The Ebow has been around for decades with almost no rivalry. While the Ebow is a unique and widely used tool, there are a few alternatives available on the market.
These alternatives can achieve similar effects as the acclaimed Ebow.
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What is the Ebow?
The Ebow is a handheld electronic device used by guitarists and other stringed instrument players to produce sustained and controlled notes.
It was invented by Greg Heet in 1969. It has since become a popular tool in the world of electric guitar playing.
The Ebow consists of a small handheld unit that produces a magnetic field.
When brought into proximity to the strings of a guitar or other stringed instrument, it induces a vibration in the string.
There is no need for the player to physically pluck or strum them.
This allows for the creation of sustained, violin-like tones with infinite sustain and precise control over the volume and intensity of the sound.
The name “Ebow” is derived from “electronic bow,” as it mimics the sustained sounds produced by a bow on a violin or cello.
The device is typically held near the string. The player can vary the position and pressure to achieve different tones and effects. Ebow has gained popularity among guitarists.
Not only for its ability to create atmospheric and haunting sounds. It is also useful in creating unique textures and effects in various genres of music.
These are the seven best alternatives to the Ebow, along with why you should consider them.
Electro-Harmonix Superego+
The Superego+ is a versatile effects pedal that offers a variety of sustain and synth-like sounds.
It features a built-in effects section, expression pedal input, and a freeze function that can hold a sustained note indefinitely.
The Electro-Harmonix Superego+ and the Ebow are different tools that serve different purposes.
Therefore, it is not necessarily accurate to say that one is “better” than the other. The Superego+ offers various built-in effects, such as reverb, delay, and modulation.
It also includes a synth engine that can create synth-like sounds and textures.
Additionally, it has controls for shaping the attack, decay, and dynamics of the sustained notes, allowing for further sonic manipulation.
The Superego+ offers more versatility and a broader range of effects than the Ebow. However, the Ebow has its unique characteristics and simplicity.
It’s a tool focused primarily on producing sustained notes and controlling their intensity. Otherwise, the Superego+ provides a wider array of sound-shaping possibilities.
Moog MF-102 Ring Modulator
The MF Ring modulator by Moog is not specifically designed as an Ebow alternative.
However, it can create unique sustained sounds by modulating the input signal with a carrier wave.
It offers a wide range of tones and can be controlled with an expression pedal for added versatility.
The Ebow, on the other hand, does not have built-in controls for frequency modulation. The MF-102 Ring Modulator and the Ebow serve different purposes.
The MF-102 focuses on creating unique and harmonically complex sounds through ring modulation. On the other hand, the Ebow is designed to sustain and manipulate notes.
Seymour Duncan Vise Grip Compressor
Although primarily a compressor pedal, the Vise Grip by Seymour Duncan has a Blend control that allows you to mix in the dry signal with the compressed signal.
This feature can be used to sustain notes and create a bow-like effect.
The Vise Grip Compressor focuses on compression and sustained enhancement, while the Ebow is more about creating sustained notes and manipulating their intensity.
Furthermore, the Vise Grip Compressor is designed to work well with various musical genres and playing styles.
It can be used for anything from subtle compression to more pronounced squashing effects.
Its adjustable parameters allow you to dial in the desired compression intensity and response to suit different musical contexts.
The Vise Grip Compressor is primarily focused on providing compression for guitar players, allowing for greater control over dynamics.
It can be a useful tool for achieving a more balanced and polished sound, whether you’re playing clean tones or driving your amp into distortion.
Fernandes Sustainer Pick up
The Fernandes Sustainer pickup is a unique pickup system that uses electromagnetic feedback to sustain notes indefinitely.
It can be installed on compatible electric guitars and provides a wide range of sustain and harmonic possibilities.
Like the Ebow, the Fernandes Sustainer Pickup also offers infinite sustain. This allows you to produce sustained notes without the need for picking or strumming.
The Fernandes Sustainer Pickup is usually activated by a switch on the guitar. Hence, players to turn it on and off as desired.
EHX Freeze Sound Retainer
Another offering from Electro-Harmonix, the Freeze is a pedal designed specifically for creating infinite sustain.
It allows you to capture a single note or chord and sustain it indefinitely, providing a sustained and bow-like effect.
Capture and sustain a single moment of audio, essentially “freezing” it. It can capture any sound that is fed into it, including chords, single notes, or even ambient sounds or effects.
The Ebow does not capture or loop sound. It creates sustained notes in real-time on the instrument by inducing vibrations in the strings.
The sustained sound is produced as long as the Ebow is held over the strings and in contact with them.
Strymon OB.1
The OB.1 by Strymon combines an optical compressor with a clean boost, allowing for sustained and dynamic control.
The compressor section can be adjusted to achieve a more bow-like sustain. Also, the clean boost provides added volume and control.
Boss MO-2 Multi Overtone
The MO-2 Multi Overtone by Boss is a unique pedal. It generates a range of harmonics and overtones to create rich and sustained sounds.
It can be used to add depth and sustain to your guitar tone, giving it a bow-like quality. You can blend in octaves, fifths, and other harmonics.
This would create rich, lush sounds that can be tailored to your musical style.
The MO-2 is also designed as a compact pedal that can easily fit on your pedalboard alongside other effects.
Joyo Infinite Sustainer
The Joyo Infinite Sustainer is a sustain pedal that generates a magnetic field to sustain the guitar strings.
It is designed to be placed on the pedalboard and activated by foot.
The Joyo Infinite Sustainer offers sustain and feedback effects and allows for adjusting the intensity and duration of the sustain.
The Joyo Infinite Sustainer is a more recent addition to the market. It aims to offer a similar sustain effect but at a lower price point than the Ebow.
The Joyo Infinite Sustainer is designed to be mounted on the guitar. This eliminates the need to hold it separately like the Ebow.
It also offers some additional features like different sustain modes and adjustable parameters.
The Ebow or Other Alternatives?
The Ebow is easy to use and does not require additional installation or modification to the instrument. It can be used immediately by holding it over the strings.
However, in the absence of the elbow, these alternatives offer a range of sustain and bow-like effects.
They allow guitarists to explore different sonic possibilities beyond what the Ebow provides. Each option has its unique features and characteristics.
Therefore, it’s worth experimenting with different alternatives to find the one that best suits your needs and playing style. Besides, you can get some of these alternatives on a budget.
