Diaz Texas Tremodillo

It's a trem...

I wanted to respond to a couple of the comments here...

The Diaz is the tremolo that I use in the studio or at home. The only thing that sounds better is the tremolo in my Swart AST or a really nice classic Fender. I agree that the Tremodillo has some issues when bypassed, but so do most classic pedals. Are you seriously going to complain about it when you are using a Boss noise supressor...? I can't think of another pedal that will trash your tone faster than that. If you really must use it live, get a proper true bypass loop from any of a number of reputable companies.

This one stays at home now, along with a second one I found in a pawn shop, for recording and messing about. For live use I have a Demeter Tremulator on my pedalboard.

I dealt with Cesar twice and while he was very busy, he took the time to answer my questions. Can you really blame someone for being a little short when he's got Stevie Ray Vaughan or Bob Dylan on hold on the other line...?

Owning this pedal is owning a piece of musical history. Cesar Diaz was very highly regarded by many highly regarded souls, and he is no longer with us. Take care of these little gems...

Well, it goes without saying that if you can't figure this pedal out, it's very likely that you're mildy retarded. Two knobs, two stomp switches, very easy to use, very cool. One thing that's kind of weird but not really an issue is that turning the dwell (trem depth) up past 12 o'clock renders the effect useless. No biggie, just keep it below noon. The only things that are a pain in the ass are a) the MXR sized box can be difficult to deal with for those of us with big or clumsy feet and b) the trem pulse light should be on when the effect isn't engaged so you can tell what speed it's set on and c) it's kind of annoying that they keep changing the color of the box, I ended up with a red one, which combined with my Boss DD-2 (modded by Analog Man) and my Analog Man mini chorus makes my pedal board red white and blue, which is kind of annoying. It's like the freakin' Fourth of July under my feet. Sheesh. Other than that everything is solid on this 'beaut.

I use the Tremodillo with my Bogner Shiva thorugh the effects loop and it sounds pretty good. There is a minor degree of "tone sucking," but in my opinion it doesn't really cause any problems, and for what it's worth anything that's run through the Shiva's effects loop causes a minor but noticible loss in tone, so I'm pretty sure that it's not the pedal. It's certainly not problematic but it is definitely noteworthy, particularly for the Bogner users of the world. I just thought I'd address the issue for those of you who are no doubt wondering if it works o.k. through an effects loop and so far I'd have to say yes, it does.

Also of note is the cool presence of this effect, it sounds just like a really good Fender vintage trem circuit and is one of the best trem pedals I've ever heard. Compared to the Fulltone Supa-Trem it sounds a lot less compressed and more "open," for lack of a better description. I can see people who love the Fulltone hating this pedal and vice versa, but I prefer the Tremodillo. Kinda spendy, yes, but for the most part it's totally worth it.

I'm assuming the answer is yes, but I just got it. It has a weird foamy cruddy covering to keep people from seeing the patented circuit (or something like that) and from what I've heard it's not easily fixed. Analog Man won't touch them and The Pedal Doctor can apparently mod them (check his site for details). At any rate, I really hope there's no issues with this pedal 'cause it's really cool. While Ceasar's legacy is quite impressive and the roster of users and fans is quite high, only time will tell.

I asked a few questions via e-mail and they were promptly answered, although I found the answers to be rather vague and not of particular use to me. I've never had any other contact with the company so I'd really refrain from saying that their customer support is particularly good or bad. Again, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, but I'm optimistic that there'll be no real issues.

This is a really useful and fun to use pedal. I've never been particularly into trem until I got my hands on this baby, and I've never been happier with a pedal's unique character as I have with this one. In a word, DYN-O-MITE! Buy one and see!

Hi I think i posted the last review here on this wonderful tremolo and here's the followup:

After playing this for 6 months I'm convinced that this is all a guitarist really needs for effects if you play blues/rock/ r&b in particular! I mean G.E. Smith uses one as well as the now elusive Vibramaster unit (which includes tube Vibrato and Reverb as well as Trem.)so there ya go! I saw it for myself when i saw him play in NY a month ago (i've seen him a few times before too)he signed my flyer atop that! This is all he needs besides his amp for a great tone. I had a chance to meet & talk with him and I sked him how he sets up his trem and he was kind enough to give me some tips about that. His face lit up when i told him I have a Tremodillo too, hehe! He's a great guy and I even have a framed pic of us together that sits on my shelf =) anyway as I said Caesar diaz gets credit for working with other famous, great guitarists but Smith was his first best friend when they met in PA and they'd hunt for vintage guitars and amps at "steal" prices! I'm talkin double triple digits here folks! If they were messed up Diaz would fix em up better than ever! It's a shame he's no longer here cause i would've love to have mt him (his company is only about an hr or 2 from where I live!) I found out when i went to e-mail him about gear tips and he didn't respond. about a week later i learned the horrible truth. Even so he's still here with us in spirit cause I don't know who else could 've been responsible for me having the night of my life at the G.E. shows and getting to chat with him and stuff ;)

as far as that dude who said what he said about Caesar. I dunno...that's somethin else. His situation sounds innocent enough and i mean who do you turn to to fix these things when the name on the box says Diaz, right? Well i think there's more to that than that guy was saying. Unfortunately we'll never know cause Caesar's no longer with us so he can't defend himself obviously. The guy says he offered to pay for repairs.yeah, maybe after Diaz shot him down on the freebie! I mean i dont know this cat to judge either but there are alot of pathological liars out there an it sounds like that here cause who are you gonna believe: A guy who has made a name for himself working hard and repairing modding gear, not to mention putting out his own production line of amplifiers and a few neat-o effects for the psychonauts out there, hehe. Also being a warm friendly guy who cares about people and musicians whom he'd work with over the years. or a guy who thinks e's some guitar whiz kid and doesn't have a clue about Caesar Diaz and what he's all about. Stevie Ray was one of his best friends as well as Smith and of course he'd be hurting that his friend passed away. wouldn't you? Whatever though, Every circus has a clown so I guess there ALWAYS has to be a naysayer or some jerk who has to act like this on these boards.
Maybe great Caesar's ghost will haunt him in his sleep, hehe. so wath your back jack! Long live great Caesar' ghost and the wonderful gear he has left behind for the musicians whom are concerned to enjoy for many generations to come!

If you know how standard tremolo works, it's that simple. Two knobs: RATE/DWELL. Tweak to own personal taste.

I don't know how else to explain it but If you can't afford a Diaz Vibro Master this is the next best thing! The tremolo is very lush and warms up your tone. At a mild dwell setting it sounds pretty much like a Leslie Rotary Cabinet in a compact pedal without coloring your sound very much. You can play around with it and get some crazy psychedelic effects but I usually have it set like that. It'll add warmth and "vibe" to any setup. For extra psychedelic fun, run it in tandem with a chorus pedal. It'll give you a nice Uni-vibe type tone without sounding Phaser-ish!

Like i said i play soulful blues/rock to put it simple. I play a 52 Tele repro thru a Fender blues Junior. That's the closest i can get right now to owning vintage gear and it does the job very well! Caesar Diaz was the best friend of my fav guitarist, G.E. Smith and he built him alot of prototypes which became these effects. i've always wanted that fat rich tone he always had and now i get it with this compact pedal! Any effects you add after this will make them sound much better in my opinion. But if you're in the mood for undrugged guitar effects just click this baby on and you'll have a nice Leslie-ish kind of tone without sound electronic or playing thru processed effects. For the Blues purist or really anyone who relies on good tone, this pedal will do it for you!

It's very easy to use. Just like the tremelo on a GOOD blackface Fender. The speed button just makes it more versatile.

I used it in my bass rig and with my Deluxe Reverb. It's just good...what can you say.

If it breaks...I'll fix it. That's what I do. I may clone this one as I gave it to my girlfriend.

I bought this pedal because of the price and especially because I wanted something Ceasar built. He was ill when I bought it, and I am grieved that he has died. He was a unique, talented and genuinely entertaining person. I would have loved to have known him. I have his video and it gives me joy to watch it.

May he live in eternal Joy!

I play anything. I own too much gear to mention. Most of my gear is old, it's all modded and tweaked and much of it, guitars, basses, amps, speakers and effects, are things I designed and built. For amps I have Fenders, Musicman, Sunn, Peavey, Kalmazoo, Lectrolab, and a lot of amps I built. I collect effects, and have enough guitars and basses to keep me satisfied.

Ceasar's tremelo is as good as it gets.

Touchy knob settings.

This thing sounds so good. Bought it from a guy that had two of them so I assume I got the one that he didnt like as much. If that was the case I would love to hear his. Wasnt to sure about spending the $ but I can not tell you how great this thing feels! I leave it on a mellow setting and clean sounds just melt into the rythm section. step on the tube screamer and you dont hear the throb just this real cool veil over the tone. This is at a some what mild setting. As for the bypass thing I dont hear a thing. Just get one. It IS that good.

If you are thinking of getting one of these I would not hesitate one bit. The clean tone I go for is that bell like tone on Tom Petty records or U2 or The Beatles. You know the Vox with a Tele type thing. To hear that throb over your favorite tones will just destroy any thoughts about not getting one. Enough typing. All this talk about it is making me drool (again). P.S. I have had this for several months. The new is worn off and I am still this freaked out.

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First things first - I knew and played with Cesar. In fact, he helped me get my pro career started back in DC when I was first being immersed in the Blues. Cesar earned my respect because of his character...his kindness, willingness to help others...as well as his dedication to his music and his craft. I miss him dearly...and one of my biggest regrets is that I wasn't around to support him during the last years of his life. I would have gladly done anything I could to help him...and, no matter what, it would've never repaid the debt I owe the man. Having said that...on we go.

If it weren't for the fact that I've never agreed with personal attacks from people afraid to sign their name to their vitriol, I'd find the pot shots taken here rather humorous if not outright ironic. Here we have a man who is respected by many of the greatest names in the business attacked by anonymous "people" who, were the truth known, are probably are more lengends in their own minds than anything. So you've spent a ton of money on your gear. Big Deal. My neighbor spent a ton of money on his Mercedes...and ran it into the ground. I'm supposed to take *his* word for Mercedes quality? I think not. And I strongly recommend that you not take the word of someone who hasn't got the courage to put their name behind their attack, or someone who posts private email but does so with a serious agenda in mind. There are many emails I've sent that could seem a little off if taken out of context. Furthermore, how can you trust that what is posted was actually *sent* by the accused? Andswer: you can't. Neither would I take the word of someone who obviously got ripped off buying a used unit and then expected Cesar to take the load off for their own mistakes.

In today's world, many people are simply looking for someone else to bare the brunt of thier mistakes, refusing to own up to their own stupidity. Unfortunately for them, Diaz Music Products keeps very accurate records for each sale. They know exactly who bought every piece. So when someone tries to pull one over on them, they know it.

Are Cesar's peddles expensive? You bet. And worth every penny. If you can't afford the gear, get a job, or play more gigs. But stop whining. You want the best, you have to pay for it. If you found some beat up unit in a pawn shop, that's on you.

It is also true that these pedals are somewhat low-tech when compared with digital units, etc. That's the point!! There are still people in the world that want that old-school cool...and are willing to pay for someone to do it all by hand. I'm one of them. I use all three of Cesar's pedals and have been completely satisfied in terms of sound, reliability, etc. And, btw, I'm a *bass* player.

As for whether you should listen to me or not, ask your bassist if they are a member of The Bottom Line. If so, feel free to ask them about me. Check out my web site at www.laneonbass.com. I'm not afraid for you to know who I am...even if you disagree with my opinion. If some of this post sounds (reads) a bit agressive to your ears (eyes), you're right. Because it gripes me to no end that some anonymous person can get on the Net, pretend to be something they are not, and get away with it. Cesar doesn't deserve it, and neither does his company. As always, I will stand with someone who has given so very much to the world of music. Cesar was and still is the king of tone...or as Guitar Player wrote, The Amp Doctor.

One last thing -- Guess what Clapton, SRV, Keith Richards and Ron Wood, Bob Dylan, Ritchie Sambora and many other guitar greats have in common. Yup! They all use Diaz amps and effects. That should tell you something.

My suggestion - if your guitarist is suffering from weak tone, send them to the Doctor for the cure.

Two knobs -- rate and dwell. They are very sensitive, so marking pen is essential. Two switcehs -- on/off and half-speed. I had one of the first ones of these (blue w/ gold lettering) and this is a huge improvment,. Very accurate now. Could use a DC jack, though.

As I said above, I had one of the very early ones and it had a wonderful pscho-pulse quality (like a brown face trem) but horrible bypass. The new green ones have sloved the bypass problem and sound every bit as good as the early unit. I have many trems and I would now rate this above my Demeter (my next fav). Big improvement.

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You can't go wrong with this or the demeter (Fulltone a somewhat clinical sounding third), but I would give the nod to the new version of this pedal.

To get a really nice, deep, slim-harpo blues-ey, KOOL trem, Cesar's stuff is hard to beat. I have seen some negative feedback on this product. I think most of it is B.S.!! Now, if you can't play, you should just work on your vibrato and maybe listen to some old B.B. King. Either that, or go digital, which of course, robs tone.

Sound quality for this product (the Tremadilo) is excellent if you know how to use it, and if you know how to play. Playing through a '66 Pro or a '55 Deluxe, accompanied with either early '60's Strats, '55 Les Paul, or a new Fat U.S.Telle, I can get any kind of swooshing tone outside of playing through a Lesslie w/Boss mono chorus. Although this product isn't without drawbacks, like all trem units--it's a ringer for those that can utilize it.

I have never had any problems or dissatisfaction with the Diaz products other than typical wear and tear over several years of brutal road use. I've never had the trem break down--and use it when called for without backup with no problem.

It's my belief that Cesar goes the extra mile for what he believes is the holy grail of tone. Anyone with complaints that doesn't run it through Cesar first has no beef!!

This product is irreplacable, unless you're using Fender amps. with on-board trem. (and even then, the tone isn't as deep). As a blues player, this product adds to my attack and gives me the extra shades I might need.

Very easy to use.

The sound of the unit is very good. It's a warm sounding trem. Unfortunately it's noisy. I don't mind it so much when the effect is on but when it is off it creates hiss. No true bypass. I used it through my early '70's Deluxe Reverb and my new Univalve with my Tom Anderson Classic with Joe Barden pickups. The other problem I found was that if I set the trem for a mild effect when I switched to the faster speed you could barely hear any effect. I have a Dunlop trem that pretty much can duplicate the Diaz. The Dunlop doesn't have a true bypass either but it is much quieter and cheaper. It will also go faster and slower and has stereo capability. This was one of his older models before the led and ac jack. Maybe the new ones are better. I think at $200 + this a very pricy unit considering that tremelo is not exactly a must have effect.

I play rock, pop, r&b, country etc. I've been playing over 30 years and play for a living. I returned the unit. It was not a big enough improvement over the Dunlop pedal,