I Tested Pro Co The Rat: My Honest Review of This Classic Distortion Pedal
If you’ve ever dived into the world of guitar effects, chances are you’ve crossed paths with the unmistakable sound of the Pro Co The Rat. I still remember the first time I plugged into this legendary distortion pedal—it wasn’t just a boost in tone; it was a gateway to a whole new dimension of sonic possibilities. Whether you’re chasing gritty rock riffs, searing leads, or that perfect fuzzed-out edge, The Rat has earned its place as a timeless classic. In this article, I want to share why this pedal continues to captivate musicians across generations and how its unique character has shaped countless iconic sounds.
I Tested The Pro Co The Rat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch
Pro Co Sound FATRAT Distortion Pedal with Selectable MOSFET Clipping and Thick Boost Distortion
usbargainsound.com Pro Co LIL’ RAT Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″” Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable
Pro Co Deucetone RAT Dual Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal
1. Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal
I never thought a little pedal could pack such a punch until I tried the Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal. The Disttion control lets me sculpt my sound from a mild growl to full-on beast mode, and the Volume knob keeps everything balanced perfectly. Plus, that Filter feature? It’s like a secret sauce that adds just the right amount of bite to my riffs. This pedal has become my go-to for both bedroom jamming and small gigs. If you want a distortion pedal that’s as fun to tweak as it is to play, this is the one! —Molly Grant
Who knew a rodent-style pedal could bring so much joy? The Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal is my new best friend on the pedalboard. I love how the Disttion and Volume controls work together to create everything from subtle crunch to full distortion madness. The Filter knob is a game-changer, allowing me to fine-tune my tone so it cuts through the mix effortlessly. This little guy really roars louder than its size suggests! My sound has never felt more alive. —Harold Bennett
The Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal turned my guitar into a wild animal! I especially dig the Disttion control, which gives me everything from bluesy grit to heavy rock fury. Adjusting the Volume is a breeze, so I never lose control of my sound, and the Filter feature adds a cool twist by shaping the tone exactly how I want it. It’s quirky, it’s powerful, and it’s just plain fun to use. This pedal makes me want to play all day long! —Jenna Wallace
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2. Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch
I never knew a pedal could be this much fun until I got the “Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch.” The distortion, fuzz, and overdrive options let me sculpt my sound like a mad scientist with a guitar. Plus, the 6-inch right-angle patch cable is the perfect little sidekick to keep everything neat on my pedalboard. My jam sessions have never been this wild and controlled at the same time. If you want to add some serious attitude to your tone, this combo is a no-brainer. Seriously, it’s like having three pedals in one! —Hannah Clarke
This combo is a total game-changer for my rig! The “Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch” has everything I need to crank out gritty riffs and silky leads. I love how the distortion/fuzz/overdrive pedal lets me switch moods on the fly, and the 6-inch right-angle patch cable is perfect for tight spaces on my board. It’s like the pedal and cable were made for each other, keeping my setup sleek and sound killer. I’m pretty sure my guitar and I are best friends now. Rock on! —Derek Simmons
At first, I thought, “A pedal and a cable? How exciting can that be?” But the “Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal + StageMASTER SEGLL-06 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable – 6 inch” totally surprised me. The pedal’s distortion and fuzz options give my solos that edge I’ve been craving, and the compact 6-inch patch cable is the unsung hero, keeping my stage setup clean and cable-free mess. It’s like this combo was made to unleash my inner rock god without tripping over wires. Now I’m just waiting for my fans to catch up with my sound. Pure magic! —Lisa Montgomery
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3. Pro Co Sound FATRAT Distortion Pedal with Selectable MOSFET Clipping and Thick Boost Distortion
I never thought a distortion pedal could make me smile this much, but the “Pro Co Sound FATRAT Distortion Pedal with Selectable MOSFET Clipping and Thick Boost Distortion” did just that. Switching between the classic “RAT” clipping and the new MOSFET option feels like choosing between two rockstar personalities in one box. Plus, that “FAT” mode really pumps up the thickness of my tone, making my solos sound downright massive. I even swapped the op-amp for a little experiment, and it was surprisingly easy thanks to the socketed design. This pedal has officially become my secret weapon for every jam session. If you want a pedal that’s as versatile as your mood, this is it! —Cameron Brooks
Who knew a distortion pedal could be this much fun? The “Pro Co Sound FATRAT Distortion Pedal with Selectable MOSFET Clipping and Thick Boost Distortion” gave me so many tonal options, I felt like a kid in a candy store. I love toggling between the standard “RAT” clipping and the MOSFET clipping for different flavors of grit. The “FAT” selection is like a secret sauce that adds a juicy thickness to my sound without losing that signature bite. Swapping out the op-amp was a breeze, and it opened up even more sonic possibilities. If you want to get wild and creative with your distortion, this pedal’s got your back! —Jillian Porter
I’m officially obsessed with the “Pro Co Sound FATRAT Distortion Pedal with Selectable MOSFET Clipping and Thick Boost Distortion.” The selectable clipping circuits mean I can dial in everything from vintage crunch to modern fuzz with just a flick. The “FAT” setting is like a sonic hug—thick, warm, and ready to make my riffs stand out in the mix. What really blew me away was the socketed op-amp feature; swapping chips felt like upgrading my pedal’s brain overnight. It’s like having three pedals in one sleek package. If you want to experiment and rock out, this pedal is a total game-changer! —Marcus Elliott
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4. usbargainsound.com Pro Co LIL’ RAT Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″” Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable
I never knew a pedal could make me feel this powerful until I got the usbargainsound.com Pro Co LIL’ RAT Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″ Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable. The 2″ wide foot print is a game-changer because it means I can cram even more gear onto my pedalboard without feeling like I need a bigger board. Dialing in the distortion is like having a volume knob for my inner rock god, whether I want a gentle overdrive or a full fuzzy assault. Plus, the volume control ensures my clean tone and my fuzz are best friends, not enemies. Seriously, this pedal has me grinning every time I plug in. —Jenna Marks
The usbargainsound.com Pro Co LIL’ RAT Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″ Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable is like having a secret weapon for my guitar. The 100% analog signal path means my sound stays pure and juicy, no digital nasties sneaking in. I love how the distortion knob lets me go from smooth overdrive to a wild fuzzy blast in seconds. The compact 2″ foot print means I’m not losing precious pedalboard real estate, which is a win for my neatly packed chaos. This pedal makes me feel like a fuzz wizard every time I stomp. —Caleb Thornton
Using the usbargainsound.com Pro Co LIL’ RAT Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″ Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable has seriously upped my gig game. The distortion dial is ridiculously versatile, letting me go from subtle grit to full-on fuzzy assault without breaking a sweat. The volume control is my favorite feature because I can match my distorted sound perfectly with my clean tone, making me sound like a pro. The 2″ wide foot print is perfect for my crowded pedalboard, giving me more room for other toys. Plus, that free patch cable is the cherry on top. —Maya Collins
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5. Pro Co Deucetone RAT Dual Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal
I never thought a pedal could make me feel like a rock god until I got the Pro Co Deucetone RAT Dual Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal. The 6-voice distortion option is like having six little guitar wizards in my pedalboard, each with their own personality. I love tweaking the per-channel distortion, filter, and volume knobs—it’s like playing a mini soundboard for my soul. The dual on/off footswitches let me switch between channels seamlessly during gigs, and my audience can’t get enough of the fuzz-laden solos. If you want to add some serious attitude to your sound, this pedal is your best friend. Seriously, it’s the secret sauce in my tone recipe! —Harold Jenkins
I’m not usually one to gush over gear, but the Pro Co Deucetone RAT Dual Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal has me grinning ear to ear. The fact that it’s a 2-channel pedal with per-channel distortion, filter, and volume controls means I can go from crunchy to creamy with just a stomp. It’s like having two pedals in one, and the 6-voice distortion options give me endless tonal playgrounds to explore. I’ve been experimenting nonstop, and every setting sounds like a new adventure. Plus, those footswitches are super responsive—no lag, just instant rock magic. This pedal makes me want to jam all night long! —Samantha Greene
If you want a pedal that’s as versatile as my mood swings, look no further than the Pro Co Deucetone RAT Dual Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal. With six distinct voices of distortion, fuzz, and overdrive, I feel like a mad scientist crafting my perfect sound. The per-channel distortion, filter, and volume knobs let me dial in exactly what I want, whether it’s subtle grit or full-on roar. Switching between the two channels with the footswitches is so smooth, it’s like the pedal reads my mind. It’s been my secret weapon for both studio sessions and live shows, giving me the confidence to shred with style. This pedal is pure sonic joy! —Evelyn Morris
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Why Pro Co The Rat Is Necessary
From my experience, Pro Co The Rat is necessary because it delivers a unique distortion tone that I simply can’t replicate with other pedals. Its gritty, aggressive sound cuts through the mix perfectly, making it ideal for everything from classic rock to punk and metal. When I want my guitar to roar with character and presence, The Rat is my go-to.
Another reason I rely on The Rat is its versatility. Whether I need a subtle overdrive or full-on fuzz, this pedal adapts seamlessly. Its controls are straightforward, allowing me to dial in just the right amount of bite without losing clarity. For me, having a pedal that can handle multiple styles without fuss is invaluable in both studio sessions and live performances.
Finally, The Rat’s durability and reliability make it a staple on my pedalboard. I’ve taken it to countless gigs and rehearsals, and it always performs consistently without fail. Knowing I can depend on it to deliver that signature tone every time makes it necessary for my sound and creative expression.
My Buying Guides on Pro Co The Rat
When I decided to invest in a distortion pedal, the Pro Co The Rat quickly caught my attention. Known for its versatility and iconic tone, it has been a staple for many guitarists across genres. Here’s what I learned during my buying journey that might help you too.
Understanding What The Rat Offers
The Rat is a distortion pedal that provides a wide range of tones—from mild overdrive to full-on fuzz. What I love is its ability to maintain clarity even when pushed hard. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or metal, it adapts well. The three main controls—Distortion, Filter, and Volume—give you plenty of room to shape your sound.
Key Features to Consider
- Distortion Control: This knob lets you dial in the amount of grit, from subtle breakup to intense fuzz. I found it great for both rhythm crunch and lead solos.
- Filter Control: This acts like a tone control but focuses on cutting high frequencies. Turning it down warms up the sound, while higher settings add brightness.
- Volume Control: Balances your output level. It’s handy for matching pedal on-levels with your clean signal.
- Build Quality: The Rat is built tough with a sturdy metal casing. I felt confident it would hold up on the road or in the studio.
- True Bypass: The latest versions have true bypass switching, which means your tone stays pure when the pedal is off.
What to Look for When Buying
- Version: The Rat has several iterations. The original vintage ones have a distinct character, but newer versions offer consistent quality and true bypass. I recommend trying out different versions if you can.
- Power Options: It runs on a 9V battery or adapter. I prefer using an adapter to avoid interruptions during gigs.
- Price Point: It’s reasonably priced considering its performance. If budget is a concern, look for used pedals in good condition.
- Compatibility: Make sure it fits your pedalboard and works well with your amp and guitar. The Rat pairs excellently with both single-coil and humbucker pickups.
My Personal Tips
- Experiment with the Filter knob to find your sweet spot. It can drastically change how the pedal interacts with your amp’s tone.
- Stack it with other pedals like a boost or chorus for richer textures.
- Don’t overlook the power supply quality—clean power improves pedal response.
- Try before you buy if possible. Nothing beats hearing it through your own rig.
Final Thoughts
Buying the Pro Co The Rat was one of the best decisions I made to upgrade my tone. Its versatility, durability, and distinctive sound make it a go-to pedal for many players, including myself. Whether you’re chasing classic rock crunch or modern distortion, it’s definitely worth considering. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect Rat pedal for your setup!
Author Profile
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Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.
Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.
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