Alice in Chains Offer Sneak Peek of New Guitar Pedal Inspired by 1991's 'Funny Little Boxes'

In their seminal album "Facelift", released in 1990, Alice in Chains delivered a groundbreaking sound that revolutionized grunge. One of the key elements responsible for their distinctive tone was the "Funny Little Boxes" pedal, which resided on the pedalboard of guitarist Jerry Cantrell. This pedal, a combination of a Morley Power Wah Boost and a MXR Phase 90, played a pivotal role in shaping the band's signature sound on tracks like "Man in the Box" and "Sea of Sorrow."

Now, decades later, a glimpse of the long-awaited successor to the "Funny Little Boxes" pedal has emerged in a recent tutorial video featuring Jerry Cantrell. The video, titled "Jerry Cantrell's Rig Rundown," provides an in-depth look at his current gear, including a prototype of the new pedal.

The new pedal, currently unnamed, is the result of a collaboration between Jerry Cantrell and Dunlop Manufacturing, the company behind the legendary Cry Baby wah pedal. Dunlop's team has meticulously recreated the "Funny Little Boxes" pedal, paying homage to its original design while incorporating modern advancements.

Details about the new pedal are scarce at the moment, but the brief glimpse in the tutorial video reveals some intriguing features. The pedal appears to have a dual-function switch, allowing users to toggle between the wah and phase effects. It also features vintage-style knobs, reminiscent of the "Funny Little Boxes" pedal, and a sleek black finish.

Jerry Cantrell's endorsement of the new pedal is a testament to its potential to emulate the iconic tones of the "Funny Little Boxes" pedal. His continued reliance on this effect in his live performances and studio recordings speaks to the enduring legacy of the original pedal.

The release date and pricing for the new pedal have yet to be announced, but its appearance in the tutorial video has sparked anticipation among guitarists eager to experience the recreated "Funny Little Boxes" tone. As more information becomes available, fans of Alice in Chains and guitar enthusiasts alike can eagerly await the official launch of this highly anticipated pedal.

Jerry Cantrell's Pedalboard Evolution

Jerry Cantrell's pedalboard has undergone several iterations over the years, reflecting the evolution of his sonic pursuits. In the early days of Alice in Chains, his pedalboard featured a relatively simple setup, centered around the "Funny Little Boxes" pedal. However, as the band's sound matured and expanded, so did Cantrell's pedalboard.

In recent years, Cantrell's pedalboard has grown to include a diverse array of effects, including multiple wah pedals, distortion units, and modulation effects. This expanded palette of sounds has allowed him to explore a wider range of sonic textures, while maintaining the signature "Funny Little Boxes" tone as a cornerstone of his sound.

The new pedal, once released, is expected to become an integral part of Cantrell's pedalboard, providing him with the ability to effortlessly recreate the iconic tones of his past while also exploring new sonic territories.

The Legacy of the "Funny Little Boxes" Pedal

The "Funny Little Boxes" pedal has become synonymous with the sound of Alice in Chains, particularly their early grunge era. Its unique combination of wah and phase effects created a distinctive sonic signature that set the band apart from their contemporaries.

The pedal's influence extended beyond Alice in Chains, as numerous guitarists adopted it to achieve a similar tone. Its popularity led to a limited-edition reissue by Dunlop Manufacturing in 2008, further cementing its status as a legendary piece of guitar gear.

The new pedal, inspired by the "Funny Little Boxes" legacy, promises to provide guitarists with a modern take on this classic effect. While it remains to be seen how the new pedal compares to its predecessor, the excitement surrounding its release is a testament to the enduring appeal of the "Funny Little Boxes" sound.