Product: MOEN Shaky Jimi Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 11/22/2007
at 06:18pm
by padman
Ease of Use
:10
This pedal is as easy to use as it gets! Plug it in, stomp on it, and adjust the rate and depth as you see fit. Because this pedal is based on pre tap-tempo pedals, some players might find it uncool to have to bend down to adjust the speed of the vibrato to match the tempo of the rest of the band, but hey, dont bother, just blame the drummer! Anyway, the rate/depth knobs are chunky enough to rotate with your foot! This thing is built to last. The only flimsy thing I've noticed is the little switch at the top of the pedal, used to switch from vibrato to chorus.
Sound Quality
:9
I've run this pedal directly into a computer soundcard(M-Audio Delta 66), and it sounded great! . I've also used it live, which is the real test, and I found it to be very transparent, noiseless.My live pedalboard setup changes depending on who I'm playing with, but at the moment its: Gibson SG + EHX Lpb 1 booster +Crybaby + Big Muff + "Shaky Jimi" + Line 6 DL4 +Boss Tuner + Fender Deluxe Amp. It fits right in! When switched to chorus , you can see why it has a big VIBRATO stamped on it! Not to be unfair ,I used the chorus with a long trailing delay from the DL4, and it sounded ambient(especially for slowish stuff.)This pedal is primarily a vibrato pedal, the chorus option is just an add on, but a nice enough add on.Because of this, I would deduct a point from an otherwise perfect score.
Reliability
:10
So far this pedal has suffered all the usual trauma that pedals go through, and its come out with minor bruises! Still working fine, and I think it will last as the casing is almost bullet proof. My only concern would be the switch at the top that changes it from vibrato to chorus, but caution on the players side, or having one less lager shandy before the gig ,and this shouldn't be a major problem.
Customer Support
:No Opinion
Haven't had to deal with them. Touch wood!
Overall Rating
:10
I've been playing guitar for about 25 years with every type/style band you can think of, and I,ve played through lots of different effects, and I can safely say that this is one great pedal, Most of the vibratos I've used have been on the cheap side. Because its not an effect you would use too much during a gig, I wasn't inclined to spend too much money on something that I would only use for one or two songs. However , this pedal is underpriced for the quality. Snap one up before they realise it!
Product: MOEN Shaky Jimi Price Paid: USD 75.00
Submitted 09/09/2007
at 08:58pm
by Chris Goulden
Ease of Use
:9
Although this pedal has a toggle switch to go between "Chorus" and "Vibe", in reality only the Vibe option works well. It's nice to have the Chorus option, but that's not what you would buy this pedal for. There are two sturdy knobs for "Rate" and "Depth"....easy to figure out. Best of all, a true bypass switch.
Sound Quality
:9
I bought this pedal strictly to get that Uni-vibe sound (for those of you who don't know, that's similar to a rotating speaker cabinet sound, a "Leslie" of you wish). WOW, does this pedal deliver!!! The thing that strikes me the most is that the bass response of your sound remains completely unchanged. Most pedals are weak in the bass department, not this one, I literally cannot hear a shred of difference in the bass and low-mid frequencies when compared to my clean sound, kudos! I did notice a slight (but charming) increase in highs and high mids. This is actually a bonus, it acts a bit like a treble boost (but it's really not as pronounced as a true treble boost, just a touch) which helps you stand out a bit in the mix. This is appropriate for my use, because I only click on this pedal for solos, intros, etc, where I actually want to stand out. There is no noticeable increase or decrease in volume either. Just a fantastic rotating speaker sound. I set the "Rate" knob to about one o'clock, and the "Depth" knob to about Ten O'clock and that nails the sound I'm looking for. Also it's quite noiseless when you stop playing. Wonderful pedal. I opened it up, and inside they use optical sensor technology like you see in many high end boutique pedals, nice.
Reliability
:9
One main reason I bought this sight unseen, was because of the specs, true bypass, and a solid steel box. This thing is the strongest built stompbox I own...period. It's friggin heavy, and it will definately hold up. My only hesitation is with the toggle switch for chorus and vibe (which I already mention is quite useless for chorus in my opinion). It looks like that could be stomped on and broke. Fortunately it's at the very top of the pedal and is not likely to get touched. Otherwise it's a tank.
Customer Support
:No Opinion
Don't know.
Overall Rating
:9
I can't give any pedal a perfect rating, but this is a close as it gets. The most important thing is that I now have the exact sound I'm looking for, without question. This thing sings like an opera tenor. All for under $75.00 shipping and handling included!!! That's freakin unreal! Go buy one, you know you want to. You really can't go wrong.
Product: MOEN Shaky Jimi Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 06/04/2007
at 11:13pm
by Earth City blues
Ease of Use
:10
This Moen's answer to the Uni-Vibe. Comes with a small manual but not required.Very easy to dial in a good rotating sound.There is a Depth and a Rate Knob and a toggle on top for Chorus or "Vibe" options. Pretty nice feature.
Sound Quality
:9
Vibrato effects are just that, and this one does it very well. Very easy to acheive the classic Hendrix or early Trower type of sound with this unit.I couple this a combination of Fuzz and Dist. boxes and the tone explodes. By changing the adjustments you can also get a decent Leslie type effect with this unit and the Chorus feature is also a plus and comes in handy on occasion. True bypass and no noise noted when the effect is on. I use this with my baby Marshall and a 100W Fender. Sounds good with both.
Reliability
:8
Have had it only a few months, but this box is very sturdy on the outside. Full metal casing, rubbered bottom plate, nice knobs, and very heavy... no plastic here! I don't gig at the moment, but I would and not hesitate to bring this along. Maybe a backup something in case there ever is an issue.
Customer Support
:7
Moen's roots are in totally handmade effects and are just now getting visibilty in the global market.I have spoken to the maker on many occasions and they are very receptive. The actual unit was purchased in the US so I don't think there would be a problem in getting something resolved should a problem arise. For the cost of the Moen line of effects, I am willing to take a chance with them.
Overall Rating
:No Opinion
I play rock and blues funk rock. This unit is perfect for the application I use it for. When not in Uni-Vibe type mode, I use it for a little Leslie wobble as well. Looks good and sounds good. I would get another if lost or stolen, unless I upgrade to a much higer priced unit, but I'm sure I would like this just as well. This type of unit(for me) is not on all night and this one serves me well when I do fire it up. This is the only Vibrato I own, but I also chain delays and Octave dividers. For the price of these units, they are worth a look !! Really the whole Moen line is good and I have several others.