Here Are Our 10 Favorite Cusack Music Pedals in 2025
One of the brands we've been paying attention to the most in recent times is Cusack Music, thanks to the company's innovative and reliable pedals. The attention to detail in each unit and their craftsmanship really struck a chord with us.
Under Cusack Music's pedal line, you can find many one-of-a-kind gems such as the Tap-a-Delay (a digital delay unit with several interesting functions) and the Tap-a-Whirl (a tremolo pedal with many experimentation possibilities), as well as tried-and-tested traditional effects such as analog overdrives and fuzzes.
Today, we will explore our carefully crafted selection of the 10 Cusack Music pedals you should try in 2025. We will include as many different options as possible, so you will definitely find a perfect addition to your pedalboard, no matter your playing style. Let's get started!
In a hurry? Check out our quick guide with all of the featured pedals at the end of the article.
A Brief History of Cusack Music
Cusack Music was born in 2002 and went from a DIY project into a full-scale pedal manufacturing business. Based in Holland, Michigan, the company is very active in the guitar community and is constantly putting out new, creative effects.
Another interesting fact about Cusack Music is the brand's role in preserving the local non-profit music venue "The Park Theatre", a highly-esteemed local venue with a rich history that dates back to 1886.
10 Cusack Music Pedals to Try in 2025
Overdrive, Distortion, and Fuzz
Cusack Music Screamer Fuzz V3
Main Features
- Classic overdrive/fuzz combo
- Three clipping modes
- Built-in low-pass filter in the Tone knob
The Screamer Fuzz is actually an overdrive and combo fuzz. A very versatile pedal, it has three clipping modes that can take you anywhere from Tube Screamer-like saturation to full-on distortion, all while maintaining clarity thanks to the built-in low-pass filter in the Tone knob.
Perhaps one of the most interesting use cases for the Screamer is being able to push the fuzz section further using a slight hint of the Screamer-inspired overdrive, which is a classic, tried-and-tested combination.
Last but not least, each of the three clipping modes offers a different tone flavor for the fuzz section: you can choose between silicon (Si), Schottky (SBD), and asymmetrical LED while taming the end result with the wide-range Drive knob.
Cusack Music Meta Plexi
Main Features
- Classic amplifier preamp based on the Marshall Plexi
- Vintage and modern voicings
- Two distortion circuits
- Lead footswitch
You can probably guess by the name what Cusack Music went for here: the Meta Plexi is a complete distortion solution based on the sound of classic Marshall preamps. This pedal can deliver that sweet valve-like saturation while offering many quality-of-life features that make the pedal even more appealing.
Starting off, the Meta Plexi has two distinct voices: vintage and modern. Switching between the two allows you to get both that 70s tone associated with classic rock, and a contemporary flavor as well that's perfect for metal.
This pedal's best feature though is the Lead footswitch. When this function is engaged, you get a post-distortion boost of up to 9dB for solos and any guitar parts that need a little push to cut through the mix.
Cusack Music Sub Fuzz
Main Features
- All-analog sub-octave generator and fuzz
- Three octave settings
- Fast-tracking capability
This one-of-a-kind fuzz can both distort your sound and generate a signal of up to three octaves below what you're playing. This combo is a must-have if you're a fan of anything from Jack White's signature sub-fuzz to super-heavy metal tones.
One of the best features of this pedal is its fast-tracking capability, meaning the octave circuit is tailored to reproduce what you're playing without any latency or audio gimmicks that are often found in units that do this effect.
Also, keep in mind that the Sub Fuzz pedal isn't limited to the guitar, you can also use it on bass, keys, synthesizers, and any audio signal that you feel deserves more low-end. See the demo below to hear it in action!
Cusack Music Project 34
Main Features
- One-of-a-kind selenium rectifier boost/preamp/overdrive
- Inspired by tweed amps from the 1950s
- Level, Gain, Tone, and Contour parameters
The Project 34 is a pedal unlike any other: at its core, it features a selenium rectifier just like the vintage tweed amps from the 1950s. You can use it as a boost, a preamp, an overdrive, and even as a light compressor to give your tone that sweet retro vibe.
The selenium rectifier found in Project 34 is quite rare to come across nowadays, as starting in the 1960s, most companies began using solid-state silicon in their products instead. If you're a fan of old-timey small guitar combos, this pedal is a solid pick.
Last but not least, you also get many parameters with the Project 34 to tame that rectifier, including a Contour switch for a well-deserved bass boost and a highly-responsive Tone knob.
Cusack Music Screamer V3
Main Features
- Clean, transparent overdrive based on the Tube Screamer circuit
- Twice the gain of a typical Tube Screamer-style overdrive
- Three clipping modes
The Screamer is a clean, transparent overdrive based on the Tube Screamer circuit, but with a catch: it has twice the gain of a typical TS-inspired unit. Just like with the Screamer Fuzz, you also get three clipping modes with this pedal.
The clipping modes can be selected via the toggle switch and are similar to the ones found on its fuzz combo counterpart: classic silicon diodes, LED, and Schottky diodes. This particular function makes the Screamer a super-versatile overdrive.
But that's not all: those who like the classic sound of the vintage Tube Screamer will be delighted by this pedal, as this version offers many improvements over the tonal balance of the original, including a brighter tone that cuts better through the mix.
Modulation
Cusack Music Tap-a-Whirl
Main Features
- Tremolo pedal with innovative functions
- 24 waveforms
- Fade-in and brake functions
- Digital presets
- Stereo output
The Tap-a-Whirl is a very unique tremolo pedal: unlike traditional units of its kind, it brings several innovative functions such as 24 waveforms, one-of-a-kind fade-in and brake functions and a digital preset feature with four banks of two presets each. If you're a fan of the effect, this one is definitely worth looking into.
As you can see in the image above, the Tap-a-Whirl also has three footswitches that allow you to do stuff such as switching between presets, syncing the effect to tempo, and activating the brake function on the fly.
As a bonus, Cusack Music is currently offering this pedal as a free plugin for those who sign up for their newsletter. The plugin has all of the functions of the hardware version, so make sure to grab it here.
Cusack Music Tremolo
Main Features
- Compact tremolo with selected functions from the larger Tap-a-Whirl pedal
- Three preset banks
- Three waveforms
- Brake function
Even though we covered the Tap-a-Whirl, it is worth mentioning that the pedal has a little brother: the Tremolo AME. This unit brings selected features from its larger counterpart in a compact and easy-to-use form.
While the Tremolo AME isn't as versatile and experimentative as the Tap-a-Whirl, it is a great option for those looking for a tremolo with a few extra quality-of-life features, such as a preset bank and a tap footswitch.
One interesting fact about the Tremolo AME is that you get the same brake mode effect present on its bigger brother Tap-a-Whirl, which can be activated on the fly by using the footswitches.
Delay and Reverb
Cusack Music Rebound
Main Features
- Multi-program delay
- Expression input
- Eight standalone delay programs
- Brake and float function
- Stereo input/output
The Rebound is a very expressive and versatile delay pedal, with eight programs and interesting functions such as the float and brake modes. This pedal gives you access to everything from analog-modulated-style echoes to tape-inspired effects and even reverse delay.
While this pedal can do pretty much anything in regards to different delay effects, it is a really good choice for experimental-inclined players who are looking for something extra to their setups.
Last but not least, the Rebound delay also has a stereo pair of inputs and outputs, so you can go really crazy with it if you'd like to. We highly recommend you watch the demo video below to see how far this pedal can go.
Cusack Music Tap-a-Delay
Main Features
- Digital delay with analog-inspired sound
- Eight modulation types
- Brake function
- Tap/speed footswitch
If you're more of a traditionalist when it comes to echo effects, the Tap-a-Delay will probably be a better match than the Rebound. Even though it's a digital unit, this pedal is very analog-sounding and has a few extra features that make it more reliable than its vintage counterparts.
The most interesting feature of the Tap-a-Delay is the eight modulation types: we all love modulated delay, and the many options you find in this pedal can take you anywhere from analog warmth to experimental madness.
Once again, Cusack Music also did an amazing job in placing their unique brake function in this pedal, as well as the user-friendly ways to adjust parameters and activate effects using the two footswitches.
Cusack Music Resound
Main Features
- Programmable reverb pedal
- Eight reverb modes
- Eight individual parameters
- Stereo output
The last entry on our list is the Resound, a programmable reverb pedal with curious functions and eight modes. Among those modes, you can find classic reverb types such as room, plate, and spring, as well as innovative ones like the Shimurmur.
One very particularly interesting mode of the Resound pedal is the swell program, a new preset that reverses your guitar signal and ducks the effect according to your playing dynamics, resulting in a weird but creative sound.
There are also two switches for engaging the unique Trails and Cascade effects: the former allows the reverb reflections to go on even when you bypass the pedal, while the latter determines if new notes are added to these reflections. These functions are a bit complex at first glance, but very easy to understand once you hear them in action.
Bonus Tip: Free Tap-a-Whirl Plugin from Cusack Music
Cusack Music is currently offering their Tap-a-Whirl pedal as a plugin for free when you sign their newsletter. This plugin has the same features and functions as the hardware unit. Make sure to head to their website to grab yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between the Cusack Music Screamer Fuzz and the Cusack Music Screamer Overdrive?
The Screamer Fuzz is a fuzz/overdrive combo pedal that allows you to combine both effects, while the Screamer overdrive is a toned-down version inspired by the classic Tube Screamer circuit featuring only the overdrive effect.
What is the Difference Between the Cusack Music Tap-a-Delay and Its Deluxe Version?
The Deluxe version has a few extra functions that aren't included in the standard one, such as the Float footswitch, allowing you to activate the effect on the fly and create feedback loops more easily.
What Artists Use Cusack Music Pedals?
Some of the artists that use and/or endorse Cusack Music pedals include Robert Randolph, Mark Rivera (Ringo Star & His All-Star Band, Billy Joel, Foreigner, Elton John), Jay Osborne, and Chris Bedward.
Conclusion
These are the 10 Cusack Music pedals you should try in 2025, in our opinion. As we mentioned before, the brand has been one of our favorites in recent times thanks to the amount of innovative pedals and effects they're putting out.
Thank you for reading our article! Make sure to check Cusack Music's complete line of pedals and grab your free plugin from their website. Here is a recap of all the pedals mentioned in this blog post:
|
Effect |
Pedal |
Price |
|
Fuzz/Overdrive |
$185.00 |
|
|
Preamp |
$195.00 |
|
|
Fuzz/Octave Generator |
$185.00 |
|
|
Preamp/Boost/Overdrive |
$240.00 |
|
|
Overdrive |
$185.00 |
|
|
Tremolo |
$300.00 |
|
|
Tremolo |
$195.00 |
|
|
Delay |
$260.00 |
|
|
Delay |
$195.00 |
|
|
Reverb |
$280.00 |
You can check these and many other pedals in our store!
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Overdrive, Distortion, and Fuzz Pedals | Understanding the Differences
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Bonus: Use the code IASN10 at checkout for an extra 10% discount!