CUSTOM, SIGNATURE AND PROTOTYPE PEDALS
Some of our endorsers have asked for variations on the standard production pedals available, or in some cases, a totally new concept.
These pedals begin as “prototypes”, which are designed over a period of time between the endorsing artist and the team here at Cave. We work closely with the artist to produce an effect that meets their requirements. Eventually, after a number of modifications to the prototype, they receive a fully functional “signature series” effects pedal which then becomes available to the playing public.
The "Aussie Mark Octa-Grunt"
This prototype pedal was designed for one of our top endorsers and musicians, Mark Deayton from Sydney, Australia. Also known as Aussie Mark, he came to us a while ago with a simple enquiry...”What do your pedals sound like?” We sent Mark more than just a disc of sound samples, we sent him an original Grunt, a boost and overdrive pedal for bass. After rigorous testing, Mark was passionately “hooked” on the passive effects concept.
The variable controls of the Octa-Grunt differ to the two position switch on the original Grunt pedal. Mark requested that a LEVEL control should be available to “tame” the boost that the Grunt provides. Also, a variable DRIVE be added so different shades of grit could be attained. One unusual feature though, that only a professional could ask for, is the depth of Grunt knob! Mark wanted to have total control of his sound.
Here at Cave Passive Pedals, we do not always know what professionals want, hence the prototypes. But we made a big mistake! In our infinite wisdom we added an octave up control which Mark had NOT requested! To our Chief Designer’s dismay, Mark requested that it be removed as it was not a useful tool for his playing style, and instead, a second DRIVE channel be added. With a new challenge ahead, our Chief Designer pulled himself together and started work on the new Grunt-Deluxe!
The Grunt-Deluxe pictured is still a prototype. The mechanical indicators shown are not the final production indicators. Although a very usable piece of kit, the Grunt-Deluxe Signature pedal will undergo a few more modifications before it becomes available to the playing public.
Thank you Mark for all your help and wisdom. Heath Cave – Chief Designer (Still recovering from the octave up situation!)
CUSTOM PEDALS
However, if you are not an endorsing artist you do not have to miss out! You can give us a call and talk to us about your ideas. If you need a specific design or wish to change an existing production pedal, you can have a “custom” effects pedal designed for your needs. We will do our utmost to help you create the sounds and functionality you require.
The Split Decision signal pedal is a “custom” design for Jon Michie from Sydney, Australia. Over the phone, Jon explained exactly what he needed. Being a “purist of tone”, he had recently purchased a second amplifier which he had been hunting for, for many years. Two amps, two different tones. Jon needed an ABY box.
So anybody can make an ABY box, right? But with no power to light up those LEDs, how do you tell what is what? We eventually came up with the most simple but effective system ever designed!
Keeping the two foot switches close enough together so his foot could depress both at once, but being far enough apart to be operated individually, Jon could switch amp A “ON” by stepping on the “labelled” switch A, or amp B “ON” by stepping on the “labelled” switch B. Now the clever bit...step on both switches at the same time and Jon could alternate from A to B, or B to A, or have both amps OFF. This is impossible with regular ABY boxes! Thanks for the inspiration Jon.
This custom Wasp pedal was designed as a one off for a musician who wanted a matt black finish. Custom finishes are also for all our pedals upon request.
We created this footswitch for a client who has restored an old 70's valve amp. The raw unfinished casing was requested to fit the vintage as was the classic 70's "dymo" labelling that oozes mojo and appears immediately "stage worn". The twin RCA plugs have been wired into a stereo jack to enable fast connection and avoid a tangle of cords.
