Jangle Box
Steve Lasko the creator of the Janglebox has done it again! What most thought couldn’t be improved has now come to light with the JB2.
:Here are some of the JB2’s features:
*True Bypass like the original JB
*Now with Pin Negative Polarity
*Seperate EQ Controls for Treb/Bass
*The Jangle Boost (comparable to “Bright” toggle setting on original JB) Now a separate, preset EQ override on/off switch.
*Level knob controls JB gain, not labeled 2nd “Gain” to avoid confusion
*Two colored LED’s
*Same IC chip used in JB1 so you get identical voicing and compression.
These features were added to the JB2 with a mind toward enhancing live performance. Use it as a straight compressor, a clean boost, a treble boost, or a “boost-on-boost.”
The new release of the JB2… clear cut jangle and chime, with a twist of bright focus and floating definition. There was a time not so long ago when I left all that had to do with compression up to the engineers in the studio, I saw no way to capture good compression in live situations so for years I just said to hell with it and went without it. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of great pedals out there that do the job and do the job well, it was my lack of knowledge in the effect that kept me from using it. Well a few months ago I had a run in with Steve Lasko’s Janglebox version 1 while working a session, the box was unfamiliar to me but it caught my attention non-the-less. I plugged my semi-hollowbody into it and was shocked at the sound that was coming out of the amplifier, that particular guitar I had always had trouble getting a balanced, defined sound out of, within minutes I was hooked to compression in a box. So I did a little research on the Janglebox and discovered there was quite a buzz going around about it. Cats like Roger McGuinn and Mike Miller (both of whom have had a major influence on me) were using it today to achieve their signature classic tones. I thought there was no way the JB could be improved, I was wrong. The JB2 is capable if delivering the same studio quality compression as the first, has some new features that’ll benefit your overall tone, and most importantly it’s still built in the US with the same high quality parts and components. It’s also loaded with it’s own separate true bypass treble booster switch, adjustable gain and EQ knobs, and each switch lights it’s own color LED to keep things easy while working on those nightmare lit stages. The new pedal is housed in a roomy, sturdy box which works perfectly for stomping in adjustments on the fly, no crammed knobs or switches here folks. But the real kicker is how easy it is to get a killer sound out of it, whether you’re using it as a straight up compressor, clean boost, treble boost, or boost on boost. The overall balance and weight it gives your strings is addicting, once you use a compressor of this quality you’ll never want to go without one. Now I might’ve not been around for The Beatles and The Byrds, but if you were to ask me to describe their tone I could tell you in heartbeat…The JB2! The missing link of your tone.
https://analogwarcry.blogspot.com/2009/02/
The JangleBox is a renowned compressor/sustainer pedal celebrated for its ability to produce the bright, ringing tones characteristic of 1960s bands like The Beatles and The Byrds. Designed to enhance a guitar’s presence without distorting the original signal, it offers musicians a clean, even tone with true bypass functionality.
Key Features:
- True Bypass: Ensures the original guitar signal remains unaltered when the pedal is disengaged.
- Enhanced IC Chip: Incorporates a more stable integrated circuit for improved performance.
- Standardized Power Polarity: Adopts a common power polarity for compatibility with various power supplies.
- Compact Design: Features an enclosure that sits closer to the pedalboard, optimizing space.
These enhancements aim to provide guitarists with a reliable and user-friendly compression pedal that maintains the distinctive “jangle” tone.
Evolution to the JB2 Model:
The JangleBox JB2 introduced several upgrades tailored for live performance:
- Separate EQ Controls: Offers individual treble and bass adjustments for precise tone shaping.
- Jangle Boost: Provides a preset EQ override, comparable to the “Bright” toggle setting on the original JangleBox, now accessible via a separate on/off switch.
- Level Control: Manages the pedal’s gain, simplifying user interface by avoiding confusion with multiple gain controls.
- Dual Colored LEDs: Enhances visual feedback during operation.
These features were incorporated to enhance versatility, allowing the JB2 to function as a straight compressor, clean boost, treble boost, or a combined “boost-on-boost.”
Conclusion:
The JangleBox compressor/sustainer pedal has significantly influenced guitarticularly for musicians seeking the classic chime and sustain of 1960s jangle pop. Its evolution into the JB2 model reflects a commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of live performers, offering enhanced control and versatility.