Electro-Harmonix

136
&
T-Rex ToneBug Phaser
Electro-Harmonix Neo Clone
T
he market for high-end
effects pedals is as
saturated as a Coldplay
fan’s mattress. The
good news for the tight-of-fist is
that this filters down to off-shoot
ranges that aim to give you
said tone at blue-collar prices.
T-Rex’s ToneBug series packs its
upper-range design ethos into a
more budget-conscious bracket,
with streamlined controls.
The ToneBug Phaser features
a minimal control set, with one
dial for rate and another for
depth settings. Then there’s
a toggle switch that lets you
choose between two modes:
Modern and Vintage.
Vintage mode is designed
to produce the sound of an
analogue phaser pedal, and
when played through your amp’s
clean channel it introduces a
subtle swoosh to funky guitar
parts. Add some overdrive and
you can get close to Van Halen/
Brian May style phaser sounds.
Set the rate high and the depth
at about half, and playing
arpeggios produces some organ-
like Leslie swirls.
If you’re after a harder, more
metallic edge to the pedal’s
sweep then flick over to the
Modern mode. The sound is
more ‘throaty’ here, too, so
this is the place to go for more
vocal-like phaser sounds.
Conclusion: £145 won’t qualify
as ‘affordable’ for everyone, but
given the quality on offer (and
the price of its competition), we
think it’s a good deal. This unit
offers a lot of different sounds,
and its easy-to-use format
makes it a great introduction.
We’ve got the bug. Have you?
Stuart Williams
For: Comprehensive range of sounds
Against: It’s not true bypass
✮✮✮✮✮
SUMMARY
TG says: Full of swirly goodness
T
he Electro-Harmonix
Small Clone chorus is an
undisputed classic. It’s
one of the best-loved
chorus pedals ever made thanks
to Kurt Cobain (Nevermind is
awash with its sounds).
The Neo Clone is the latest
in the three-strong Clone range,
and is housed in the same sized
box as the more diminutive Nano
Clone. The difference is that the
Neo Clone uses the same circuit
as the original Small Clone,
including the Depth switch (in
this case, a toggle). The only
other control is the Rate knob,
which you use for changing the
speed of the modulation.
With the toggle switch down
and a slow Rate setting, you get
a moderate sprinkling of Andy
Summers style chorus. Whack
the switch to ‘up’ and the Neo
sweeps over a deeper range for
more aggressive pitch wavering.
This pedal does chorus with a
classy analogue flavour – you
can thicken your high-gain solos
or add shimmer to your clean
rhythm sounds. The only gripe is
that you’ll need a screwdriver to
change the battery.
Conclusion: The Neo and Small
Clone are the same price, so
apart from re-claiming some
real estate on their board, Small
Clone owners will have little
reason to swap. However, if
you’re yet to delve into the filthy
waters of chorus, the Neo is
perfect for first forays into the
sound in all its guises.
Stuart Williams
For: Classic sounds, manageable size
Against: No quick battery access
✮✮✮✮✮
SUMMARY
TG says: Attack of the clones
■ Controls
You only get two
knobs, but they’ll give
you tons of sounds
Modes ■
This toggle switch lets
you choose between a
vintage and a throaty,
modern phase sound
■ Features
…but it includes the same
circuit and Depth switch
of the Small Clone pedal
At a glance
At a glance
T-Rex ToneBug Phaser
Electro-Harmonix
Neo Clone
TYPE: Phaser pedal
CONTROLS: Rate, depth,
vintage/modern switch
SOCKETS: Input, output,
power
TRUE BYPASS: No
POWER: Battery, PSU
C O N TA C T: Westside
Distribution 0141 2484812
WEB: www.t-rex-effects.
com
TYPE: Chorus pedal
CONTROLS: Rate control,
Depth switch
SOCKETS: Input, output,
PSU
TRU E BY PASS: Yes
POWER: Battery, PSU
(optional)
C O N TA C T: Electro-
Harmonix
WEB: www.ehx.com
■ Pedigree
T-Rex makes Mark Tremonti’s
signature phaser, so you know
you’re in safe hands
Set your guitar to stun with this ‘a ordable’ model
Classic chorus re-packaged to a ’board-friendly size
■ Build
The Neo Clone casing
is the same size as
the Nano Clone’s…
Battery ■
You’ll need a screwdriver
when the battery runs out,
which is a bit of a pain
£145
£49
TGR212.gear_halves 136 1/31/11 12:11:38 PM