Fender has recently expanded its popular Hammertone pedal line with the introduction of two new models designed to enhance the versatility of any guitarist’s setup: the Hammertone Breakup Drive and the Hammertone Boost. Both pedals have been engineered to deliver inspiring tones, suitable for use in live performances or studio recordings, while maintaining the high quality and simplicity that have made the Hammertone series widely favored among musicians across various genres.
The Concept Behind the New Expansion
The new pedals are introduced with a clear intention: to serve as fundamental building blocks for shaping expressive and responsive tones that can adapt to each guitarist’s unique personality. Developed by the Fender team with a focus on practicality and organic sound, these models can function either individually or in combination, thereby providing a broad range of tonal possibilities.
With a suggested retail price of US$ 99.99 (approximately R$ 575.00) each—this price reflects a direct conversion and does not include any additional taxes or fees—the new Hammertone models continue to fulfill the brand’s commitment to offering affordable, robust equipment that is ready for the stage.
Hammertone Breakup Drive
The Breakup Drive has been designed for those who seek the warmth and dynamic response of classic tube amplifiers, all within a compact and accessible format. Its circuit, based on JFET technology, emulates the natural sensation of tubes pushed to the brink of saturation, delivering a touch-sensitive and highly musical overdrive experience.
This pedal features two selectable clipping modes, enabling musicians to adjust their tone from a light “crunch” to a low-gain overdrive rich in nuances. This versatility allows players to explore textures that react according to the intensity of their picking—clean and smooth during delicate passages or full-bodied when the attack is more pronounced.
Another key highlight is the pedal’s expansive tone control, paired with a selectable pre-gain mid boost, which provides the flexibility to sculpt frequencies without losing the organic quality of the sound. The Hammertone Breakup Drive is designed to adapt to the guitarist’s style, rather than requiring the player to adjust to the pedal.
Hammertone Boost
Conversely, the Hammertone Boost has been created for those seeking an extra push in volume or sound presence, all while capturing the elegance and transparency characteristic of Fender pedals. This pedal includes two distinct boost circuits housed within a single chassis: a clean boost based on operational amplifiers, which can elevate the volume without altering the original tone; and a JFET-based boost, which adds warmth, body, and a smooth harmonic texture reminiscent of vintage tape preamps.
Additionally, the pedal features centralized bass and treble controls, allowing musicians to refine their sound with precision. It is possible to select a completely neutral boost or to enhance certain frequencies to highlight solos, drive the amplifier to the point of “breakup,” or add brightness and definition to clean sounds.
Compact, durable, and intuitive, the Hammertone Boost is a type of pedal that fits seamlessly into any pedalboard and quickly becomes indispensable—especially for those who seek clarity and presence without sacrificing musicality.
Expansion That Reinforces Fender’s Identity
With these new releases, Fender once again demonstrates its understanding of the needs of modern guitarists: simplicity, high-quality sound, and reliable construction. The Hammertone line, which has already been gaining traction for its cost-effectiveness and functional design, is now further strengthened with the Breakup Drive and the Boost, confirming the brand’s commitment to providing tools that inspire creativity and performance.
For those in search of an overdrive with the soul of a tube amp or a versatile and musical boost, these new Hammertone pedals serve as compelling options—ready to transform tone and playing style.
