AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Keeley Distortion Pedals 2026
The top pick is Keeley Manis Overdrive ($244). Keeley Fuzz Bender gives you the most for the money at $188. Keeley Tube Drive Distortion leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
The Keeley Manis is a seriously cool overdrive. It nails that classic germanium amp vibe, and the transistor mode adds a unique, almost fuzz-like edge. This is perfect for players chasing vintage tones in rock, blues, and roots music – especially those who want a bit more flexibility than a straight-up clone.
Pros
- Authentic germanium tones with a distinct vintage warmth.
- Unique GE transistor option adds a darker, more compressed character.
- Excellent build quality with a sturdy aluminum enclosure.
Cons
- Price point puts it in a premium-priced category for an overdrive.
- Limited versatility; excels at vintage-style overdrive, less suited for modern high-gain sounds.
56AudioFu
Index↓ 4.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$255 · Aug 17$244 now$244€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Keeley Fuzz Bender is a serious fuzz pedal for players wanting something beyond a basic fuzz. It’s got a really cool, interactive character thanks to the gyrator EQ and Bias control—you can dial in everything from vintage warmth to gnarly velcro fuzz. Ideal for rock, stoner, and anyone chasing those saturated, thick fuzz tones.
Pros
- Hybrid circuit delivers a surprisingly wide range of fuzz textures.
- The gyrator EQ provides excellent tonal shaping and clarity.
- Metal enclosure feels robust and well-built, a Keeley hallmark.
Cons
- Lacks battery operation, requiring an external power supply.
- The high-gain settings can get quite muddy with scooped EQ settings.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$188 now$188€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Keeley Octa Psi Transfigurating Fuzz
Octa Psi-Transfigurating Fuzz · Keeley
75 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The Octa Psi is a wild ride, blending a genuinely warm, analog fuzz with surprisingly clean and responsive digital pitch shifting. It's a fantastic tool for experimental guitarists and bassists who want to explore layered textures and evolving soundscapes – think Tosin Abasi meets early Radiohead. Just be prepared to spend some time dialing in your sounds.
Pros
- Exceptional polyphonic tracking for complex, harmonized textures.
- Discrete transistor fuzz delivers a thick, vintage-voiced distortion.
- The Psi mode adds truly massive, usable sub-bass frequencies.
Cons
- The sheer number of controls can be overwhelming for beginners.
- The digital nature introduces a slight processing 'gloss' some may find sterile.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$319 now$319€286 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Dark Side V2 is a seriously creative fuzz pedal, offering a massive palette of sounds beyond just fuzz. It’s perfect for players wanting to explore vintage rotary and Uni-Vibe tones blended with fuzz, but be prepared to spend some time dialing in your ideal sounds—it’s a complex beast.
Pros
- Exceptional fuzz tones with a wide range of character
- Versatile modulation options covering phaser, Uni-Vibe, flanger, and rotary
- Well-built metal enclosure feels robust and durable for pedalboard use
Cons
- Complex controls require significant tweaking to master its full potential
- High power draw (75mA) may be a concern for some power supplies
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$378 now$378€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Keeley Tube Drive Twin Triode Dual Overdrive
Tube Drive Overdrive · Keeley
29 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This pedal uses a real tube to warm up your signal. You can run it as a clean boost or a gritty overdrive. It works best when you want that vintage tube feel without buying a big amp. The main catch is you must buy your own power brick.
Pros
- Real 12AX7 tube creates warm, organic distortion
- Two separate channels for Drive or Tube
- Can swap channel order with long-press footswitch
Cons
- Needs external 9 volt power supply unit
- Lacks built-in power supply inside the pedal
-
The Keeley Loomer is a seriously creative fuzz and reverb pedal. It's a fantastic option for players wanting to sculpt unique textures, from subtle vintage fuzz to swirling, atmospheric soundscapes. Ideal for experimental guitarists and those looking to add a unique sonic signature to their rig.
Pros
- Metal housing offers robust protection for gigging musicians.
- Versatile fuzz tones range from vintage germanium to modern aggression.
- Reverb modes add depth and creative soundscaping possibilities.
Cons
- Relatively high current draw necessitates a quality power supply.
- Limited battery operation is a modern inconvenience.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$389 now$389€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Super Phat Mod is a fantastic reissue, nailing that vintage JFET overdrive sound with surprising clarity and a warm, saturated character. It’s a great choice for guitarists seeking a versatile, mid-gain overdrive for blues, rock, and even some heavier styles – especially those who want a simpler, more focused pedal than a full-blown distortion unit.
Pros
- JFET gain stages deliver a uniquely warm, tube-like overdrive character
- Flat/Fat mode toggle provides versatility for different tonal applications
- Metal housing feels robust and well-built for gigging reliability
Cons
- Price point places it in a premium-priced category for an overdrive
- Limited control options compared to more complex multi-band distortion pedals
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$188 now$188€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Blues Disorder is a clever little box, offering a surprising amount of tonal ground to cover. It's a great option for players who want a variety of overdrive and distortion flavors in a compact package, especially those leaning toward classic rock, blues, and garage rock tones. Keeley's done a great job packing a lot of character into a single pedal.
Pros
- Four distinct circuits offer surprising tonal flexibility, covering a wide range.
- Keeley's signature warm, responsive overdrive character is instantly recognizable.
- Buffered bypass preserves signal strength, crucial for darker or longer cable runs.
Cons
- The four modes, while versatile, can feel slightly overwhelming initially.
- High gain settings can get a bit muddy with hotter pickups.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$255 now$255€229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Noble Screamer is a seriously clever pedal. Keeley’s taken the classic TS9 vibe and expanded on it with amp-like overdrive and distortion circuits, giving you a surprising amount of tonal variation. It's a great choice for players wanting a versatile, high-quality overdrive that can handle everything from blues to modern rock.
Pros
- Versatile voicing options covering a wide range of overdrive tones.
- Keeley’s signature build quality ensures durability and reliability.
- Buffered bypass maintains signal strength, especially in complex rigs.
Cons
- Price point places it in a premium-priced category for overdrive.
- Can be slightly noisy at higher gain settings with sensitive amps.
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$255 now$255€229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This pedal lets you blend a gritty drive with a warm tube sound in one box. The high voltage pushes the Philips tube hard for that classic overdriven feel. It works best for players who want to switch between clean, dirty, and tube-heavy tones on the fly.
Pros
- Dual channels let you mix drive and tube sounds easily
- High voltage runs the Philips tube at 160 volts
- Long-press footswitches let you swap effect order quickly
Cons
- No power adapter included in the standard kit
- Pedal size is large for small pedalboards
Distortion Pedals by the numbers
Measured across all 572 models we track, not a sample.
Median $319 — half of all distortion pedals here cost less.
median of 17 models · 0.23 kg–460 kg
How to choose the best distortion pedals
Tone Character
Keeley leans towards a 'creamy' distortion - it's not always about the sheer volume; it's about the harmonic complexity and sustain. Think less ice-pick harshness, more fat midrange honk and a smooth, usable breakup. This makes them incredibly versatile, usable for blues, rock, and even some heavier styles.
Dynamic Response
Keeley pedals often respond exceptionally well to your picking dynamics. A light touch yields a cleaner tone, while digging in brings out the grit and sustain. This responsiveness is key for expressive playing and cutting through a live band mix.
Build Quality
The enclosures are solid, and the components are generally high-quality. They're not boutique-level indestructible, but they'll hold up to gigging without falling apart. The footswitches are reliable, and the jacks feel robust - a noticeable step up from some cheaper pedals.
Modulation Integration
Many Keeley distortions incorporate subtle modulation - think a touch of chorus or tremolo - that adds movement and depth to the tone. This isn't always a full-blown modulation pedal; it's a subtle enhancement that can really sweeten the deal, especially for cleans or lighter overdrives.
Gain Structure & Headroom
Keeley often prioritizes a more mid-focused gain structure with good headroom. This means you can push the pedal without it immediately descending into muddy chaos. It's a good platform for boosting other pedals or driving your amp into its sweet spot.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for Keeley distortion? Smart move. Keeley's carved out a really interesting space in the pedal world - they're not just chasing the latest high-gain buzzsaw; they're crafting pedals with character, nuance, and a real respect for the signal. Forget sterile, generic distortion; Keeley's got options that'll give you everything from gritty blues crunch to thick, amp-like saturation. Let's dive in and find the right one for your rig.
Don't get caught up in the hype. Keeley's aren't cheap, but you're paying for that attention to detail and the unique tonal character. If you're after a super-high-gain, scooped-mid metal distortion, Keeley probably isn't your brand.
But if you want versatile, responsive overdrive and distortion with a musical, organic feel, they're worth serious consideration. Listen closely to demos, and think about how the pedal will interact with your existing gear - a bright amp will react differently than a darker one.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 10 distortion pedals from the Thomann catalogue (of 572 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Keeley pedals true bypass?
Most Keeley pedals are true bypass, but a few models utilize buffered bypass for improved signal integrity, especially when dealing with long cable runs or passive pickups. Check the specific pedal's specs to be sure.
Can I use a Keeley distortion as a clean boost?
Absolutely. Many Keeley distortions, especially those with lower gain settings, make excellent clean boosts. They add a touch of warmth and thickness without drastically altering the fundamental tone.
How do Keeley's modulation features affect the tone?
The modulation is subtle, designed to add movement and shimmer, not a full-blown chorus or tremolo effect. It's generally a positive thing, but if you want a completely unaltered distortion, you might want to dial it back.
What's the difference between the Compressor+ and a regular compressor?
The Compressor+ is designed to be used with distortion, offering a more transparent and musical compression tailored for rock and blues tones. A standard compressor can sound squashed and lifeless when paired with high-gain distortion.
Are Keeley pedals easy to dial in?
Generally, yes. Keeley's controls are intuitive and well-spaced, making it easy to find usable tones quickly. However, like any effects pedal, mastering its nuances takes some experimentation and understanding of your signal chain.
