Guyatone GSTU05 ULTRON

Very easy to get a convincing Mutron type sound out of the pedal, and there are many more excellent features that can be used with a little practice . Straight out of the box it sounds great- after about 15 minutes reading the controls etc. If you put more effort in the are plenty of extra cool sounds available. This is not a "plug in and hit it" device though- it gives more and more with each sound you find and rewards exploration. You find that time passes quickly finding the tones - it is worth keeping a few notes on favourite settings . I have purchased and Expression pedal to go with the device but have not had time to experiment properly with that mode as yet, and I think it will take a little time to get to grips with the "bonus features" available with the expression pedal plugged in.

The device is better sounding than my original Mutron that failed some years ago, and more flexible. At higher amplification levels it is still smooth and liquid sounding- it does not close up and go grainy and hard like some effects do, it can sound exactly like Bootsy on, say, "Mothership connection". The touch sensitivity is absolutely superb, overall "playablity" is excellent as a result,and it fits in a live mix very well. Mainly I use a 72 Precision with various amps & cabs for gigging, I also use a 72 Jazz, a 64 Precision,a Gibson EB1 , a Burns Flyte Bass, a 71 Hayman etc . The only bass that does not like this pedal is my '66 AUB 1 Ampeg which is a deeply strange bass anyway and has the wierdest pickup system I have ever used.

I have had the unit for a few months and it seems to be OK but I cannot really offer an opinion yet on this. It seems to be robustly built. I would not take a backup as the default is to standard bass sound (true bypass)and you could still play the gig if the unit failed.

Godlyke were very helpful and interested in the product-it has clearly been designed by musicians who actually play the device and know what is needed. They expedited my order quickly and efficiently, the pedal came very well packed will all paperwork present. `

I play a range of material from blues , Rock'n;Roll, Stones,Beatles Bowie, Country, Western Swing, Folk Rock, Funk, Stax, Motown, Stevie Wonder etc I have been playing for about 35 years. If it was lost /stolen I would buy another immediately. I love the playability of it- all the control is right at your fingertips, the quality of the vocalisations it produces is top class and it is distinctive without dominating the band-unless you want it to of course! It adds stature and interest to any featured bass part, and is much more usable than the run of the mill bass pedals like Chorus (yawn !) and overdrive (ON BASS ? - well, sometimes...)All in all it is just about the most fun you can have with a bass legally ....