guitar store near pittsburgh (can't remember name)
Price:
Features:
Sound Quality:
This is where this pedal gets a bad rap in the reviews i've read. I think that it is basically misunderstood. I got this pedal in 1991 as a replacement for a ProCo Rat. I wanted a much hotter, brighter, fluid and dynamic sound - and I got it with this pedal. First, i was running through a 'Realistic' (not sure of the vintage or true manufacturer yet) '70s era tube combo amp with spring reverb, tremolo, and four channels (two hi, two lo) and two 15" Jensen speakers. Although it's odd for a guitar amp, it sounds really good. Makes a really nice bass amp. When combined with the DOD FX59 ThrashMaster, this amp comes to life. VERY NUNO! The guitar i used was a Kramer Striker 300st (H-S-S) with a Bill Lawrence 500xl humbucker and a 'brite' sounding Fernandes Floyd copy. Body is basically heavy multi-layer ply with low-to-mid tonality. Also ran an ART SGE multi-effect rack processor and sometimes a Digitech Chorus/Echo/Delay pedal. Overall, the combination was the right formula to cover EVH/Lynch/Rhoads/Nuno/Zakk heavy rock very well. With adjustments this pedal was versatile enough to do Metallica/Testament/Megadeth/Nirvana. Harmonic range and access was incredible in this setup, which is why I loved it so much. Eventually moved to 5150 212, Jackson PS-4, '78 HB, and Dime wah. I still have this exact setup and my son goes nuts playing it. Valves in amp are nearing a retube and sound their best right now. I have to give it a nine due to the fact that, at the time, there were no pedals that could touch it's harmonic range.
Reliability/Durability:
indestructible case. knobs still act new. dissapointed in battery cover (keeps opening) and jack mounts (keep unscrewing). pedal plate still acts new. brite pink paint has feded some.
Ease of Use:
As with most pedals, instructions are overkill. Three knobs adjust the level, distortion & presence. Plug guitar in, plug into amp, put in 9v battery or plug in AC adapter and go. Kick plate to turn on or off. It's that simple.
Customer Support:
never had a problem.
Overall Rating:
overall, this is a niche pedal that needs to be mated to the right combination of guitar, amp, player, and music style. not for everyone, but my assessment of this pedal's range of sound doesn't seem to agree with some of the others. Probably due to the overall setup, i guess. anyways, i'll keep mine because it fits right with my Kramer and bassy amp.
