Electro Harmonix Pitch Fork Pitch Shifter

The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork is a compact polyphonic pitch-shifting pedal capable of transposing guitar, bass and other compatible instruments across a range of three octaves above or below the original pitch.

Its fast polyphonic processing allows it to track full chords as well as individual notes, making it suitable for octave reinforcement, fixed harmonies, simulated alternative tunings, twelve-string-style textures and dramatic pitch-bending effects.

An 11-position Shift control selects the required interval, while a three-way Mode switch determines whether the effect moves upwards, downwards or produces two shifted voices simultaneously. Connect an optional expression pedal to sweep continuously between the original pitch and the selected interval for expressive whammy-style effects.

With adjustable dry/effect blending, selectable latching or momentary switching and an included Electro-Harmonix power adapter, the Pitch Fork provides powerful pitch manipulation in a straightforward, pedalboard-friendly format.

Quick Product Summary

The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork is a digital polyphonic pitch shifter offering fixed and expression-controlled transposition across a ±3-octave range.

Choose from 11 pitch settings, select upward, downward or dual-voice shifting and balance the processed sound against the original analogue dry signal using the Blend control.

Its compact size and direct controls make it accessible for straightforward octave effects, while expression control, adjustable glissando and dual harmonies provide enough flexibility for more experimental players.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Electro-Harmonix
Model	Pitch Fork
Product Type	Polyphonic pitch shifter and harmony pedal
Processing	Digital polyphonic pitch shifting
Pitch Range	Three octaves down to three octaves up
Shift Settings	11 selectable intervals
Modes	Up, Down and Dual
Main Controls	Blend and Shift
Switching Modes	Latching or Momentary
Expression Control	Pitch shifting or glissando rate
Control Voltage	Accepts 0–5V CV
Bypass	Buffered bypass
Audio Format	Mono
Power	9V DC centre-negative or 9V battery
Current Draw	30mA
Power Adapter	Electro-Harmonix 9.6V DC 200mA adapter included
Main Appeal	Wide-ranging polyphonic pitch shifting with expression control
Best For	Octaves, harmonies, pitch bends, alternative tunings and creative effects
Condition	Brand New

Why Choose the Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork?

Polyphonic Chord Tracking

The Pitch Fork can process several notes simultaneously, allowing it to track full chords, arpeggios and complex voicings alongside conventional single-note playing.

This makes it suitable for:

• Chord-based octave sounds

• Simulated alternative tunings

• Twelve-string-style textures

• Organ-inspired layers

• Harmonised rhythm parts

• Ambient soundscapes

• Single-note lead harmonies

• Bass reinforcement beneath guitar chords

Unlike pitch pedals designed primarily for monophonic lines, the Pitch Fork does not restrict you to playing one note at a time.

Three-Octave Pitch Range

The pedal can transpose the input signal by as much as three octaves above or below the note being played.

This wide range allows it to cover subtle detuning, conventional musical harmonies, octave effects and extreme pitch transformation within one compact unit.

The selectable intervals are:

• Detune

• Minor second

• Major second

• Major third

• Perfect fourth

• Perfect fifth

• Major sixth

• Minor seventh

• One octave

• Two octaves

• Three octaves

The Detune setting shifts the processed signal by approximately 17 cents, creating a subtle doubled or chorus-like effect when mixed with the dry sound.

Up, Down and Dual Modes

A three-position Mode switch determines the direction of the pitch processing.

Up Mode

The processed signal is transposed above the original pitch by the interval selected with the Shift control.

This mode is ideal for:

• Upper-octave shimmer

• Harmonised lead lines

• Twelve-string-style sounds

• Whammy-style upward bends

• Bright, synthetic textures

Down Mode

The processed signal is shifted below the original pitch.

This can create:

• Lower-octave reinforcement

• Simulated bass sounds

• Down-tuned guitar textures

• Heavy riffs

• Dramatic dive effects

• Dark ambient layers

Dual Mode

Dual mode generates two shifted voices simultaneously. One voice follows the upward interval selected with the Shift knob, while the second creates a complementary musical harmony.

Depending on the selected interval, the combinations include sounds such as:

• Major third up with perfect fifth up

• Perfect fifth up with one octave down

• One octave up with one octave down

• Two octaves up with one octave down

• Three octaves up with one octave down

This allows the Pitch Fork to create broad, multi-register sounds without requiring several separate octave or harmony pedals.

Simple Blend Control

The Blend control sets the balance between the unaffected analogue dry signal and the pitch-shifted effect.

Turning it anticlockwise emphasises the original instrument sound. Moving it clockwise introduces more of the shifted voice, with the fully clockwise position producing a completely wet effect signal.

This single control can create:

• Subtle harmony beneath the original note

• Even dry and shifted blends

• Prominent octave effects

• Fully pitch-shifted alternate-tuning sounds

• Two-voice Dual mode textures without the dry signal

The analogue dry path helps retain the natural attack and character of the connected instrument when both signals are blended.

Expression-Pedal Pitch Control

Connect a compatible TRS expression pedal to continuously sweep from the original pitch to the interval selected with the Shift knob.

In Latch mode, the heel-down position produces no pitch shift. Moving towards toe-down gradually increases the transposition until the selected interval is reached.

This provides real-time control for:

• Whammy-style octave sweeps

• Pedal-steel-inspired bends

• Smooth harmony movement

• Dive-bomb effects

• Gradual detuning

• Synthesiser-style pitch transitions

Because the pedal offers up to three octaves of movement, the expression input can produce both subtle bends and extreme pitch effects.

Control-Voltage Compatibility

The expression input also accepts a 0–5V control-voltage signal.

This allows the Pitch Fork to interact with compatible synthesisers, sequencers and modular equipment, opening up options for automated pitch movement and experimental sound design.

Latching Mode

With Latch mode selected, each press of the footswitch switches the effect on or off.

The expression input controls the amount of pitch shifting, moving continuously from the original note to the interval selected with the Shift knob.

This is the most conventional operating mode for:

• Always-on octave sounds

• Fixed harmonies

• Simulated alternative tunings

• Expression-controlled pitch bends

• Chordal pitch effects

Momentary Mode

In Momentary mode, the pitch effect remains active only while the footswitch is held down. Releasing the footswitch returns the pedal to bypass.

This makes it easy to add:

• Brief octave accents

• Sudden pitch jumps

• Individual transformed chords

• Short dive effects

• Quick harmony bursts

• Rhythmic pitch manipulation

The momentary response allows the pedal to become part of the performance rather than simply switching between two static sounds.

Adjustable Glissando

When an expression pedal is connected in Momentary mode, it controls the speed at which the signal moves between the original pitch and the selected interval.

The glissando time can range from an almost immediate four milliseconds to a slow two-second transition.

This allows the footswitch to produce:

• Instant pitch jumps

• Smooth portamento

• Slow octave rises

• Gradual downward dives

• Synth-like glide

• Swelling harmony effects

When no expression pedal is connected, the Pitch Fork uses a default glissando time of approximately 60 milliseconds. A preferred glissando rate can also be stored for later use.

Buffered Bypass

The Pitch Fork uses a high-quality buffered bypass circuit.

A buffer can help maintain signal strength and high-frequency clarity when using long cables or a pedalboard containing several effects. This makes the Pitch Fork particularly useful within larger live and studio rigs.

Compact Pedalboard-Friendly Design

Despite its extensive pitch range and expression capabilities, the Pitch Fork fits into a compact enclosure.

Its simple layout gives direct access to the core functions without menus, presets or complicated programming. This makes it easy to adjust during rehearsals, recording sessions and live performances.

Why Choose a Polyphonic Pitch-Shifting Pedal?

A polyphonic pitch shifter can process chords and multiple simultaneous notes, giving it a broader range of applications than a traditional monophonic octave pedal.

Rather than producing only one fixed upper or lower octave, the Pitch Fork can generate a selection of musical intervals across several octaves.

It can be used to:

• Simulate a lower guitar tuning

• Add an upper harmony to lead lines

• Reinforce riffs with a lower octave

• Create three-register Dual mode sounds

• Produce twelve-string-style textures

• Build organ-like chord layers

• Add subtle detuned doubling

• Create expression-controlled pitch bends

• Transform guitars into bass-range instruments

• Process keyboards and synthesisers

• Design experimental sound effects

The selectable dry/effect blend also allows pitch processing to be introduced gradually rather than completely replacing the original sound.

Who Is the Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork For?

Guitarists Using Multiple Tunings

The downward pitch modes can simulate lower tunings without requiring a guitar to be physically retuned between songs.

The strings retain their original tension and feel, while the amplified pitch is electronically transposed.

Lead Guitarists

Major thirds, perfect fourths, perfect fifths and other intervals can be blended with the original signal to create harmonised lead parts.

Expression control also provides dramatic bends that would be difficult to achieve with a conventional tremolo system.

Rhythm Guitarists

Polyphonic tracking allows complete chords to be shifted, making the Pitch Fork suitable for alternative-tuning effects, octave-based rhythm sounds and layered chord textures.

Bassists

The Pitch Fork can add upper harmonies, sub-octaves and synth-like pitch movement to electric bass.

Its Blend control allows the natural bass signal to remain present beneath the processed sound.

Ambient and Experimental Musicians

Dual pitch voices, slow glissando, expression control and extreme three-octave intervals provide a strong foundation for atmospheric and unconventional effects.

Combining the Pitch Fork with delay, reverb, modulation or distortion can produce expansive textures.

Keyboard and Synthesiser Players

The pedal can process compatible instrument signals and accepts control voltage for integration with suitable electronic setups.

Recording Musicians

Pitch-shifted parts can add width, weight and harmonic interest to studio arrangements without recording several separate performances.

Players with Compact Pedalboards

The Pitch Fork offers wide-ranging pitch manipulation without the footprint of a large treadle-style pitch pedal.

What’s Included?

• Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Polyphonic Pitch Shifter pedal

• Electro-Harmonix 9.6V DC 200mA power adapter

A 9V battery is not included.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Every effects pedal supplied by Fair Deal Music is checked by our experienced team before dispatch.

Our assessment includes:

• Enclosure and control inspection

• Audio input and output test

• Blend control operation

• All 11 Shift positions checked

• Up, Down and Dual mode test

• Polyphonic chord-tracking assessment

• Latch mode operation

• Momentary mode operation

• Expression input check

• Footswitch and status LED test

• Buffered bypass assessment

• External power operation

• Final presentation and packing inspection

Technical Specifications

General

Specification	Details
Effect Type	Polyphonic pitch shifter and harmony pedal
Circuit	Digital
Dry Signal Path	Analogue
Audio Format	Mono
Pitch Range	±3 octaves
Shift Modes	Up, Down and Dual
Bypass Type	Buffered bypass
Switching	Latching or Momentary
Year Introduced	2014
Dimensions	4.5 × 2.75 × 2.1 inches
UPC	683274011578

Pitch Settings

Shift Position	Interval
D	Detune by approximately 17 cents
m2	Minor second
M2	Major second
M3	Major third
P4	Perfect fourth
P5	Perfect fifth
M6	Major sixth
m7	Minor seventh
1	One octave
2	Two octaves
3	Three octaves

Controls

Control	Function
Blend	Mixes the unaffected analogue dry signal with the pitch-shifted signal
Shift	Selects the maximum interval of transposition
Mode Toggle	Selects Up, Down or Dual pitch shifting
Latch Button	Selects latching or momentary footswitch operation
Footswitch	Activates the effect or provides momentary pitch shifting
Status LED	Indicates when the effect is active

Dual Mode Harmonies

Shift Setting	Dual Mode Result
Detune	Detuned dual voices
Minor Second	Deep detuning
Major Second	Major second up and major sixth up
Major Third	Major third up and perfect fifth up
Perfect Fourth	Perfect fourth up and perfect fifth down
Perfect Fifth	Perfect fifth up and one octave down
Major Sixth	Major sixth up and perfect fifth down
Minor Seventh	Minor seventh up and major sixth up
One Octave	One octave up and one octave down
Two Octaves	Two octaves up and one octave down
Three Octaves	Three octaves up and one octave down

Connections

Connection	Details
Input	¼-inch mono jack
Input Impedance	2.2MΩ
Output	¼-inch mono jack
Output Impedance	680Ω
Expression Input	TRS expression pedal or 0–5V control voltage
Power Input	Centre-negative DC barrel connection

Expression and Glissando

Specification	Details
Expression Function in Latch Mode	Continuously controls pitch from unity to the selected interval
Expression Function in Momentary Mode	Controls glissando speed
Fastest Glissando	Approximately 4ms
Slowest Glissando	Approximately 2 seconds
Default Glissando	Approximately 60ms
Recommended Expression Potentiometer	10kΩ linear

Power Requirements

The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork can operate from the supplied adapter, a compatible regulated pedalboard power supply or a 9V battery.

Specification	Details
Operating Voltage	9V DC
Current Draw	30mA
Polarity	Centre-negative
Supplied Adapter	Electro-Harmonix 9.6V DC 200mA
Battery Operation	One 9V battery
Battery Included	No

Disconnect the cable from the Input socket when using battery power and the pedal is not in use. Leaving the input connected will continue to drain the battery.

Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork Compared with Other Pitch Pedals

Pitch Fork vs Pico Pitch Fork

Both pedals provide polyphonic pitch shifting across a ±3-octave range with Up, Down and Dual modes.

The Pico Pitch Fork occupies a smaller enclosure and adds its own compact control layout. The standard Pitch Fork provides a full-size Shift selector, dedicated Latch button and established expression-controlled workflow.

The standard model is an excellent choice for players who value direct visual access to every interval and switching function.

Pitch Fork vs Pitch Fork+

The Pitch Fork+ provides two independently adjustable pitch-shifting engines, dedicated levels for both shifted voices and the dry signal, extensive routing, programmable controls and 100 preset locations.

The standard Pitch Fork is considerably more immediate. Its Blend, Shift and Mode controls make it faster to operate for straightforward octave, harmony and pitch-bending effects.

Choose the Pitch Fork for compact simplicity. Choose the Pitch Fork+ for presets, detailed dual-engine programming and advanced signal routing.

Pitch Fork vs Nano POG

The Nano POG focuses on three voices: the original signal, one octave below and one octave above. Each has an independent level control.

The Pitch Fork offers a wider selection of intervals, shifts up to three octaves and supports expression-controlled pitch bends. The Nano POG is better suited to immediate three-register octave blending, while the Pitch Fork provides broader transposition and performance control.

Pitch Fork vs a Treadle-Style Pitch Pedal

A treadle-style unit includes an integrated foot controller but occupies more pedalboard space.

The Pitch Fork requires an optional external expression pedal for continuous foot control, allowing players to choose the size and placement of the controller or use the pedal without one.

Pitch Fork vs a Key-Aware Harmoniser

A key-aware harmoniser selects different harmony notes according to a chosen musical key and scale.

The Pitch Fork applies a fixed interval to every note. This makes it particularly effective for parallel harmonies, octaves, alternative tunings, detuning and expression-controlled effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork process full chords?

Yes. Its polyphonic processing allows it to track full chords, arpeggios and single-note parts.

Can it shift upwards and downwards at the same time?

Yes. Dual mode generates two shifted voices simultaneously, including combinations such as one octave above and one octave below.

Can it simulate lower guitar tunings?

Yes. Select Down mode and choose the interval required.

The audible pitch is transposed, but the strings retain their normal physical tension and playing feel.

Does the Pitch Fork include an expression pedal?

No. An optional compatible TRS expression pedal can be connected separately.

What does an expression pedal control?

In Latch mode, it continuously changes the pitch from the original note to the selected interval.

In Momentary mode, it controls the speed of the pitch transition produced by the footswitch.

Can it create whammy-style effects?

Yes. Connect an expression pedal and select the required interval to create upward bends, downward dives and continuous pitch sweeps.

Can the Pitch Fork be used without an expression pedal?

Yes. It operates as a complete fixed-interval pitch shifter without additional equipment.

Momentary mode also provides pitch movement through the footswitch using the stored glissando speed.

Can it be used with bass guitar?

Yes. It can produce lower octaves, upper harmonies, detuned textures and expression-controlled pitch effects with bass.

Can the original signal be removed?

Yes. Turning the Blend control fully clockwise produces a completely wet pitch-shifted output.

Does it store presets?

No. Settings are selected directly from the front-panel controls. Players requiring preset storage and more detailed programming should consider the Pitch Fork+.

Does it use true bypass?

No. The Pitch Fork uses buffered bypass to help maintain signal strength through longer cables and pedalboards.

Can it run from a battery?

Yes. It accepts one 9V battery, although the supplied power adapter or a compatible regulated pedalboard supply is usually more convenient.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Electro-Harmonix Pitch Fork is one of the most versatile compact pitch pedals available for players who want powerful results without complicated menus or programming.

Its ±3-octave range covers everything from subtle detuning and conventional harmonies to extreme bass drops and soaring upper-octave effects. Polyphonic tracking makes it equally useful for chords and single-note lines, while Up, Down and Dual modes provide an impressive range of immediately usable sounds.

Add an expression pedal and the Pitch Fork becomes an expressive pitch-bending instrument capable of smooth sweeps, fast jumps and dramatic glissando effects. It is an excellent choice for guitarists, bassists and experimental musicians seeking broad pitch-shifting capability in a practical pedalboard format.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Flexible finance options available, subject to status

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

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