Jam Pedals Retrovibe
Two NOS germanium circuits — a Dallas Rangemaster and a vintage-spec Uni-Vibe — running into a pushed Benson Monarch. This is a visceral tonal experience. Welcome back to Edge of Breakup.
In this episode the JAM Pedals RetroVibe pairs with the R2R Electric R2RGeMaster Treble Booster (@djlavalamp) — running into my Nash S63 Stratocaster with Lollar Vintage Blonde neck and middle, Lollar Special Strat bridge, Emerson Custom 4-Way Wiring Kit and Treble Bleed, into my Benson Amps Monarch and Benson 2x12" cabinet.
The RetroVibe is comprised of photocells, a bulb, original NOS 2SC828 transistors and carbon comp resistors — the same transistors used in the 1969 Uni-Vibe. 9V DC operation, internally lifted to 15V DC. Handmade in Athens, Greece.
Two controls on the face: Depth sets the intensity of the modulation, from subtle shimmer to deep pulsating throb. Speed navigates from slow-rate oceanic swells all the way to fast Leslie-speaker rotary impersonations. A toggle switches between Chorus and Vibrato modes. An internal trimmer adjusts maximum effect intensity and also dramatically shapes the character of the effect — not just a ceiling, but a voice control. Expression pedal input for real-time Speed control via standard passive 10k and TRS cable. Four photocells surrounding a pulsating light source deliver the thick, swirling beauty of vintage chorus and vibrato in all its analog complexity.
The R2RGeMaster enters the chain as a germanium treble booster — Philips/Mullard AC107 black glass transistors, Dallas Rangemaster circuit, 6-position NOS input capacitor switch — cleaning up beautifully via the guitar volume knob and giving the RetroVibe a glassy, focused signal to work with. The interaction between germanium boost and NOS Uni-Vibe circuit is exactly what you'd hope for.
🎛️ JAM Pedals RetroVibe: https://www.jampedals.com/retrovibe/
🎛️ R2R Electric R2RGeMaster: https://www.r2relectric.com/how-to-order
🎸 Nash Guitars S63: https://nashguitarsusa.com
🎸 Lollar Pickups: https://www.lollarguitars.com
🔧 Emerson Custom 4-Way: https://emersoncustom.com
🔊 Benson Amps Monarch: https://www.bensonamps.com/amps/monarch
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🎸 Nash S63 | Lollar Vintage Blonde (Neck & Middle) + Special Bridge | Emerson Custom 4-Way + Treble Bleed
🎛️ JAM Pedals RetroVibe | NOS 2SC828 | Photocell Uni-Vibe | Chorus + Vibrato
🎛️ R2R Electric R2RGeMaster | NOS AC107 | 6-Position Capacitor Switch
🔊 Benson Amps Monarch | Benson 2x12" Cabinet
Recording: Royer R121 & SM57 on grille | Royer R10 on back off-axis
