The Stone Deaf Effects Trashy Blonde is a two-channel parametric distortion pedal, made in the UK, that combines a parametric EQ with a Marshall-style overdrive circuit12. Premier Guitar described it as a distortion filter whose overdrive draws on the late '60s Marshall Super Lead, while Guitar.com's Richard Purvis heard raucous, JMP and JCM800-style British overdrive and distortion12. It sits among distortion pedals but its EQ section gives it a second life as a tone-shaping tool.
What it does to your sound
The distortion channel is voiced on classic British high-gain amps. Premier Guitar's reviewer found that kicking in the distortion mode, colorfully dubbed "Trash," introduces velvety-rich overdrive that draws inspiration from the late '60s Marshall Super Lead1. Guitar.com's take, from its earlier review, was that "This is raucous, JMP and JCM800-style British overdrive and distortion"2.
The EQ is the other half of the story. Premier Guitar summed up the design idea plainly1:
"Combining that degree of tone control with righteous and responsive Marshall-style overdrive circuit makes the Trashy"
Because the EQ can be applied to clean tones as well as driven ones, the pedal can act as a filter and tone shaper in its own right. Purvis concluded that "despite some slight reservations about the noise floor, you might well use the Trashy Blonde as an always-on EQ improver"2.
Controls and connections
| Control or connection | What it does |
|---|---|
| Freq knob | Dials in frequencies between 20 Hz and 6 kHz, representing the full range of most electric guitars1 |
| Overdrive bypass footswitch | Bypasses the pedal's overdrive circuit, applying EQ to clean tones1 |
| Expression pedal input | Accepts Stone Deaf's optional expression pedal for real-time frequency changes1 |
With the expression pedal connected, the frequency sweep becomes a performance control. Premier Guitar noted it opens up "some seriously wacky-sounding" phasing and wah effects, territory closer to wah and phaser pedals than to a conventional drive1.
Build and power
Premier Guitar's reviewer highlighted the pedal's bold gold finish and large enclosure, with weighty construction and substantial knobs and switches1. Power options include a side-mounted 9V battery drawer that enables quick battery changes1.
What reviewers said
- Premier Guitar (2023): pros included buttery British overdrive, precision processing for clean and overdriven tones, solid construction, and cool phasing and wah effects with the optional expression pedal1.
- Guitar.com, Richard Purvis (2016): raucous JMP and JCM800-style British overdrive, and a verdict that it could serve as an always-on EQ improver, with slight reservations about the noise floor2.
Videos
Brett Kingman
Mike Hermans
TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow
Questions
What frequency range does the Trashy Blonde EQ cover?
The pedal has a knob for dialing in frequencies between 20 Hz and 6 kHz, which Premier Guitar notes represents the full range of most electric guitars. That sweep is the heart of the parametric EQ section, letting you pick the center frequency you want to shape, whether you are cutting harshness from a clean tone or focusing the overdrive channel.
Can the Trashy Blonde be used as an EQ without the overdrive?
Yes. You can bypass the pedal's overdrive circuit via footswitching, applying EQ to your clean tones. Guitar.com's reviewer, Richard Purvis, went further, writing that despite some slight reservations about the noise floor, you might well use the Trashy Blonde as an always-on EQ improver.
Does the Trashy Blonde work with an expression pedal?
It accepts Stone Deaf's optional expression pedal for real-time frequency changes. Premier Guitar's reviewer also found some seriously wacky-sounding phasing and wah effects available that way, so the expression input can serve as a moving filter as well as a sweep control.
How much does the Stone Deaf Trashy Blonde cost?
Premier Guitar's 2023 review lists the Trashy Blonde at a $299 street price in the US.
Sources (2)
- Trashy Blonde Distortion Filter Review by Stone Deaf, Premier Guitar, 2015-01-29
- Stone Deaf Kliptonite, Fig Fumb, PDF-2 & Trashy Blonde pedal review, Guitar.com, 2016-07-06
