In the world of guitar pedals, there’s always a myriad of brands and models vying for the top spot, but in 2024, certain pedals have clearly cut through the mix to dominate sales on Reverb. This year’s list of best-selling guitar pedals not only reflects the trends and tastes of guitarists but also showcases a blend of time-tested classics and innovative new designs that have won over players across genres.

Topping the charts is none other than Boss, a brand synonymous with durability, quality, and sonic versatility. The Boss RC-500 Loop Station has seized the spotlight, helping guitarists to create complex layers and intricate compositions with its user-friendly interface and robust features. Artists from bedroom recorders to professional stage musicians have contributed to its meteoric rise in popularity.

Yet, it’s not just about looping. The Waza Craft series, particularly the Boss DM-2W Delay, brings analog warmth with modern flexibility, striking a chord with players looking for that vintage vibe with reliability. Its rich, organic echo sounds continue to be a mainstay on pedalboards around the world.

Overdrive pedals have always been a staple, and the Boss OD-200 Hybrid Overdrive is no exception. With its vast array of tones and tweakable parameters via digital circuitry paired with analog components, it offers a spectrum of overdrive flavors from subtle boosts to aggressive distortion.

Other brands have carved out their niches as well; for instance, EarthQuaker Devices’ Afterneath V3 creates labyrinthine reverb textures that go well beyond traditional ambience effects. Meanwhile, Strymon continues to impress with the Timeline Delay, which remains an evergreen choice for delay aficionados despite stiff competition from newer entries.

Reverb’s sales data also highlights an increased interest in modulation effects like phasers and flangers which had been somewhat underrepresented in previous years. Among these, Electro-Harmonix’s Grand Canyon Delay and Looper stands out for its multitasking capabilities as both a delay powerhouse and a looper.

Power supply units are sometimes overlooked but are essential for managing these complex signal chains reliably on stage or in the studio. The Truetone 1 SPOT Pro CS12 has emerged as a go-to for pedal enthusiasts seeking clean power distribution without hum or noise issues.

Interestingly, this year has shown that while boutique pedals continue to intrigue players with their custom-designed circuits and unique sounds, reliability and value still hold weighty appeal. Hence ‘boutique-esque’ models from larger manufacturers that offer custom-tuned features at more accessible price points have seen significant uplift in sales.

Reverb’s report indicates that guitar pedal preferences among musicians are continually evolving. Still, it underscores one thing clearly: when it comes to filling out their pedalboards, players seem agreed that there’s no beating the Boss – at least for 2024.