United States · Est. 1974
Pro Co
Creators of the RAT, one of the most famous and copied distortion pedals of all time.
About the brand
Pro Co Sound was founded in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1974. Their name is practically synonymous with a single pedal: the RAT, launched in 1978. The RAT has been used by guitarists across virtually every genre and is considered one of the most versatile distortion pedals ever made.
The RAT's LM308 op-amp circuit — the same chip used in early military computers — produces a unique clipping character that sits somewhere between overdrive and fuzz. Its 'Filter' control is actually a reverse-taper tone knob, rolling off highs as you turn it up rather than down.
Despite the original company changing hands several times, the RAT circuit has barely changed in nearly five decades. The Rat2, the Turbo Rat, and the You Dirty Rat are all variations on the same brilliant original design.
Key facts
- The RAT: one of the 5 most influential pedals in history
- Original 1978 design barely modified in decades
- Versatile from soft overdrive to brutal distortion
- Used in punk, metal, indie, blues, and pop
Iconic pedals
RAT
One of the most influential and copied distortion pedals in history. Its reverse filter control and LM308 chip produce a unique character ranging from overdrive to fuzz.
Turbo RAT
A RAT variant with LED clipping diodes that produces a darker, higher-gain distortion popular in metal and hardcore.
RAT2
The modernised version of the original RAT with an activation LED and cosmetic improvements. Still the best-selling RAT today.
Notable musicians
- Kurt Cobain · RAT
- Jeff Beck · RAT
- Dave Grohl · RAT
- Thom Yorke · RAT