The Essential Gear: Zakk Wylde’s Must-Have Pedal for Unmatched Tone
Every guitarist has that one indispensable piece of equipment that shapes their sound. For legendary guitarist Brian May, it’s the Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster that elevates his tone, while Joe Bonamassa has recently become enamored with the Crazy Tube circuits White Whale reverb pedal.
For Zakk wylde, the heart of his pedalboard is the signature MXR ZW44 Berzerker Overdrive. Introduced in 2011 adn reissued multiple times, this pedal is known for it’s “loud, tough, and relentless” character. It features the standard overdrive controls: output, tone, and gain. Wylde typically places it in front of a high-gain Marshall JCM800 to enhance his sustain during solos.
wylde adapts his gear for each performance, whether with Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society, or Pantera. Yet, his trusty silver overdrive remains a constant in every setup. As revealed in a recent interview with EMGtv, when asked about the one pedal he cannot live without, Wylde made it clear that nothing else compares.
Pedals: The Source of Inspiration
“As guitarists, we all have a passion for pedals because they’re just so much fun,” Zakk explains. “Different sounds can spark creativity and led to new ideas. Whether you’re playing an acoustic, a clean electric, or a distorted guitar, certain tones can inspire unique writing styles. That’s the beauty of pedals.”
“For me, it has to be a distortion pedal: my Berzerker. I love all my pedals,but without that distortion,the night wouldn’t be nearly as enjoyable,” he adds.
Watch On
Wylde emphasizes the importance of his Berzerker Overdrive, stating, “It enhances everything I already have.” He explains that without it, his sound lacks the necessary sustain. “If you’re waiting for sustain, you won’t achieve it without that pedal. It’s essential for giving you that extra punch.”
In the same discussion, Wylde reflected on the creation of “Miracle Man,” the first song he co-wrote with Ozzy Osbourne, describing it as a “pivotal” moment in his career. He shared with Guitar Player that the riff was influenced by the styles of Jimi Hendrix and his predecessors, Randy Rhoads and Jake E. Lee.
“I draw inspiration from the amazing rhythm guitar parts laid down by legends like Jake E. lee on ‘Bark at the Moon’ and Randy Rhoads on ‘crazy Train,’” he explains. “It’s like crafting a new recipe; you take the ingredients you have and create something uniquely yours.”
Wylde has also addressed critics of his unconventional picking technique, citing renowned guitarists in his defense, and shared insights into Ozzy’s specific gear preferences, including a legendary pedal that remains off-limits.
As he prepares to tour Europe with Pantera later this month, Zakk wylde’s beloved overdrive pedal will undoubtedly accompany him on this exciting journey.
