Product: Build Your Own Clone Ranger
Price Paid: US $65
Submitted
07/05/2005
at
08:37am
by
bscepter
Ease of Use
:
10
I'm reviewing the BYOC "Ranger" pedal kit. It's based on the famous Dallas Rangemaster effect (an amp-top box, not a pedal) that can be heard in Clapton's signal chain on the Bluesbreakers' "Beano" album, in addition to recordings by Rory Gallagher, Tony Iommi and Brian May.
The kit is very simple to build, so long as you follow the online instructions and visit the discussion boards. As for ease of use, it couldn't be simpler: a footswitch and gain knob.
Sound Quality
:
10
Here's where the Ranger really shines. Maybe it's the mojo of the NOS Mullard CV7003 germanium transistor. In any case, if you step on this thing when it's plugged into an already overdriven (or just on the verge of overdrive) tube amp, look out! Leads just leap out into the air. It's gnarly yet warm. I can't explain it. Don't expect to chord with it, though, unless you're using it for a special effect. It cuts most of the bass frequencies while boosting the remaining treble frequencies, so it can sound very, very bright (which is the point).
I use it in front of a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe (with Tone Tubby speaker and JJ PTs and a Mullard CV4024 in V2) and drive it with a P90-laden Gibson SG. To my ears, it's tone heaven.
Reliability
:
No Opinion
Well, I built it. The whole thing is point-to-point, housed in a sturdy aluminum enclosure. I guess it's as reliable as the builder.
Customer Support
:
8
The guy who sells these things seems to answer e-mails pretty quickly. Plus, the discussion board is very helpful.
Overall Rating
:
10
Considering the fact that boutique versions of this pedal (Keeley, Cornish, etc.) can run upwards of $300 or more, I'd say this is a fantastic value. It has that "sound," and there's nothing like knowing you've actually built it. Personally, I'm hooked -- I'm going to buy a Tone Bender clone next!
