Danelectro Filthy Rich Tremolo review

Simple but effective

  • £79
  • €66
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MusicRadar Verdict

Two classy tremolo options in a compact setting with simple operation.

Pros

  • +

    Good price.

Cons

  • -

    Won’t be for all.

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Apparently based on the tremolo found on Danelectro amps from the late 1940s, the Filthy Rich has a very basic set of controls, the same in fact as the previous Tuna Melt pedal. 

A switch selects two different tremolo types, Hard and Depth. Hard is a square wave tremolo that’s almost an on/off stutter effect as it has a preset depth and doesn’t go to complete silence. 

The Depth knob, in fact, only comes into play on the Soft setting, a much gentler sine wave tremolo reminiscent of 1960s Fender amps, which can go from a skittery flutter to a deep throb. The only other control is an internal trim-pot for a level-compensating boost. 

Players who demand tap tempo and a wider range of waveforms might not be interested, but this may be ideal for anyone who wants an affordable slimline tremolo with simple control and, most importantly, a sound that holds its own alongside units that cost much more. 

Trevor Curwen

Trevor Curwen has played guitar for several decades – he's also mimed it on the UK's Top of the Pops. Much of his working life, though, has been spent behind the mixing desk, during which time he has built up a solid collection of the guitars, amps and pedals needed to cover just about any studio session. He writes pedal reviews for Guitarist and has contributed to Total Guitar, MusicRadar and Future Music among others.