Jacques Stompboxes Singing Geisha Handmade

This review is for the handmade Singing Geisha, #4 of 10. Note that the handmade version is different from the factory version - the handmade has a single on/off toggle and control pot for the Fuse Blower/guitar signal volume (left side) and another on/off toggle for the Sing with control pot for Sing level (right side). A single LED indicates if the wah is on or off. The manual covers both factory and handmade versions. What looks to be a simple multi-effect is definitely more complex than one might anticipate. The Sing effect is *very* sensitive to the treadle's travel. I'm still experimenting with this pedal and have more to learn about it. Call me an idiot, but I've always felt that Jacques' pedals are more complex in terms of possible sounds than most people claim them to be.

Guitars used are mostly Fenders (vintage and newer, stock and modded). Also have various humbucker guitars.
The amp is a critical aspect to the handmade version. Since the controls are limited, BE CAREFUL if you want to use this pedal with vintage, low powered speakers. If you're using durable speakers (think Electro Voice or JBL), don't worry about it.
For those of you familiar with Jacques' handmade Fuse Blower, the Geisha has a variation of the FB incorporated into it. The left side control pot controls the guitar signal volume and the FB level with the FB on. Yes, it is a bit noisy when set at maximum level, but not unbearable.
I really like the tone of the wah; it has a nice vocal quality to it. Not boomy or bassy in the low end, and not shrill or spikey in the treble range.
And for the Sing effect... the Sing sounds best when at it's maximum volume. With the Sing level backed down, the effect sounds somewhat weak. Send the Sing into a amp with distortion, and you can get GREAT early `70's prog rock synth sounds - one example that comes to mind is the synth from ELP's "Lucky Man". For those of you into strange effects - it's a winner. I spent two hours one night just messing with the Sing; the effect can be used with no input signal (no guitar). With distortion AND modulaton effects, the Sing is the next best thing to a primitive synth or theramin for guitarists. The handmade version does not have an external control for the Sing range, but there is an internal trim pot that allows for range adjustment. I dialed mine all the way back, which brought the effect into a very useable range.
Overall - a 10 for the wah (Jacques, when will you make a dedicated wah?), 6 for the FB (due to it's limited controls - however the factory model does feature added controls), and a 9 for the Sing. As this pedal contains some very powerful sounds, I have to rate it a 7 as I can't effectively (pun intended) use it with my tweed Fenders. I know it'd be great in front of a silverface Twin Reverb or Dual Showman.

"Ugh, who'd want a plastic pedal?" is what some of you are thinking. Well, it's better than plastic car bumpers or body panels. The plastic chassis is MUCH better than the old Ibanez plastic wah or volume chassis design - I wouldn't worry about cracking the treadle (as it is easy to do with the Ibanez). Heftier toggle switches would be nice, but let's be realistic - this is a handmade pedal, and I'm assuming Mr. Charbit only made 10. If I wanted to gig with the SG, I'd get the factory model. With proper care, I anticipate this ped lasting a very long time. If you have a tendancy to break pedals, consider switching to drums, Mr. Heavyfoot.

The Singing Geisha arrived with a scratchy wah pot. The handmade has a real potentiometer unlike the factory version. I emailed Jacques; he said it was ok to use tuner cleaner. Shot it down with Radio Shack cleaner; problem solved.
If the Sing effect ever dies, it'll have to go back to Marseille - the Sing's circuit board (which is separate from the rest of the wah and Fuse Blower circuitry) is sprayed with Jacques' trademark red paint. Upon opening the pedal, it was almost like hearing the laugh of Nelson Muntz - "Ha Ha! Go figure that one out!"
Jacques is among the very best when it comes to customer support.

What can I say? It's a very unique pedal, and not for everyone. I can imagine traditional players would consider the Singing Geisha to be a novelty, a gimmick, or a joke. Having once played in an instrumental band with two synths (used for noise, effect, or melody lines) I'm positive that the Sing could be well used when in the right hands (or feet). Couple it with an octave effect and an auto-filter, and you're one step closer to sonic mayhem.
The Fuse Blower on the handmade version lacks enough control for weak old speakers. It's better suited for a strong amp. I can't use it with my tweed Fenders, but when in front of my `80's Concerts, it's much better.
The wah itself is very good. Love it.
Other great features - a 9V adapter input jack.
What do I like most about it? The Sing and the Wah. Additionally, the fact that Jacques took the time to re-design and mass produce a vintage pedal that was more rare than Steak Tartar. Also, it works extremely well with other pedals.
Why did I choose it? For the concept, and the handmade aspect. The only changes I would suggest for the pedal are:
a different range for the Sing effect - a low "E" or "D" would be more practical than it's upper range frequency (capable of causing trauma to dogs - but that's what ear plugs are for, right?), and a metal chassis with heavier switches. I'm a fan of over-engineering. The handmade SG is intended for use, not abuse.
Taking into consideration that I'm not aware of any other guitar pedals capable of producing the sounds within the Singing Geisha, I give it a 9.