The Electro Harmonix C9 Organ Machine organ pedal is one of the first guitar effects pedals to synthesize the sound of an organ. So if you want your guitar sound like a bonafide organ, this is the guitar pedal for you.
But for top quality results you will need a top quality effect pedal, and that’s just what the Electro Harmonix C9 Organ Machine happens to be. We can say right from the get-go that this is one of the top devices of its niche.
The Electro Harmonix C9 Organ Machine presents the user with very authentic organ sounds, so if those plastic sounding samples don’t please you, this is the item you’ve been looking for.
Depending on your needs and taste, the pedal can be used for various purposes. If you want a genuine organ sound, you got it. But if you want to be on the experimental side, you can utilize the C9 with other pedals for some otherworldly audio output.
Controls, Features, Specs
The device packs a total of five control knobs, plus the on/off switch. The main knob is the most crucial one, while the remaining knobs come as more of an adjustment tool of a previously well defined audio output, meaning that in order to find the most fitting sound for you, you should probably examine the nine options and then pick your favorite to further tweak and alter. The control knobs and their features are presented below.
Dry – This knob adjusts the level of dry guitar sound fused in the mix.
Organ – To counter the Dry control, the Organ knob allows you to set up the amount or organ sound injected into the final audio output.
Mod – The Mod knob is used to control the speed of modulation, and can result in drastic sonic changes depending on the selected work mode.
Click – Depending on the selected work mode, the Click knob controls produces that percussive “key click” sound for an extra dose of punch.
The Main Wheel – Finally, the big one, the main wheel. With a total of 9 work modes, the wheel offers a set of nine completely different sounds. This is the one you’ll be experimenting with the most as it offers everything from angelic tenderness and subtlety to roaring wild runs.
You can get more info from Electro Harmonix or check it out for yourself.
Tones and Sounds
As noted, the device makes your guitar sound like a vast array or organs. But we simply have to point out yet again how top-notch these organs sound.
Unless you strum your guitar with a massive load of punch or play licks and runs that are impossible to play on an organ, yet commonly associated with guitars, there is almost nothing that will give away this pedal. If someone was just to play it to you, you would say it’s an organ without a hint of doubt.
So if you’re looking for the vibe of Deep Purple’s Jon Lord, or a pinch of Keith Emerson, or a bit of Rick Wakeman, this baby is for you. There are so many things to do with it, and when you compare the cost of an organ and the cost of this pedal, it’s amazing how much money you can actually save. We’re not saying it beats the real deal, of course, but the sound is simply stellar.
Genres that can be applied range from mellow pop to full-on metal. As noted, the tool can be used both as an organ emulator or as a sonic experimentation device. It’s fully up to you to figure that out, the C9 is just there to deliver the quality.
Road-Worthiness & Durability
The C9 has a sturdy metal casing, the knobs are strong and stable, and the inner circuits are well connected. This ensures great road-worthiness and high durability.
The pedal is capable of taking a punch or two during transport, and equally able to withstand some stronger stomping during live shows. Don’t abuse it and it will serve you very well in years to come. A thumbs up from here.
Overall Rating
Pedal Rating: ★★★★
When all the factors are combined, we can only note that this pedal offers a great bang for the buck. The sound quality is top-notch, the durability is high-level, and the sonic options are very wide.
If you are looking for the best organ guitar simulator pedal, this is it. If you are a fan of the organ vibe, and would like to utilize it in your six-string performance to a smaller or greater extent, this is it. If you want a crazy classic organ fueled experimentation pedal, this is also it. If this seems like your cup of tea, buy without further consideration would be my advice.