Distortion Meets Ring Modulation Madness
The DOD Gonkulator Ring Modulator Reissue isn’t your everyday fuzz, distortion, or modulation pedal. Originally launched in the late ‘90s as part of DOD’s eccentric “Lamb Series,” it quickly became infamous for its bizarre, metallic, and downright alien tones. The reissue brings this cult classic back with modern refinements, true bypass, and a tweakable carrier frequency. If you’ve ever wanted your bass or guitar to sound like broken machinery, a robot in distress, or a sci-fi laser fight, the Gonkulator is your ticket.
TL’DR – DOD Gonkulator
Pros: Unique distortion + ring modulation combo; tweakable carrier frequency; inspiring for experimental tones; solid modern build.
Cons: Very niche appeal; can thin out lows on bass at higher settings; chaotic and unpredictable.
Best for: Bass players who want wild, metallic textures and Lefebvre-style synthy sub madness.
Price Range: ~$130–$150
A Brief History: The Weird Side of Effects
When DOD first launched the Gonkulator, it stood apart with controls labeled things like Suck, Smear, Gunk, and Heave. It wasn’t designed for subtle tone-shaping — it was an unapologetically weird box meant for experimental players. Bands like Incubus used it on tracks such as Glass, cementing its reputation as a tool for adventurous musicians.
Ring modulation itself has roots in early electronic music and sound design, often used to create bell-like clangs or metallic dissonance. When combined with distortion, it becomes unpredictable, chaotic, and wonderfully unique — which is exactly why the Gonkulator has remained a cult favorite.
And here’s where it resonates with me: I’ve always loved ring modulation on bass. I come from the Tim Lefebvre school of thought — adding ring mod to a sub tone to create devastating synth sounds. That combination of sub-bass weight with metallic chaos is pure magic, and the Gonkulator gives me that in a compact stompbox.
Controls
The modern Gonkulator simplifies its layout while keeping all the madness intact:
- Gain – Controls the amount of distortion.
- Distortion – Adjusts the texture and intensity of the drive.
- Ring – Sets how much ring modulation is applied to your signal.
- Frequency – Tunes the carrier frequency, ranging from subtle metallic shimmer to unhinged, atonal chaos.
- Output – Master volume level.
This combination lets you blend anything from subtle harmonic coloring to full-on sci-fi meltdown.
Build & Design
The reissue comes in a rugged metal enclosure, with a purple-and-green retro-inspired look that hints at the weirdness inside. It’s pedalboard-friendly, runs on standard 9V power, and features true bypass — a big upgrade over the original.
Uses
On bass, the Gonkulator can be an absolute weapon. At lower frequency settings, it retains enough low end to stay useful in a mix, while higher settings plunge you into industrial territory. For guitar, it delivers broken-speaker fuzz, metallic clangs, and everything in between. In the studio, it’s an incredible tool for sound design — I could see producers and composers using it for cinematic textures, alien drones, or just to wreck a clean signal in all the right ways.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Unique blend of distortion and ring modulation.
- Adjustable carrier frequency makes it far more versatile than the original.
- Cult classic character with modern build quality.
- Inspiring for experimental players and sound designers.
Cons:
- Very niche — definitely not for everyone.
- Can thin out low end on bass at higher frequency settings.
- Chaotic by nature; takes effort to control.
FAQs
Q: Is the Gonkulator usable on bass?
A: Yes, and in the right hands, it’s devastating. Keep the frequency lower if you want to preserve low end, or push it higher for industrial chaos.
Q: How is it different from a regular distortion pedal?
A: The Gonkulator adds ring modulation into the mix, introducing metallic overtones and non-harmonic frequencies. Think of it as distortion pushed into sci-fi territory.
Q: Is it beginner-friendly?
A: Not really. This is a pedal for players who want weirdness, unpredictability, and experimental textures.
Conclusion
The DOD Gonkulator Reissue is not about subtlety — it’s about attitude and pushing your sound into uncharted territory. As someone who has always loved using ring modulation on bass, this pedal feels like home to me. It lets me blend Lefebvre-style sub madness with robotic, metallic chaos, all in a simple stompbox. It won’t be for everyone, but if you’re brave enough to embrace the weird, the Gonkulator rewards you with a sound unlike anything else on your board.
Get the DOD Gonkulator on Amazon and unlock chaotic ring-mod distortion.
Other DOD Gear You Might Like
If you enjoyed checking out this DOD pedal, here are more DOD products worth exploring — all tested and reviewed here on BassGearReviews:
– DOD FX-10 Bi-Fet Preamp – A Hidden Gem Among Pedals
– DOD Meatbox Reissue – Subharmonic Synth Madness
– DOD Carcosa Fuzz – Powerful, Multifaceted Fuzz Box.
