One of my favorite aspects of Trey's rig is the vibe (univibe) effect. The best example of Trey's use of this device is on the Darien Lake live_phish release, 12/07/97: Theme From the Bottom. We know for a fact that this is a CAE re-creation of the first univibe, a leslie clone Hendrix used during his live shows relatively late in his illustrious career. You will find, much to your dismay, that Bob Bradshaw's creation (which appears in the 1997 Custom Audio Electronics catalog as the \"Black Cat Vibe\") is extremely rare (the rarity level is on par, I would say, with that of Time guitars: you could get one if you wanted in, say, 2002, but at this point they are almost all permanently in the hands of those who intend to keep them at all costs, either as part of their collection or rig, or both). The (present) exception to this rule is the Bob Sweet Ultra vibe 2, which sounds identical to the CAE vibe.
cheers,
cactuskeeb
Did I say Darien Lake? I meant *Dayton*.
Analogman still has them
http://www.buyanalogman.com/Black_Cat_Vibe_p/bc-vibe.htm
Strangedesign,
Mike has one, he says, that he's either holding on to, or waiting for some ridiculous offer to be made on it. I don't know when exactly Bob Bradshaw took these off their list of available products, but it's been quite a few years since, to be sure. In the old days, if you ordered one from Mike, you got one of perhaps the two dozen or so he ordered from CAE (Bob). Then, after he ran out, he *bought* the \"Black Cat Vibe\" name from CAE (Hence, the disappearance of this device from the product lists and descriptions at CAE). To build the new line of Black Cat vibes, Analog Mike went to Fred Bonte. Fred's vibes include all those odd variations on the original that were for sale for a while (the mini-black cat vibe, the black cat vibe 2000, etc., and the supposed CAE vibe which was really a Fred Bonte copy in a different (all black) casing). As it turns out, Fred Bonte, who Mike still insists is a genius, couldn't get the job done, b/c as Mike explains 2 out of 3 effects units/pedals he would get from Fred didn't work at all when they reached Mike's office. Consequently, Fred Bonte is no longer building Black Cat products. It's quite clear that, at present, Mike is in the process of getting a new builder on the project. That's all we really know for sure at this point, although I can speculate on who this might be who eventually fills the void, but it's unclear to me whether or not it's going to remain a one-guy operation (e.g., one builder [including perhaps some assistants), OR whether a larger company is going to pick this up and perhaps get a familiar name to go with it (like the original team-up of Rocktron and Bob Bradshaw [or like the current Bob/Dunlop-MXR line of pedals].
QuoteTrey uses his vibe rack with the intensity all the way up and most vibe boxes or racks that have a blend or intensity knob dont actually let you make the effect very intense at all. the cool thing about that black cat vibe is itll let you turn that intensity up to the point itll basically be muting and unmuting your signal really quickly much like a tremelo with the depth all the way up...
I'm glad you said that, because you're exactly right. Incredibly, I used to find myself debating which one it was when I'd hear certain recordings -- the super tremolo or the black-cat vibe, when the answer should have been obvious; however, my ear wouldn't let me decide on one or the other. Here's a technical discussion of this phenomenon:
http://www.vibroworld.com/magnatone/vibrato.html
Quotethe only other vibe like boxes Ive played that could replicate this is a clone box on ebay, that let you switch from the basic phase 60 circuit and a heavy vibe circuit. ill get the link but they go for about 175? all true bypass and quality guts, so if you decide to get one try one of these cheaper units first because I know from experience they will work for that Trey/Jimi sound
Please, show me that link. Prove to me this isn't somebody taking his old vintage sounding phaser guts, and his modern sounding phaser guts, fitting all of this to a pre-sized, scrap metal box, and then hardwiring a switch to stomp from one intensity of phase to the other. :|
I think I might be a bit too old school too have the mindset for what you're talking about. I mean, if there really are that many people all over the place that can easily make the greatest effects, I'd be surprised. I admit, I was out of the 'game' for a while, from 2003 until about four months ago, because of an extended hiatus I took from playing or even thinking about the guitar during that time (was all philosophy, mathematics, and modernist art instead). Back in the day, as it were, in 2000-2001, therhombus.com was a lot like this forum in its design and in the nature of its discussions; except that there were just a lot more people and thus a lot more being talked about. Probably very little actual good information was known about Trey's gear and all that back then, so I can't say things were really all that great.
For me, now, all the work in philosophy and mathematics has changed the way I operate in terms of analytical tasks. To put it simply, tons of what remained a mystery for me before about the guitar before the break I took from the instrument are now finally in the light, and the same has occured on the gear side of things. But maybe you could explain a little of what's happening right now in the public arena of all this stuff. Maybe I missed something in the past few months of reading and research.
OK, yeah all that is what I've known about for years. What I like best about the situation now is that I no longer have to go through a middle man (like, say, Analog Mike used to be for your average, non-famous gear enthusiast) to talk to Robert Bradshaw, or the guys who wired Trey's extension cab, or someone who can modify my deluxe in all kinds of tantilizing ways, etc.
Quote from: \"posternutbag\"Quote from: \"cactuskeeb\"OK, yeah all that is what I've known about for years. What I like best about the situation now is that I no longer have to go through a middle man (like, say, Analog Mike used to be for your average, non-famous gear enthusiast) to talk to Robert Bradshaw, or the guys who wired Trey's extension cab, or someone who can modify my deluxe in all kinds of tantilizing ways, etc.
if you can get bob bradshaw on the phone ill do a backflip in my office chair. that guy wont return any of our calls
LOL! He still won't email or call you?
WOW! I wonder what his problem is?
FWIW - nothing on my end from him either. Figured he was really busy or didn't want my $$.
He's concentrating soley on custom switchers -- that's it. Anything else, he doesn't want to talk. Kind of makes sense, if you ask me. I'm sure he wants your money. :)
Yeah - well a simple email from him saying so would be the polite thing to do. :evil:
I'm not saying you guys don't deserve better in this case, but we're talking about Robert Bradshaw here. I'm sure even his most loyal, repeat customers -- heck, even Bob himself -- wouldn't entirely disagree with the notion that he might be somewhat of a not-nice person. But if you know his history and understand what he has accomplished, what he has done for the industry, and you take into account the fact that he's still at it, working his ass off for *almost* everybody, then maybe we shouldn't denegrate the man because he won't immediately build us a 60 dollar box that, as PosterNB so rightly argues, we could so easily get from practically every custom builder we know, and have it shipped in a couple days. Imagine what it would require for someone to have to answer \"no, I can't right now\" to a hundred people in one month.
:shock: :shock:
hey nutbag, you have a DC Brick power supply on your pedalboard, do you not? That thing doesn't have isolated outputs, they're all sharing the same ground. I'm not saying that a power supply with isolated outputs is the same as the function the ISO-1 performs - just bare with me for hot second and I'll explain myself.
We should all be on the same page regarding the function of the ISO-1: it is designed to isolate hum frequences passively, meaning that there's no solid state -- that is to say, active -- circuit. The genius of the ISO-1 is precisely the 100% passive (read: all analog) design: literally nothing happens to the signal as it passes from the input stage to the output one. The ISO-1's circuitry -- you'll have to consult an engineer on the specifics here -- is such that it only accepts the range of frequencies on which the guitar signal can be found, but not that 60 hz of \"noise\" that entered the signal chain as a ground loop. Ground loops are formed when, for example, you have a bunch of effects using wall adapters connected to a power strip. Now, if we're using a power strip or power source, such as the DC Brick, we're going to want to chuck this and get something that isolates outputs and thus each adapter we connect to this output is going to have its own ground. Ground is the natural by-product, if you will, of our garden variety pedal's power adapter as it converts VAC to VDC; for, as it does its thing, it generates a small electromagnetic field round the adapter itself. Eliminating the possibility of a shared ground is the first step in preventing ground loops from throwing into the signal path combined amps of say, 60 hz, or, for that matter, any other frequency that's not part of the natural response of construction materials, nor relating to the active and/or passive relay of a waveform analysis of vibrating strings by the electronics installed with the guitar body.
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg29/cactuskeeb/gwsept1989all0008.jpg)
WTF is that?!?!?!?!? Holy crap. Tell me that's not.......hell, I'm even embarassed by that. I hope no one from another planet sees this pic, this should be destroyed and deleted from existance immediately.
:lol:
I'm sure Bob Bradshaw wishes this pic would disappear...
hahahahahaha
Dear Lord that is just awful.... :roll:
Quote from: posternutbag on January 16, 2008, 10:46:19 AM
Quote from: \"strangedesign\"
the circuit board is basically a phase 60 board with heavy modifications.
the cool thing about that black cat vibe is itll let you turn that intensity up to the point itll basically be muting and unmuting your signal really quickly much like a tremelo with the depth all the way up... the only other vibe like boxes Ive played that could replicate this is a clone box on ebay,
I'm sorry but this simply isn't true. I'm not trying to pick on you posternutbag, but I check this site every once and a while and I don't think its fair that people may see this and be led astray.
First off it is a Phase 90. The Uni-Vibe circuit is totally different - it uses 4 photocells and a lightbulb inside a reflective shield. It has 14 transistors and uses 0 IC's. The Phase 90 uses 2 IC's, 3 or 4 transistors and doesn't include the most important part - the photocells & the lightbulb. They have totally different LFO's.
Also, there are so many Vibe recreations out there that almost perfectly nail the sound of the original that its ridiculous. Check out Mike Fuller's Deja-Vibe & mini Deja-Vibe. Or Prescription Electronics' Vibe-Unit.
Any Vibe clone worth its weight has a Speed control (available as either a tunable knob or as a pedal much like the original and the Black Cat) that you can rev up to blistering speeds.
Oh, and Bradshaw (no bad how absurd he looks in the picture) is not in the business of designing pieces of gear for you and me. He has those prices up there so you know what you might be paying for an individual component when you order a $5000 switching rig. He makes these things for touring professionals.
I'm not saying anything about your personal preferences - what works for your tone is what you should use. But, I think its a bummer if someone comes along looking for info and walks away with the wrong idea. Especially if they have only a few bucks to spend on a pedal.
But the below statements just aren't correct. A Univibe is a completely different beast and it is built with the intention of being a vibrato or a unison effect. The cost of components is not an issue. Most commercial effects are made with the cheapest components available at the time. Boutique makers use higher quality components to improve on the performance of old designs. I assure you though - the MXR PCB is a completely different layout than those used by other companies. A Univibe PCB is about 3 times the size on top of that.
That muting/unmuting that you are talking about is a function of Speed not Intensity. Turn up the speed on a Fulltone vibe clone and you will hear that exact same effect.
The technicalities of it aren't important if you aren't an engineer. And I agree that the discussions are for those who aren't EE's. But it would really suck if you went out looking for a certain sound and bought a pedal only to find out that it is totally unrelated to what you want.
Quote from: posternutbag on January 17, 2008, 10:41:57 AM
Please, show me that link. Prove to me this isn't somebody taking his old vintage sounding phaser guts, and his modern sounding phaser guts, fitting all of this to a pre-sized, scrap metal box, and then hardwiring a switch to stomp from one intensity of phase to the other. :|
The phaser 60 circuits can be pressed anywhere. They are a common board for these types of effects and the only difference between one or the other is typically the cost of the components on the board.
As far as the wiring of two boards goes, none of that has anything to do with getting the board to sound reall intense like on the black cat. That has to do with how all the knobs are pre set to work with the board.
A univibe is basically a marriage between a stereo chorus and a phase 60 transparent phaser. turn the depth or intensity up on that phase 60 circuit with a modded trem pot and POOF super vibe tone.
I never said he was a nice guy. I don't know him and don't use his products. I'm just relaying along what I know about his site and its purpose. He isn't in the business of retailing individual components. They come as pieces of a larger rig.
There is a reason Trey uses one. Its a tool for a pro who needs it and is willing to spend the coin to accomplish he goals. If I had the money, I surely wouldn't buy it. But if I were Trey, I'd drop the money in a second.
Pete Cornish probably doesn't answer emails either. He has prices on his site but it is for reference.
But yes, he should have answered your email - if anything with a form response saying "sorry bub. ain't gonna happen."
By the way - do you have a schematic of the ISO-1? If you can get a schem I can definitely hook something up for you.
Posternutbag, to be fair, bob bradshaw left for a six month tour on Feb 27th. I think he does that kind of thing quite often; hence, the reason why he doesn't get back to people about some of the smaller deals. I'll let you know when he next contacts me; that should give you the opportunity to call, or, preferably, email him and actually get a reply -- in other words, when i contact you it means he's actually *there* to answer your request.
Soundslikemyself, as far as building stuff only for professionals, that's simply not the case. But i agree with your point(s) concerning the uni-vibe and how it differs from a phase 90. You're right on about the photocell and light bulb thing; that's certainly something that you will not find in a phaser. I've researched the original uni-vibe design and, moreover, I myself actually own a black cat vibe made by bob in 1996 (it has his initials and date on the circuit board) and it follows the original univox univibe schematic to a tee, even to the point of replicating the size of the original circuit board. The key difference between the black cat vibe and the original only comes in the form of different kinds of components; namely, in some places metal film resistors in place of the original carbon ones; and, of course, brand new jacks and pots as well. One thing I've heard about the deja-vibe is that it uses large size, hermetically sealed photocells, some of which I've been able to find and purchase on the internet for a not unreasonable price for a project of my own that I've yet to physically begin. The black cat vibe has the small(er) size photocells that aren't hermetically sealed. I'm not sure what the original used as I've never seen an actual picture of the original uni-vibe that doesn't have the reflective box covering that portion of the circuit board.
I also agree with your point about how the amount of (over)drive before a vibe affects the vibrato effect itself. Trey's black cat vibe comes at the end of his effects chain; he therefore typically has the tubescreamers driving, so to speak, the vibe.
The original Vibe, from my understanding, was constructed using a number of different cells, depending on what was on hand when a particular box was made. I can't imagine that they were sealed - that would have been a hefty cost at the time. I don't know for sure though.
As for Bradshaw - my point about the touring rigs is that the majority of CAE equipment goes to pro rigs and that is where Bob himself has his focus. I'm sure that CAE takes anybody's money but you will get a lot further if you are laying down 6k instead of $60. He's had that rep for a long time. He's also been known to make sure that his customers are satisfied so go figure.
And you can always go to Japan to pick up some CAJ equipment. They make a number of individual pieces not available in the US.
Quote from: SoundLikeMyself on August 25, 2008, 10:45:59 PM
I'm sure that CAE takes anybody's money but you will get a lot further if you are laying down 6k instead of $60.
True.
Quote from: posternutbag on August 26, 2008, 11:39:29 AM
so what kind of vibe do you gig with? like i said i spent a thousand bucks buying, trying, and ebaying several different vibes before settling on the one i have.
I use a Fulltone Mini Deja-Vibe 2 http://www.fulltone.com/stpframe.html (http://www.fulltone.com/stpframe.html). Interestingly enough, Mike Fuller mentions that the original Vibe cells had a glass cover over the actual photo-sensitive area. Not sure if that means that they are in fact hermetically sealed over simply covered by glass.
I did some further research last night about the original cells and discovered that they were special made for Unicord in Hamburg. They use a proprietary part number that isn't found anywhere else.
I'm actually in the process of building my own Vibe clone using the cells that Fulltone uses. Hopefully it will come together properly.
I love my deja vibe, worth every penny, definitely recommend it
Anyone ever tried using a Sweet Sound MoFaux Vibe?
I am close to ordering just based on the simplicity of this pedal. I dont care if its dead on to anyone in particular but the prices seem ok compared to others.
I don't know the status on his production but since he got sick (and has since died)
I haven't been able to get anything from bob sweet. It just stuck me that you might be getting this off ebay, and more power to you in that respect. However, if I were in your position, I would look at the recently released, fulltone mdv-2.
Hey Cactus, just so you know Barb at Sweet Sound is accepting orders and will send a paypal request. I just emailed her and told here what I wanted and she sent me the request. Will let you know how the delivery and sound is. I just felt better helping her out and I get what I need. That guy made some cool stuff. We should start a post and see who else has used his stuff. Would be good to get some real use reports on the various pedals he made. Sounds like she is looking for another builder to help her. Maybe someone on here can help.
I'm telling you dude, don't get the Mofaux vibe--tell Barb you changed your mind--the fulltone mdv-2 is where it's (or, will be) at.
cactus,
Thanks for the solid advice. I do appreciate it. I could always sell it on ebay if I really don't like it. I tend to use effects at very low settings, noticeable but not overpowering. The samples I heard are what made me choose, that plus the overly simple operation. If I hate it I will look at what you suggested. Are they in stores yet?
BTW this is really the only effect I would even really use from time to time as my setup is severally simple.
82 Ibanez Musician MC150 Mahogany>TU-2>TS9>Dynacomp>RV-3>Deluxe Reverb. I like phasers and such but just want something a little mellow to ad some flavor. Like a subtle vibratone where you can barely hear it.
Or ideally my favorite tone (which has probably been discussed to death already) is Treys GBOTT grinding solo tone. I don't even have a solid guess for that one, other than the leslie with something. By chance if you know that one and feel like sharing it it would be much appreciated.
Sorry to drudge up this topic once again, but I need to rescind my recommendation to get the fulltone mdv-2. Contrary to my (then) uninformed ravings--completely unjustified, as usual--this vibe is a piece of junk. They are ALL pieces of junk--sweetsound, fulltone, megavibe (honestly, with this last one, one has to ask oneself, 'can a retard make a uni-vibe', no unless it is corky and this guy ain't him).
I've got my eye on vibes. This one sounds amazing. The Sixties Vibe by MJM.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRkcs49WdB4&feature=youtube_gdata_player (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRkcs49WdB4&feature=youtube_gdata_player)
This or maybe a Sweet Mojo Vibe.
I have a sweetsound mofaux vibe I'd sell. Just not using it. Lemme know.
Quote from: picture_of_nectar on December 15, 2011, 10:20:31 PM
I have a sweetsound mofaux vibe I'd sell. Just not using it. Lemme know.
Do you find that your MXR Script Phase 90 covers all of your thick juicy modulation cravings?
Just ordered a Lovepedal Magic Boy Vibe off the GC used section, wish I saw your post first...
Quote from: tomasmaclennan on December 16, 2011, 02:42:54 PM
Just ordered a Lovepedal Magic Boy Vibe off the GC used section, wish I saw your post first...
Oh that sounds cool too.
Not sure if I'm going to settle for an almost Uni-vibe or a true clone. Seems like I'd have to spend at least $200 for a good clone.
Quote from: Happyorange27 on December 16, 2011, 02:49:53 PM
Quote from: tomasmaclennan on December 16, 2011, 02:42:54 PM
Just ordered a Lovepedal Magic Boy Vibe off the GC used section, wish I saw your post first...
Oh that sounds cool too.
Not sure if I'm going to settle for an almost Uni-vibe or a true clone. Seems like I'd have to spend at least $200 for a good clone.
You may be interested in possibly a used deja vibe, they're pretty cheap nowadays.
I really like my Deja Vibe 2. It's the older one and it's built like a tank. What I like about it is I can have it be really prominent in my tone, or it can be dialed back so that it's barely noticeable, yet has a cool shimmery effect on my tone.
Quote from: the_great_lemon on December 15, 2011, 10:37:36 PM
Quote from: picture_of_nectar on December 15, 2011, 10:20:31 PM
I have a sweetsound mofaux vibe I'd sell. Just not using it. Lemme know.
Do you find that your MXR Script Phase 90 covers all of your thick juicy modulation cravings?
yup, pretty much
Check out the Haze vibe by Wilson Effects. I'm about to buy it I think.
Quote from: Happyorange27 on December 18, 2011, 03:42:28 PM
Check out the Haze vibe by Wilson Effects. I'm about to buy it I think.
Very nice effect.. seems a little balanced to lower frequencies..... seems pretty musical
Let us know how you like that Haze Vibe happy, I'm on the lookout for a more affordable alternative to the Mojo Vibe and this looks like a viable option.
Quote from: the_great_lemon on December 18, 2011, 09:14:21 PM
Let us know how you like that Haze Vibe happy, I'm on the lookout for a more affordable alternative to the Mojo Vibe and this looks like a viable option.
Sure thing. It just seems like the most inexpensive pedal to get a convincing univibe effect. Probably going to be a couple weeks.
I haven't mentioned this yet, but the BBE Soul Vibe is an option as well, I love mine actually. You can get them for around $130.00 and they are road worthy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FPYzj-YKXk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FPYzj-YKXk)
Dude you actually embedded a video^! I didn't think that was possible. Guess so; cool.
As for the BBE, it just can do mild Univibe at best at least to my ears. I'm glad you like it.
Quote from: Happyorange27 on December 19, 2011, 07:29:11 AM
Dude you actually embedded a video^! I didn't think that was possible. Guess so; cool.
Ha, you just insert a hyperlink, that hyperlink being the youtube link and it puts the video in.
Quote from: Happyorange27 on December 19, 2011, 07:29:11 AMAs for the BBE, it just can do mild Univibe at best at least to my ears. I'm glad you like it.
I do like it, and of course it's not the absolute best vibe in the world, but it does what it does well. I use it a lot when we are ending a song for that vibe sound....just another option I guess.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sDSd0CdhHc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sDSd0CdhHc)
Quote from: Happyorange27 on December 19, 2011, 07:42:26 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sDSd0CdhHc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sDSd0CdhHc)
Sounds real good, Wilson effects are sweeeet. It seemed like the rate control could use some tweaking however, it seemed overly-throbby in the video, although it could've been the mic or something else.
I finally got my Wilson Effects, Haze Deluxe. It's a pretty sweet little Uni-Vibe and it has a good old vibrato switch. The rate is easily adjusted with a fat rubber knob. It's quite small actually which is great for square inches. I'm moving it around the chain and I kind of like it right in front of the compressor. Anyway it's hard to turn off because it makes everything sound cooler but i'm sure that will wear off after i use it more. Quite pleased that I have it and I recommend it highly.
Awesome!! Glad you found a vibe you like! I can't stop using mine ::)
I just bought a used Deja Vibe 2 from a TGPer for $180, looking forward to trying it out.
Quote from: Heady Jam Fan on April 30, 2012, 08:54:59 AM
I just bought a used Deja Vibe 2 from a TGPer for $180, looking forward to trying it out.
I think you'll probably like it. There's a thread over on tgp about opening them up and adjusting a trim pot inside and most people say they like theirs better after adjusting it, but I already find myself leaving it on at minimal settings all the time and it makes a great tone enhancer. Sometimes I feel like I'm using it too much and turn it off, then after a couple songs, I'm ask myself, "why doesn't my tone sound as good anymore?" Then I turn it back on, and there IT is!
Yea, I got it today and spent a while playing with it. It is really cool, a great and versatile effect. The tone of the MDV2 changes a bit depending on my settings (when I roll back my volume, it seems to get brighter). It isn't a deal breaker, but I think I need to toy around with it some more. I really liked it though - I could get from Hendrix to Floyd to trippy Jam just turning a few knobs of my guitar.
Check it out. It looks like a prop from one of the original Star Wars films, or Blade Runner.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWTtraRRdxo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWTtraRRdxo)
Cactus lives!!!!!!!!!!
Quote from: cactuskeeb on April 30, 2012, 10:23:23 PM
Check it out. It looks like a prop from one of the original Star Wars films, or Blade Runner.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWTtraRRdxo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWTtraRRdxo)
There's a dude here in Portland that I saw a few weeks back that owns one of these. 1 word: BADASS! 8) :o
I have to replace the lamp in mine so I thought I'd share some gut shots. Enjoy
(http://s18.postimage.org/bhbco7vwp/IMG_1414.jpg)
(http://s16.postimage.org/jm0x983p1/IMG_1424.jpg)
(http://s10.postimage.org/5ywbsdbnd/IMG_1412.jpg)
(http://s7.postimage.org/tstot88jv/IMG_1416.jpg)
(http://s15.postimage.org/bvy9yfudn/IMG_1419.jpg)
(http://s7.postimage.org/byy6rxphn/IMG_1420.jpg)
(http://s7.postimage.org/vuu67h6iz/IMG_1421.jpg)
Phishin - thats sweet, very neat work they do in there.
I just got my Wilson Haze Vibe today, AB'ed a bit with the Fulltone. They are pretty different, I kinda suspect some of the difference is the fact that the Wilson uses LEDs instead of a bulb, but not a bad change necessarily.
I think Happy mentioned on another thread that a vibe could use tone controls and I have to agree, the tone has been the hardest thing for me to control - often I find my favorite vibe sound, but there is too much bass or treble. I also found that rolling back the wet mix trim on the Wilson darkened up the pedal a bit. Generally, the Wilson has more low-end available and gets thicker/throbbier, while the Fulltone can sometimes get thinner, sometimes too bright or harsh and this seems to change sometimes without pattern while I think I found a slim sweet spot on the Wilson with the wet mix and intensity rolled back just a little. I like the range control on the Wilson better, smoother throw/sweep, but I like the way the Fulltone engages better, it is smoother or more natural, occasionally the Wilson makes a slight noise when turning on and I need to rock my foot back to get enough pressure on the switch. I found the Fulltone a bit more vintage or 'organic'/natural sounding and the Wilson to be a bit more phase-like or something, but I wouldn't say either was 'better' and I am not extremely versed in Vibes, so my adjectives could be incorrect in describing this aspect.
If the Wilson wet mix trim functioned more like I expected (more like a clean blend) rather than getting darker, it would be a winner IMO. If either featured a treble and possibly even bass (the Wilson would benefit more from Bass, both could use treble, the Fulltone needs a treble control more), that would be a winer.
Also, the Fulltone has an internal trim, but it is an Intensity control. There is also an Intensity knob on the outside. They seem to function differently, but I don't know how technically. The internal one seems to have more effect/control over the low-end throb, yet doesn't dial out the top end (as I hoped it would). I wish Fulltone made it easier to understand why there are two intensity controls, not that it would change how I tweaked it, but I like things to make sense, ya know?
Will I try another vibe? Not sure, I love it, probably more than any other modulation, but I still need more time to iron out a few issues. I love the wah enclosure and that might make it worth working out a couple kinks with one of these pedal rather than trying others - it is really easier than a large knob IMO.
Anyway - two great vibes and one picky musician. Can't go wrong with either, hopefully I will update when I get the perfect, magical swirl (not a deep, dark throb that can sacrifice clarity, not a thin top end). Lastly, I should mention, my complaints about the tone really only is noticeable in the very slow settings. Not sure if the 'depth' is diminished or less salient in faster settings.
Can someone explain to me what the difference is between the various non-CAE black cat vibes? I have seen silver ones like the one in this picture and I have seen black ones. Both are non-CAE BCVs.
Thanks
Heady great report. I just went to my Haze Deluxe and finally adjusted the internal trimpot. I went full counterclockwise to see the opposite of default setting. It was much more mellow and I noticed almost no detuning at full depth setting (outside knob). I liked that for a no dirt pedal setting. It was just adding the right swirl to my clean. But in dirt mode I kind of list the swirl intensity. Mind you my vibe is in front of my chain. I went to a halfway position on the internal trim pot and decided to leave it there for now to split the difference.
Again I only played for a minute since I got torn away.
It's my first vibe so I can't compare. I will agree that it's more phasey and less vintagey. It sounded more vintagey on you tube videos but those are not great to judge off of.
Keep on it bro. We will get there.
Yea man, thanks - I had another great and frustrating jam today.
I Fulltone was sounding warmer again, who knows if it will stay that way, but I was loving it today - ended with a Sample In A Jar jam that was soo much fun to play. I also Got the Wilson setup how I like it - I actually ended up moving the trim all the way back clockwise to the stock position because it was too dark the other way. Kevin (Wilson) also got back to me and said it was normal for the trim counterclockwise to make it darker, so that is good for the health of my vibe (and my psyche).
The Wilson has a fuller or less subtle thing going, in some of the settings (not particularly on the vibe, but my whole rig) it was also sounding like a flanger, which was cool cuz that was the one effect I was missing a little after selling my Modfactor.
Today, I liked the Fulltone more - it was in the background, but still making some cool motion in the tune. They are pretty different as far as a discerning musician would say, both are great pedals.
PS - Happy - Kevin said it would not be feasible to add an EQ to the vibe, it would take a lot of R&D and reworking. I just kinda happened to toss that half-baked idea in when I emailed him.
Oh yea, the frustrating part was actually that I was enjoying the Fulltone so much - right after I break down and get another vibe AND I also know there is a good chance it will be too bright the next time I play it!
I also did some other experimenting in my rig, but I will post that in another thread.
Thanks. Call me crazy but a strategically placed potentiometer and a small capacitor in series to ground should serve as a treble control and tame brightness. This is the same mod I did to my Blues Jr. I might just rig something up and create such a mod for the Haze. 8)
Lol - I kinda figured you would have and idea - to me it sounds theoretically simple, but if I sat down with a soldering iron, I wouldn't know where to start.
It can be hard to find a modulation pedal that doesn't change your core tone too much, or to set one up that way.
I want to thank Gonephishing for sweet pictures above!
Heady, I'm wondering if your fulltone vibe has something loose or screwy goin on inside of it causing you to hear this change? Or if it could be a bad cable or something? At first I thought you were getting the big tank DejaVibe2 that I have, but realized your's is the one w/ the slightly smaller enclosure like a wah pedal. I don't know if Fuller changed anything in the circuitry when he redid the design, but I gotta say that mine has always been really consistent. And I decided in the end that I didn't even want to open it up and mess with the internal trimpot as I like the tone it gives me.
You might be right, although he doesn't answer emails, so I don't expect to hear back from him.
BLACK CAT VIBE:
Ok they are finally going to have them ready in a couple of weeks (they say).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MGr1os_Nkk&feature=youtu.be
Sweet, now we need one in a wah enclosure ;)
Maybe it'll have an exp. in on it! Does anyone know if this one has a bulb like the real uni-vibe?
It does have a jack for expression pedal. I'm ok with a foot rubber knob. I made the "first 30" list and I will get the pedal for only $299. I'm excited!
Congrats happy, talk about being on the ball
Report back with some sound samples when you get it! Looks like an awesome vibe pedal
Quote from: Happyorange27 on August 01, 2012, 01:14:27 PMI made the "first 30" list and I will get the pedal for only $299.
Congrats on that move.
"*[CONGRATULATIONS! You were one of the first 30 people to sign up for the list! You get the Special Introductory Price of $299]*
I was excited when I got the message too, and then I realized just how geeky that was and calmed the hell down. Holy F#$@%CK I need to get out of the house...
(http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs090/1102365168953/img/92.jpg)
Freen you fucking rock!!! I'm fist bumping you right now! ;D