provides the affected signal (which goes through internal algorithmic processing) and the other provides the dry, unaffected signal. This is especially useful if you wanted to route a signal through the B9, without processing, so that it can be processed elsewhere further down in the signal chain.
As for how this unit sounds, it is able to provide a diverse range of organ sounds, from more subtle, ambient tones to more present in the mix organ drones.
What would we improve?
We think that Electro-Harmonix has gone into depth regarding the design of the unit, and the more specific emulation elements that make a guitar more ‘organ-sounding’, such as attack and sustain. The unit even includes an emulated ‘click’ volume control, which can be adjusted to emphasize or minimize the sound of the emulated organ key clicking (simulated of course) within the mix.
Bearing all of this in mind, we simply don’t think there are many improvements that can be made regarding this unit.
This brings us to the next section.
Who is this pedal for?
However, before you decide, take a look at the video demonstration of the Electro-Harmonix B9 processor in action.
EarthQuaker Devices Organizer V2 Polyphonic Organ Emulator
A boutique pedal offering warm, smooth organ-like sounds
Features
- Guitar Organ Machine manufactured by EarthQuaker Devices
- Handmade in Ohio, USA
- Polyphonic Organ Emulator
- Hybrid of technology, utilizing both Analog and DSP Circuitry
- Aluminum Protective Outer Chassis
- Relatively small to easily fit on pedalboards
- Range of positive review ratings
- Monophonic Input & Output
- Includes the following interface controls:
- Up: Level control for adjusting to an upper octave
- Down: Level control for adjusting to a lower octave
- Choir: Controls additional octave settings
- Lag: Delay control for the affected ‘wet’ signal
- Tone: Rolls off high-end frequencies as the knob is turned counter-clockwise
- Direct: Level control for the unaffected ‘dry’ signal
- Runs on a 9V Power Supply (Not Included – Linked to below)
- LED light when the pedal is engaged
- True Bypass
- Owners Manual
Technical Specifications
- 1 x 1/4″ jack input
- 1 x 1/4″ jack output
- A 9v Power adapter is needed for operation. This is sold separately (Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight : 0.60kg
- Dimensions : 4.75″ x 2.50″ x 2.25″ inches
Customer Review Rating
The EarthQuaker Polyphonic Organ Emulator has received an average rating of 3.9* out of 5 stars from 200 Amazon customer review
Summary
The EarthQuaker Polyphonic Organ Emulator is a premium-priced processor built by hand in Akron Ohio, USA. It uses a mix of DSP and analog circuitry, and operates using True Bypass, so that there is minimal signal interference when the unit is disengaged.
As for the device’s controls, it features 6 knobs which are collectively used to manipulate the overall output sound. The upper row of the device focuses on controlling octave manipulation on the input signal. Whilst the lower row of controls focuses on delay, filtering and output volume.
As you may have guessed from the name, this unit is a polyphonic processor, and therefore it can handle both chords and single notes, which gives you as a guitarist, a lot of potential sounds/tones that you can create.
As for how this unit sounds, as you can hear from the video demonstration of the EarthQuaker Polyphonic Organ Emulator, it really can provide those large-scale organ sounding tones that you want to hear, whilst also being incredibly versatile, in emulating a wide variety of physical emulation settings.
What would we improve?
As for improvements regarding this unit, there aren’t many that we can think of. However, since this runs on DSP processing, it would be nice to potentially have the option to save presets, although we fully understand that this is more of a ’boutique’ pedal, and hence featuring these digital elements on the interface may take away from the brand’s overall intended image for the unit.
Not only this, it would most likely incur a direct cost on the end-user, which is already high enough in our eyes.
This brings us onto the next section.
Who is this pedal for?
The EarthQuaker Polyphonic Organ Emulator is definitely for the guitarist who’s after a polyphonic organ pedal for their guitar. Not just this, but this pedal is more of a ’boutique’, premium-quality unit, with it being handmade, and so if this is another attractive feature, then it may be for you.
Additionally, if you’re a fan of how this unit sounds from looking at the video demonstration, it is probably the pedal for you!
T-Rex Quint Organ Machine
More emphasis on octave/fifth harmonies over organ presets
Features
- Guitar Organ Pedal manufactured by T-Rex
- Polyphonic Organ Emulator
- Aluminum Protective Outer Chassis
- Small to easily fit on pedalboards
- Range of positive review ratings [Read Here]
- Monophonic Input & Output
- Includes the following interface controls:
- + Fifth: Adds a harmony 1 fifth higher than present note
- + Octave: Adds a harmony 1 octave higher than present note
- – Octave: Adds a harmony 1 octave lower than present note
- Mix: Adjusts the balance between affected (wet) and unaffected (dry) signal
- Replicate 12-string, organ & synth tones
- Runs on a 9V battery (not included) and/or 9V Power Supply (Not Included – Linked to below)
- LED light when the pedal is engaged
- True Bypass
- Owners Manual
- 2-Year Manufacturers Warranty
Technical Specifications
- 1 x 1/4″ jack input
- 1 x 1/4″ jack output
- A 9v Battery (not included) / 9 V Power adapter is needed for operation. This is sold separately (Boss SYB-5 9v power adapter – Buy on Amazon)
- Weight : 0.20kg
- Dimensions : 2.0″ x 2.4″ x 4.6″ inches
Customer Review Rating
TheT-Rex Quint Organ Machine Pedal has received an average rating of 5* out of 5 stars from 1 Amazon customer review
Summary
The T-Rex Quint Machine is a vintage-sounding octave/organ-emulating pedal. It’s main functions involve adding additional harmonies to the mix, which include upper & lower octaves and additional fifths.. All of which help build up the overall thickness of the guitar sound, giving it more on an organ-like quality.
However, make no mistake, there are other pedals within the list that provide a more dedicated organ emulation effect, such as the Electro-Harmonix B9 or C9 unit.
What would we improve?
For the price, and considering the competition at this price-point, we simply don’t think that the USP is strong enough to warrant buying this over a competitor such as the Electro-Harmonix B9 or C9.
Who is this pedal for?
However, before you decide, take a look at the video demonstration of the T-Rex Quint Organ pedal in action.
Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine
Premium Priced, Incredibly versatile, suitable for pop/rock and orchestral settings
Features
- Guitar Organ Machine manufactured by Electro-Harmonix
- Durable Aluminum Protective outer casing
- Relatively small in size, ideal to fit on a pedalboard
- Range of positive review ratings [Read Here]
- Monophonic Input & Dual Output
- Features a ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ output
- Includes the following interface controls:
- Dry: Controls the overall volume of the unaffected signal
- Organ: Controls the overall volume of the effected signal
- Mod: Adjusts the speed of modulation on the effected signal
- Click: Controls the percussive click level
- Type: Choose between 9 different organ sound presets
- Tone Wheel, Prog, Compact, Shimmer, Lord Purple, Mello Flutes, Bump, Press Tone, Telstar
- Runs on a 9V Power Supply (Included)
- LED light when the pedal is engaged
- Buffered Bypass
- Owners Manual
Technical Specifications
- 1 x 1/4″ jack input
- 2 x 1/4″ jack output
- A 9v Power adapter is needed for operation. This is included.
- Weight : 0.60kg
- Dimensions : 4.0″ x 4.75″ x 2.25″ inches
Customer Review Rating
The Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine has received an average rating of 3.9* out of 5 stars from 200 Amazon customer review
Summary
The Electro-Harmonix C9 is very similar to the ‘B9’ unit, that we’ve talked about at the beginning of this review section. They are almost identical in size, physical features and in core functionality, however, they differ regarding the organ preset tones that they provide.
Similarly to the B9 unit, the C9 Organ Machine provides a multitude of organ effects to help transform your guitar tone, 9 tones to be exact.
The individual tones include ‘Tone Wheel, Prog, Compact, Shimmer, Lord Purple, Mello Flutes, Bump, Press Tone ‘… We’ve featured a video demonstration of the B9 in action, so you can hear exactly what all these presets sound like, alongside what exactly this unit is capable of.
Additionally to these core settings, each organ tone can then be further adjusted through the use of modulation (Mod) and percussive (Click) control, the type of adjustment available is specific to the organ setting, so there are much more than just 9 organ tones that can be achieved.
The C9 has two separate 1/4″ jack outputs, one which provides the affected signal (which goes through internal algorithmic processing) and the other provides the dry, unaffected signal. This is especially useful if you wanted to route a signal through the C9, without processing, so that it can be processed elsewhere further down in the signal chain.
What would we improve?
We think that Electro-Harmonix has gone into depth regarding the design of the unit, and the more specific emulation elements that make a guitar more ‘organ-sounding’, such as attack and sustain. The unit even includes an emulated ‘click’ volume control, which can be adjusted to emphasize or minimize the sound of the emulated organ key clicking (simulated of course) within the mix.
Bearing all of this in mind, we simply don’t think there are many improvements that can be made regarding this unit.
Who is this pedal for?
However, before you decide, take a look at the video demonstration of the Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Processor in action.
In conclusion, which Guitar Octave Machine is right for you?
Well, since there aren’t too many guitar octave pedals to choose from, we recommend simply reading over the article, as it’s really not as long in length as the articles that we usually write.
However, with that being said, we’re going to briefly summarize the USP of each pedal, and who we think it is suitable for.
- Aural Dream Organ Synthesis A Guitar Effects Pedal – $ – Budget Priced – Cheap and cheerful, although there are better alternatives – Buy on Amazon
- Electro-Harmonix B9 Organ Machine – $$$ – Mid-Range Priced – Incredibly versatile, suitable for pop/rock and orchestral settings -[Editor’s Recommendation] – Buy on Amazon
- EarthQuaker Devices Organizer V2 Polyphonic Organ Emulator – $$$ – Mid-Range Priced – A boutique pedal offering warm, smooth organ-like sounds – Buy on Amazon
- T-Rex Quint Machine – $$ – Moderately Priced – More emphasis on octave/fifth harmonies over organ presets – Buy on Amazon
- Electro-Harmonix C9 Organ Machine – $$$$ – Premium Priced – Premium Priced, Incredibly versatile, suitable for pop/rock and orchestral settings – Buy on Amazon
