The Quinnamp Dirt & Ernie is a distortion and clean-boost pedal, handmade by Quinnamp in Phoenix, Arizona. Both effects share one small metal box: a clean/dirty toggle selects between the two modes, two knobs shape the tone, and a single footswitch switches the pedal in and out. Quinnamp describes the pedal's sound as "akin to a 3 inch elephant playing an electric tuba," a playful way of saying it covers a lot of ground for its size1.
Controls and how they work
The Dirt & Ernie keeps its control layout to a toggle and two knobs1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Clean/dirty toggle | Selects between distortion and clean boost modes1 |
| Dirt knob | Adjusts the amount of distortion. In Clean Boost mode, turning it up adds much more volume and boost, with some distortion as it nears 12 o'clock1 |
| Volume knob | Acts as a volume control. In Clean Boost mode the reviewer had it at about 75 percent, where it matched the amp volume, and going further added volume without changing the original amp tone1 |
| Footswitch | One footswitch for engaging the pedal1 |
Premier Guitar's reviewer found that the pedal "produced a wide range of tones with only small adjustments to the Dirt knob," moving from Skynyrd-like to Frampton-esque to something more Green Day-ish1.
Power
The pedal runs on a battery, reached through 4-screw access to the guts of the metal box, and it also has a jack for an optional DC adapter1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar reviewed the Dirt & Ernie in August 2021 and came away positive across the board. The reviewer was "extremely impressed with the distortion," finding that at maximum level notes stayed distinct and clear, chords full and solid, with just the right amount of breakup1.
"the Dirt & Ernie pedal provided a decent, clean boost and a smooth to searing, yet very clear distortion with a lot of nice middle ground"
The pedal's response to playing dynamics also drew praise: because it responds extremely well to attack and playing style, a less aggressive attack yields a tamer initial response, and the reviewer found sustain was good and pinch harmonics seemed easy1.
The overall verdict was that the Dirt & Ernie is a nice change from mass-market distortion pedals, with a wide tonal range despite its playful look, running from boosted clean to country-rock twang to hard-rock power. The fact that it is handmade in the US also gave the pedal a thumbs-up1. The pedal's illustrations are by graphic artist David Medel1.
If you are weighing the Dirt & Ernie against other ways to add grit or level to a board, see the site's pages on Distortion Pedals, Overdrive Pedals and Boost Pedals.
Videos
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Questions
Is the Quinnamp Dirt & Ernie true bypass?
Yes. Premier Guitar's review notes that the Dirt & Ernie features true bypass, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes to the amp without the circuit in the way. The reviewer summed it up as being there when you want it.
Does the Quinnamp Dirt & Ernie take a battery?
Yes. The pedal is packed into a concise metal box with 4-screw access to the guts for battery changes. There is also a jack for an optional DC adapter if you would rather power it from a supply.
Can the Dirt & Ernie be used as a clean boost?
Yes. The clean/dirty toggle selects between distortion and clean boost modes. In Clean Boost mode the reviewer found the Volume knob matched the amp's volume at about 75 percent, and turning it further added volume without changing the original amp tone.
Where is the Quinnamp Dirt & Ernie made?
The Dirt & Ernie is handmade by Quinnamp in Phoenix, Arizona, in the United States. Premier Guitar's reviewer counted the US hand-build as one of the pedal's strong points.
How much does the Quinnamp Dirt & Ernie cost?
Premier Guitar's August 2021 review listed a street price of $200 in the United States.
Sources (1)
- Quinnamp Dirt & Ernie Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2011-10-20