Dunlop Rotovibe

exhausted wrote:

for whatever reason, it doesn't get along with my tweakfuzz at all. does fine with the overdrives though i prefer using the phaser into the OD for the swampier thing. the uniphase adds a brightness that i don't like as much when overdriven.

interesting, my amp is darker than yours too I guess an my only fuzziness comes from the EGDM I like it lots. I initially had a problem, then I moved the Uniphase infront of everything and it likes it now, my Morley is too harsh on the top end. One day maybe I'll find an RMC pic wah.

I really do need new tubes though, I'm getting the volume problems a lot now. I do wonder if any of it is due to the attenuator.

I think I'm going to go with the EI's with gold pins.

exhausted wrote:

mine are upfront too. just something about the output that the fuzz doesn't like. it's not the pedal's fault. i'm sure with a different fuzz the results would be totally different.

fuzzes are tempermental little bastards, sort of like children.

guildenstern wrote:

is it wha.style?

luckily anything with a pot can be made such with a unique little tool called the TIP third hand.

Also, Eric and I have discussed swapping the middle speed pot with a big rubber knob easily manipulated with your feet.

I've found that this is a cost effective method for speed control, although you really don't have to change that drastically either so the big knob method is quite good at subtle changes once you get used to it.

What kind of sound are you looking to get from the rotovibe the hendrix/trower thing?

guildenstern wrote:

i once heard a band, this guy had it in its line and when he kicked in the roto i just went "how good!". now this obviously doesnt fit the dampness in the tone you and ex mentioned before, so i'm just wandering... guess i must give it a try

It's a cool effect no doubt. I just think you can find essentially the same but better tone elsewhere at the same price or cheaper.

Jim Dunlop builds lots of stuff now but they don't always pay close attention to quality over cost effectiveness, they do make some good stuff, but you won't find a cleaner soldier joint inside anyones cases than Eric Shannons stuff.

The rotovibe is a a cool effect though, if you want it, try it out. if it's not for you there are at least 5 other ones you can try that might fit better.

In the same vein, has anyone ever tried a vintage Jax Vibra Chorus? It was a pedal that sounded a bit like a Univibe/Rotovibe. It was also a Jimi effect at Woodstock. The box itself was massive and it came with a pedal.

I've never seen one in the UK. I bought one in Waterford City in Ireland.

Depends how they're sending it. I'd allow 21 days for delivery.

I found this good little link:

http://www.jimdunlop.com/support/faqs/univibe_faq.html

FinsburyParkCarrots wrote:

I found this good little link:

http://www.jimdunlop.com/support/faqs/univibe_faq.html

excellent info, the most pertinent I feel is this


{The Rotovibe has a cost effective approach to the circuitry. This enables us to package it into a foot controller for convenience. The frequency shift spacing is slightly different than that of the Univibe and the lamp is replaced by a different scheme. This scheme doesn't possess the nonlinear character of the Univibe lamp's circuitry. The Rotovibe produces a more linear sweep through out the range of modulation speeds. The Rotovibe is a mono effect. The Rotovibe operates from a 9v external power adapter or an internal 9v battery.}


I don't know how to bold but the first sentence is very telling. Cost Effective dosen't always mean not as good but 99% of the time the sound is slightly to grossly different. The Roto provides a much softer phase than a true light bulb vibe. It could be done. In fact Mike Fuller did it with the Dejavibe 2 but it's a significantly more expensive pedal. Now that the small workshop guys have begun building cost effective vibes, it's tough to say go with the rotovibe, although, the treadle makes it a lot sexier and useable purchase, plus it looks really cool in fire engine red. I'd love to see someone pick one up and mod it for true bypass and see if they can't get a little more swoosh in the sound.