Way Huge Tone Leper

Simple anodized aluminum chassis, a volume knob and a boost know. Runs on 9 V battery or AC/DC input. One stomp button. True bypass switching

The tone leper basically boosts the middle frequency range of your pickup signal, and, with the volume (gain) knob, also overdrives the preamp stage of the amp. The result is that your tone gets a mid boost, an overdriven sound (if you want it), and has increased note sustain. The boost pot allows you to dial in how much of the middle frequency "ooommph" you'd like. The pedal is not noisy unless you crank the pedal volume knob up, and then there is some grainy sound (not static, but noise) coming out of the pedal -- not a real bad problem, but one that I have heard with a number of overdrive pedals.

This unit works well with humbucker-equipped guitars and tube amps. The overdrive that you get is not as spectacular as a true overdrive pedal, but it is nice to have some overdrive in the unit -- it's not a bluesy overdrive, but more of a "rock" type (think 1970's)Who). I have also tried it with single coil pickups (P90, rickenbacker toasters, Fender Strat, Jazzmaster, Jaguar) and the midboost comes across nicely. I've found that this pedal can compensate for some mid-loss that some humbucker pickups have, like the Gibson '57 Classics -- although some of the highs and lows get affected if you really turn the mid up too high. You can also use this pedal in a subtle way with pop-rock tones to get something a little more full and slightly edgy with your sound.

Overall, I was pleased with this pedal.

The chassis is rugged, but the anodized surface will get scratched and abused over time (aluminum is a soft metal, not like steel). The stomp switch button is like most Way Huge pedals: small black plastic top, can be damaged. Same for the volume and boost knobs -- like a bakelite-type plastic. I think these components will show wear and tear pretty quickly compared to a DOD, Boss, ElectroHarmonix, or Ibanez pedals which are ruggedly built (but don't sound as nice). The 9 V compartment is inside the unit and you must use phillips screwdriver to get the bottom cover off to get to the battery.

Way Huge is for sale.

This pedal does a superb job of midfrequency boost -- the tone is very good and if you are into rock music with either an aggressive edge or even a pop/rock flavor this pedal offers some interesting alternatives for your tone. I was really suprised with how much you can shape the mids with this unit (not as versatile as a "mid" pot on your amp, understand, or, mid-frequency equalization from a mixing board) and I would recommend that if you come across one of these that you demo it and see if this is what you like.

This pedal is simple to use. The Loudness control adjusts the volume, and the Boost control adjusts the midrange boost. What more can you say? The only reason I give it a 9 is that it's hard to get the battery out of the special holder inside the pedal.

I use this pedal with an ESP M-II and a 50's Strat into a Tech 21 Trademark 60 (with all other kinds of effects). The sound quality is excellent -- it does that cocked wah thing beautifully, without the noise and weak signal that can result from a wah pedal. You can also get good Boston tones (think "Long Time") when using the Tone Leper with distortion and setting Loudness = 2 o'clock and Boost = 5 o'clock. The pedal is virtually noiseless, except when you crank the controls (but even then it's pretty quiet).

Way Huge stuff is immaculately built -- like a Ferrari. Very reliable . . .

Very helpful support from Mr. Huge and Co.

Overall, the Tone Leper is a must-have for cocked wah fans and Boston fans. It also fattens up a Strat pretty nicely. Don't get me wrong -- Way Huge pedals are a little expensive -- but it's worth it for all the features and workmanship you get.