What genre of music is the Fender Full Moon Distortion best suited for?

It is primarily designed for rock and metal styles due to its high-gain capabilities. However, the Texture and Gain controls allow it to be adjusted for lighter rock and alternative genres as well.

Does the pedal include a boost function?

Yes, it features an onboard boost with an independent level control. This can be activated via a dedicated footswitch to add extra volume and punch for solo sections.

What tone-shaping controls are available on the Full Moon Distortion?

The pedal includes a 3-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble) and a High-Treble control. It also features Texture and Bite switches to alter the fundamental character of the distortion.

How is the battery compartment accessed?

The pedal uses Fender's unique magnetic latching battery door. This allows for quick and easy battery replacement without needing a screwdriver or removing the unit from a pedalboard.

Is the chassis durable enough for touring?

Yes, the unit is housed in a roadworthy anodised aluminium chassis. This material is lightweight yet strong enough to withstand the rigours of professional stage use.

Can the LED lights on the knobs be turned off?

The pedal features a switch on the rear that allows the user to turn the LED backlighting for the knobs on or off. This is useful for saving battery life or adjusting to different lighting environments.

What is the purpose of the 'Bite' switch?

The Bite switch is used to shift the high-frequency response of the pedal. It helps in adding extra clarity or 'cut' to the sound, which is particularly useful for lead playing.

What is the typical price range for this pedal?

The typical price for the Fender Full Moon Distortion is approximately GBP 156. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does the 'Texture' switch affect the sound?

The Texture switch allows the player to select between different clipping modes. This changes the compression and harmonic structure of the distortion, moving from smooth saturation to a more aggressive crunch.

Does this pedal require a specific power supply?

It can be powered by a standard 9V DC centre-negative power supply or a 9V battery. The magnetic battery door makes the latter option very convenient.

Is the Full Moon Distortion a digital or analogue pedal?

The Fender Full Moon Distortion is an analogue distortion pedal. It is designed to provide natural-feeling saturation and response similar to traditional high-gain amplifiers.

How does it compare to the Fender Hammertone Flanger?

The Full Moon Distortion is a high-gain drive pedal for saturation, whereas the Hammertone Flanger is a modulation effect. They serve completely different purposes in a signal chain but can be used together for complex textures.

Gear article

Fender Full Moon Distortion

The Fender Full Moon Distortion is a versatile, high-gain guitar effects pedal designed for rock and metal styles. It features comprehensive tone-shaping controls, including a three-band EQ and an independent boost circuit, housed in a durable aluminium chassis.

See live prices

Overview

The Fender Full Moon Distortion represents Fender's modern approach to high-gain saturation. Built to provide a 'crushing soundscape,' the pedal is engineered for musicians who require a single, robust solution for aggressive guitar tones. It is constructed with a roadworthy anodised aluminium exterior and features LED-backlit knobs for visibility on dark stages.

Tone Shaping and Control Layout

The pedal offers extensive control over the distortion character. The primary controls include:

3-Band EQ: Dedicated knobs for Bass, Middle, and Treble allow for precise sculpting of the frequency response.
High-Treble: An additional control to fine-tune the upper harmonics and 'air' of the distortion.
Texture and Bite Switches: These allow the player to toggle between different clipping styles and high-frequency responses, ranging from subtle breakup to full-scale sonic crunch.
Independent Boost: A separate footswitch activates a boost circuit with its own level control, ideal for pushing the signal during lead sections.

Sound Character

The Full Moon Distortion is characterised by its flexibility. While it is capable of high-gain 'tone destroying' distortion suitable for heavy metal and hard rock, the Texture and Gain controls allow it to be dialled back for classic rock applications. The sound is designed to remain clear and punchy even at high saturation levels, providing the necessary definition for complex chord work and fast soloing.

Design Features

In addition to its sonic capabilities, the pedal includes several utility features unique to Fender's boutique pedal line. This includes a magnetic latching battery door, which allows for rapid battery changes without the need for tools. The unit also features an LED-lit logo and toggle-able backlighting for the control knobs, ensuring settings can be monitored easily during live performances.

Comparison and Market Context

Positioned within a similar market segment to the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff or Boss distortion units, the Full Moon Distortion distinguishes itself through its integrated boost and detailed EQ section. While players might use it alongside tools like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor or the Digitech Whammy Ricochet, the Full Moon functions as the primary 'drive' engine within a signal chain, offering more tweakability than standard three-knob distortion pedals.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What genre of music is the Fender Full Moon Distortion best suited for?: It is primarily designed for rock and metal styles due to its high-gain capabilities. However, the Texture and Gain controls allow it to be adjusted for lighter rock and alternative genres as well.
Does the pedal include a boost function?: Yes, it features an onboard boost with an independent level control. This can be activated via a dedicated footswitch to add extra volume and punch for solo sections.
What tone-shaping controls are available on the Full Moon Distortion?: The pedal includes a 3-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble) and a High-Treble control. It also features Texture and Bite switches to alter the fundamental character of the distortion.
How is the battery compartment accessed?: The pedal uses Fender's unique magnetic latching battery door. This allows for quick and easy battery replacement without needing a screwdriver or removing the unit from a pedalboard.
Is the chassis durable enough for touring?: Yes, the unit is housed in a roadworthy anodised aluminium chassis. This material is lightweight yet strong enough to withstand the rigours of professional stage use.
Can the LED lights on the knobs be turned off?: The pedal features a switch on the rear that allows the user to turn the LED backlighting for the knobs on or off. This is useful for saving battery life or adjusting to different lighting environments.
What is the purpose of the 'Bite' switch?: The Bite switch is used to shift the high-frequency response of the pedal. It helps in adding extra clarity or 'cut' to the sound, which is particularly useful for lead playing.
What is the typical price range for this pedal?: The typical price for the Fender Full Moon Distortion is approximately GBP 156. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does the 'Texture' switch affect the sound?: The Texture switch allows the player to select between different clipping modes. This changes the compression and harmonic structure of the distortion, moving from smooth saturation to a more aggressive crunch.
Does this pedal require a specific power supply?: It can be powered by a standard 9V DC centre-negative power supply or a 9V battery. The magnetic battery door makes the latter option very convenient.
Is the Full Moon Distortion a digital or analogue pedal?: The Fender Full Moon Distortion is an analogue distortion pedal. It is designed to provide natural-feeling saturation and response similar to traditional high-gain amplifiers.
How does it compare to the Fender Hammertone Flanger?: The Full Moon Distortion is a high-gain drive pedal for saturation, whereas the Hammertone Flanger is a modulation effect. They serve completely different purposes in a signal chain but can be used together for complex textures.