Originally designed for use with bass guitars and amps, the Weehbo Tackleberry is a high-headroom Class-A JFET preamp that sounds great also on six strings.
The Gain knob controls the input signal fed into the JFET gain stage, while Level follows up in the chain, providing up to 23 dB of clean boost.
Two toggle switches provide three tonal variations on clipping (symmetrical, asymmetrical and off) and bass response (full, less and medium).
It works well as an always-on, first-in-chain pedal or stacked with other gain pedals and fuzzes.
Check out the videos of the Weehbo Tackleberry on both bass and guitar, below.
Weehbo Tackleberry, Builder’s Notes
The TACKLEBERRY is a preamp particularly designed for use with bass guitars and amplifiers. It is based around the boost circuit from a legendary 80’s bass head and is able to deliver one of the most sought after bass sounds with that extra heavy thickness, punch and growl.
The original concept was quite simple: Only one single knob to control the input signal which then feeds the JFET gain stage. We refinded this concept and added a second knob to set the desired output level. This way the TACKLEBERRY is much more versatile since you are now able to crank the gain knob while having the output set to moderate volume levels. Further we integrated a switch to choose between different input high pass filter options and which allows you to roll off the bass frequencies when needed. Last but not least there is a second switch for all the people who love to use the TACKLEBERRY as their dirt machine. When enabling one of the clipping options, the processed signal is getting clipped at higher gain levels and adds wonderful harmonics and distortion to your bass sound – just give it a try!
To sum up, we promise: This is your always-on pedal – once engaged you will never turn it off again!
WHERE TO PLACE THE TACKLEBERRY IN MY SIGNAL CHAIN?
Altough you can of course integrate the TACKLEBERRY into your setup as you like, the original circuit was primarily designed to push and overdrive the power amplifier. Due to its ultra high headroom the TACKLEBERRY stays almost clean if you put it just next after your bass guitar‘s output and simply adds some nice harmonic content to your signal. This placement makes it the perfect choice for your always-on pedal if you simply want to add that extra kind of magic to your bass sound. Stack the TACKLEBERRY with other pedals for heavy distortion and fuzz orgies or put it in the FX loop of your amplifier to directly push the power stage. There are so many options – be creative and get inspired!FEATURES:
up to 23 dB of (clean) boost
+/- 17V internal power supply for a maximum of headroom
input high pass filter with selectable cut-off frequency:
less bass – low cut @ 210 Hz for rolled off bass sound
med. bass – low cut @ 150 Hz for medium bass response
full bass – low cut @ 75 Hz for full bass spectrum
3 clipping options: off, asymmetrical, symmetrical
complete analog signal path for the audio
true bypass with relay and soft switch
designed, engineered and hand built in GermanyPOWER REQUIREMENTS
You have to insert a standard 9 volt DC power adaptor (2.1 mm with negative tip) into the dc jack to power up the pedal. It runs off 9 volt DC only, do NOT use adaptors with higher voltages or alternating current (AC). The maximum current draw is less than 30 mA, but we recommend to use a power adaptor with with stabilized output voltage and at least 100 mA output current.RELAY BASED TRUE BYPASS
The footswitch operates as a true bypass with relay switching to guarantee best signal quality. When powering the TACKLEBERRY, the pedal initially remains in bypass mode as default setting.
