SIB Varidrive

no sweat! vol., drive, bass, mid, high. you can switch out the 12ax7 for a lower distortion tube if you like. cool!

my setup... epiphone les paul classic 7-string + crybaby Q-zone + crybaby bass wah + sib varidrive + mxr noise gate + boss ps-2 delay/pitchshifter + soldano hotrod 50xl amp head. no doubt, the soldano has an awsome overdrive sound but it gets a little to noisy when i back off the volume to get a cleaner sound. i realize this is due to the fact that when you back it (volume) off you lose a lot of headroom and therefore allow the niose floor to rise. so my quest began for an overdrive pedal that would not color the sound of my amp and guitar but would allow me the convenience of a two-channel amp. actually, what i really wanted was to have pretty much the same driven sound of my soldano in a pedal. well, let me tell you, sometimes you get what you pay for. unbelievable! with all the settings at noon (amp and pedal) there was very little tonal differences... and believe it or not it actually improved my amp sound!?!? the soldano's pre-amp has a tendency to become darker the harder you push it. the varidrive tightened up the low end and put some sparkle back in the highs. i would have to say that the mid setting is a little weird. the negitive settings seem to cut out a lot more of the mids than the positive settings boost them. it doesn't take much cut to get a heavy scoop. also, at high volumes the pedal can be a bit noisy... hence the noise gate in my rig... and i should mention that the soldano is also slightly driven which will account for some of the noise. also, don't plan on using the varidrive straight to the board because it sounds nothing like it does in front of the amp (haven't tried it with a redbox yet). anywho, the sib goes from mellow drive to very thick creamy distortion and anywhere in between. sounds great!

it had better last!!!

i like to dabble with all kinds of musical genres from atmospheric and etheral to super heavy. i've had numorous rig setups including a mesa duel recto, rocktron voodu valve (big mistake), sunn solaris (nice clean amp), and countless pedal and rack fx rigs until i got the soldano which i consider the best sounding amp i have owned to date. so..., i needed an overdrive pedal that would remain transparent and give me a little more depth with a wider range of distortion. enter the sib varidrive! it's basically an extension of the soldano pre-amp as it is wired class A which allows the circuit to use the full potential of the ax7. good job sib! i could have gone through a handful of cheapo run-of-the-mill pedals and spent just as much without getting even close to the real deal. i also must thank harmony central's reviewers on this pedal. i've never seen such great reviews from people who actually seem to know what they're talking about. i don't think that the varidrive had one negative reviewer in the whole bunch. i knew there must be something to it!!!

Just the standard knobs to twist to get a variety of wonderful sounds.

Goodness gracious!!! I am playing an Am Std Tele through a Mesa Blue Angel 1-12 and had just about quit using my TS9 because it just seemed to take away some of the mojo of the amp. The varidrive is a mojo enhancer if there ever was one. The amp just sings and cuts through the mix like I would never have expected. The other guitar player in my band didn't notice the new pedal when we first practiced with it but as soon as I stomped on it he stopped playing and said "What the hell are you doing different!?!?!" He plays a Strat through a Pitbull and can't wait to get a Varidrive. The tonal complexity and incredible responsiveness of this pedal are in a class of their own IMHO. Turn your guitar down and it cleans right up; crank the guitar's volume and hear the 100lb violin begin to sing. The last time I was this excited about a piece of gear was when I was playing through a 55 Bassman at the local emporioum and the varidrive is a little cheaper than that baby was!

I bought the pedal used and have had it for about 6 months. The tube just died, but other than that this thing is rock solid.

Ne need to contact them. Although I really want to try the echodrive.

I play blues, soul, country, and pop. I would replace this jewel in a heartbeat if it were stolen, lost or died. I've tried the Hotbox, Dirtbox, Vtwin etc. and this is the pedal for me. The only thing I don't like about it is the cord setup- it will sneak loose if you don't watch it.

Very easy to get great tone out of, just turn it on.

Best tube pedal ever. OK i haven't tried em all but I'm stopping with this one. The gain control adds (besides gain, duh) a FATness that is uniquely tube, even through a solid state amp! Sounds like SIB reverse engineered the Custom Audio 3+ SE preamp because it sounds very similar to my ears.

Looks well built, but I just got it so I can't comment.

N/A

Great for blues, rock, fusion. I wanted something that would make any amp sound great and this is it. I got a fulltone FD-2 also; I use it when I need 2 gain settings AND don't feel like plugging in an AC cord. The varidrive (because its a tube device with probably a high plate voltage) has an AC cord dangling out of it. I haven't used it on a gig but I bet I'd probably kick that cord out at least once in the course of the night. Hmmm, hadn't thought about that before. I'm only giving it a 9 becuase it would be nice to have two different gain settings available via footswitch. There's just no pleasing some people :)

It has five knobs, Volume, Drive, Bass, Mids, Treble. All of the knobs are very responsive and have detents so you can find your favorite spots easily, but I'm not sure if I like that feature yet. I've been playing with thing for about 6 weeks now and I can't get it to sound bad. Sure, I've got my favorite sounds that I keep going back to, but everything else and everything in between is very musical.

I'm playing a Strat Plus and a Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop Historic Reissue '59 Flametop (2001, very sweet) into a TS9/808 by Analogman -->SIB Varidrive -->Clone Clone (Analogman)--> SIB EchoDrive -->into a Marshall Master Reverb 30 ( a SS practice amp that when clean sounds and responds remarkably like a tube amp - go figure) and occasionally into one of a couple of Fender amps (waiting for my Bogner).

The effect ranges from a subtle "just breaking up" to a completely over-the-top-string-melting tone. But it's more than just that. The sound is truely awe-inspiring. It's filled with rich and complex harmonics that makes the guitar not just sing, but actually lives and breathes as it responds to all the dynamics of your playing. The bass response is unbelievable and the highs are crystaline, never biting or harsh even when turned all the way up. I typically keep the drive under 12:00, but that's just my taste, there's lots of useful tone to be had between 12:00 and 5:00.

I often hit this with a clean boost from TS9/808 (another great pedal, but different in character) and the Varidrive really starts to give up the goods. Since it's a tube (12AX7 that can be switched out to Y7, T7 or U7s for less gain), pumping in more signal should have this affect and it is truly wonderful. The thing starts to sing like a violin. This is the perfect overdrive pedal. When run through a tube amp it it's like sex, but it puts a grin on my face even with the Marshall practice amp (that amp got really good reviews, so I know I'm not crazy - just surprised).

You must own this pedal.

I think I can depend on this more than I can depend on my playing. My performing days are over, so backups aren't really my concern. But having been there and done that, I would say that I could rely on this pedal, it's built like a brick and is very solid feeling. I would carry another tube of course.

I've been playing for nearly 30 years, blues, rock, pop, folk. For the last 10 years I've concentrated on acoustic guitar (Martin HD-28,Olson SJ) and am now returning to my roots and have picked up some of the stuff I haven't had to worry about over the years (effects, amps the LP). If it were lost or stolen it would be replaced immediately. I've never heard anything as full, rich, warm and complex as this and I couldn't imagine playing without it in my setup. I've compared it with a bunch of overdrive/distortion pedals from the big makers and it completely blows them away, no competition. It makes me want to play because it sounds so good and responds so well. It does not get in the way of my playing, nor does it change the sound of the guitars or amps that I use.

Simple to use. The eq is very effective. Dosen't come with a manual, just some indtructions which are screen printed to the back of the unit. It's not rocket science! Anyway this is a basic unit in that all you need to do is turn some knobs until it sounds good. Infact that's net even needed as the unit sounds fantastic at any setting, right out of the box, really!

Sounds fantastic! I have other boutique distortion/overdive pedals (FD2,Zvex, etc..)but non of them can do what the Varidrive can. This has't to be the hottest distortion/overdrive pedal. The distortion tones that come out of this thing are unreal! Very fat and warm sounding. Why do the words FAT and WARM always seem to be associated? I had girlfriend once, she was fat but she was a cold Bitch! explain that one! Anyway back to the review. This pedal is just a thing of beuty. The Vari can go from warm bluesy overdrive tones, all the way upto over the top scooped distortions. This pedal so so full of life! I currently use this pedal with two ,very different, amps using a switch box. The chain goes as follows: PRS Santana2 or Gibson Les Paul STD>>Fulltone Clyde Wah>>Fulltone FD2>>SIB Varidrive>> MXR Phase 100>>BOSS DD5>>ANALOG MAN Chourus >>Matchless DC-30 or Riveira Knuckle 100watt Head with 2/12 cab. The matchless sounds amazing on it's own but whan the SIB kicks in watch out! the tone becomes more heavenly. The riveira rig really makes the SIB shine in a different way. Scooped out mid tones are easily achieved. A clean amp with do very well with the Varidrive, howeve, this pedal will also make Class A's sing like an Angel. It's an all round great pedal.

Tough as Nails. Heavy as hell and built like a tank!

No experience.

Very awsome! Try one out if you get the chance. It's definately worth a try. I have never come accross such a full and rich sounding pedal. The distortion tones are massive and as smooth as butter. It's a keeper!

Simple to use. There are 5 knobs (Volume,Gain,Treble Mids and Bass. It doesn't get easier than this.

I use a Fender strat through an OrangeAD30R with various pedals. The veridrive fits nicely in the mix. I Love this pedal.Smooth Gain great for blues and Rock. Very warm due to the 12ax7 preamptube. This pedal is a must have IMHO.

NA.I.m not worried

a pure winner!

Simple to operate.

Very warm sounding and very Fat indeed. I have two of them (used with seperate rigs) the sound quality is unmatched. Distortion tones are Massive and sound gorgious. I have changed the the tubes in both of my units to Tesla JJ 12AX7A's WOW, What a difference. Just when I thought this thing couldn't sound any better. The Tesla tube's really tighten things up! and produce a more detailed high end tighter bottom that still sounds huge. Don't get me wrong the stock tube's are just as good but produce a different type of magical tone. I will try other's and write reviews on them in the future. Anyway, the Varidrive is great for Blues, Rock, Ska, Metal. It's a very versitile pedal that would probably be welcome in most anyone's rig. Great Sound, this one's a winner IMHO.

Seems to be built like a Brick. Thick metal Box with true Bypass and solid construction. A real Pro Tool.

I haven't delt with then at all. I've had both units for about 6 months now with out any problems.

This pedal is a fantastic value for the sound. It really deserves a good look into. I've played guitar and Gigged for many years (20) and have never come accross anything like it. It is a fantastic Fuzz Box that I have adopted into my rig and will never get rid of, it will probably outlast me. If you have the bucks than buy one. If you don't have the money than start saving, You'll wonder how you've lived without it for all these years! Rock On!

There are 5 knobs, you can't go wrong! No ither instructions, Some basic instructions are printed on the back, very simple to adjust and get a great sound.

I use a Gibson Les Paul STD. Know this: THE VARIDRIVE IS A WORK OF ART. There is no other way to explain what it's capable of doing. If you play rock/classic rock/blues than your in for a big treat! I use this pedal in conjunction with some others (Fulltone Ultimate Ocatave , Fulltone Fulldrive 2 and an MXR Ohase 100) The Fulltone stuf sounds fantastic when used before the Varidrive (Haven't tried it after thought) the phase is used before also, this seems to tighten things up in a really nice way. The sound/voice that this unot possesses is great. I can nail tones of many artists (Stane Temple Piolets, Black Crows, Clapton etc...) there isn't much of a learning curve, just tweek it and play, it's that simple. I've been looking for a box like this forever! I really like it allot. I am currently using this through a Peavey classic 30, I've tried it through my friends Roland Cube 30 but it doesn't produce the same result. A tube amp really brings out the monster tones in this creature. If your tone is good the Varidrive will make it bigger and better. I haven't tried replacing the tubes on my unit ,for the sake of variety, yet/ I don't find the need. There have been countless hours played through my VariDrive, each time feels like a whole new experience. I FEEL LIKE PLAYING IT KNOW! but it's too late and the wife is a light sleeper. This thing should sound Awsome with any rig (Except certain solid state amps) Althought playing the Varidrive throughmy bussies Cube 30 didn't do it for me it still sounded fat and good. If you can have steak why settle for hamburger, use your tube amps, the results just seem more natural but that's a whole other discussion right? beutiful sounding peiceof gear.

I've had the unit for 6 months now and have been playing it for ,at leat, 2-3 hours a day and it seems reliable. Built like a Tank. I would gig without a backup.

no experiences. The SIB web site is pretty cool but gets boring fast, They should have more info (Company History, Arstist etc...) on the site.

As I've mention before, I play Blues/Rock and this pedal is fantastic for my needs. There's no way I will replace this baby, ther's really no sunstitute for it. Just a Great Pedal.

Easily tweakable and versitility is excellant. No instruction manuals included other than some basic Info that is screen printed on the bottom of the unit. Sounds Great Out of the box anyway.

I am currently running the Varidrive into a Fender Hotrod Deluxe amp. The only other pedals that are in the signal path are FT Fuldrive 2 and a Vox Wah, they are both placed before the Varidrive. The Varidrive is dead silent, no unwanted noise. The sound is fantastic. I really like the voicing on this thing. I play Blues and some clasic rock and this pedal seems to work wonders for my tone. Some earlier reviewers say that by placing the FT fulldrive 2 before the Varidrive helps enhance the top end detail. This is true, however, I normally find myself just using one at a time. The Varidrive sounds amazing all by itself! This pedal really turns my crank. You can switch the 12AX7 tube that comes with the unit if you want to reduce the amount of gain. I haven't tried doing this yet but I can't imagine any vast improvements to what this unit already sounds like. I like mine at 100% Gain. I might try different brands however. This one's a keeper

Very sturdy. Too early to know. I just got it last week but I am confident that it will last a long time.

No experiences

The varidrive is a pricey distortion box but worth every penny. Anyway the bottom Line ,IMHO, is that this distortion pedal is in a class all on it's own, I really cant imagine someone not liking the Varidrive, perhaps some country dude (no offense). If you haven't tryed one yet, it's worth a look or just take my advise and grab one, You can't go wrong.

Very Easy to use. There isn't much to it. The sound is very adjustable and it's easily done. No need for a Manual.

This box puts aout an unbeleivable tone. It doesn't mess with your existing don't, the character still shines throught, however the Varidrive just pumps out some real Awsome FAT, Smooth musical sounding distortion with a BIG Bottom. There are no thin sounds here. Infact I just couldn't get a bad tone out of it at the Music store where I tried it out. I tried it throught a Fender, a Dr.Z MAZ18 Jr. and a VOX AC30 at the music store as I own two of these amps (Dr.z and Vox). Using a Fender American STD Strat and Gibson Les Paul STD. The Varidrive sounded unbeleivable throught the Fender, just Huge! Dr.Z Sounded really Yummy and Warm. and the Vox sounded very midrangy and smooth. I could Not get a bad sound out of any of these amps using the Varidrive. That's when I placed the two guitars back on the racks were they belong and aksed the sales guy to wrap one up for my I'm in Love! This pedal sounds nice and Thick and heavy. Although I wouldn't use it for Heavy Metal, depending on your setup it could fit quite nicely in a Metal Rig too. It certainly has Balls! I play Blues /Rock and this pedal has been adopted as essential part of my rig and now I can Not live with out it. When I took it home I was in for another shocker. My setup is as follows: Fender Anerican STD Strat or Gibson Les Paul STD >> Fulltone Clyde Wah >> Fulltone Ultimate Octave >> Fulltone Full Drive 2 >> SIB Varidrive >> PE Vibe Unit >> Boss DD5 >> Fulltone Sup A Trem >> Dr.Z MAZ18 or Vox AC 30. I have also discovered that the Fulltone Fulldrive 2 ,when hitting the Varidrive, adds nice details to my tone. WOW that really hit the hammer on the nail for me. I know have the best sounding rig that I have ever had. I absolutely couldn't do it without the Varidrive. Varidrive = Varyawsome!

Built well. I opened it up already just to check things out. Built with top quality parts, I don't expect any problems with this Unit. No backup needed.

No experience. I've read that the SIB dude is really helpful and freindly though. I don't expect to speak with him anytime soon however.

As I mentioned before I play Blues /Rock and the Varidrive delivers an awsome tone with it's BIG Bottom distortion. Nothing even comes close. This pedal is a must have IMHO. They are fairly expensive. Look at it this way though, You Get what you pay for and it's true bypass too!