Fender Pugilist Distortion Pedal

This is an ex-display item. As new, but no box.

The Fender Pugilist Distortion is a dual-gain distortion pedal that offers a versatile range of tones, from light crunch to full-on, high-gain aggression. Unlike many standard distortion pedals, the Pugilist features two blendable gain stages, allowing players to create unique layered distortion sounds that can be customized for different playing styles. Whether you're playing classic rock, blues, punk, or modern high-gain metal, the Pugilist delivers thick, harmonically rich distortion with plenty of tweakability.

Build Quality & Design

Fender has done a great job designing their modern pedal lineup, and the Pugilist is no exception. The pedal comes in a sturdy anodized aluminum enclosure with Fender’s signature brushed gold finish, making it both stylish and durable. The LED-backlit knobs are a great touch, ensuring visibility in dark performance settings.

It features true bypass switching, so it won’t color your tone when disengaged, and it runs on a 9V power supply or battery for easy integration into any setup.

Controls & Features

The Pugilist Distortion is more than just a basic distortion box—its dual-gain circuit gives players a lot of flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of the controls:

• Gain A & Gain B: Two separate gain stages with independent controls, allowing for different flavors of distortion.
• Tone: Adjusts the EQ of the distortion, from warm and smooth to bright and aggressive.
• Blend Switch: Lets you either stack the two gain channels together (Series mode) for a thicker, more complex distortion or blend them (Blend mode) for a unique dual-layered sound.
• Bass Boost Switch: Adds extra low-end punch, making it great for fatter rhythm tones or heavier styles.
• Level: Controls the overall output of the pedal.

Tone & Sound Quality

The Pugilist is a versatile distortion pedal that can cover a wide range of tones, from classic overdrive to full-on high-gain fury. The dual-gain setup makes it stand out from other distortion pedals, offering more sonic possibilities.

Key Sound Features:

Crunchy and Dynamic Distortion – Gain A provides a mid-gain, vintage-style distortion, while Gain B offers a more saturated, aggressive tone.
Blendable Gain Stages – The ability to mix or stack the two channels adds depth and texture to your distortion.
Bass Boost for Extra Thump – This makes the pedal great for thick, chugging rhythm tones.
Works Well with Different Amps & Pickups – Whether you're using single-coils or humbuckers, the Pugilist responds well to different guitar setups.

In Blend mode, the pedal offers a more nuanced, layered distortion, which can be great for players who want clarity while still maintaining aggression. In Series mode, it can produce huge, saturated tones that work well for lead playing or heavy riffing.

It’s also surprisingly responsive to dynamics and picking attack, making it a good choice for players who like to dial in precise tones rather than just cranking everything to 10.

Performance & Use Cases

The Fender Pugilist Distortion is great for a variety of genres, including:

Classic Rock & Blues – Dialing in Gain A with a lower setting delivers a smooth, organic overdrive.
Hard Rock & Metal – Engaging Series mode with the Bass Boost gives you a thick, powerful tone perfect for heavy riffing.
Punk & Alternative – The pedal’s aggressive attack and responsive tone control make it great for punchy, high-energy chords.
Lead Guitar Tones – The stacked gain stages help cut through the mix while maintaining sustain and clarity.

Pros:

• Dual-gain circuit offers tons of tonal flexibility
• Blend mode creates unique layered distortion tones
• Bass Boost switch for extra low-end punch
• Solid build quality with LED-backlit knobs
• Great for a variety of styles—from classic rock to metal

Cons:

• Lack of a midrange control means you may need to adjust your amp’s EQ
• Some players may find it overly complex compared to simpler distortion pedals

The Fender Pugilist Distortion is a highly versatile and powerful distortion pedal that stands out thanks to its dual-gain design and blendable gain stages. It offers a wide range of tones, from crunchy rock overdrive to heavy, aggressive distortion, making it a great option for players who like to shape and customize their sound.

While it lacks a midrange control and could benefit from a dedicated footswitch for switching between gain modes, the Pugilist remains an excellent choice for guitarists who want a distortion pedal with depth, power, and flexibility. Whether you’re playing classic rock, metal, or punk, this pedal delivers rich, harmonically complex distortion tones with plenty of tweakability.