Aclam Guitars's Pedalboard
Aclam Guitars is a Barcelona-based boutique brand that has quietly become one of the most respected names in professional pedalboard systems. Founded by Marc Oriol, Aclam built its reputation on two pillars: the Dr. Robert overdrive (now in its third version) and the Smart Chassis pedalboard system. The Dr. Robert has evolved significantly across versions. The V1 established Aclam's reputation for transparent, amp-like overdrive inspired by 50s and 60s amp character. The V2 added improved headroom and a refined mid response. The V3 (current) introduced a more musical compression response and improved touch sensitivity — making it one of the most sought-after Dumble-inspired drives on the market. The Smart Chassis pedalboard is what truly separates Aclam. It's not just a board with Velcro — it's a precision-engineered enclosure with: integrated Aclam power supply (isolated outputs, low noise floor), built-in cable management with proprietary fastener system, and a shock-mount flight case option for touring use. Guitarists who use Aclam boards cite the near-silent noise floor and zero cable management hassle as game-changers for live performance. Aclam represents the European boutique movement: obsessive build quality, small production runs, and direct engagement with the guitar community. Their rise mirrors a broader shift among professional players — moving away from large, cluttered Velcro boards toward purpose-built, engineered systems.
Signature Sound
Spanish boutique engineering philosophy — studio-grade transparency, musical warmth, and zero unwanted coloration at every stage of the signal chain
Famous Songs
Every Pedal on the Board
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Aclam's flagship overdrive, now in third-generation form. Inspired by Dumble amp overdrive character — transparent, touch-responsive, and musical at all gain levels. The Morning Glory is a close alternative in the transparent amp-like drive category.”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Low-gain preamp/boost designed to push your amp into natural saturation. Perfect as a 'always-on' tone enhancer. Soul Food serves a similar transparent boost role at a lower price.”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
Strymon Timeline
$449
“Pro Aclam Smart Chassis builds typically pair with Strymon for time-based effects. The TimeLine is the delay of choice for guitarists who want studio-quality presets in a live rig — exact match in our database.”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
Boss RV-6 Reverb
$169
“Reverb counterpart to the TimeLine in high-end Aclam rigs. The RV-6 covers similar reverb territory at a significantly lower price point.”
Total Rig Cost (affordable alternatives)
$912
More Famous Pedalboards
Frequently Asked Questions
What pedals does Aclam Guitars use?
Aclam Guitars is known for using Aclam Dr. Robert V3, Aclam Shrimp, Aclam Smart Chassis Power Supply, Strymon TimeLine, among others. See the full breakdown above with affordable alternatives.
How much does Aclam Guitars's pedalboard cost to recreate?
Recreating Aclam Guitars's rig with affordable alternatives costs around $912. The original pedals — especially vintage or signature models — can cost significantly more.
Can I get Aclam Guitars's tone on a budget?
Yes — each pedal above includes an affordable "Our Pick" alternative that captures the essential character of Aclam Guitars's sound. Focus on the 2-3 most important pedals first.
What amp does Aclam Guitars use?
Aclam Guitars's amp is a crucial part of their tone. While we focus on pedals here, check our signal chain guide for how pedal order affects your amp interaction.