The Wilson Effects This is the Art is a handmade overdrive/distortion pedal built to deliver everything from warm, dynamic overdrive to scooped 1980s thrash tones. Wilson Effects describes its range as "From light Overdrive to Scooped 80's Thrash Tones," and says the pedal is inspired by the tones of DRI, Overkill, Testament, and Pantera. It is true bypass, runs on a standard 9VDC supply, and carries a list price of $155.00 USD as of the maker's product page1.
Controls and the Mod switch
The pedal keeps its control set simple: gain, treble, bass, and a Shape control, plus a Mod toggle that changes the pedal's character. Wilson Effects says the treble and bass controls let you "Fine-tune your sound to match your amp and playing style"1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain Range | Dial in anything from a light overdrive to full-on thrash metal distortion1 |
| Treble and Bass | Fine-tune your sound to match your amp and playing style1 |
| Shape | Scoop the mids for thrash metal tones or dial it back for an open, amp-like response1 |
| Mod switch, right position | Increased headroom and volume for a more open sound1 |
| Mod switch, left position | Natural, compressed tone1 |
The Mod toggle is the pedal's distinguishing control. When Delicious Audio covered the pedal's unveiling, Paolo De Gregorio described it as a "Mod toggle [that] unleashes more headroom and volume" when flipped to the right, with the natural state to the left giving a more compressed sound2.
Where it sits in the Wilson Effects range
Wilson Effects builds the This is the Art as an overdrive/distortion pedal, describing it as covering "From light Overdrive to Scooped 80's Thrash Tones"1. The maker says it is inspired by the tones of DRI, Overkill, Testament, and Pantera, and sells it for $155.00 USD with a one-year warranty covering parts and labor1. For a wider view of the category, see the site's Overdrive Pedals and Distortion Pedals pages.
Power and practical notes
The pedal runs on a 9VDC 2.1mm center-negative power supply, the same format as most pedalboard supplies1.
Wilson Effects does not list a current draw for the This is the Art, so if you plan to share a daisy-chain output with other pedals, confirm the draw with the maker before wiring it up.
The pedal is handmade in the USA, which Wilson Effects says is "Crafted with premium components for tone and durability," and it carries a one-year warranty covering parts and labor1.
Videos
Mike Hermans
Harsh Tones, Inc.
Questions
Is the Wilson Effects This is the Art true bypass?
Yes. Wilson Effects describes the This is the Art as true bypass, which the maker says ensures your signal remains pure when the pedal is off. That means the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal path entirely when disengaged, so it only colors your tone while it is switched on.
What power supply does This is the Art need?
The This is the Art runs on a 9VDC power supply with a 2.1mm center-negative connector, which is the standard supply format used by most pedalboard power supplies. Wilson Effects does not list a current draw figure for the pedal, so check the maker's page if you are planning a daisy chain with several pedals.
What bands inspired the Wilson Effects This is the Art?
Wilson Effects says the pedal is inspired by the tones of DRI, Overkill, Testament and Pantera, and is designed to capture their raw energy. That points to the scooped, aggressive 1980s thrash metal sounds the pedal's Shape control and Gain range are built around.
Where is the Wilson Effects This is the Art made?
Wilson Effects builds the This is the Art by hand in the USA. The maker says the pedal is crafted with premium components for tone and durability, and it carries a one-year warranty covering parts and labor.
Sources (2)
- This Is The Art, Wilson Effects
- Wilson Effects This Is The Art, Delicious Audio, 2021-10-06
