Stampede SOV-2 to be released!

For owners of the beloved SOV-1 ovedrive pedal, made by Yukihiro Hayashi of Stampede/Pacifix Ltd....great news just came in this morning: A smaller version without boost, dubbed SOV-2, is scheduled to be released in 2008.

The SOV-1 is known by many, but owned buy few, since very few dealers carry Stampede effects in the USA. It has a distinctly thick and rich overdrive tone that is sometimes reminiscient of that famous thick boutique overdrive tone, but it can be generally categorized to lie within the realm of the "brown" sound effects. Powered by 18 volts of AC power only (via an attached AC plug), the SOV-1 also features a dependent boost function with it's own footswitch (it only works when the ovedrive circuit is on).

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ToadWorks Interview

12/21/2007 - ToadWorks Interview: Ryan Dunn

ToadWorks' founder Ryan Dunn takes a moment to update us on a few new products -- the Barracuda Flanger and Texas Flood Overdrive -- discuss instrumental people in the design of some of his line of effects, and share some thoughts on the boutique guitar effects industry, where it might go in the future and how got involved in the business in the first place. The Toadworks line of effects includes the Death Rattle (dual overdrive + boost), Phantasm (dynamic phaser), Redux (asynchronous delay), Enveloope (dynamic effect loop), Mr. Squishy (compressor), Texas Flood (classic tube screamer-ish overdrive), Lil' Leo (american overdrive), John Bull (british overdrive), Mr. Ed (distortion), and the Roundabout (signal looper) to name a few.

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ToadWorks Releases Texas Flood Overdrive

Spokane, WA, December 20, 2007 – ToadWorks USA continues the expansion of its guitar effect pedal line with the release of Texas Flood, a classic 808-style overdrive effect. Improvements to this classic circuit include enhanced low-end response, increased gain range and an improved tone control. ToadWorks has ‘lifted the blanket’ off the 808, providing unparalleled dynamics and clarity.

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Ears, Fingers and Qtips

It's funny how our index fingertips fit right into our ears. Why do we need Qtips again?

Performance Preparation: Breathing & Stretching

Let me preface this article in saying I enjoy a good shot of whiskey before a show. Now, let my second comment be that I also enjoy a nice stretch or breathing exercise before a show (but I would recommend doing the stretching and breathing before consuming alcohol). Which is more effective? Well, it depends on the results trying to be achieved.

Rock guitarists who play simple rhythm parts and solos may not need much brainpower and "clarity of mind" to perform well. However, improvisational, classical, and other more refined styles of music (not better!....as I love me some good old rock 'n roll) require more concentration, and thus, mental clarity. The best way to achieve mental clarity is to remove mental obstacles. The best way to remove mental obstacles is to practice some form of breathing, meditation, and stretching. Yes, stretching can help the mind, indirectly through the body, as the mind is directly tied to the body. By performing simple stretching and/or yoga techniques before a performance and/or practice session, a guitarist can highly increase efficiency and execution of the performance.

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Danny Brooks | Lonesome Road

If you like Delta/Country Blues style of guitar music, then you might like this video of Danny Brooks. The man has soul.

Really Nice Compressor (RNC) | Just how nice is it?

In late 2004, I had the pleasure of auditioning two very fine compressors. The Really Nice Compressor (aka, RNC), made by FMR Audio, really fit the bill for when I wanted a transparent "attack leveling" effect....the kind of effect that you don't hear, but makes you sound so much better...if that makes any sense. My taste favored the half-rack spaced effect, and here's my review of the Really Nice Compressor.

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Ts9 clones - When will they stop?

I always thought the tubescreamer was a useful pedal. But I can see why people get turned off by them. Well, partially. Granted some people are annoyed with the mid hump trait of the tubescreamer, but really, that's rock and roll.

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