“When we did the final Slayer show for 60,000 people, Scott Ian used it as his primary tone”: Gary Holt’s favorite budget pedal emulates Eddie Van Halen’s iconic “Brown Sound” – and it retails for less than a $100

Gary Holt may be one of the most recognizable names in thrash metal – but that doesn’t mean the Exodus and Slayer pioneer doesn’t appreciate or own budget effects pedals. In fact, Mooer Audio – known for its pedals’ road-proof casings, small footprint, and affordability – is one of Holt’s top brands when it comes to analog pedals.

“Dude, the Mooer pedals are some of the best pedals I own,” he tells Guitar World. “I’ve got the 005 Brown Sound, which is a 5150 micro pedal. I’ve plugged it into the effects return of a (Marshall) Jubilee combo and it’s so crushing.”

This mini-pedal is based on the original Peavey 5150, which was released in the early ’90s as Eddie Van Halen’s official signature amp. Eventually, it became synonymous with the hard rock and metal scenes due to its revered high-gain tone. As the name suggests, Mooer’s 005 Brown Sound aims to emulate EVH’s so-called “Brown Sound” – and, if Holt’s opinion is anything to go by, it does the job well.