A little history lesson about Guitar Effects. And how did it all started.
Early 50s, rock guitarist and badass Willie Johnson of Howlin Wolf began cracking his amplifier beyond its intended gain level to create warm overdriven sounds.
One of the earliest recorded examples of distortion in rock and roll history is the registration of the in 1951 recorded song “Rocket 88” with Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm. The Guitar player Willie Kizart used and amplifier with a speaker that was slightly damaged during the transport causing a slightly overdriven sound.
Early 60’s (1961 to be exactly) , the rock band The Ventures asked their friend session musician and electronics wizard Orville Rhodes (AkA “Red Rhodes”) for help recreating the “broken” or “fuzzy” sound caused by a faulty preamp on Grady Martin’s guitar track for “Don’t Worry” by Marty Robbins. Orville Rhodes then offered The Ventures a handmade Fuzz-Box, they later on used on “2000 Pound Bee”.(1962).
This also was the year of the first commercial fuzz boxes we all know as the legendary “Maestro Fuzztone FZ1 also released in 1962.
“You Realy Got Me” by The Kinks is even recorded with a razorblade slashed speaker to create that damaged distorted sound. This was in 1964.
1965 Mr Keith Richard used the Gibson Maestro Fuzz on the “I Can’t Get No” track that skyrocketed the sales of the Maestro Fuzz that made it totally sold out by the end of 1965.
1966 Mr Jim Marshall began modifying the electronic circuits of his now legendary amps to have a louder and fuller distorted sound.
Other Early Fuzz boxes where the Mosrite FuzzRite (“Spirit In The Sky” Sound), the famous Arbitter Group FuzzFace that was used by Jimi Hendrix, Vox Tone Bender, Univox Super Fuzz, Electro Harmonix Big Muff.
End 60’s early 70,s bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who, Cream, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and many more shook the world with their ear deafening but amazing heavy guitar sounds that sounded like “Heavy Metal” falling from the sky.
Heavy Guitars and overdriven guitar sounds were invented there and were the subject of guitar evolution that went on till today.
The newest DrNo creation makes hist RED monster the new standard for GREEN!
We all get overwhelmed by overdrive pedals, in many forms, colours and shapes.
I believe every brand, Boutique builder has to build his own Overdrive pedal, because there are still differences or upgrades to add.
Because its one of the most delicate effects you can add to your pedal-board, building a good one comes to an art form. The most used and most wanted overdrive pedal (also called “The Holy Grail” of overdrive) is the Famous GREEN TS808 from Ibanez. I mean the old one here, build late ’70s by Nisshin that developed the first Tube Screamer. The legendary Tube Screamer debuted in 1979 and that was later popularized by many players that set the tone. I think almost every guitar player owns or pre-owned at least one of the amazing 43 generations.
In general TS are also known con’s of this beautiful instrument. The one I heard most that it is a little mild and its not really get you over that edge that is sometimes needed. In some cases you like to take it to 11, but it stops at 10.
DrNo has now worked out the second and final version of his answer to your overdrive needs.
The PowerDriver MKII is to be called the Holy Grail on steroids and his answer to green, namely….RED. Red represents the colour of anger, screaming, an outlet of emotions that need to be set free in making music and Rock and Roll.
With its organic, warm overdrive this is a must have on your pedal-board.
Together with the original and rare to find ingredients the finesse of this pedal takes you beyond any other overdrive pedal you ever used before.
All made by hand by DrNo in Eindhoven Rockcity.
DrNo-Effects “Holy Wahcamoly” DrNo’s Newest Wah Pedal.
Dedicated to my lost friend Peer Borgers who helped me by borrowing his whole precious collection to me to create the Holy Wahcamoly. Rest in Peace my friend, this one’s for you! I know you didnt try the last proto, so I hope you like it. By the way….hope your not mad I left it green….hahaha?!
The origin of the Wah Wah comes from 1966 were Brad Plunkett designed the first wah type pedal. After that a various range of Wah’s were produced. The range and variety of Wah Wah pedals is extreme and questions like “what kind of Wah is suitable for me?” is amongst every playing guitarist.
I studied and played almost every Wah Wah to learn what makes the difference. Goal was to create a Wah that is subtle, smooth that takes you beyond limitations to for fill your space needs, and gear you up with the most awesome Wah Wah ever existed. The most important ingredient to prepare this delicious vintage tone, is the “Custom Vintage and Hand wound Halo inductor”, that is specially made for DrNo-Effects and will also be available as a replacement part for your Wah to spice up its range. Check the custom “Myth Halo” soon at my new upcoming webshop with premium parts!
The result? The DrNo-Effects “Holy Wahcamoly”! A full range “Wah Rocker Pedal” with a wide range of possibilities and never heard before “sweat spots” suitable for the Raw vintage player.
The Holy Wahcamoly houses the most common and favorite Wah’s ever existed.
DrNo even added a self tunable modification knob to create your own signature Wah sound. On the outside of the “Holy Wahcamoly” a capacitor switch is added to choose your favorite range.
Build like a tank in a powder coated “Guacamole Green” steel housing , together with “award winning graphics” and wooden (hand silkscreened) box.
Boutique at its highest level.
*Hand wound “Myth Halo” inductor.
*Custom made Award Winning Graphics (Dieline Awards 2012).
*Output capacitor switch 3 settings to for ultimate WahWah sweetness.
*Heavy Duty Die Cast Housing with Powder Coated surface.
*Added Buffer Circuit (No need to worry about positions and losing power and defenition of your Holy Wahcamoly when putting in effects chain). A little added volume when hitting the pedal (Adjustable with “trimpot” inside).
The Holy Wahcamoly will only be available at the listed stores on my website.