Photos by Dan Coplan.

A little over seven years ago, guitarist Jeff Shepherd faced a dilemma common to many of us. No matter how many guitars he tried, he just couldn’t find that elusive “TONE”! This need to solve a problem resulted in the founding of Sheptone, a boutique pickup company based in Port Orchard, WA. Through extensive research and analysis, Jeff built his company on the principle of “reasonably priced substitutes for over-priced vintage pickups.” His product line includes a variety of humbuckers, soapbar and dogeared P-90′s, Stratocaster and Telecaster sets, and 4- and 5-string P- and J-bass pickups*. I’ve been working on restoring a ’76 Tele, so Jeff sent over a compatible set for review.

THE PICKUPS

Sheptone’s pickups are vintage-style construction. The bridge pickup for the standard Tele set is potted to reduce feedback and has staggered pole pieces reminiscent of the mid 50′s (flat pole Blackguard style also available). The neck pickup, also potted, came with a protective chrome cover (nickel is also an option). These pickups are potted upside down with the cover on to eliminate squeal by filling air gaps with wax. Both pickups use #42 enamel wire and Alnico 5 magnets. As a matched set, Jeff winds the neck pickup reverse wound/reverse polarity (RW/RP) to eliminate noise when the pickups are used in combination. Included with the pickups was a stamped certificate noting details including materials used, measured resistance, and “Guitar Tested” affirmation.

THE SOUND

I’ve never been a huge fan of the Tele sound. The bridge pickups tend to be too thin and bright for me and while I like the sound coming from the neck, it’s always felt a bit mild. This was the perfect test for running Sheptone’s pickups through the wringer.

Plugging my newly restored Tele into an Egnater Tweaker, I challenged the bridge pickup to restore my confidence in its usefulness. Thin, fragile tone be banished! Not only did the sound coming forth sound rich and full of harmonic content, I can honestly say I never thought my guitar could sound this good! The twang was still there, but rather than the bright, limited frequencies I’m used to, this twang had depth and life and a punchiness that hinted at Strat-like characteristics. Dynamics play a major role as softer attacks result in a smoother sound while harder picking brings out the clucking in your chicken pickin’ or the snap in your funky rhythms. Next stop: the neck pickup.

Give me some Mr. Bubble. I bathed in the warm, round, lushness provided by these windings. The sound was so big and full, I couldn’t believe I was playing a Tele. Lower register notes and chords vibrated in sympathy with my body as I literally felt the music. High registers rang out like finely tuned chimes. The two together…let’s just say I’m ordering food delivery for the next week because I ain’t leaving the house!

THE FINAL WRAP

It’s not often I gush about gear, even when I’m excited about it. Sheptone’s pickups, however, have to be the most significant contribution to quality tone that I’ve come across, possibly ever. Granted, when shopping for pickups it’s difficult to know how they’re going to sound without prior experience, but trust me, you owe it to yourself to check out a set (if not two, or three, or more) of Sheptone’s vintage-style pickups for your favorite axe.

PROS: Phenomenal sounding pickups. Your social life will blossom as fans will be mesmerized by your tone.

CONS: Your social life will vanish as you find it impossible to tear yourself away from jamming.

* Sheptone is currently working on updating and improving their website. There are more pickups available than what is presented on their site currently. You’re encouraged to contact Sheptone directly regarding their full product line and custom orders.

Retail – $169

Sheptone’s website: http://www.sheptone.com

Follow Sheptone on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheptone

Sheptone on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sheptone

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Dan Coplan is senior staff writer at SMG. Dan is a Los Angeles based cinematographer and self-admitting guitar junkie. Email: dancoplan@sharemyguitar.com

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The AmpliTube iRig from IK Multimedia lets you jam to a host of amps and cabs anywhere, anytime!

IK Multimedia Production formed in 1996 by capitalizing on the explosive growth of personal computers to better enable the needs of the music industry, including consumers and professionals. Since then, the company has grown to international status with a wide range of computer based products including audio interfaces, emulators, virtual instruments, remixing tools, effects processors… the list goes on. Their latest innovation takes advantage of iPhone/iPod/iPad technology with a hardware interface and amp/FX emulator for guitar: the AmpliTube iRig.

THE SETUP

The AmpliTube iRig comes in two parts: the hardware (iRig) which allows you to connect your guitar to your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad (hereafter referred to as simply “iPod“), and the software app (AmpliTube).

The iRig is literally the size of a lipstick case with a 5″ cable extension that plugs into your iPod. A 1/8″ jack on the cable end provides headphone/amp/powered speaker output and the opposite end provides a 1/4″ instrument jack. The whole thing weighs about as much as a pack of gum.

The layout of the AmpliTube app is very cool with a richly designed graphical interface representative of the variety of pedals, amps, and mics available. Easy access icons at the top include Tools (tuner, metronome, audio demo), FX1, FX2, FX3, Amp, Song, and Add Amp/FX. Each of these choices affects what is shown in the main display. A small row at the bottom allows you to save presets and set up the app with preferences for latency, feedback, and auto sleep. A small question mark in the upper left corner accesses several pages of a graphically friendly and easy to understand help section.

ROCKIN’ THE iPOD

Plugging my LP-295 Goldtop Les Paul into the iRig, I booted up the app, clicked on Tools, and engaged the tuner – simple enough. An optional mute button allows you to quiet the output while tuning which is a nice touch if you’re playing through an amp or powered speaker. There is also a mini tuner display at the bottom of the main screen for quick access. I then clicked on Amp to dial in my amp, cabinet, and mic settings. I was using the LE version of the app (there is also a free version with fewer choices and a full feature version) which includes a lead amp, one cabinet, and a choice between a dynamic or large diaphragm condenser mic. These are represented by 3D-style graphic representations of the actual gear. Cycling through the choices is as simple as clicking on the image. After making my picks and dialing in my tone, I wailed away on some of my favorite riffs. I was damn impressed. I didn’t believe an amp/FX emulator working through something as compact as an iPod could sound this good. Granted, the sound isn’t as full as the real thing, but for what it is, it’s great. And I barely noticed any latency (delay between picking a note and hearing it after processing) at all, even with all three stomp pedals active. There’s a setting to reduce latency even further at the risk of clicks and pops, but I didn’t feel the need to make this adjustment. Even when I did, I heard a few initial clicks but then it all seemed to settle in just fine.

Next, I explored the effects pedals available to me: delay, distortion (available as a free bonus for registering the app), wah, chorus, and noise filter. The effects are great. Each is relatively basic in form but with thoughtful touches: The delay can sync to the metronome’s tempo. The distortion has an additional character control (this pedal sounds awesome with the lead amp, by the way!). The wah pedal is controllable by touch, auto, or by tilting the iPod – whoa! Perhaps the most important pedal, however, is the noise filter. Without it, the sound, even when not playing, is actually quite noisy. But engaged, the noise can be completely eliminated depending on how you set the threshold. At its minimum setting, higher frequencies are a bit muffled and definition is compromised so there is a trade off. This pedal is so important, however, that I feel it should be an additional control included with each amp, or simply implemented into the app behind the scenes, rather than as a separate pedal.

After literally spending hours just playing with the various combination of effects and tones, I downloaded a few songs over my network connection to play along with. This process was easy and downloading was fast. I spent even more time jamming with my favorite tracks – too much fun! Controls include play/stop, an interactive time-line so you can fast forward or rewind, volume, and a loop function. The only additions I wished for were a way to slow down song tempo without affecting pitch as well as a way to offset pitch for songs in lower tunings. But overall, the ability to play with imported files is fantastic.

Finally, I ran the output from the iRig into an Egnater Tweaker. It rocked! That’s all I have to say about that. I can’t wait to see the looks on the faces of my band mates when I rock our set through my iPod!

THE FINAL WRAP

Wow – what a cool offering from IK Multimedia! Overall, I’m truly impressed with this product. It’s version 1 which means it’s only going to get better, but I found little to criticize. The output should be boosted. Even when I had my iPod and AmpliTube controls for volume and gain cranked, the level was only comfortable. This is great for ear health, but I want to be able to “turn it up to 11” and dial back as I see fit. The default amp for the free and LE versions of the app are lead. Considering you get a free distortion pedal when registering, I feel the default should be the clean amp. Of course, you can buy the clean amp for an additional $5…  Sounds are a little synthetic, but as good as they are, especially considering the source… hardly a factor. Finally, I recommend getting an arm or waist band for your iPod if you want to jam while standing as the various parts and cabling are a bit tricky to manage otherwise.

PROS: Amazing take-anywhere setup. Thoughtful, attractive interface. Great features. Three affordable app choices including FREE! A wealth of additional effects, amps, and cabinets available for purchase.

CONS: Output level on the low side. Default lead amp means you’re likely going to drop another five bucks right off the bat to get the clean amp. Noise filter should be implemented into the app rather than taking up a stomp effect.

MSRP – iRig: $39.99, AmpliTube Free: $0.00, AmpliTube LE: $2.99, AmpliTube FULL: $19.99

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Dan Coplan is senior staff writer at SMG. Dan is a Los Angeles based cinematographer and self-admitting guitar junkie. Email: dancoplan@sharemyguitar.com

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YJR, the Yellow Jackets^® Rectifier Converter

Yellow Jackets^® is pleased to announce a new tube converter, its first new product introduction in years.  This new device is a rectifier tube converter, the YJR, which converts your 5U4, 5AR4 or 5Y3 tube to a solid state rectifier.  It is easy to install and requires no adjustments to your amplifier.  The YJR improves your amplifier by giving you a tighter sound because it reduces the voltage sag in your amplifier’s power supply.

The YJR is made in a gold plated tube socket and uses premium components for optimal quality and sound.  It is hand made in the USA as are all other well respected Yellow Jackets^® tube converters that musicians love.  Yellow Jackets^® are known for their high quality and ability to change the tone of your amplifier without the need of a technician.

Yellow Jackets^® have been manufacturing tube converters for over a decade.

yellowjacketstc.com

Gator Cases G-Slinger Deluxe Double Gig Bag allows for storage of two guitars and more!

Wait… I can only take one guitar? AAAHHHH!

I made a decision, and I booked a one-way ticket to Los Angeles. On Continental Airlines, a passenger is allowed two bags under 50 pounds each or suffer extra baggage fees. I allotted one piece of luggage for a guitar because I figured I would also need clothes. As a guitarist for 9 years, I have acquired some pieces of equipment with which I have made a special bond. How could I only choose one?

A big influence in my choice of gear was what would survive the probable abuse from aircraft cargo personnel, but as soon as the idea of choosing only one guitar to take with me occurred, I searched for some kind of compromise. There had to be something, what kind of cruel world would force me to choose only one guitar!

An epiphany occurred while browsing through a local music shop circular; I could use a double guitar case, thus making the decision of what to pack slightly easier. My budget was modest and I knew the plight of heavy hard-shell cases all too well, but I desired similar protection. Combing the Internet, I found a plethora of double guitar bags, but I wanted one that could withstand the hardship of flying commercially. I researched for a bit and decided that Gator Cases met my demand. Not having much experience with their products, I felt as though I was rolling the dice.

I purchased a used Gator Cases G-Slinger Deluxe Double Guitar Bag off of eBay and upon arrival, I inspected it thoroughly. It had everything I could have wanted and for only $60, shipping included! It came equipped with heavy-duty zippers, a thick waist support belt, a place to stash a pedal or two, cables, a tuner and some books. Have you ever touched Tempur-Pedic® material, you know that spongy comfy material?! Well something very similar to that stuff sat between my guitars to insure a secure fit.

Gator Cases G-Slinger Deluxe Double Electric Guitar Bag:

• Wide heavy zippers
• Thick padding between axes
• Heavy Duty shoulder and waist belt with padding
• 2 pedal sized pockets and a regular pocket for books, etc.

Does it pass the test?

First, I packed my black Greg Bennett designed UM1 Samick Ultramatic in the front compartment and my Jackson DKMG Dinky electric with EMGs and a Floyd Rose in the other and hoped for the best. At the Continental Airlines check-in counter, I didn’t specify any special treatment and actually forgot to slap a fragile sticker on the case, a less than wonderful start, but a perfect scenario for reviewing how tough this case is.

I didn’t see my guitar again until I landed in Los Angeles, and I had a connection flight, which meant that my gear was taking double the abuse. I hovered over the baggage claim like a hawk to minimize the likelihood of some opportunistic musician picking up the case and walking off with it. After waiting what seemed like an eternity, I noticed my Gator Case was behind the normal baggage claim as it was not regulation size. There it was, just sitting on the ground.

When I arrived at my new pad, the first thing I did was inspect the case itself, which had numerous little nicks in the leather. Next, I took a long hard look at the necks of each instrument knowing that it is the weakest part of a guitar and found no flaws or unnatural bends. The guitars themselves had no dings or scratches that were not there before. I took a deep breath and acknowledged that this case kept my guitars safe under duress.

Gator Cases G-Slinger Deluxe Double Guitar Bag is a good buy and I would trust the company again. Even their used equipment is still of great quality. Considering that other online musical instrument shops charge anywhere from $64 to $84 for the same exact product, I think I got pretty lucky to pay $60 for a road worthy double case. Now I’m off to find a pedal board!

Pros: Thick padding and heavy zippers for securing your guitars. The belt keeps the weight evenly distributed and comfortable. 2 pedal pockets, 1 large book pocket, and you can even even keep picks in a small stash pocket on the belt. Very durable and I got it for a steal!

Cons: Having an extra 45 pounds in guitars and equipment on your back is not the greatest feeling but if you’re dead set on a double guitar bag, this one is it!

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Mike Kolbenson is a staff writer at SMG. Mike is a recent graduate from Purchase College, SUNY and absolutely in love with all things guitar. Email: mikekolbenson@sharemyguitar.com

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TC Electronic’s PolyTune is the World’s First Polyphonic Guitar Tuner!

TC Electronic is a Danish company founded in 1976 by musician brothers Kim and John Rishøj. They started by seeking ways to improve the quality of guitar pedals and as the business grew, they expanded into rack-mounted effects, audio interfaces and processors, software, and computer hardware. With a focus on innovation and quality, TC Electronic is recognized as leaders in their field. They’ve attracted a lot of attention recently with their release of a guitar/bass tuner in pedal form that allows players to tune all strings at the same time!

FRESH OUTTA THE BOX

The PolyTune is cased in a rugged metal housing with standard input and output jacks on either side, a heavy duty metal footswitch, large LED display, and 9V power jack on the back. Also on the rear are two small switches to change how the pedal functions: visual feedback in ‘Needle’ or ‘Stream’ mode for both guitar and bass, dropped tunings down to 5 semitones (no setting for alternate tunings – straight dropped tunings only), and reference pitch adjustment from 435Hz to 445Hz. A power out jack allows the pedal to serve as a power supply to other pedals through a daisy chain cable. Word of warning: You can easily confuse this for the input power jack and fry the pedal. I immediately put a piece of tape over it just to be safe. A USB port offers a way to service the unit (not meant for the end user). A single almost dime-sized screw on the bottom, easily loosened by a coin, allows access to the battery. Not easily visible, but present in the lower right side of the display, is an ambient light sensor meant to adjust the brightness of the display according to the environment.

GIMMICK OR THE REAL DEAL?

The first thing I noticed was the bright display. Several small red and green LED’s combine to give visual feedback. The LED’s are dimmable which aids in more accurate feedback. Clicking through the various functions was intuitive as my changes were clearly displayed. I would prefer a little better resolution, however, as the LED’s are spaced pretty far apart (relatively speaking) which rides the fence between a cool Christmas lights display and smooth, refined legibility.

Author’s 1st attempt tuning right out of the box. Quicker results achieved with just a little practice.

The moment of truth! I strummed all six strings and an arched row of lights across six columns immediately lit up. This, too, was simple to understand as a single row of green pairs designates notes in tune. Red pairs above and below at various distances from the middle reveal degrees of sharpness and flatness for each string. Plucking individual strings immediately engages the chromatic mode and I was given more refined feedback to dial in each note perfectly. This auto-switching feature is great, the response is quick, and it works well. One additional gripe I have about the display is I would like to see some sort of bold and clear indicator for each string whether it’s in numerical form like ’6 5 4 3 2 1′ or note form like ‘E A D G B E’. With all the lights going at once in polyphonic mode it can be a bit tricky for your eyes to decipher which string is which.

THE FINAL WRAP

The PolyTune works as advertised. I found that even though I started tuning in polyphonic mode, I almost always checked each individual string for greater accuracy. If I were in a huge rush on stage to get in the ballpark between songs, this pedal would save me time. It does also help to get a badly tuned guitar in rough tuning quickly. The auto switching feature is great so you can decide for yourself. If you’re a cutting edge Poly Tuner – go for it! If you’re old school, go string by string – doesn’t matter. The PolyTune will get you there quickly and reliably one way or another.

PROS: Big bright display. Tunes polyphonically and chromatically on the fly. Additional tuning features available. True bypass.

CONS: No clear reference for each string in polyphonic mode – lots of lights can make it tricky to single out individual strings. LED resolution is a bit coarse.

MSRP – $149

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Dan Coplan is senior staff writer at SMG. Dan is a Los Angeles based cinematographer and self-admitting guitar junkie. Email: dancoplan@sharemyguitar.com

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The Spider Capo allows for custom tunings like no other!

Creative Tunings

In the summer of 2004, two musician friends in Woodstock, NY had a “what if…” conversation. Jazz guitarist Peter Einhorn and classical guitarist Frederic Hand wondered… what if it were possible to capo each string of the guitar individually? What if you could play in hundreds of different open string tunings? Imagine the extraordinary creative possibilities. Both had utilized alternative tunings such as dropped D and DADGAD. They knew that the potential for other tunings was mind boggling.

Out Of The Box

I wasn’t sure what to think when I first opened the Spider Capo. It looked nothing like a traditional capo, however once I realized what it was intended to do, a light bulb lit up. The Spider Capo has six individual levers to either select a new note or leave the existing open note to ring. The tuning possibilities are vast to say the least. It takes a bit to properly align the lever over the strings as you have to position it near the bottom of the fret to get it to work. Once you hit the sweet spot its go time!

What Does The Spider Capo Do?

The Creative Tuning Spider Capo allows you to capo each string individually, making hundreds of open string tunings possible without needing to detune your instrument. With the Spider Capo, you can play all the bar chords and riffs you already know, plus unlimited new chords which where previously not possible with standard tunings. You can also change guitar tunings while playing, finger above and below the capo, play melodies with open string accompaniment. You can easily use the Creative Tuning Spider Capo in all music settings whether live, recording or just jamming. The Spider Capo allows you to experience new tunings, keys, harmonies, and textures.

Final Thoughts

After spending about a week toying around with the Spider Capo I found it to be a great tool for just about any style of play as well as a great writing tool. The Spider Capo easily allows you to detune mid song, as well as switch on and off grace note during play. It’s a great innovative idea created by creative tunings. Bravo! Everyone should check one of these out, you will not be disappointed. I have already purchased another one so I am experimenting with two Spider Capos simultaneously!  This is a great product and I would recommend it to anyone looking to expand there musical ideas.

Pros: Easy to use, on the fly changing, compact, allows both post and pre-note access, works well with both acoustic and electric guitars.

Cons: A little bit pricey.

MSRP – $29.95

Till next week, thanks for reading and keep on shredding!

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Nick Arrietta is a staff writer at SMG. Nick is a professional Music teacher from California and has been playing the Guitar for 24 years. Along with teaching music he is a touring guitarist, studio musician and songwriter. Email: nick@sharemyguitar.com

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Photo by Stephen Poff

The chance to be a guitarist in a band is a dream for many people, both young and old. Guitarists, like any musician, want a place to play and the opportunity to join a band receiving good exposure and regular gigs. Playing in a band can be accomplished on a stage or in a studio, and they each have their advantages. Playing for a studio may make more sense for a guitarist with a family, and depending on the studio, some guitar gear will already be supplied. It is always good to have your own rig and preferred guitar accessories though, just in case.

The style of music played dictates to a large degree how much and what kind of gear the musician is going to need. The basics are a quality electric or acoustic guitar, guitar amp, picks, cables, electric tuners, and some rugged carrying cases to keep everything safe, at least for the guitar.

The definition of quality when it comes to purchasing a guitar to play on stage or in the studio is stringent. While the guitar you play does not have to be the nicest model made by your preferred brand, it should be versatile enough to adjust to a variety of sounds and styles of music, emitting proper volume and tone under the hands of a skilled guitarist.

Buznut USA a Los Angeles based company has come up with the Buznut Ultimate Guitar String Dampener. The Buznut Ultimate Dampener debuted at the 2010 Winter NAMM convention. This revolutionary system cancels out that unwanted string noise and lets you effortlessly move around the neck with confidence. CEO/Co-Inventor William Young was gracious enough to let us try out this amazing new product.

Out of the box

As soon as I saw this product, I was intrigued with the prospect of how a tiny string dampener could be effective and not require any guitar alterations. I was unsure what to expect from something so small and curious as to how well it would work. Upon a visual inspection I was able to see that the Buznut is the same width as a standard guitar neck and comes equipped with an added push tab to move the Buznut in and out of position. I loved the fact that it was compact and it goes almost unnoticed when installed to the guitar neck. The Buznut comes in multiple sizes to properly dampen your particular string height.

How it works

Step 1: Simply slide the Buznut strip between the strings at the end of the first fret allowing contact with the 6 felt blocks and the strings. For Standard Dampening, slide the Buznut Strip to the nut of the neck.

Step 2: To turn off Dampening, gently press down with your thumb until the strings are in between the 6 block felts.

Step 3: For Extreme Dampening of the strings, slide the Buznut Strip to the end of the first fret.

The Low Down

The Buznut works wonders! I used this product with my Gibson Les Paul. As you may or may not know, I am a shredmeister and a compact string dampener was right up my ally. The Buznut enabled me to use every technique in my arsenal effortlessly and with added clarity. For me 3, 4 and 5 string sweep picking is comfortable however 6 string sweep picking has been difficult for me to play clean and with the low E string to remain silent. The Buznut made 6 string sweep picking possible with no added noise from open strings. For those players who have trouble with two-handed tapping or Legato techniques the Buznut will enable you to practice and play with clarity. When the Buznut is off you can still utilize open strings as if not even on the guitar. With just a push of the Buznut tab, the Buznut is turned on for dampening. For extreme dampening just slide the Buznut down to the end of the fret. I would definitely recommend the Buznut to all guitar players everywhere.

Pros: Affordable, Compact, Easy to use, No Permanent alterations to your guitar, Perfect string dampening. Multiple sizes.

Cons: Not available until recently.

MSRP $9.95 – $12.95

Till next week thanks for reading and keep on shredding!

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Nick Arrietta is a staff writer at SMG. Nick is a professional Music teacher from California and has been playing the Guitar for 24 years. Along with teaching music he is a touring guitarist, studio musician and songwriter. Email: nick@sharemyguitar.com

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PRS  (Paul Reed Smith) is recognized for the uncompromising quality of their electric guitars. Within the past few years they’ve expanded to include acoustic guitars, amplifiers, and cables for guitar, speakers, and microphones. Adding to their growing support for musicians, they’ve just released a specialty cable providing an interface between guitar and the iPhone and iPod Touch (hereinafter referred to just as the iPhone). How very cool. Meet the PRS Guitarbud…

ABOUT THE CABLE

The Guitarbud is a simple Y-cable that plugs into the headphone/mic jack of your iPhone at one end and splits into two connectors at the other end. One is a standard 1/4″ instrument plug that goes to your guitar and the other is a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. The length of the Guitarbud cable is just shy of seven feet. This is great as it allows enough cable to put your iPhone on a table or chair in front of you while you sit back and play. The connectors are set into hard molded plastic with flex joints.

I have a couple guitar tuner apps on my iPhone as well as the included Voice Memo app. I plugged in and tuned up easily. I recorded a few licks to the Voice Memo app and played them back. Simple. Note: You cannot monitor your playing through the headphone jack while tuning or recording. The headphone jack is meant for playback only. Sound quality was mediocre as I noticed a sort of low frequency humming and clicking but the level was decent and captured all of what I played. It’s hard to know, however, if the noise was related to the iPhone or the cable so I’m not pointing a finger either way. I never expected high fidelity sound anyway and anticipate using the cable/iPhone combo for tuning and laying down ideas rather than recording my next masterpiece. For these purposes, the Guitarbud does just fine.

THE FINAL WRAP

The Guitarbud finally solves the question of “How the heck do I record my guitar to my iPhone?”. At an MSRP of $39.95 and a street price $10 less it’s pricey and there isn’t any added value that comes with paying that premium, but it does what it claims and opens up new possibilities for interfacing with the iPhone.

PROS: Good cable length. Sports a headphone jack so you can listen to playback.

CONS: Pricey. Construction could be heavier duty. Average sound quality best only for tuning and laying down ideas.

MSRP – $39.95

Tube Amp Doctor is a German company that specializes in anything and everything related to tube amps including parts, cabinets, amp kits, electronics…you name it, they likely have it. Their vast inventory includes the Silencer, a power attenuator for tube amps.

WHAT’S A POWER ATTENUATOR AND WHY WOULD I WANT ONE?

Power attenuators are used to reduce ouput power and volume while maintaining tone. Imagine your favorite amp cranked to tube-saturating goodness. Depending on the amp’s loudness and the environment you’re playing in, this may not be practical. The small club you’re performing in may overpower your audience. If you practice at home you may instigate the neighbors to call the cops on you or greatly sacrifice your tone by having to dial your volume way down. This is where an attenuator like the Silencer comes to the rescue.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Simple! In a head and cabinet configuration, the Silencer sits in between. The amp feeds the Silencer which then sends the attenuated output to the speakers. The beauty of this unit is that the amp itself is unaffected – all stages from preamp through to the output stage work as designed. And it doesn’t require any power. One additional speaker cable is all that’s required to get up and running.

FEATURES

The Silencer is a fairly weighty and chunky piece of gear but the quality of construction is top notch. The unit delivered for review was finished in a beautifully applied tweed and there are numerous choices available to match the fashion statement of most any amp. The POWER dial offers nine degrees of attenuation in 2dB increments from –16dB to FULL which serves as a true signal bypass. The –16dB setting engages a dial labeled FINE which allows smoothly graduated attenuation from silent to –16dB. Very thoughtful – very cool! An additional setting on the POWER dial is labeled LOAD. This allows you to use the Silencer without speakers in order to feed a recording system or mixer directly. Two outputs are available at this setting: an unfiltered volume-adjustable line level fed through a standard 1/4″ mono connection and a 3-pin XLR out labeled “F.A.N.T.A.” (Frequency Adapted Natural Tone Accessory). This latter low impedance ouput serves as a speaker emulator and is promoted as more natural in its response to playing compared to standard speaker emulators. Two additional toggle switches offer optional tone-shaping: BITE boosts treble frequencies in the HIGH setting and high mids and treble in the LOW setting. PUNCH boosts bass and low mids in the HIGH setting and primarily bass in the LOW setting.

HOW DOES IT SOUND?

In a nutshell, the Silencer sounds really, really good and by that I mean transparent. I did perceive some loss of richness and sparkle when engaged but had to switch back and forth several times to truly notice. And this was in the silence of my studio. I juiced the hell out of my tubes and with the Silencer I was able to play mere inches from my cabinet without shattering my ear drums. The BITE and PUNCH toggles are nice features and work well, though their effectiveness is relative to how the power is set. More attenuation = more noticeable bite and punch.

THE FINAL WRAP

Tube Amp Doctor’s Silencer is a quality piece of gear that delivers as advertised in an attractive package. Its features are simple, yet broad and thoughtful for something that’s meant primarily to control sound output. It ain’t cheap and it is chunky, but if you gig in a variety of venues and don’t want to compromise your tone or you’re seeking to recover a lost relationship with your amp because you haven’t been able to take it for a spin like you used to, this could very well be your answer.

PROS: Outstanding construction and finish. Practically transparent. Simple, yet feature-rich. No power cord required.

CONS: Expensive. Chunky and weighty.

MSRP – $599 US / EUR 429 incl.VAT (inside Germany/EU) / EUR 352.10 excl. VAT (outside EU/export)