The great experiment: How to win pedals on eBay

Posted on 2011/12/12 by Rob hEADaCHE

So, I’ve been needing a few more pedals, to review that is, so I went on eBay to pick some out. I bid on one or 2 here and there and never win. How do you win pedals, I wondered? I then bid on 50, yes, that’s right 50 pedals within 2 weeks. Continue reading →

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Broke a knob!

Posted on 2011/11/06 by Rob hEADaCHE

So, last week I dropped my PV900 power amp on the hardwood floor from 4 feet. Oops. Besides the big crack in the hardwood floor, it landed on the knob and snapped it right off. Although not specifically a distortion pedal, the repair should be kinda similar to that – since most broken pedals end up being broken knobs (I actually have 2 broken knob distortion pedals, but I don’t think its quite worth the time and effort to fix some of these). I have ordered the new knob from Peavey ($5+ change – I got the pot and knob, since there was a minimum order of $5 – free shipping, thanks Peavey!) but it hasn’t arrived. When it does, i’ll try to give you an insight into this repair. Knobs for distortion pedals should be an easy repair – only finding the correct one may be the biggest hurdle.

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Digitech hothead

Posted on 2011/10/10 by Rob hEADaCHE

Ok, I’ve been a fan of DOD/Digitech for a while. They always seem to come out with decent stuff. All cast metal base, nice foot pedal, and a decent 9 volt battery connector (some just break apart after a few uses from other companies – easy to replace, but sure sign of cheaping out). I’ve never been a big fan of the battery compartment cover, I broke a few, I’ve seen many lost. At least you dont need any tools to change the batteries though. I like the orange, and they always come up with interesting names for pedals.
So on to the sound: Continue reading →

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Danelectro Fab Metal

Posted on 2011/09/24 by Rob hEADaCHE

I got a couple of these Fab pedals as christmas gifts a couple years ago. I really was looking for one or the other, but I ended up with 2 (anyone want to buy one?). I only played around with them a bit, they really didn’t offer that much in distortion sounds. Lets look at the Fab Metal. Continue reading →

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10 most notable distortion pedals, or more approprately distortion sounds

Posted on 2011/09/07 by Rob hEADaCHE

So everyone is always looking for the ultimate distorion. What is the ultimate distortion? The creamy bluesy sound of Jimmi Hendrix, the meaner than god sound of Godflesh or the wall of sound of Bardo Pond? Everyone really has a different opinion of what makes the best distortion sounds. But here are some well known distortions, some are pedals and some are just amps. Continue reading →

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Mixing and mastering sub-bass (Mastering your own material part 2)

Posted on 2011/08/19 by Rob hEADaCHE

Sub-bass (<150 hz) is quite difficult to master. If you remember the last post about mastering, I mention one should focus on a mix that doesn’t require any post EQ. So hopefully you can get your sub-bass at the right levels as to not take-over the track, but have it as huge as you would like.
Continue reading →

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FAQ: You remixed So-N-So? That’s really just a mashup right?

Posted on 2011/08/04 by Rob hEADaCHE

Yup, No. I have remixed, what, like 60 bands now? Anywhere from Pigface to Aryia, Collide to Christ Analogue. All from original stems provided by the bands. Some remixes requested by the bands, some requested by me (yeah, if I like your music I might request to remix you!). A few (maybe 10) are remix contests. I guess requests are mostly due to CEOXiME’s “up-and-comming”-ness at the time, I guess. Being signed to Invisible can’t hurt. Yup, hEADaCHE remixes 1 and 2 both have approval (signed contracts!) from the original bands. Actually, hEADaCHE remixes 1 was partally funded by the original bands! I would have to say some of my earlier remixes could be called a bit embarassing. Sorry to those bands I cut my teeth on. Check out the entire list at:
Remixes by hEADaCHE

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Behringer DM100

Posted on 2011/07/21 by Rob hEADaCHE

Back on topic!  A couple years ago, Behringer put out several distortion pedals (about 20 of them!) that seriously fit the “cheap distortion pedal” category.  I saw these online somewhere and my interest was peaqued.  First, most of these are “modelers”, or pedals which are supposed to sound like other well known distortion pedals.  As Behringer is known for copying other companies, it is to be expected.  Now, these pedals don’t look at all like the originals (and in many cases are several originals stacked in one), and I can only imagine if they sound like the originals since I don’t have any of the originals to compare to.  (And as a P.S., I am not going to go into the lawsuits and all, I figure the courts can figure out if Behringer has any infringements and make the settlements as necessary.)

To kick this off, I picked the DM100.  Continue reading →

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New cheapdistortionpedals.com T-Shirt

Posted on 2011/06/27 by Rob hEADaCHE

If you like the graphics, here is the t-shirt:
http:\\uncoiledloops.spreadshirt.com

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FAQ: Will you remix my band?

Posted on 2011/06/22 by Rob hEADaCHE

Lets do the easy one. The answer: most likely. Do you have your tracks zero stripped and ready for remix? Are you planning a release and want some remixes? Just want to network, maybe even get included on the next hEADaCHE remixes? Send me an email. Reply to this blog. PM me on Darksonus. If your track fits the 3 criteria for remixing (see previous post), then yes, I’ll probably remix it. It may take a while, it may be good to give me a deadline, but definitely give me a shout. Oh, its summer. Give me way more time.

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