Alas, it seems my supply of cheap Chinese stuff to review has dried-up completely. If fact, all the cheap Chinese stuff has dried-up - just look at eBay. Oh well, I don't need another "Phas" pedal anyway. A number of the products have disappeared from Amazon as well, but the pedals are still in stock, and they're even cheaper now.
"Vintage Phas" on the right The sad thing is, these are actually not bad!At least Home Depot still loves me - check out my free workbenchI was really looking forward to getting one of these
General International 1.2 Amp 16 in. Variable Speed Scroll Saw with Flex Shaft LED Work Light
This is another piece that I got for free for review. Normally it is about $90. I would have soldiered on forever with my ancient Craftsman saw because I am cheap, but free is free and even better than cheap, and this is a nice upgrade. Compared to my antique model, this saw is variable speed, easier to change blades and takes both kinds, adds a work light, dust blower and dust port, and is lighter with a bigger table.
First, I am bound to state that I received this pedal at no cost for review. Having gotten that out of the way …
This is pedal #4 since I started reviewing these for KMise, and I must say, I am very pleased with all of them. I started with the tremolo, then the phase and the "US Dream" overdrive, and now this "Crunch" distortion. All these pedals are well built, great-sounding, attractive, quiet, compact, and true bypass.
First, I am bound to state that I received this pedal at no cost for review. Having gotten that out of the way …
What is a tremolo? As relates to electric guitar, tremolo is a modulation in the volume of the sound. That's all. Back in the way early days, this was an effect that could be implemented very inexpensively using the often-unused half of a pre-amp tube in an amp. This made it a popular feature for amp manufacturers, which in turn led to its use by musicians, especially back when there were basically no other effects.
Well, I ordered up one of these headless bridges for about $60 shipped, and after three weeks, here it is:
As you can see, I disassembled one of the gear mechanisms. The one-piece gear and spool appear to be solid brass, held in the bracket with a c-clip. The gears actually work surprisingly well, smooth, with just a little slop that would disappear under string tension. Everything is also lubricated, which I did not expect from China. I am surprised, the quality of materials and design of this unit is much better than I expected. You can see how the knobs pull out on the shafts for easier adjustment.
my cheap little drill press that does 90% of my drilling
For drilling precisely spaced holes, like guitar tuners, make ( or buy ) a template. I make mine out of scrap maple. If you mess it up, throw it away, NBD. Eventually, you'll get it right, and then forevermore.