You don’t have to go very far on the internet before you come across an article about Renegade Guitars. Well known for their connection to Mr. Big’s Paul Gilbert, Renegade is truly a pedal fiend’s dream company. They are offering a wide range of hand-made boutique pedals that border on the extreme in terms of sheer sound-shaping capabilities. In fact, many have described Renegade’s range as being the ‘most extreme pedals ever made. Well, I don’t know about that, but they seem to be hugely popular with a certain type of player!
Renegade Effects Custom Shop Padawan Cables
Renegade Effects Custom Shop Pedal Board
Renegade Effects Custom Shop Padawan Cable
So, who are Renegade? Well, if you don’t already know, then I suggest you read this article. The short version, though, is that the main man behind Renegade is a fella called Paul Wolinski. Paul first made a name for himself under the alias ‘Wolinski Custom Shop,’ creating customized guitars and pedals that were popular with both Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. The Wolinski name was in danger of becoming well known in the high-end guitar markets when Paul decided to rebrand his company as Renegade Effects in order to create a more consistent brand.
Renegade Effects Custom Shop 8 String Baritone Guitar With Piezo Bridge – Paul Gilbert Signature Model
Renegade Effects Custom Shop 3 Knob Compression Sustainer Pedal
Renegade Effects Custom Shop Analogue Chorus Pedal Version 2.5
So far, Renegade has created many popular pedals with signature models for Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, as well as artists Richie Kotzen and Paul Gilbert. The company has also made custom one-offs for the likes of Guthrie Govan. Paul Wolinski is happy to work closely with guitarists to ensure that his designs are exactly what they want, so there’s no risk of your custom shop order becoming lost in the post. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Paul Wolinski, it is this… If you want any pedal customized, then get in touch with him! He never fails to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Renegade Effects Custom Shop The Muff Knuckle – Joe Satriani Signature Model
Renegade Effects Custom Shop Sweet Sound Mojo Vibe – Steve Vai Signature Model
Renegade Effects Custom Shop Satisfaction Fuzz Pedal- Richie Kotzen Signature Model
Renegade Effects Custom Shop Satriani Piezo Pickup System With Piezo Saddles/Nuts & Bridge Cable
Renegade Effects Custom Shop Satriani Piezo Pickup System With Piezo Saddles/Nuts & Bridge Cable
Unfortunately, Renegade is not yet as well known to the general public as Dunlop or Boss. To be totally honest, I don’t think they really advertise very much. I think this is partly because Paul Wolinski doesn’t want to risk cheapening the Renegade name through overexposure (in other words, he’d rather build up a reputation than splash it all over adverts). You can pick up many of their pedals by contacting Paul directly via his Facebook page.
If you’re looking for high-end boutique pedals, then check outside Effects. They may just have what you’re looking for.
Renegade Effects Custom Shop Satisfaction Fuzz Pedal- Richie Kotzen Signature Model
In terms of differences between Renegade and other boutique pedal builders, Paul Wolinski says this”I manufacture the components myself in my own workshop, hand builds each unit personally. I am using a mix of new obsolete technology & some modern techniques to bring about a different sound.”