Effects Bay

So, tons of sales happening today, and I wanted to join in! I want to announce a President’s Sale on PLS Pedal Label System for EffectsBay readers! For today, I’ll be selling these for $6.95 (plus shipping) – that is $3 off the regular price per pack. Sale will end at midnight tonight! To purchase, please click here to purchase at sale price.

For those of you not familiar with Pedal Labels, it’s a label where you can mark and verify your settings and apply directly to the pedal. Now, nothing new with that idea at all, people have been doing this for years, but the difference is the material. For years, people have been using various forms of adhesive tape (masking, gaffers, painters, etc) or using mailing labels and drawing the knob placements either with tick marks or drawing circles, etc). There are a few issues with this, and the people that have been doing this will know what I’m talking about.

The first problem is that those tapes leave adhesive residue when peeled (aka: gunk). Some tapes, like masking tape, when left on over time, will literally turn to cement and are a mess when it comes to removing. Mailing labels are paper with a strong adhesive and usually peeling these will result in tearing, which again leads to a mess. Our Pedal Labels use a low tack adhesive that allows for the label to stick firm on the pedal, but can be peeled off clean. When I say “clean”, I mean it peels without tearing and no residue is left behind. I wanted this feature since settings change and sometimes you want to update those setting. It’s a cinch to remove the old label and apply a new fresh one. I also wanted this in case you wanted to sell the pedal, etc and this will make it much easier to clean and sell.

The next problem is the look. When using mailing labels or tape and draw circles or checks it often doesn’t look very pro. Granted some people will pull out the slide rule and compass and dial it in, but most people will just whip out the Sharpie and draw circles. The Pedal Labels has a consistent ‘knob’ template with a center dot. Simply use a ruler or go free hand and draw a line from the center point to the edge.  A consistent look will help keep the labels looking ‘tight’ on the pedals.

The Pedal Label pack consists of the following labels:

3 Ibanez 4 knob labels
3 Ibanez 3 knob labels
3 MXR Wide 2 knob labels
3 MXR 1 knob labels
9 MXR 2 knob labels
12 MXR 3 knob labels
9 Boss 4 knob labels
9 Boss 3 knob labels
6 Toggle labels
54 single knob labels

The pedal pack will come with the above labels on 6 individual 9″x4″ sheets.

Now, it is important to note, that the ‘styles’ of labels do not require that type of pedal. For example a MXR 3 knob label will fit perfectly on any 3 knob single size enclosure that many boutique pedals use. The manufacturer listing is there only to identify the widths and styles of what those labels can fit. The single knob labels are great for complex pedals that require more knobs than any of the preset labels. For example, in the photo above – there is a Strymon Blue Sky Reverberator that uses a MXR 3 knob with 2 single knobs. The pedal to the far right is a Tim Overdrive. I only needed to mark 2 knobs, so I used 2 single knob labels on that pedal.

For a more information on the Pedal Label System – check out PedalLabels.com

For a great review – check out the following guest review – “Guest Review: Effects Bay Brand Pedal Setting Labels by A. Bovara“

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This morning I came across a pretty sweet deal on the Way Huge Fat Sandwich Harmonic Saturator Distortion. This pedal lists for $298.32, and is usually available for $180, but is currently on sale for only $141.55 at Amazon. That’s a $38 savings on this pedal! This is a pretty great sounding dual gain stage distortion pedal and something that might find a nice place on your board.

For those of you not familiar with the Fat Sandwich, here is the official description:

The Fat Sandwich Distortion represents an advanced era in guitar pedal design for Way Huge. In addition to carrying on the Way Huge tradition of amazing tone and rugged construction, the Fat Sandwich Distortion Pedal delivers heaps of crunchy distortion goodness via its innovative multi-stage clipping circuit. Meticulously designed from the ground up, the passive tone stack was tuned to bring out the “sweet spot” with any guitar and amp combination. The Volume control produces tons of output, making it ideal for driving the headroom out of the most powerful tube amps. Additionally, the Fat Sandwich guitar effect pedal has two internal mini controls: the Curve knob lets the user fine-tune the corner frequency of the overdrive filtering and the Sustain control adjusts the gain of the final distortion stage. The Fat Sandwich is versatile and over the top — the consummate distortion pedal for any genre of playing style.

Each pedal has been rigorously tested to ensure quality, durability, and reliability and will deliver many years of exceptional performance. All Way Huge guitar pedals feature: heavy-duty footswitch with quiet relay-based true bypass, blue LED indicator, 2.1mm power jack with AC protection, easy access (non-detachable) battery door, super-duty .09 aluminum anodized chassis, high grade components, great tone and cool name.

Launched in 1992 by Jeorge Tripps, Way Huge Electronics began as a result of Tripps’ search for great tone, and his desire to perform with reliable, rugged and pedalboard-friendly effects that had the magic of his coveted vintage pedals. The very first pedal — simply labeled “Fuzz Box” — was quickly followed by such staples to the product line as the Red Llama Overdrive, Foot Pig Fuzz and Green Rhino Overdrive II, which quickly found their way into the hands and onto the pedalboards of the world’s guitar elite. Ensuing years would see the introduction of pedals such as the Swollen Pickle Jumbo Fuzz, Aqua-Puss Analog Delay, and the Saffron Squeeze. Over the span of a few years, Tripps helped revolutionize what would later be known as the ’boutique’ effects market. In late December 1999, the company closed its doors as Tripps pursued other opportunities, sending demand for Way Huge products soaring, and driving online auctions well into the hundreds — sometimes thousands — for used Way Huge pedals. Now teaming up up with Dunlop, Way Huge pedals will once again be available to the masses, so all can enjoy their finely tuned electronics, high-grade circuitry and road ready construction, built under the watchful eye of Mr. Huge himself.

Here is a video featuring Jeorge Tripps and Tal Morris talking about the Fat Sandwich as well as demoing it. Video posted by jimdunlopusa:

Again, you can pick up the Way Huge Fat Sandwich Harmonic Saturator for only $141.55 at Amazon. At the time of this posting, there were only 3 left in stock. Usually when there is one remaining, the price jumps up.

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This morning, I found a great deal on a delay. It’s the BBE Two Timer Dual Mode Analog Delay pedal. The BBE Two Timer lists at $209.00, and is usually available for $150, but is on sale for $111.07 at Amazon. $39 off what you normally see it for… is a good deal for sure. This pedal also ships with FREE super saver shipping.

Here is the official description of the BBE Two Timer:

The TWO TIMER™ was inspired by the long discontinued Boss DM-2 Delay. The DM-2 was known for its warm, haunting reverb and tape-like echoes. The TWO TIMER offers two Independent delay times foot switchable via the TIME 1/TIME 2 mode switch. This makes it possible to have one delay setup for a short slapback rhythm sound while another is set to a longer delay for solos. The TWO TIMER is essentially two great analog delays in one compact pedal. The TWO TIMER circuit features a BBD (Bucket Brigade Delay) for the warmth and character only analog can deliver, 1% Metal Film resistors for pristine audio quality plus True Hard-Wire Bypass for a clean signal path when the effect is bypassed. Other features include hardwire bypass, LED operation indicator, non-slip rubber bottom, easy-access 9v battery compartment and included external power supply

I found this video demo by BBETV on the BBE Two Timer:

Again, the BBE Two Timer Delay is on sale for only $111.07 at Amazon.

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Got a couple of coupon codes to report. The first one is for Musician’s Friend where you can save 14% off on a single item of $299 or more. Simply use the coupon code VALENTINE14 at checkout. For full details, click the banner below:

Next, we have Guitar Center. They’re offering a few deals: $20 off of a purchase of a $99 or more OR $50 off a purchase of $299 or more OR $100 off a purchase of $599 or more. Simply use the following coupon code at checkout: VDAY20. For full details, click the banner below:

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Looking over various Pedal Line Friday submissions and many pro pedal board breakdowns, I’ve seen multiple ways to mark and record the settings on pedals. Usually, you see good old masking tape or gaffers tape on the pedals themselves. Sometimes you see mailing labels like Avery labels, etc. Often the tape leaves gunk behind and or tears depending on the age of the tape on the pedal. Avery labels are really hard to remove and can damage your pedals, etc.

I wanted to create something that guitarist could use but address these problems. I went in search of a sticker that sticks… but removes easily. It was a challenge to find something that once applied won’t move or shift on the pedal, but as soon as you want to remove it or replace the label with new setting values, would come off very easily. I believe we found a great solution to this problem.

I also wanted something that looked good. Not just hand drawn circles or simple check marks next to the knobs, etc. like you often see, but something that complimented the pedal nicely.  I created pre-defined formats that could be applied to various pedals including boutique styles, etc.

The label system is super easy. Look at your pedal and note how many knobs and if there is an appropriate label for that manufacturer. For example there is a Boss 4 knob version. You would use a Sharpie (or other permanent marker) and draw a line from the center point out to the edge (ruler makes it tight!). After your settings have been marked on the label remove it from the sheet and apply it to the pedal. If it’s not straight, no worries, it peels off, then re-apply.

If you have an odd-ball pedal, no problem, you can use single knob labels and apply those, or use another style. For example, MXR 3 knob will work for many of the 3 knob boutique pedal enclosures out there.

Another great feature is the ability to set multiple settings. You might need to track multiple settings on a single knob. Color markers could be used to identify the different preset needed.

So you’re thinking of labeling some pedals – how do you get your hands on these? I’m offering a label pack that will get you the following labels:

3 Ibanez 4 knob labels
3 Ibanez 3 knob labels
3 MXR Wide 2 knob labels
3 MXR 1 knob labels
9 MXR 2 knob labels
12 MXR 3 knob labels
9 Boss 4 knob labels
9 Boss 3 knob labels
6 Toggles labels
54 single knob labels

This should cover many of the average boards out there, and still have extra labels in hand. Having extras is the whole point. Next month, you don’t like your previous settings.. peel off the label add a new one. Simple.

You get all 111 stickers for only $9.95 + shipping! You can order by clicking the ‘Buy Now’ below. Shipping will be calculated via PayPal.

Looking forward to seeing some of these labels on upcoming Pedal Line Fridays!

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Just got word on another sale with coupon code at Musician’s Friend. It’s the Year of the Dragon Sale. Here is the breakdown on savings – 5% off $149 or more. 10% off $299 or more. 15% off off on $799 or more. This sale ends on January 30th. Simply use the following coupon code at checkout: DRAGON12. For full details click here or the banner below:

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Just got word that Musician’s Friend is offering 15% off a single item $349 or more. Simply use the following coupon code at checkout: 15OFFNOW. This offer is available until January 22nd. For full details click here or the banner blow.

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I’ve been using D’Addario EXL 110 .10-.46 for years on my guitars.  I’ve thought about changing gauges, but the thought isn’t strong enough to move away from that current gauge. Back in the day I use to go to my local guitar store for strings.. but the music stores around here totally over charge for strings and picks. I absolutely hate it. I started buying my packs on Musician’s Friend to save a few bucks. Then I moved up to the 10 pack D’Addario EXL 110 to save just a little more.

When I was at Amazon looking at 10 pack prices I was surprised that D’Addario now offers a bulk box solution! The D’Addario EXL 110 bulk price is $69.05. So let’s do some math.

Standard single pack (MF price) is $3.99 / pack

Moving up to the 10 pack ($36.99) it breaks down to $3.69 / pack (saving .30 cents per pack for a total of $3.00 if you bought 10 individual packs).

Now, if you move up to the bulk solution which has enough for 25 packs, the break down is this. Bulk price is $69.05 divided by 25 comes down to $2.76 / pack. That’s a $1.23 savings from the single pack price of $3.99. So $1.23 * 25 would come to a total savings of $30.75 if you go with the bulk solution. I can think of plenty of things to spend $30.75 on instead of strings.

I ordered my box yesterday. Can’t wait for re-string guitar day this week!

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Musician’s Friend is having their Dare to Dream Big Sale where you can save 10% off a single item $199 or more. Use the following coupon code at checkout: DREAMBIG. This sale will be active until 11:59 PM PST 1/16/2012. For full details, please click the banner below or here.

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Just got word that Musician’s Friend is having a Friday the 13th Sale today. Take 13% off a single item over $130. Use the following coupon code at checkout: FRIDAY13. This sale will be valid for 1/13/12 only, so if you want get on the action, you’ll have to do so today. For full details click here or the banner below.

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