As the name suggests, this is a SRV inspired ts-808 pedal. The ts-808 being without doubt the most cloned pedal ever along with countless mods for the 'classic sound', the 'holy grail' chips for sale on ebay etc etc. I remember reading alot of very favourable feedback about the Lapido P&J and although I was interested, the thought of another TS clone didnt inspire me enough to investigate it.
It wasnt until recently whilst making my regular trawl through Ebay that I stumbled across one for a good price and due to a lack of anything else being about I purchased it. Whilst waiting for it to arrive I read the reviews on Harmony Central (check HERE ) , it is very highly rated and with one of the highest pedal ratings I've seen.
Construction:
I'm not a big fan of the casing used on this pedal, it's too large for what it is and although it'll take many stomps, I can't help but feel that its seems a bit cheap. The controls and switch feel fine to use, theres no LED, this bothers some people, I cant say I'm bothered either way and apparently it was / is (?) available as an upgrade. My pedal has a black finish and I've seen some available with a graphic image. Mine also has 2 coins glued to either side, I dont understand why and if it is as it came? am i missing some mystical SRV / blues relevence?
Sound:
What does it sound like? well, read all the reviews on Harmony Central and your part way there. This pedal has mojo! I cant describe it, it does Hendrix, of course SRV and many many classic other sounds, but it does it with style.
Every guitar I used with it and every amp just rocked. I'm lost to what variations have been made to the original, fairly simple, TS design, wether its well matched, carefully selected parts or something else, i really dont know. My Woodstock strat into my Marshall DSL100 growls, moans, cries. Chords ring through with amazing clarity and warmth. This pedal really defies description, it has to be heard to be understood.
Summary:
OK, I didnt like the case and I still dont and yes I could re-house it but maybe those mystical coins are the key to the 'mojo' here? I'm not sure if these are made anymore and cant contact anyone involved in their production. If you play SRV or Jimi or rock blues, then find one of these, and feel the smile broaden across your face! :D
