Van Diemens A.A.D. Red Ochre Deluxe Treble Booster
A Tasmanian treble booster and Kauer's most audacious guitar yet — welcome Van Diemens A.A.D. to the channel. Welcome back to Edge of Breakup.
In this episode the Van Diemens Analogue Audio Disruptors Red Ochre Deluxe Treble Booster takes center stage — featuring the Kauer Gripen with Wolfetone Kauerbuckers, into the Benson Amps Monarch 2x12" via the Boss Waza Tube Amp Expander with the Echo Fix EF-X3 Chorus Echo Analog Tape Echo in the loop.
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Red Ochre Deluxe product page: https://www.vandiemenseffects.com.au/red-ochre-deluxe
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Richard builds Van Diemens Analogue Audio Disruptors in Tasmania, Australia — named after Van Diemen's Land, the original colonial name for the island. The Red Ochre Deluxe takes its name from a secluded, rocky beach near Richard's house on the Tasmanian coast. Every pedal is hand-built point-to-point, one at a time, with carefully selected vintage components, and biased by ear rather than by spec — the transistor voltage is set as a starting point, but the final bias position is found aurally, dialing in the sweet spot specific to that transistor.
This specific build features a Mullard CV7003 transistor — the military specification version of the legendary OC44 used in the original 1960s Dallas Rangemasters. The CV7003 delivers the thick, balanced, woolly character that remains the benchmark for treble boosters. Tuned slightly darker than the original Rangemaster in its brightest position — designed to add classic drive and snarl without ear-piercing high-frequency spikes. The 3-way EQ toggle switch covers the range from tightest/highest frequency response (most low-end cut) through a middle position to full low-end retained — explored throughout this demo with the Wolfetone Kauerbuckers responding differently at each position. All NOS Philips, Mullard Mustard, and Mullard Tropical Fish capacitors. NOS Piher and Allen-Bradley resistors. Handcrafted turret board.
The Kauer Gripen is Kauer's first truly new design in nearly eight years — a joint design between Doug and Max Kauer, angular, cubist, and immediately identifiable. Spanish Mahogany neck-through construction. 24.75" scale. Wenge fretboard with Gripen-specific crown inlays. Beveled edges for comfort despite the aggressive geometry. Under 7 lbs. Wolfetone Kauerbuckers are custom-wound humbuckers designed specifically for Kauer guitars. Tom Dumont of No Doubt debuted his Gripen at the Fire Aid benefit concert in Los Angeles.
🎛️ Van Diemens A.A.D.: https://www.vandiemenseffects.com.au/red-ochre-deluxe
🎸 Kauer Guitars Gripen: https://www.kauerguitars.com/instruments/gripen
🔊 Benson Amps: https://www.bensonamps.com/guitar-amplifiers
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🎸 Kauer Guitars Gripen | Wolfetone Kauerbuckers | Neck-Through Mahogany | 24.75" Scale | Wenge Board
🎛️ Van Diemens A.A.D. Red Ochre Deluxe | Mullard CV7003/OC44 | 3-Way EQ Toggle | NOS Components | Turret Board
🎛️ Also: Echo Fix EF-X3 Chorus Echo Analog Tape Echo
🔊 Benson Amps Monarch 2x12" | Boss Waza TAE
Recording: Universal Audio Apollo x4 | Lauten Audio LS-208 | Royer R10 & R121 | Sennheiser E906 | Ableton Live 11
