Design and Build Quality
One of the first things I noticed when unboxing the LEKATO Tank G was its solid build quality. The black anodized metal housing feels durable and looks sleek. For a pedal in this price range, it’s surprising to see such high-quality materials.
Another thoughtful touch is the foam pad placed over the battery. If you've ever used similar pedals, you know that heavy foot pressure can potentially damage the battery if not properly protected. Thankfully, LEKATO has already addressed this with a thick foam cushion to prevent any puncture risk, which could otherwise cause battery failure or even a fire hazard. The foam has indentations where the solder points press into it, so you can tell that it's doing its job well.
Features and Functionality
Despite its affordable price tag, the Tank G is packed with features, making it a fantastic practice and performance tool:
36 Customizable Effects: The pedal comes with 36 pre-set effects across 9 banks, and each bank has 4 different effects, all of which can be customized to suit your needs. Navigating through these banks is intuitive—just press the two left footswitches to go down a bank, and the two right ones to go up.
Multiple Connectivity Options: The Tank G offers a variety of ways to connect your gear. There's an XLR output for direct connection to a sound system, headphone jack for quiet practice, and even an audio out mini-jack that allows you to record directly to your phone or another recording device. If you're using an audio interface or a mini amp like a Fosi, the pedal integrates seamlessly, making it versatile for different setups.
Built-in Tuner: No need to fumble for your tuner during a jam session. By holding down the two center footswitches, the pedal enters tuner mode—another example of how LEKATO has made this pedal user-friendly.
Bluetooth Connectivity: This is a great bonus feature for wireless practice or integrating with Bluetooth devices.
Performance and Sound Quality
When it comes to sound, the LEKATO Tank G doesn’t disappoint. It offers 8-9 amp models and 8 cabinets, allowing you to simulate various amp/cab combinations. The quality of the effects is more than enough for anyone starting out, and even for seasoned players, the flexibility and customization options make this pedal a valuable addition to your rig.
One cool feature is that LEKATO's firmware version (v75) seems slightly different from others, which typically use v53v2 firmware. I tested both versions and found no difference in presets, so it’s unclear if LEKATO simply renamed the firmware. However, the customization tool provided by LEKATO allows you to tweak the sound files to suit your personal preferences even further.
Areas for Improvement
While the LEKATO Tank G is impressive, there are a few things that could make it even better. For example, a built-in looper would have been a nice touch. But considering the 10-12 hour battery life, clear display, and overall functionality, it’s hard to complain at this price point.
Pros of the LEKATO Tank G Guitar Pedal:
- Battery lasts 10-12 hours on a single charge.
- XLR output for direct connection to a sound system.
- 36 customizable presets (use factory settings as a starting point).
- Built-in tuner for quick adjustments.
- Bright buttons and screen, ideal for dark stages.
- Lightweight metal housing, durable yet easy to carry.
- Great for practice, especially with the headphone jack for silent playing.
- Bluetooth connectivity adds another level of convenience.
For its price, the LEKATO Tank G Guitar Pedal offers tremendous value with a robust feature set that even more expensive pedals might lack. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned guitarist, this pedal can easily fit into your setup. It’s an ideal practice tool with great connectivity options, and its customizable effects make it versatile enough for live performances as well.
If you’re in the market for an affordable, well-built, and feature-rich effects pedal, the LEKATO Tank G is definitely worth your attention. All it’s missing is a looper, and it would be perfect! But as it stands, it’s still an impressive piece of gear that’s well worth the investment.