Diaz Texas Tremodillo

This unit is pretty basic: Two knobs one for rate and one for dwell and two foot switches one for a faster pulse and the other for half of the faster setting.

Lets just put it this way I am a pro guitarist who is very concerned about having a good original sound. For effects, I like different designs and concepts rather that run of the mill guitar center junk. I have stuff by Teese, analogman, zvex and lots more. I use a vintage Vibrolux '66 and a '65 Bassman. The bassman doesn't have trem thus the purchase--Diaz Tremodillo after seeing it at Musictoyz.com and noticed it was in a cool mxr style box. This is a great feature and figured hell its 230 bucks it has got to sound great.
It is one of the new ones with the LED flashing with the tremelo pulse.
From a sound only perspective it is good for a tremelo--very organic and pschedelic. A nice opto pulse like an old fender amp.
However the range of the Rate and Dwell are not even heard when at the extremes. The volume level is substantially reduced when the unit is engaged. Rate works o.k. throughout the travel of the potentiometer but dwell does not. In fact there is no sound at all at and extreme setting.
You basically have to settle for a general middle ground (sweet spot) setting and stay there. I like a good blackface stutter but with the tremodillo that is not practical because at that setting the unit cuts the volume so much that it can never be used in a live band situation or for me and practical situaltion. Would you really want a pedal that cuts the signal going into the amp by half? Very poor design, and not really practical at all for me.

No problems yet. I have used it for 7 months with absolutely no failure.

Did not require

O.K. Ceasar time to face the music. You make an o.k. pedal no doubt. The soldering is flawless and the components well chosen. Very solid.
But I have got a few problems that have got to be adressed:
First of all the Tremodillo is non-true bypass and strongly alters the tone of the original signal. I adds a slight boost in the midrange and thins the tone. I used to hear the trebely spank of the string windings against the frets but this unit really colors the tone. It doesn't make the sound "darker" as associated with other tone coloring devices just different as if put thru a graphic e.q.
THIS IS WHEN THE UNIT IS TURNED OFF! The bypass sucks and is plain awful. Also when the unit is off on my pedalboard I can hear a faint pulse as if some of the signal is still getting thru. This is solved by placing the unit in a Boss noise suppressor loop. Unfortunately, The fact that it is very tone coloring (not darkening--most of the highs are there with just a funky mid boost) means that I had to take it off my pedal board. I just need to have true bypass here, and for almost 220 bucks I think I should be able to get this.
AND since I do use a pedal board I often use a 9volt adapter for all my effects. My adapters are well filtered so there is no noise or hum problem. The Diaz still has a faint pulsing sound when turned off. This is a horrible thing for a pedal costing 2 bills. AND another thing the Tremodillo sounds radically different between using a 9volt power supply and a battery!!! I hate this fact! I need to use a freaking adapter because I have about 15 other effects on my board that are close together with george L cables. I would use a battery in the Diaz to get the "better" sound but have consequently no room on my pedalboard to constantly plug and unplug the thing.
What a horrible oversight on the design: a real bogus flaw that would not be well suited to pedalboard users.
The Diaz is officially gone from my pedalboard. Fortunately I can still use it with my acoustic guitar--in that case I could care less about any tone altering since it is a Martin with a goldplus piezo pickup with a e.q. so I can dial out the negative tone sculpting qualities of the Tremodillo.

Easy to use with a wide range of textures that can be applied. Not a difficult pedal to figure out.

I use Fulltone Wah, '74 Fuzz Face, Fulltone Deja Vibe or a Uni-Vibe and the Diaz Tremodillo. No noice at all from the D Tremodillo. No click when you turn on and off or change the speeed. The Unit always comes out powerful, does not interfere with the amp volume. Presently, I play a Diaz CD 100. As mentioned before you can get many sounds out of this pedal. To accompany my Deja Vibe it can get a Leslie sound out of it. On its own, it can hold its own. I used a Demeter trem for many years; however, I find Diaz Tremodillo is more versatile effect pedal.

Since the day I opened the box, I have not had a problem with it. It cames with a battery. However, I replaced it and power it with Voodoo Labs' Pedal Power (Cesar recommends to use the battery for best sound). No back up required

I dealt with Cesar directly when I purcahse the Tremodillo. He was very professional and he deliver the unit as promissed. Never had to inquire about the pedal since it's easy to use and has not required any service.

I play rock and blues and it fits where it's needed. Been playing for about nine - ten years. My set up today is Fulltone Wah - '74 Fuzz Face - Fulltone Deja 2 - Diaz Trmodillo - split signal to Diaz CD 100 amp and Orange OTR 120 amp.

If I loose this pedal, I would definetly replace it with a new Tremodillo. I personally enjoy it because it has a wider range on the Dwell than my previous trem pedal. Diaz's is more versitile. An my favorite feature is the Speed button. To me it is like having to pedals in one at the push of a button.

I did not compare it, I replace my Demeter Tremolo with a Diaz Tremodillo.

Lastly, ordered an amp from Cesar and dealt with him for a long period of time. He was always professional and responsive to my questions. In the end, we met and he was truly a most gracious individual who took from his time to show me around the tweaks and ways of the amp he was delivering to me.

I found Cesar to be straight forward individual. He stands behind his products - which I find to be of the best quality

Very easy to operate and understand.Rate control and dwell.The older model is what I have been using.I understand the newer editions include a LED.There were/are no instructions as I know of.Anyway,ya just can't go wrong.

I have to say that this unit STILL amazes me.I have put the Tremodillo in different sequences throughout the effects chain.Wah,Texas Ranger(another fantastic unit).Usually I'm using a Fender Quad Reverb.The tremolo on the Quad is fine for what it does,but the Tremodillo has unique features that happen BEFORE the amp.At times I might have noticed a slight clicking,but those flouresent gremlins are most always the culprit!..I have also used the Tremodillo in a solid state amp that didn't have tremolo or reverb.I could almost detect a backwards wah effect...Turn up the speed control at a loud volume and visions of Jimi appear...I prefer a Strat,but a humbucker guitar will do well also.

Has always,I repeat always been very reliable.I use the battery because I believe that power sources are a nusance as far as hum go.Just remember that changing the battery IS important.Even with a lower than normal battery charge the unit still does the job.

I have dealt with Diaz organization for many years.I have always had (and still do)some of the BEST businesslike ethics that could ever be.I've spoken with Cesar many times and he has helped me tremendously.E-mail or phone call he will get back to you.Quite the busy man..We even shared the stage together a few times(ya gotta see him live on stage,what a powerful force).The guy even handed me his guitar mid song while he focused on his vocals.Big ego or star tripping??NO WAY!!!...I got the Tremodillo by way of a friend.I called Cesar to get some info on it and he was most helpful.Contact him by way of e-mail and he will get back to you....I have read in another submission of a person who claims to have had a very bad time with Cesar.Well,I personally can't believe it and nothing will make me believe it.I don't deal with the politics of the matter.My claim is that Cesar has ALWAYS been upfront.Pay no mind to the nastyness.Bottom line is if you want great effects Diaz has to offer,then just do it.Some people would refer to his product line as "boutique".Not the case here.I refer to them as "unique".

I play electric blues ala Hendrix/Vaughan.Been doing it for 30 plus years.Besides a wah and phase shifter the only other effect I use is the Texas Ranger.(I love that thing)Only recently (1 year)have I been using the Tremodillo.I am amazed by it's characteristics.It really helps to brighten up the sound when ya wanna get cosmic.I'm still experimenting with it.I have tried other effects of this type but I found them to be too difficult for my taste personally...I was fortunate to get mine from a friend.He loaned it to me and well,he has left the state to persue other ventures.If mine was ever lost or stolen I would get another.Like I said,very unique sound and Cesar has Always been helpful to me.I remember a time when I was talking to him on the phone and another call came thru from a customer.He asked me if he could call me back because he wanted to help someone out.Sure enuff he called back telling me what I needed to know.What a guy!!

Very easy Pedal to use, its straight forward, just plug it in and adust the trem and rate to your liking, thats it!. i purchased mine used so it came with no box or papers but i was told it comes with everything and warranty if one should purchase it new.

I run a vintage 1968 Orange G-120 stack with Fender strat guitars and also lespauls and a 335. the Diaz Tremodillo is nice and quiet and has the best rate depth i have ever heard in a trem pedal, it sounds just as good as my 1965 twin reverbs trem, now thats a hard trem to beat.

i only have one Diaz Tremodillo and its never given me any problems at all, so i see no need for a back up, i take it with me on all my gigs, its with with my rig always.

I did call Diaz Amplifiers once about a few months ago and talked to Cesar Diaz, at the time he was very busy and asked for my phone number and told me he would call me back in 30 minutes, 30 minutes later i received a call from Cesar himself, he was a very pleasant person to speak with and answered all my questions regarding some questions i had about the Texas Square Face and also the Texas Ranger, he even went as far as to play the effects with his guitar to me over the phone so i could hear what they sounded like, in short i purchased the Texas Square Face and its one of my favorite pedals i own to date (its amazing!), the Texas Square Face Rips.....as far as repairs goes i never needed any from him but asked him what the warranty was, he told me if the pedal was purchased new from him or from one of his dealers he would repair fix or replace any pedal he makes provided that i was the original owner, i asked him about my used Tremodillo i purchased and he said he is so busy that he does not really get into repairing pedals that he makes that were purchased used by non original owners because there is no warranty but he said if i wanted to send it to him that he would look at it when he had time and repair it for a minimal charge, if i did not mind waiting for him to get to repairing it.

i have been playing the blues and the harder side of blues boogie and swamp for 34 years, the Diaz Tremodillo deffintly gets the vibe going on. its the best tremlo pedal you can get period. no other tremlo pedal comes close, and the only other tremlo that sounds as good would be in my 65 fender Twin Reverb. i have used almost every pedal you can think of in my 34 years of playing and have tried many from your average mass production pedals like fulltone to highend hand made boutique pedals like Diaz, if you want a good pedal go to the best and forget the rest.there is not many good pedal makers out there today but there are many that copy the good old stuff, i have done this myself and i can tell you looking into a Diaz Pedal you can see this guy uses the best parts and you can also see he takes his time hand wiring them, everything is neat and clean. Diaz is one of the best out there today and if my tremodillo was lost i would purchase another one in a New York second. Simply put Anything Diaz makes is top shelf, this guy is on top of what he is doing and believe me this guy was born with tone and vibe in his soul. i guess thats why they call him the AMP DOC.

If you can't figure how to use this pedal you should see you doctor!

I use a 73 Strat, a 00 Tele, a 94 mustang, and a 99 flying V and with all of them it sounds great! It always keeps a great tone and never dies. I used it with a diaz p-20 and it sounded great! I can get a great hendrix uni-vibe sound out of it. It's the best tremolo I've ever used!

It's very dependible and always keeps a great tone. With the tremodillo I wouldn't even think of using a backup.

Cesar is a great guy! When i need repairs on anything he will always take the time to help me out. Every time I see him we go to dinner and he'll give me tips on guitar playing. He always does me favors and is one of the nicest people I know!

I play rock and blues and it always is great for the kind of music I play. I've been playing for a few years and this is one of my favorite pedals. I am definitely going to get more Diaz pedals! If it was stolen or lost I would get another in a heartbeat! I love everything about it and I like how you can double the speed. It is an major part of my set-up and nothing could replace it!

If it's from Cesar, it must be righteous, and have the righteous tone. Or, he doesn't sell it.

I can depend on it, and all of cesar's services, to help me speak my mind, and express myself emotionallly.

I'd like to respond to the VERY negative comments of the fellow above. I've know Cesar for about 12 years. He's never been less than a good friend, and incredibly helpful and knowledgeable in everything from amps, to guitars, to effects, to my car, if it broke down!
I hope anyone interested would scroll down and read the rest of these reviews and notice that the only negative comments came from one, disgruntled person. Let's face it: you don't come to work for Bob Dylan, Kieth Richards, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc. by being unhelpful and unprofessional. YOU JUST DON'T.
And, another thing. Guys like Cesar are not a dime a dozen. In addition to being a huge talent, and gifted technician, he's a great resource. There's only one of each of these people. When they're gone, that's it. We can spend our time learning, and evolving, or we can spend it being negative. The choice is yours.

You want the best. Come get it. Remember the great Muddy Waters:
"Nothing but the best, and later for the garbage."

The Tremdillo is very easy to use, just plug it in and ajust the amount of tremlo and rate you need.

Very nice effect with my fender strats and lespaul, reminds me of the vintage Tremlo on my 65 twin, smooth deep and quite. i use it my vintage 68 Orange G-120 stack. if its a Tremlo you are looking for search no further this is the one, built like the MXR boxes and built like a tank, its never givin me any problems at all.

never gave me a problem. its aways served me well. i carry it with me on all my gigs. i dont have another and do not see why i would need a backup. its been very faithful to me.

I called Diaz Amplifiers before once and spoke to Cesar Diaz about purchasing a Texas Square Face and also asked him questions about the texas ranger. when i called him he was very busy and asked for my number and he told me he would call me back in 30 minutes, when he returned my call 30 minutes later he was a pleasant person to talk with and also was very helpful with answering all my questions. in short i purchased the Square face and it is a great pedal as well, and does everything i was looking for it to do.

I play the blues and also the heavy blues side of rock.
I have been playing for 34 years.
If i lost this one i would purchase another one.
i just love a good Tremlo, its good for Boogie to Swamp music and everything else in between.
i have used almost every pedal you can think of in my 34 years of playing and have even made a few pedal copies myself. i play the blues hard, i am not a Rocketter or a thrasher or a rapper but just a plain old blues man, and i can tell you that Daiz pedals are of top shelf effects, he uses the best parts and is work is very clean. you can tell a good pedal maker just by looking at there work inside. this guy takes his time and does it right the first time.

nothing to it.Just plug in and jam

This is a very warm sounding trem pedal.Seems like the pedal helps everything else in the chain just by plugging it in.I can'tmake this pedal sound bad.It has spent many days in the studio,and on stage.I have even loaned it out several times with no complaints

No problem.I bought two of these when I first tried them out..I have an old one green and blue speck paint.no led."Jimi didn't need any leds"This pedal has never let me down.It isn't hard on batteries either..

Cesar is a great guy.I have purchased his Squareface and hs Texas Ranger pedals.I have had no problems with them at all..Cesar has always answered all my questions in regards to his pedals,and has even told me some things I needed to know but was not going to ask..I have read here where Cesar was an ass to some people..I find that hard to believe.We have been talking and emailing for over 5 years now and have never had a cross word.I am not a Star or a rich guy..I am just a 45 year old working musician..Cesar has been rally good to me and I am glad to have his forum to thank him..I don't put much trust into a bad review that doesn't have an email address.Thanks for your fine support Cesar...

Cesar is a busy man.e hand makes all these pedals and amps..But I have never had to wait over 24 hours for an answer from him..He has even called to see how things went..Cesar is a vital part of the industry.So are his products.

easy to use. sounded great till the depth control stopped working

sounded great with strats, prs mccarty and les pauls through my top hat, matchless and fender amps. is was quiet and complimented my fulltone fulldrive II, supa trem, choral flange and soul bender, micro amp, dyno comp, peavey valveverb and digitech rpm-1 and soul bender. it sounded like a brown fender era tremelo.

no. bring a back up, in fact use the fulltone supa trem, peavey valveverb and/or voodoo lab tremelo, mine stopped working and the insults from Diaz began--see below

This was the worst company of any kind, any product, even outside of music that I ever dealt with. This was June of 2001, so I believe Mr. Diaz's health problems of a few years ago are not the reason. When I contacted Diaz by email to ask if a led could be installed in my unit and to ask him to fix the dwell(depth) knob which turned off the depth when I turned the knob to 12 o'clock or higher, I was met with the following responses, which are direct quotes form his emails to me: "I no longer have time for repairs or mods on old units", when I stated " so its broken and you won't fix it" he stated: "Thank you have units to make". When I pointed out that I would tell this story on Harmony Central to warn people that he doesn't stand behind his product and won't even fix it for a fee, he stated:" get off the potty and grow up" he called my email "childish" siad I was just trying to get a new model without paying for it (even though I offered to pay for any repairs!), he then stated: "at least I have the courtesy to sign this email.....up yours! Cesar Diaz." Of course right below this comment was my name. So there you have it by a Diaz and be prepared for insults, abandonment and dealing with a guy who can't get over that SRV died a long time ago and he should get over it, his 15 minutes of fame have long passed and he is just a bitter, unprofessional living in the past.

see above

Two knobs and a speed footswitch. Very easy to use. Mine is the older model without an LED or adapter jack. I plan to buy a newer model soon

I traded a Fulltone Supa-Trem that I liked a lot for this pedal and I'm glad I did. I was looking for a pedal with the same features and sound quality as the Supa-Trem but in a smaller package. The Diaz Tremodillo more than fit the bill. In fact I like the sound of the Tremodillo a bit better. Both units are good but I feel the Tremodillo is just a notch above the Supa-Trem. Good stuff!

Also, I haven't had any of the problems that others have had with the lack of true bypass (the clicking when bypassed). I really love this pedal.

Very well built. Would use without backup.

Very prompt and courteous e-mail replies.

If you need a good tremolo this is a great one. It has a slight edge over the Supa Trem in the tone category and it will fit nicely on your pedal board. What more could you want? Go get one!