DIGITECH BAD MONKEY OVERDRIVE - MADE IN USA

The DigiTech Bad Monkey has generated considerable buzz in the guitar community. A couple of years ago, Josh Scott from JHS Pedals released a video comparing the Bad Monkey to various distortion pedals, including the Klon Centaur, Ibanez TS-10, Fulltone Fulldrive 2, his own JHS Morning Glory, and several others. The results showed that the Bad Monkey produced a sound nearly identical to these pedals, which were many times its cost. This sparked a surge in demand, with used prices climbing as high as $800 USD before eventually stabilizing.

The Bad Monkey was a common presence on the pedalboards of many early 2000s bands, including Tom DeLonge from Blink-182 and Phil X from Bon Jovi. It’s capable of delivering power punk tones as well as a cleaner sound reminiscent of John Mayer’s style. Here’s some more information about what makes the Bad Monkey special.

Introduced in the mid-2000s, the DigiTech Bad Monkey is known for its warm, tube-like tone and exceptional versatility. Often compared to the legendary Ibanez Tube Screamer, the Bad Monkey stands out by featuring separate low and high EQ controls, allowing players to shape their tone more precisely. This adaptability makes it suitable for a variety of guitars, amps, and musical styles, ranging from blues and rock to heavier genres that benefit from a mid-boosted push in front of a distorted amp.

Another feature of the Bad Monkey is its dual-output design—Amp Out and Mixer Out—making it an excellent option for both live performances and direct recording. The Mixer Out includes cabinet emulation, allowing you to connect the pedal directly to a PA system or audio interface while still retaining a realistic amp-like tone. Whether used as a standalone overdrive, a solo boost, or a tone enhancer in a signal chain, the Bad Monkey maintains a smooth, dynamic response that reacts well to picking intensity and guitar volume adjustments.

Although it was discontinued in 2016, the Bad Monkey has developed a BIG cult following. Today, it is remembered as a uniquely voiced and highly functional overdrive pedal that delivers exceptional value. Whether you’re building your first pedalboard or expanding a professional rig, the Bad Monkey remains a worthy addition for any guitarist looking for tonal flexibility and solid analog warmth.