Kevin Shields's Pedalboard
My Bloody Valentine's Kevin Shields created some of the most influential guitar sounds of the 20th century. His use of reverse reverb, heavy tremolo bar abuse, and walls of layered effects defined the entire shoegaze genre. His pedalboard is chaos by design.
Signature Sound
Massive walls of reverb-drenched, pitch-bent noise. Reverse reverb, extreme tremolo bar vibrato, and layers of distorted shimmer.
Famous Songs
Every Pedal on the Board
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
Boss RV-6 Reverb
$169
“Shields' most important pedal — the RV-6 continues the Boss reverb legacy”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Lush chorus adding width to the wall of sound”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Surprisingly simple gain pedal driving those massive textures”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Tremolo adding rhythmic pulsing to the ambient wash”
Our Pick — Affordable Alternative
“Thick, sustaining fuzz for shoegaze walls of sound”
Total Rig Cost (affordable alternatives)
$518
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Frequently Asked Questions
What pedals does Kevin Shields use?
Kevin Shields is known for using Boss RV-3 Reverb/Delay, EHX Small Clone Chorus, Boss DS-1 Distortion, Boss TR-2 Tremolo, among others. See the full breakdown above with affordable alternatives.
How much does Kevin Shields's pedalboard cost to recreate?
Recreating Kevin Shields's rig with affordable alternatives costs around $518. The original pedals — especially vintage or signature models — can cost significantly more.
Can I get Kevin Shields's tone on a budget?
Yes — each pedal above includes an affordable "Our Pick" alternative that captures the essential character of Kevin Shields's sound. Focus on the 2-3 most important pedals first.
What amp does Kevin Shields use?
Kevin Shields'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.