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Gary Nelson
DOD 690 Chorus
Something a Bit Different
Borne amidst a windfall of chorus units, it offers Something a bit different In the mid to late ’70s, chorusing for guitarists was a relatively new effect on the market and nearly all pedal manufacturers were introducing chorus units. One of the more obscure was the DOD 690. DOD Electronics was founded in 1974 and…
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Gary Nelson
Ibanez Overdrives
Versatile tones from the TS line's progenitors
Before Ibanez made the fabled Tubescreamer, the company released two overdrive pedals designed to enhance sustain and distortion at lower volume. The first was simply called Overdrive, the second was the OD-855 Overdrive II. Both were produced in the mid ’70s by Maxxon. The Overdrive (many call it the “Orange Overdrive,” given its color) is…
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Gary Nelson
Ibanez Overdrives
Versatile tones from the TS line's progenitors
Before Ibanez made the fabled Tubescreamer, the company released two overdrive pedals designed to enhance sustain and distortion at lower volume. The first was simply called Overdrive, the second was the OD-855 Overdrive II. Both were produced in the mid ’70s by Maxxon. The Overdrive (many call it the “Orange Overdrive,” given its color) is…
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Gary Nelson
Ibanez Auto-Filter
The fun of the Mu-Tron III, but with less noise
This month, I’d like to mention one of the coolest pedals Ibanez made in the ’80s. If you like envelope filters, particularly the Mu-Tron III, then you’ll love the Ibanez Auto Filter. This pedal sounds as good as, if not better than, the bulky old Mu-Tron. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Mu-Tron III,…
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Gary Nelson
Ampeg A-2
Compressor Pedal
When it comes to effects pedals, compressors and sustain ped-als usually fall into the “love it or hate it” category. Aside from a graphic equalizer, it is probably the least pronounced effect there is. Most purist guitarists, who prefer to plug straight into the amp, would never dream of using a compressor. But there are…
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Gary Nelson
Ampeg A-2
Compressor Pedal
When it comes to effects pedals, compressors and sustain ped-als usually fall into the “love it or hate it” category. Aside from a graphic equalizer, it is probably the least pronounced effect there is. Most purist guitarists, who prefer to plug straight into the amp, would never dream of using a compressor. But there are…
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Gary Nelson
Arbiter Fuzz Face Reissue
Psychedelic tones of the past
If you’re a fan of vintage ’60s fat-bottomed fuzz, nothing sounds better than a vintage Arbiter/England Fuzz Face… when it’s operating right. The pedal is highly regarded among players and collectors alike, especially when it’s equipped with NKT-275 transistors. In an attempt to recapture the pre-Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face sound, Ivor Arbiter recently reissued his…
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Gary Nelson
Boss MA-1
Spice Up a Small Amp
Normally, when you think of an effect pedal, an image of a stompbox comes to mind; one you step on, or one that performs a dramatic effect on the sound of your instrument. The Boss MA-1 Mascot Amplifier is definitely not a stompbox. It’s not meant to be stepped on. But using it in a…
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Gary Nelson
Boss MA-1
Spice Up a Small Amp
Normally, when you think of an effect pedal, an image of a stompbox comes to mind; one you step on, or one that performs a dramatic effect on the sound of your instrument. The Boss MA-1 Mascot Amplifier is definitely not a stompbox. It’s not meant to be stepped on. But using it in a…
