Ladipo Pride and Joy

This pedal is extremely easy to use- Overdrive, Tone and Level.
No programming needed here.

I have used the Pride and Joy with with all of my guitars- a'62 and other Stats, a "Steve Morse-type Tele with HB (It really kicked with the Steve Morse Signature Humbucker)and SC pickups and a Yamaha SA 2000- 335-Type. True bypass, no noise and very musical.

My main amp is a Mesa Lone Star and I have also played the Pride and Joy through my old '71 Fender Champ.

I'm quite astonished by the many personalities that can be coaxed out of The Pride and Joy.

Gently caress her(Once you have seen one of these you'll know that she is beautiful) and she is smooth and silky. Dig down with more authority though, and an aggressive beast emerges that bites, all while still maintaining the musical harmonics of the notes and chords that are being played.

The Pride and Joy nails the Albert King/ SRV sound as no other device can, and that should be reason enough alone for any guitarist to want one as part of their rig.

But what impresses me the most is its ability to express the a player's individual emotional tone- the one that comes from the heart, mind and fingers. There is no homogenizing here. Nothing gets lost.

Its that good.

I have only had this pedal a short while, but it is built like a hand-made, hand-wired tank both inside and out. It looks, feels and even sounds very dependable. The components and casing are top-notch as well. But if it did break down at a gig I can still muster plenty of sounds out of my amp.

I give it a 9 only because I have had it for a short time, although I don't think that the reliability of this pedal will be a concern.

Rhys Lapido is a quality person who puts out a quality product.

Even though we are half-a-world away, I was given periodic updates while MY Pride and Joy was being built as well as the shipment tracking number when I requested it.

Rhys responds to my emails promptly and I'm convinced that he stands behind his product and name and will do so if I ever need a repair or support.

This is a very adaptable pedal for a broad range of musical styles.

Overall, I am going to rate the Pride and Joy a 10. If it were stolen I'd get another- there isn't a bad sound in it.

The funny thing about this whole coming together between me and the Pride and Joy is that I wasn't even looking for an overdrive pedal at the time. It was by good chance that I stumbled upon the deltajetblues.com site that day-I don't even recall what I was browsing for at the time.

But the more I read the testimonials from players that use this pedal, the more I began to fantisize about the type of musical relationship I could forge with the Pride and Joy.

I can't say anything more that what I have.

Rhys is doing us guitarists right here though, folks. Check him out!

If it was a computer periphal it would be "Plug-and-Play".... 3 knobs, how easy can it be! Minimal tweaking required, about 10 minutes of experimenting to sort out where to set them to achieve the TONE I want/like.

I mainly use a 2004 USA standard strat through a Fender De-Ville (or a Blues Deluxe if space is at a premium), with a trio of EH pedals, Holy Grail, Small Clone & Small Stone. The P&J has now made the De-Ville drive/more drive/even more drive footswitch obsolete as it delivers a whole range of break-up/over-drive/distortion with total volume control. I was always faffing about with the channel volume, master volume & drive control to try and get a balance and always hitting the wrong foot-switch and blowing out the venue windows and eardrums of the poor punters! It has a true by-pass and doesn't affect/alter the sound of my set-up. It is totally silent, no hum, buzz, hiss, etc. My favourite combination at the moment is the P&J with the Small Stone set at a slow sweep with max colour.. it makes me shiver!

Had the P&J 2-3 months now, gigged it 6 times, rehearsed with it every week and it's never missed a beat, and to say it's robust is am understatement! If the hand-brake on the van doesn't work, I'm sure you could put the P&J under a wheel to stop it rolling down a hill, it's that strong!

Not had to call on Rhys for any help, but found him very informative during the contruction process and he kept me informed at every stage.

I love the P&J and if it were stolen or run over by a tank, I WOULD replace it! I've been playing since the early 70's and at some time or other owned/used virtually every distortion/muff/over-drive pedal out there, I've had Vox, Park, Hiwatt, Orange, Marshall, (original) Peavey, etc amps and still own a 1965 Black-face Super-Reverb along with the De-Ville and Blues Deluxe, I've got a 1979 Gibson LP Black Beauty and a Gibson J150 for finger-picking. I'm in a 3 piece band now purely for fun, and play everything from 50's R&R to more modern material and the P&J complements my style perfectly. If you know the EH pedals I play you will see a common theme with the P&J, minimal knobs, switches, buttons and other gizmos to distract you from getting the best sounds from them!

Its an overdrive, how hard can it be? The LED a lot of people asked for is present, to be honest if you can't tell its switched on then your deaf or you have some really top notch overdrive in your signal path anyway.

I have modest kit and to be honest the P&J is probably overkill. But it does bring out the best in my Vox AD and Aria Pro. So if you want to get the best overdrive whatever the kit, or maybe your hoping to get good enough to justify something a little better later on then the P&J represents a good investment.

I dont gig, (sorry I'm just not that good), - but no problems, its pretty solid with a nice finish to the box. I cant see any obvios design issues. I'll give it a 9 but I have no expereince of gigging. IMHO with normal use this thing wont break.

Rhys is a good egg - he really cares about his customers and seems to want to be sure they are happy. He even took the trouble of signing mine and marking it as part of a very small batch. I am confident that if I had a problem Rhys would be keen to sort it out.

I enjoy blues and rock - so an overdrive was high on my list. This one seems to be a cracker, I can?t compare it with other analog units other than a few checks in shops etc. but it blows all the digital stuff I've used out the water.

Its kind of expensive compared to something I know I could re-sell (TS), but I have no intention of parting with this and if Rhys keeps this up, I reckon this will be a collectors item in 20 years :-)

I have to say its driving me on to try that little bit harder because when I get it right the sound is a lot closer to the ideal.
As a result, I enjoy my playing more and so I think I actually play a little better.

I cant think of anything else at this price that would give me that, so what more could I ask for?

Like has been said before there are only three knobs - you really can't go wrong, even if you were blindfolded and randomly turned each knob the thing would sound great. I think these must come with an LED as standard now as I didn't specify for it (but did want it) and it came with one.

I don't what to say that hasn't already been said, but this thing sounds incredible. I'm using it with a Fender '59 RI Bassman (on volume 3 and with this box it's better than the sound I get at 7) and a Gibbo LP Classic with Wagner Crossroad Pickups, even with this setup I can closely enough imitate the likes of SRV or Gallagher. Mind-blowing in one (or two hyphonated) word(s).

It would seem these now come in a diecast box instead of the previous folded tin - these aren't going to move when you step on it. I do have reservations about the finish print on the top - looks like it could come off but only if you were trying pretty hard. I have only had it for a day so can't comment on longterm durabiity but in that time I've taken it apart and even jumped on it and there isn't anything I can see that will fail.

I ordered this through eBay and the transaction was smooth. There was a small wait due to parts availability but not too long considering it's hand made. Rhys kept informed all the way through the process and answered my questions, very helpful and kind.

Definately worth the small wait. Whatever your style of music (although it's fort? is probably in the Blues/Classic Rock realm) this thing will do wonders for your sound, you owe it too yourself to get one!

Piece of cake. Even comes with some instructions on how to get the SRV sound but you don't need them. Mine came standard with an LED unlike some of the previous reviewers.

Sound is excellent. You can get that SRV sound with ease but you can also use this unit as the basis for your own sound. Very smooth. No noise from this unit at all. In terms of sound quality this lives up to the hype on the web site. I can still here my guitars tone shine through

Built like a tank. Solid diecast aluminium box. I have used this solidly now for 3 months and it hasn't mised a beat.

I bought it online and waited while it was built. Good communication from Rhys all the way. It came with a lifetime warranty and I look after my gear and don't expect any problems.

I play blues clasic rock a bit of everything really. I have been playing for 30 years. I have a couple of strats lots of pedals and bits and pieces collected over the years. This is one of the best ever and it has become my most used pedal. I took a risk buying it on sound samples alone but I'm glad I did. If it was stolen I'd email Rhys for another without thinking twice about it. If your looking for a great overdrive do yourself a favour and invest in this one. You'll love it

So easy to use just like the Ibanez Tube Screamer, just 3 dials, overdrive, tone and level. You get a simple single page sheet on how to operate and basic setting for SRV 'tone' to get you going.

Uded thru my Marshall valvestate amp on normal chanel 'clean' setting
when kicked in on the recommended settings it is instantly recognisable
as a Tube Screamer effect but seems richer somehow. Sounds just like SRV
at any amp setting, good for those lower level outings where you can't turn you amp right up.

Have just got it this week so reliability is untested but I've had a good
look around inside and being in a metal case I don't forsee any probs. A full guarantee is offered anyway.

All e-mails during the construction period (all handbuilt to order) were
responded to quickly. Seems a solid guy to deal with.

Great for those into blues like SRV, Rory Gallagher, Robin Trower & KWS
and any others in that area for all degrees of mild to max overdriven
valve sounds. smooth creamy to ear bursting bite.
Cant really fault it at all for the money knowing what people are paying for the TS 808's etc. It really is a 'find' in the market of pedals.
Go treat your Strat to one.............

Very simple configuration - overdrive, level and tone. Responsive to changes.

SRV all the way!! This is the perfect pedal for blues. It adds so much to the natural guitar sound without taking anything away. Can also get that clean but dirty hendrix tone - i.e. wind cries mary etc. No noise, and can make the crappiest amp (i.e. my fender princeton 112 plus!!!!) sound gorgeous.

Had no problems yet, solid build. Battery access could be a little easier than it is, but if you use a power supply that doesn't really matter!

Rhys is a great guy to deal with, very helpfull, and lets you exactly what he is doing when making the pedal.

This pedal is essential to anyone's line-up, and if you hanker for that SRV tone, don't bother with overpriced clones/reissues of the ts808, get this!!

Definitely the easiest pedal ever to use. Just plug in and thats it. As everyone says, there is no bad sound.

I am using a Laney LC50 with a variety of strats and teles. USA tele, fat strat and also several Fenix, which personally I find better than many real Fenders I have played.
No noise at all at whatever level.

Too early to say but the build quality is fantastic, looks great also.

Rhys is a great guy to deal with. Very helpful and keeps you informed. Very very user friendly.

I havny ggged with an electric band for a while but this will prompt me to do so. Ive been playing for 27 years mostly blues/jazz, SRV, Robben Ford . Always been looking for the tone, had an original tubescreamer but sold it years ago. Bought a ts9 and lent it out, never returned, then I saw an ad for this, Read the reviews and bought it.
Glad I did, it is very much an SRV tone but thats not a bad thing. It has the led on it which seemed to be a gripe on other reviews. It does help definitely.
I would surely replace this if it were nicked.

The only thing easier to use than this pedal would be one without knobs. Virtually all positions on all three knobs yield great, useable tones. However, for me, the sweet spot takes time to find just like with any instrument. I advise turning the lights off and using your ears to find the sound that you want, not your eyes. Speaking of eyes, the addition of a standard l.e.d. would be a good idea. (right now, it's only available as an upgrade) However, Rhys believes that the l.e.d. that is so common in modern pedals diminishes tone so I must respect his opinion.

My setup consists of a Vintage Fender '54 Strat with a '66 neck. I run this using George L's cables first into an Axess electronics BS-2 Buffer/Line splitter which runs my signal directly out and to my tuner simultaneously. The signal then runs through my pre-A/B/Y effects chain which, at this point, consists of just an Analog Man Juicer and the Pride and Joy. I then split my signal with a Lehle Dual A/B/Y box. Signal A goes through an Ibanez AD-80 Analog Delay then to my Vox AC-15. Signal B goes through a Boss RV-3 Digital Delay/Reverb and into my Dr. Z Carmen Ghia 1X12 Combo. In this setup, I use the Pride and Joy as a clean boost for more solo-oriented parts in my songs. I am not a Stevie Ray Vaughn want-to-be like this pedal seems to be geared for. I am more into Mark Knopfler's sound, hence the Juicer. However, this pedal is definitely the surest bet for achieving the SRV sound, if so desired. The only exception possibly being a real, vintage TS-808 which I have not heard in person and is definitely not worth the money people pay for them these days. ($200-$800) Absurd! Buy a Pride and Joy!! This pedal never fails to put a big grin on my face when I step on it. It is also dead quiet on the settings I keep it set to. (Drive all the way down with tone and level both at 12 0'clock. However, I am sure that with everything cranked, it would create the expected noise associated with a higher gain sound.

I can't definitely say that this pedal is reliable considering that I just recently bought it. However, all the evidence suggests that this pedal will be right there with me my whole life with no issues. I certainly have been able to depend on it up to this point and I do play gigs without a backup. VERY well made.

Mr. Rhys Ladipo perfectly mixes professionalism with personal attention in his customer service. He is always prompt in answering my slightly over frequent e-mails. I couldn't imagine anyone being more helpful and friendly without seeming psychotic. He truly seems like a genuinely cool, nice guy.

I have been playing guitar for 15+ years and this is the first time I have been genuinely happy with an overdrive pedal. The P&J isn't just a piece of equipment or a material possesion, it is an extension of yourself, an instrument, a work of art. Rhys Ladipo is constantly improving his products through consistent tinkering and a great utilization of his technical expertise. I can tell that the next pedal he makes will be even better. It is rare these days to find people who risk making things the time-tested true way with imperfections and personality. If this were ever lost or stolen, after crying for a while, I would collect myself and buy a new one. In short, like I said earlier, buy a Pride and Joy! Thanks for taking the time to read this. See ya.

It has 3 knobs : overdrive, tone and level ... just like the ts-808.
It is a ts-808 clone and reproduces the tones of a full-original, vintage ts-808 wonderfully and with ease.
The knobs are very responsive and you get a very usable sound on every setting. This "thang" does NOT have bad sounds in it.

I only wish it had a LED so I could see wether it is turned on or off.

That's what it's all about ...

I'm a big SRV and blues fan, playing the six-string for 16 years now, and when I found the "Pride & Joy" pedal on the internet, and after reading all the fantastic reviews on it, I know somehow this would be "it".

I tried out what everybody knows about "how to get that SRV tone" : strats, ts-9's, ts-808's, ts-808 re-issues, Keeley mods, brown mods, ... but none of them really satisfied my quest for the so well-known, magical SRV tone. That was until yesterday evening ...

When I placed the P&J between my 1972 strat and my 1967 Super Reverb and "stepped on my friend" .... WHAM .... SRV speaking ! No doubt, this was THE SRV tone in all its glory. Played along with some SRV tracks ... NO difference. Asked my wife if she could hear any difference ... NO difference. Asked a friend if he could hear any difference ... NO difference and he's also wanting to buy one ... ;-)
I just couldn't believe my ears ...

Please forget about those way too expensive, unreliable, vintage ts-808's ... most of the time they are not fully original or the switch is not working properly or ... or ... or ...

If you're looking for that SRV tone (and who isn't ?) as a solid base for your own sound, this pedal is a must-have at a more than reasonable price (same price as a new ts-9 I think).

If Stevie Ray could only give you one advice on how to get his tone, I think he would tell you to buy the P&J !

I think the main differences between the P&J and the ts-808 / ts-9 are :

- overdrive is much "smoother" and "rawer" : remains defined, never becomes 'muddy' and breaks up perfectly
- basses are fuller (more Balls !) but still remain clear and defined
- tone is more responsive and doesn't become harsh, adds sweetness

Only had it one day so I can't tell but Rhys is a very friendly man, gives you constant feedback and answers all your questions asap.
The P&J comes with a 1 year-warranty. I don't expect any trouble with it, it looks well-built and reliable.

As I said, Rhys i a very friendly guy and keeps you informed very well during the build process. He also installed all the last 'upgrades' in my P&J and added a instruction paper with the pedal.

Everybody's happy with the P&J, and I'm sure Rhys will keep it that way ...

He's incredibly kind and helpful ;-)

I'm mostly into blues/rock and playing for 16 years now. Always been fascinated by SRV and Jimi but I have many other names in my blues collection too (Walter Trout, Popa Chubby, Buddy Guy, Kenny W. Shepherd, Rory Gallagher, Jonny Lang, Albert King, Johnny Winter, ...) .

I mostly use vintage Fender strats and vintage Fender amps when playing blues.

I'm NOT a SRV clone, but I think his tone would be a really good starting-off point for my own tone. I'm aware nobody will ever sound 100% like SRV because he made his tone for 90% with his fingers.
Anyhow, if you don't have the funds to buy all the Dumbles, Fenders, Marshalls and 60's strats Stevie owned, but still want to experience his tone, the P&J pedal will get you very close at a very reasonable price.

The P&J was a big leap forward in my quest for Stevie's tone, in fact I think my quest for this tone has finally ended. I won't get closer than I am now I guess ...

I want to thank Rhys Ladipo personally a million times for his incredible service. Keep up the good work Rhys , you're a genius ...
I'm selling my ts-808 immediately ...

Greetz from Belgium !


Please feel free to ask me any questions about the P&J.