History and Timeline of the Proco Rat Pedal (2021)
3 days ago
- #proco-rat
- #guitar-pedals
- #music-history
- The ProCo RAT pedal was designed by Scott Burnham in 1977-1978, with the first physical version, the Bud Box RAT, appearing in 1978.
- ProCo Sound Inc. was founded in 1974 by Charlie Wicks in Kalamazoo, MI, initially producing speaker cabinets and cables before moving into effects pedals.
- The RAT's unique distortion sound was discovered accidentally when Burnham used the wrong resistor value, causing the op amp to clip in a novel way.
- Early versions of the RAT include the Bud Box RAT (1978), Fringe Logo RAT (1979), and subsequent variations with cosmetic changes like knobs and logos.
- Significant circuit changes include the 1981 Version 2, which reversed the Tone control to a Filter control, altering the treble response.
- The 1984 White Face RAT introduced a smaller enclosure, while the 1986 Black Face RAT improved logo printing issues.
- The TurboRAT (1989) featured LED clipping diodes for a different distortion character, becoming a popular variant.
- Special editions like the Juggernaut (bass-specific), Deucetone (dual RAT), and You Dirty RAT (germanium diodes) expanded the RAT's versatility.
- ProCo continued innovating with models like the FATRAT (2014) and Lil’ RAT (2021), the latter using surface-mount technology for a compact design.
- Common myths about the RAT, such as the necessity of the LM308 op amp or the superiority of Woodcutter-built units, are debunked with technical evidence.