What characterized the earliest efforts to capture distortion effects before dedicated pedals?

Answer

Modifying existing amplifier circuits or using large, rack-mounted units.

Early efforts to gain control over distortion involved either direct alterations to amplifier circuits or the use of sizable, often rack-mounted, equipment rather than the later floor stompboxes.

What characterized the earliest efforts to capture distortion effects before dedicated pedals?

#Videos

Josh Scott Presents: The Complete History of Guitar Effects | Part 1

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