Linkin Park has just revealed the secret weapon behind the signature guitar tone on their comeback album From Zero. The pedal responsible for the band’s electric sound is none other than the Ball Buster boost pedal, designed by Alex Saraceno, the father of former Poison guitarist Blues Saraceno. The pedal, which was used extensively across the album, has become a sought-after item for guitar enthusiasts.
From Zero was Linkin Park’s first studio album following the death of lead vocalist Chester Bennington. It featured Emily Armstrong on vocals, alongside guitarist and co-producer Mike Shinoda, and a debut performance from drummer Collin Brittain, who replaced co-founder Rob Bourdon. The album marked a significant moment in the band’s career, and the Ball Buster boost pedal played an integral role in shaping the electric guitar tones on this new material.
Brittain, who co-produced the album with Shinoda, revealed that the Ball Buster pedal, which was designed to push the front-end of mid-gain amps like the Vox AC30, Marshall Plexi, and Hiwatt, was a crucial element of the band’s sound on From Zero. Unfortunately, the pedal is no longer in production, making it a rare and valuable piece for any guitarist who owns one.
The Ball Buster’s boost function doesn’t just increase the gain; it also features tone-sculpting options, such as bass and treble controls, and a three-way H-M-L switch that functions similarly to a mastering control. These features allowed Linkin Park to fine-tune their sound and add depth to their tone, with the pedal’s effects being particularly noticeable on the track “Heavy Is The Crown.”
The pedal’s legacy continues under the leadership of Danny Gomez, who took over the Dirty Boy pedal company in 2024. Gomez operates the company out of Madrid and was personally contacted by Brittain, who praised the Ball Buster as one of the most dynamic and musical distortion effects he’s ever used. Brittain expressed his appreciation for Dirty Boy pedals, which he uses on nearly every project, and extended an invitation for Gomez to meet the band in Paris, where the members have been loyal users of Dirty Boy pedals for years.
The question now is whether Gomez, who now oversees the company, will bring back the Ball Buster pedal, considering its unique features and the demand for it in the guitar community. Dirty Boy’s current lineup still features pedals designed by Alex Saraceno, including the Buzzy Boy, Germanium Boy, and Afro Fuzz. Additionally, the new Dirty Boy Preamp, designed by Gomez, is based on an amp originally crafted by Saraceno Sr. for his son. Fans can expect to see this preamp featured on future Linkin Park pedalboards, as the band has already received one for each member to take home.
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