The Pro Co “Rat” distortion pedal is a legendary stompbox in the world of electric guitar effects. Its history traces back to the late 1970s when Scott Burnham, the founder of Pro Co Sound, designed it. The Rat was introduced in 1978 and quickly gained popularity due to its distinctive sound and rugged construction.

The Rat was designed to provide a versatile distortion effect suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from blues to hard rock. It featured a simple control layout with knobs for distortion, filter, and volume, allowing users to dial in their desired level of grit and tone.

One of the key features of the Rat pedal is its unique clipping circuit, which is responsible for its characteristic sound. This circuit produces a smooth, saturated distortion that many guitarists find appealing. Additionally, the Rat is known for its ability to maintain clarity and definition even at high gain settings, making it a favorite among players who require articulate distortion tones.

Over the years, the Rat pedal has undergone several revisions and iterations, with different versions offering slight variations in tone and functionality. The original Rat pedal, often referred to as the “Rat 1,” remains highly sought after by collectors and players alike. Subsequent versions, such as the Rat 2 and Rat 3, have introduced minor changes and updates to the design.

The Rat pedal’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its robust construction, distinctive sound, and widespread use by professional musicians across a variety of genres. It has become a staple on countless pedalboards and continues to inspire guitarists around the world with its gritty, aggressive tones.