Launched in 2005, the Electro-Harmonix Polyphonic Octave Generator – a.ok.a. POG – has spurred a handful of offshoots and updates. Born as an final octave field, it conjures the whole lot from digital synth-bass, eight-string bass, and 12-string guitar to organs and harpsichords together with a universe of synthesizer textures.

Arrange like a mixer, the brand new POG III works in stereo and mono, utilizing 10 sliders to regulate perform. Enter Acquire units the extent to your instrument, whereas Dry units the amount of your dry sign at output. The Octave sliders produce pitches at -2, -1, +fifth, +1, and +2 – from the deepest bass (like an Octaver) to excessive screams (like a Whammy Pedal). Every may be custom-blended to left-right channels when operating in stereo. To the suitable, Assault, Filter, and Detune sliders deliver extra sonic functionality with assist from Q, Envelope, and Unfold knobs to regulate particular character.

To get going, pull up any of 10 presets within the show window, like Organ Swell, Deep Sub Envelope, or Hog Heaven, and begin transferring knobs and sliders to style. A giant bonus is the unit’s capacity to tweak presets and save sounds into 100 areas (utilizing the Stay Mode). The probabilities are infinite, as there are infinite variations one can create with the sliders.

Utilizing a Telecaster and Vox tube amp, the POG III proved a potent workstation for sounds means past the blues-rock norm. Your ears could not consider the chiming sounds coming out of your plank – think about standing in a Gothic cathedral and listening to a cranked 12-string and synthesizer bass booming all through its lofty nave and dome. It’s a humongous sound! The POG III’s treble vary may be very delicate, so again off the Filter slider if tone will get harsh.

The POG III will not be for all gamers and sits on the dear aspect, however for guitar explorers, the expertise is completely one-of-a-kind. – Pete Prown

This text initially appeared in VG’s February 2025 subject. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.