This week, we check out the latest Solar Guitars Chop Shop limited run, The Predator. Next, we look at the Frog Pedal by FruitFX, which makes your guitar sound like a frog. Finally, we check out the Dumbbell Driver from Shnobel Tone.
Guitar JournalThe PredatorCostin ChioreanuChop ShopFrog PedalWhy?ControlsDumbbell DriverDaily DriverDumbbell Boost
The Predator
Ola Englund’s Solar Guitar brand has a new limited edition ‘The Predator’ model from their Chop Shop in Spain. These are all individually assembled and painted by hand, so each one will look slightly different and be unique.
Each one looks like an alien from a horror movie, or some weird sci-fi creature!
Costin Chioreanu
Each guitar is painted by Costin Chioreanu, who states that “The whole design is completely handmade… Each copy is different, a unique piece of art,” And this electric green blood is flying out from the core of this beast guitar.”
Chop Shop Limited Run · Source: Solar Guitars
Chop Shop
After the hand-painted bodies return to Spain, the assembly process begins with installing Solar locking tuners and a Floyd Rose tremolo. The internal components are then wired by hand using Solar Modern Alnico-V humbuckers, pro-level electronics wiring, a Switchcraft jack, and full copper shielding.
Once the hardware is secure, their team of experienced luthiers strings up each instrument and performs a comprehensive final setup. The roasted maple neck is fitted with 24 jumbo stainless steel frets, so expect a fast-playing guitar.
Each guitar includes an MCAS custom-fitted, ABS-molded TSA flight-ready case, as well as a Certificate of Authenticity hand-signed by both Ola and the specific luthier who assembled the instrument.
MSRP – $2799 each
Solar Guitars Chop Shop
More Solar Guitars news
Frog Pedal
Yes, FruitFX recreated the Frog Pedal in collaboration with Jordan Wav, and yes, it makes a frog sound when the effect is engaged.
This mighty monophonic octaver transforms your tone into a chorus of croaky riffs and ribbits, perfect for anyone looking to add some amphibian character to their sound.
Why?
The pedal draws its roots from a 2010 creation in Jordan.wav’s own archives, an original design that generated significant online buzz years ago. This updated FruitFX version retains that vintage spirit while adding modern refinements.
Frog Pedal · Source: FruitFX
Controls
Control is straightforward but versatile, featuring two main dials: Volume and Frog. Dialing in “Full-Frog” delivers a thick, bullfrog-like experience, while rolling it back results in a snappier, fuzzy texture. Additionally, a dedicated toggle switch allows you to choose your depth, offering the choice between a standard one-octave drop or a “deep growling” two-octave drop.
While it excels at single-note croaks, playing chords through the Frog Pedal creates a chaotic and fun “frog choir” effect.
At its core, the sound is a groovy, fuzzy octave drop that works exceptionally well for adding a quirky edge to slap bass. As Jordan.wav describes it, the result is “funky, massive, and froggy in the best possible way.”
MSRP – $175/£125
FruitFX
Dumbbell Driver
Shnobel Tone has put two circuits into one pedal with their new Dumbbell Driver. It combines their popular Daily Driver Overdrive and Dumbbell Boost into a single unit, with each side complementing the other perfectly.
These pedals are made in the USA and have quite a cult following, so it is great to see them combined into the new Dumbbell Driver.
Daily Driver
Occupying the left side of the pedal, the Daily Driver circuit delivers a rich, amp-like overdrive that ranges from subtle edge-of-breakup to thick, saturated lead tones.
It offers an intuitive EQ section with dedicated High and Low frequency knobs for precise tone shaping. For further customization, a three-position Voice toggle switch offers two distinct high-cut settings and a transparent flat-response mode, keeping the pedal versatile across various setups.
Dumbbell Driver · Source: Shnobel Tone
Dumbbell Boost
The right side of the unit features the Dumbbell Boost, which adds harmonic complexity inspired by legendary Dumble-style amplifiers.
This side includes a specialised Input knob that controls impedance, allowing players to shift between a bright, tight response and a full-range, harmonically rich roar. Additionally, the Level knob provides substantial clean headroom, offering more than enough output to push the front end of any tube amplifier into a sweet spot.
Each side has its own dedicated footswitch to engage the effect, so it is dead simple to use, and the Order mini toggle switch lets you route them however you want.
Having both of these circuits in one pedal is great, and Shnobel Tone states they are exactly the same circuits as in their individual pedals.
MSRP – $329
Shnobel Tone
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