Earthquaker Devices Acapulco Gold: Review
- guitarmachines1
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
The EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2 is a bold, minimalist distortion pedal that captures the raw power of a cranked Sunn Model T amp. With its single oversized volume knob, it delivers massive, fuzz-laden tones ideal for stoner rock, doom metal, and heavy riffing.
Build and Design
The Acapulco Gold V2 features a sturdy metal enclosure adorned with distinctive graphics. Its single, unlabeled knob controls the output volume, while the pedal's internal circuitry shapes the gain and tone. This streamlined design emphasizes simplicity and ease of use.
Sound and Performance
Sonically, the Acapulco Gold V2 offers a thick, saturated distortion that responds dynamically to playing intensity and guitar volume. At lower settings, it provides a gritty overdrive, while higher settings unleash a wall of fuzz reminiscent of vintage tube amps. Guitar World describes it as delivering "a rainbow of dark and dirty fuzz-like tones with massive bass and singing sustain".
The pedal's responsiveness allows for expressive playing, with the tone cleaning up when the guitar's volume is rolled back and becoming more aggressive with harder picking. This dynamic range makes it suitable for various musical styles beyond its doom and stoner rock roots.
User Feedback
Users praise the Acapulco Gold V2 for its powerful sound and simplicity.
'This is a heavy, loud, open distortion pedal. It really does clean up nicely when you adjust the volume knob on the guitar'
-zZounds
'sounds much like a tube amp running full tilt'
-TalkBass
However, some users caution that the pedal's high output can be overwhelming, requiring careful adjustment to avoid overpowering the mix. Despite this, the consensus is that the Acapulco Gold V2 offers a unique and compelling distortion experience.
Conclusion
The EarthQuaker Devices Acapulco Gold V2 stands out as a distinctive distortion pedal that combines simplicity with powerful, dynamic tones. Its ability to emulate the sound of a cranked vintage amp makes it a valuable tool for guitarists seeking rich, saturated distortion without complex controls.
Pros:
Authentic, amp-like distortion
Responsive to playing dynamics
Simple, intuitive design
Cons:
High output may require careful level management
Lack of tone controls limits fine-tuning
For guitarists seeking a straightforward pedal that delivers massive, dynamic distortion, the Acapulco Gold V2 is a compelling choice.
References: Guitar World, zZounds, TalkBass, Guitar Lizard and Guitar Pedal DB
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