Solar Guitars, renowned for its high-performance instruments and tone-shaping tools, has just dropped the CHUG Lite, a streamlined version of their popular CHUG distortion pedal. This new offering caters to guitarists seeking powerful, amp-driving distortion in a pedalboard-friendly format.
CHUG Lite
Building upon the legacy of the original CHUG, which was celebrated for its preamp-like intensity, the CHUG Lite has been meticulously re-voiced to function as a traditional distortion pedal. We saw the new EQ Boost pedal launched earlier this year, so this new mini/lite pedal is another stompbox for Solar Guitars in 2025.
This latest design choice suits players who want to push their amplifiers into sonic overdrive.

Simple Drive and Serious Gains
“Simplicity, gain, and serious midrange control are the cornerstones of the CHUG Lite,” states Solar Guitars in their official release.
The pedal boasts a comprehensive control set, including a high-gain GAIN knob, a versatile MIDRANGE section with FREQ (frequency selection) and MIDDLE (+/- amount) adjustments, and dedicated BASS and TREBLE controls for precise tonal sculpting.
An OUTPUT BOOST knob ensures seamless integration with any amp or pedal setup.

Mini CHUG
Encased in a robust, all-metal housing, the CHUG Lite prioritizes durability without sacrificing pedalboard space. Its compact size, larger than a “mini” pedal but significantly smaller than the original CHUG, makes it a practical addition for gigging and studio musicians.
The CHUG Lite’s sonic profile is described as “supremely tailored for maximum CHUG,” promising the aggressive, articulate tones that metal guitarists crave.
Its low DC power draw further enhances its appeal for pedalboard integration.
The CHUG Lite is available for immediate order and shipping. It joins Solar Guitars’ expanding pedal lineup, which includes the original CHUG, TUNER+, EQ BOOST, and the optional CHUG CPS9V500 power supply.
MSRP – CHUG Lite: $129/€139

Guitar Bomb Verdict
With its compact design, powerful features, and metal-focused voicing, the CHUG Lite aims to be a go-to distortion pedal for guitarists seeking to unleash crushing tones without sacrificing valuable pedalboard space.
More Information
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