Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
The Hagerman Gamma Radiation Transistor Distortion is every bit as vibrant and richly textured as I expected
Key Points
Hagerman Gamma Radiation Distortion lands as a superb, richly textured distortion with plenty of range and gain, dual Tone controls for expansive shaping, and easy dial-in for favorite tones.
Controls: Level, Drive (Gain), Tone (post‑EQ) and Energy (Medial Energy EQ between gain stages). Recommended settings in the text: Level and Gain at 3 o'clock, Tone around 2 o'clock; Energy at 10 o'clock for texture or Max for more treble/sizzle. It cleans up when you roll back the guitar and can approach a Big Muff 2–like sound at max Energy.
Text notes some assembly may be necessary though this unit arrived fully assembled. The $129 price tag is described as exceptional value and it’s available from the Hagerman Amplification Webstore. For electrical safety or any opening/modifying, consult a qualified tech.
So my Gamma Radiation has landed, and it’s a superb distortion pedal every which way - plenty of range and gain, and dual Tone controls which give you expansive shaping.
The Gamma could not be easier to dial in - I was up and running with my favourite tones in just seconds.
For me I set the Level and Gain first, and then the overall EQ via the Tone control - where you can then shape the balance of Bass (CCW) and Treble via the Medial Energy EQ.
I like things pretty full-throttle, where this circuit has superb guitar volume gain clean up too - so you can set gain relatively high and then roll it back on your guitar.
Controls - Level, Drive, Tone (Post EQ), Energy (Medial EQ - in between 1st and 2nd Gain Stage).
I have Level and Gain both at 3 o'c for the best / most complex and sustaining output texture. Tone is normally around 2 o'c, and I like energy in 2 positions - mostly at 10 o'c for maximum texture, and at Max for more treble and sizzle (less bass). This distortion percolates and purrs and has a slightly fuzzy dimension to it to in how it responds.
I really love everything about this distortion, including the price. With my settings and the Energy at Max you're not far away from the sort of Big Muff 2 sound - but with a little more intensity, and a lot more volume!
The text mentions that some assembly is necessary, while mine came delivered fully assembled. The $129 price tag is exceptional value - you won't find as richly a textured distortion for anywhere close to that price - everyone should have one.
Available from the Hagerman Amplification Webstore of course.
Highly recommended!
Demos
![Drunk Beaver releases Pedal Drop #37 - the Bashtanka Muff on Π Pi Day [3.14] - a cool Big Muff 2 OpAmp Fuzz take](https://d6a2e7ghqts3o.cloudfront.net/AcuCustom/Sitename/DAM/571/2026-GPX-Drunk-Beaver-Bashtanka-BM2-700.jpg "Drunk Beaver releases Pedal Drop #37 - the Bashtanka Muff on Π Pi Day [3.14] - a cool Big Muff 2 OpAmp Fuzz take")
