I’ve been keeping an eye out at Amazon for some good deals… and it’s been rough. Not a lot going on after the Christmas sales I imagine. I did find a good deal on the Line 6 Uber Metal pedal at Amazon though. The Uber Metal lists for $179.99 and you usually see it available in the $100 range, but is currently on sale for only $91.83. You save a few bucks, and the Uber Metal does ship with FREE super saver shipping. I wasn’t able to find any ‘good’ demos of this pedal on youtube (I’ll spare you), but it seems the Uber Metal is similar to the MXR M116 Fullbore Metal pedal (which is also on sale for $91.73). Has built in noise gate and EQ adjustments to get that super scooped mid metal tone.
Here is the official description on the Line 6 Uber Metal:
So much gain, so little time. The high-gain model in the ToneCore pedal line, Uber Metal brings you massive amounts of gain in one tiny, tough package. You can chose from some of the best Line 6 high-gain tones including Metal, Pulverize, and Insane. Also included with the Uber Metal is a built-in selectable noise gate, and scoop control for massive tonal contouring.
About a month ago I was contacted by Jean-Luc of HEPTODE electronics based out of France. I did an interview with him and we talked about electronics and the company (read full interview here – Interview with Jean-Luc of Heptode Effects). Jean-Luc also sent over a couple of pedals that he wanted to demo, and we got around to demo’ing one of those pedals. This is the HEPTODE Heavy Tone. The Heavy Tone is inspired by the Soldano SLO-100 overdrive channel. He wanted to create a hi-gain sound and developed his dynamic hi-gain preamp called the Heavy Tone.
Controls are broken down to the following: Gain, Level, Bass, Middle and Treble. Additionally there is a CabSim (cabinet simulator) toggle if you plan to use this direct to a console or to a computer interface.
For this demo, we have Jimmy Rolle taking the Heavy Tone out for a drive. He’s using his Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Elegant into a Germino Lead55 Head through a Marshall 4×12 cabinet. There is nothing between the guitar and the amp except for the HEPTODE Heavy Tone. Audio was recorded with a Fathead Ribbon Mic and a Shure SM57, both close mic’d.
You can listen to the high quality MP3 clip via SoundCloud
For more information about the HEPTODE Heavy Tone, please check out their website. HEPTODE pedals can be purchased via the Mad Ape in the US. There are 34 dealers in France, UK and Belgium (please contact HEPTODE for listing of dealers near you).
I’ve brought up the EHX Bass Blogger in the past. It’s an interesting dirt box for bass guitar. One thing this pedal needs is a really good demo, unfortunately there isn’t much out there, but I came across a decent one by 13th Street Guitars. First let’s talk about what the Bass Blogger is all about.
Here is the official description for the Electro-Harmonix Bass Blogger:
The Electro-Hamonix Bass Blogger’s ultra-subtle distortion creates the perfect dialog with your drummer. Dial in your ideal fuzz with the effect pedal’s no-fuss, three-knob design and fuzz/drive selector switch. Dry/effect outputs.
* Volume, tone, drive controls
* Fuzz/drive toggle
* Dry out
* Effect out
I first have to say the Loud Button ElectronicsWTF pedal is one of the craziest pedals to come through EffectsBay. Initially I was expecting a distortion box, but noticed the low-frequency oscillator label on the enclosure and thought it might be a little different. When we plugged that thing in… it was like WTF!
In a nutshell, the Loud Button WTF provides synth/noise tones, but you can dial it in to be quite playable as well, or you can adjust to get to the insane/crazy/lazer world. I think your imagination will be your guide with this pedal. How to apply it for that special something in a lead, rhythm or intro/outro section of the song, etc. If you’re looking for that WTF type of pedal.. this could be the one.
Controls are very straight forward. We have Attack, Gate, Volume and Frequency. The Gate does some interesting things. All the way counter clock wise will choke the signal, but all the way clock wise, you’ll get full low oscillation when no signal is present.
For this demo, I called up Jimmy Rolle, and he ran it through the paces. He is again playing his Les Paul Custom Shop Elegant into a Germino Lead 55 through a Marshall 4×12 cabinet. Guitar is mic’d with a Fathead Ribbon Mic and a Shure SM57 mic. Nothing between the guitar and amp besides the Loud Button WTF.
You can listen to the high quality MP3 clip via SoundCloud
For this demo, I had a chance to send a few questions to Shawn at Loud Button Electronics, and this is what he had to say:
So how did the name of “Loud Button” come about and become the name of the biz?
In the grand tradition of suggestive guitar pedal names, I wanted to choose a risqué name for the business. One night, my wife and I were tossing around various business names and when one of us pitched Loud Button, it stuck. There’s a button and the circuits provide amplification so it’s a fitting name. For more information on the pop culture reference, please see the online urban dictionary.
How long have you been building pedals as Loud Button?
Loud Button was founded in June, 2009.
What inspired you to start working on circuits/electronics?
It began in early childhood. I’m a throwback DIY-infused “space age”,(1950′s & 60′s). I’ve been a tinkerer all my life and was always mesmerized by electronics. I’m a former motorhead – focusing on the shortcomings of most things mass-produced. Over the past 20 years as a guitar player, I’ve thrown untold thousands at hyped claims and celebrity-endorsed equipment. Moving into modifying effects was a logical move and it led to building “from scratch”. I’ve spent the past couple of years doing nothing but experimenting and reading. I have a huge appetite for learning and electronics is such a challenging discipline. It’s my passion. It’s so satisfying to help someone find the sound they’re looking for. That excitement is compounded by seeing the pedals proudly shown off on albums or at a live show.
With pedal names like “Balls Deep”, “Bongwater Fuzz”, “Trem-o-fo” and “WTF” do you have a hard time coming up with the names for future pedals? Or do they just come out naturally?
The risqué and in some cases downright obscene names spring from my mind as well as close friends who are also customers. For the record, I didn’t name the “Balls Deep” overdrive pedal. But I ran with it. If it makes me blush, I know I’m onto something.
Are you working a new design now? If so.. what is it?
I love the design phase and I tend to get caught up in development and tweaks so I have to strive for balance. I have around twenty circuits in development and I’d love to release them all to production. Based on popular demand, I’ve got a clean blend mod for bass players. There’s also a sample & hold circuit that’s just getting out of control in terms of complexity. I’ve got a high-quality, transformer coupled A/B/Y switch that I offer by word-of-mouth as a one-off. Basically, I can build anything to customer request. People come to me with really imaginative ideas for effects and I love the challenge of pulling it off. I’m not interested in offering more of the same. In order for a circuit to make it to production, it has to offer something special.
What type of musician are you trying to reach with your pedals? Meaning is there a specific style or genre that these pedals are ideal for?
Ideally, I want to appeal to musicians of all styles and genres. I do have a wide variety of customers in terms of style. Minneapolis has a very vibrant music scene. My pedals are on the boards of country players, indie rockers, noise-pop, shoe gaze, classic rock and death metal. Bass guitar players are a massively under-served market and I spend a lot of time modifying and developing circuits that serve their needs. For example, Loud Button pedals are designed to work well with guitar or bass.
I see you have handmade circuit boards. Do you etch your copper or do you a CNC to cut the traces?
The boards are etched 1 oz. FR-4. We do it the old fashioned way with Ferric Chloride. I solder all of the traces – that’s another throwback to the 1960′s.
What would you say is your “flagship” pedal? And why?
The WTF certainly put me on the map. Everybody loves that thing – no matter their playing style. I built the prototype for a close friend who wanted a noise/synth effect. I still get carried away playing through them as I test every one before shipment. There are so many possibilities with the WTF. Every setting yields an inspiring and unique effect. It’s come to my attention that the WTF does “Dub Step” bass tones. I had to look it up on YouTube because I’m aging but I understand it’s a very popular genre. I get a lot of feedback from customers raving about audience members asking, “WTF are you doing to get those sounds?” The music business is all about standing apart from the crowd and the WTF can help that happen. I mean, who doesn’t want a pedal on their board that makes their guitar sound like a laser and says, “WTF” in large block letters?
What is one thing that absolutely pisses you off about other pedals? Something you try to avoid with yours.
I respect the differences between different manufacturers. Whatever they want to do is none of my business. I’m honored to be a part of the musical instrument marketplace. There are many impressive pedals out there. If someone’s product doesn’t measure up then it won’t survive in the marketplace. And then the discontinued product becomes rare and sought after by future generations who will pay obscene amounts of money just to have one. Lol!
I see you also do Pedal Modifications. Are there any modifications that you specialize in?
Most often, customers come to me with a pedal and a wish list. I just take it from there. I’ve done some amazing things for bass players in particular. Loud Button offers everything from the obligatory but cool DS-1 mods to Post-Phase Inverter Master Volumes on tube amplifiers.
How is the future looking for Loud Button?
The future looks very bright. I recently left my job to focus on Loud Button on a full-time basis. Loud Button also offers repair and modification of amplifiers, rackmount effects, mixing consoles and just about anything electronic that’s worth fixing. I also specialize in vacuum tubes – particularly testing and selection. The repair side alone is a constant flow with only word-of-mouth and I’m currently negotiating service deals with some major retailers. I’m just beginning to focus on marketing. It’s just my wife and I building the pedals. We’re a natural team and she burns circuit boards like nobody I’ve seen.
Can I buy your pedal direct from your site.. or do I have to find a dealer?
Direct from the website is currently the only way to get a Loud Button pedal. I’m currently working with dealers to get Loud Button into really great guitar shops.
Be sure to check out Loud Button Electronics on the web and on Facebook. They’re making some great stuff, and be sure to check them out!
When I look for pedal deals, the first criteria is obviously price. If it’s a good price… it’s a good deal. But sometimes I look at the bang-for-the-buck option as well. Sometimes you’ll see really nice deals with bundles. Basically, I like to see price on the pedal bundle to match the pedal cost alone at other stores. With a bundle you’ll get free items with the pedals. Usually cables, etc. Well, I found one, and this time it’s the TC Electronic Dark Matter pedal bundle.
In this bundle you will get the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion, 2 10′ instrument cables, 2 patch cables and pick card for only $129.00 at Amazon. Normally, you find the pedal alone for $129.00, so you can think of it as free cables and pick card. This also ships free with super saver shipping.
So here is the official description of the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion pedal:
The TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal aims to give you that powerful, super-musical roar of an early Plexi – a sound that will satisfy even the pickiest players out there.
From cleans with an attitude and warm bluesy tones to a crunch with grit for days and fully saturated lead sounds full of harmonics and overtones, it’s all here and instantly available by riding your guitar’s volume knob. Dark Matter distortion is built from the highest-grade components, features an easy-access battery hatch and has a conveniently small footprint.
Dark Matter Distortion defines instant gratification and will become the go-to pedal on your board for distortion. Initially, you simply plug it in and start rocking, but its many great sounds will have you playing with it for years to come. From bluesy crunch to full-on vintage cranked, but always very musical distortion sounds, this pedal was designed for the guitarists that like things a bit (or very) dirty. Featuring an all-analog circuit, dual-band tone controls, level and drive knobs and a voicing switch to tweak the bass response, you are set from creamy leads over riff-heavy stadium rock to modern, angst-ridden grunge.
By ramping up the voltage to more than 3-4 times the amount of your typical drive pedals, a dramatic increase is achieved in terms of headroom and dynamics. There is plenty of gain to suit any kind of musical style, but the sound always stays very open and clear and it will never get muddy or cover up your playing.
Instead, Dark Matter Distortion has a very open character, no matter if you use it as a slight ‘AC/DC-ish’ crunch or as a full-blown, fire-breathing dragon, this pedal will always let your playing shine through. All Dark Matter Distortion will do to your sound is add degrees of distortion and leave your precious tone alone.
Here is a video by tcelectronic talking about the Dark Matter Distortion:
I came across this older video by Dennis of Pro Tone Pedals. It’s video explaining noise from distortion pedals – on the causes and some of the solutions to remedy these problems. I thought this was a very informative video and is definitely worth posting here, since I know a lot of you have dirtboxes.
There were a few points there were great, especially the emphasis on purchasing quality cables for your rig. I’ve been stating that for years. Instrument cables should be lasting you FOREVER. If not, they’re probably crap cables. One point that I didn’t agree on so much was pedal order, but that is definitely subjective and is dependent on what you like/hear. I’m sure a few of you will match this order, but a lot of you won’t. I really think it depends on the application. Let me know what you think.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I’m up bright and early today (you know.. gotta get the bird in the oven, yo). Anyway, I stumbled across an interesting deal this morning. It’s for the oldie but goodie… Marshall Guv’nor Distortion Pedal. I’ve known a few guys to play this pedal.. the older black model. As far as I know, I think this pedal is no longer in production and you can only find these used. Please correct me if this is not true. Anyway, it appears that SamAsh (via Amazon) found a few in the backroom and want to dump them.
The Marshall Guv’nor GV-2 Distortion pedal lists at $119.00, and you usually can find it used in the $30/$40 range, but is currently on sale for only $19.97! 20 bucks for a Guv’nor? Come on, right?!
Here is the official description of the Marshall Guv’nor Distortion:
This versatile distortion pedal features gain, treble and bass controls along with mid and volume controls. Deep knob adds a deep, tightly focused resonant bass boost. Powered by 9-volt battery or optional adapter.
I found a video showing how this pedal sounds with rhythm and lead by MrBeams1
A few days ago I saw SourceAudio tweet a link about a video they posted. This video was a interview with Aidan Mullen who is the bass tech for Rick Savage of Def Leppard. I love these videos to see some the gear the big guys are using and hearing input from their techs. This video focuses on the Source Audio Bass Distortion Pedal, but there was s glimpse of Rick’s pedal tray:
Today is a special day for EffectsBay.com. This very post you’re reading is the 1000th published post for the site. Crazy! I never thought I’d get to that number and I really have to thank all of you to help drive them on. Your interest in effects and music is what keeps me posting! In honor of this 1000th post, I thought it would be cool to do a give away. I feel like I’ve been giving pedals away like crazy lately, and I love doing it!
This time I’m going to give away a cool one. It’s the Coopersonic Dirtbox (Coopersonic Engineering). We did a demo of it a few weeks ago and it’s a very tasty drive pedal. You can watch/listen to the demo here – “Demo of the Coopersonic Dirtbox“. Be sure to check out Coopersonic Engineering for their other pedals too. Chris Olley is making some good stuff from Nottingham, England!
So how do you enter to win the Coopersonic Dirtbox? I’m going to select one random entry. I will email that random entry asking for the answer to the question listed below. They will have 24 hours to respond with the answer. If the 24 hours passes, I will select a new random entry and repeat the process until I receive confirmation from the winner. This is open to everyone. Yes, that means international! Also, one entry per person. Please read that last sentence again… “one” “entry” “per” “person”.
The submission form will be open until August 31st (Wednesday) 12PM MST.
I came across this relatively new distortion pedal by TC Electronic called theTC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion. It’s a classic type of distortion pedal with gain, level controls, but also has controls to shape the bass and treble response, which is nice to be able to control the mid-range depending on gain level. Additionally there is a ‘voice’ toggle that allows you to go with a hi-mid or lo-mid (vintage) style distortion.
I came across their official video, and I was impressed with how much attention they put on how the pedal responds to pickups, volume and maintaining clarification throughout the various gain levels.
Here is the official description of the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion:
The TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal aims to give you that powerful, super-musical roar of an early Plexi – a sound that will satisfy even the pickiest players out there.
From cleans with an attitude and warm bluesy tones to a crunch with grit for days and fully saturated lead sounds full of harmonics and overtones, it’s all here and instantly available by riding your guitar’s volume knob. Dark Matter distortion is built from the highest-grade components, features an easy-access battery hatch and has a conveniently small footprint.
Dark Matter Distortion defines instant gratification and will become the go-to pedal on your board for distortion. Initially, you simply plug it in and start rocking, but its many great sounds will have you playing with it for years to come. From bluesy crunch to full-on vintage cranked, but always very musical distortion sounds, this pedal was designed for the guitarists that like things a bit (or very) dirty. Featuring an all-analog circuit, dual-band tone controls, level and drive knobs and a voicing switch to tweak the bass response, you are set from creamy leads over riff-heavy stadium rock to modern, angst-ridden grunge.
By ramping up the voltage to more than 3-4 times the amount of your typical drive pedals, a dramatic increase is achieved in terms of headroom and dynamics. There is plenty of gain to suit any kind of musical style, but the sound always stays very open and clear and it will never get muddy or cover up your playing.
Instead, Dark Matter Distortion has a very open character, no matter if you use it as a slight ‘AC/DC-ish’ crunch or as a full-blown, fire-breathing dragon, this pedal will always let your playing shine through. All Dark Matter Distortion will do to your sound is add degrees of distortion and leave your precious tone alone.
* True Bypass – zero loss of tone
* Gain, Level, Bass and Treble controls – total control of your distortion sounds
* Voicing switch – for an awesome shift in bass response
* Easy battery access – makes changing batteries fun! (well, almost)
* Small footprint – save precious pedal board space
* High-quality components – only the best will do when it comes to tone
* Road-ready design – ready to follow you wherever your playing takes you
Right now there is a sweet ‘bundle’ deal on the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion. You can pick it up and get 2 patch cables, 2 10′ instrument cables and a pick card all for $129.00 at Amazon.com. $129.00 is the going price for the pedal alone everywhere else!
I’ve been keeping an eye out at Amazon for some good deals… and it’s been rough. Not a lot going on after the Christmas sales I imagine. I did find a good deal on the Line 6 Uber Metal pedal at Amazon though. The Uber Metal lists for $179.99 and you usually see it available in the $100 range, but is currently on sale for only $91.83. You save a few bucks, and the Uber Metal does ship with FREE super saver shipping. I wasn’t able to find any ‘good’ demos of this pedal on youtube (I’ll spare you), but it seems the Uber Metal is similar to the MXR M116 Fullbore Metal pedal (which is also on sale for $91.73). Has built in noise gate and EQ adjustments to get that super scooped mid metal tone.
