2. Fuzz guitar pedals
How could the classic fuzz pedal played by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend or Keith Richards apply to synth tones? It’s actually the modern take on the fuzz effect that most closely resembles a synth’s harsher square waveforms. Lead synth melodies often use thicker, gnarlier tones and that’s what you’re recreating here when you load on the fuzz.
Silicon fuzz pedals featuring a mix dial and built-in gate will get you closest to a synth. They give you the ability to create a sputtering, clipping, stop/start sound that’s much more akin to a synth than an electric guitar. Your best bet is with ZVEX, JHS Pedals and Walrus Audio.