EarthQuaker Devices Hummingbird

The EarthQuaker Devices Hummingbird is a unique tremolo pedal for electric guitar. While it's definitely a sort of tremolo, it's not your typical sound as it's quite choppy and has it's own unique sound to it. There is an updated version of the pedall that has more parameters and gets more in depth, but this review is for the original pedal. It's an analog pedal that has 1/4" jacks for input and output and can be powered by either a nine volt battery or power supply. It's not rackable as it's a stomp box.

UTILIZATION

Using the EarthQuaker Devices Hummingbird pedal is incredible simple. There are two modes to choose from, ambiguously labeled flutter and flap, which essentially just gives you two different tremolo timbres to choose from, while the rate knob allows you to set how fast or slow you'd like the effect to be. Most users will be able to figure out all the ins and outs of this pedal without the manual.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound of the EarthQuaker Devices Hummingbird is really cool as it gives you a unique tremolo sound for sure. I wouldn't say it reinvents the wheel when it comes to tremolo, but it's got it's own vibe to it that isn't something you'll hear on to many other vibrato pedals. This version of the pedal doesn't have too much room to mess around with, but it's still possible to get a good amount of varying tones just by messing between the two modes and the rate knob. If you're looking for a harsh and choppy tremolo, this is the epitome of what you're after.

OVERALL OPINION

While it's probably worth it to check out the newer version of the EarthQuaker Devices Hummingbird first, it's definitely worth knowing that the original is a nice pedal in itself. It doesn't offer the same amount of control, but you're getting the basic effect here that I find gives enough variation anyway. If you're after a more traditional tremolo/vibrato pedal, I'd look elsewhere, but if you're looking to get adventurous, it's definitely advisable to look into the Hummingbird.