Catalinbread Csidman

Although it can function as a standard digital delay pedal, the Catalinbread CSIDMAN — which, apparently, should be pronounced “Discman”— is a glitch/stutter device with Cuts and Latch controls that lets you create the sound of a skipping portable CD player.

Though its behavior is pseudo-random, the CSIDMAN gives you some degree of control over it, though, fortunately, not enough to make it entirely predictable.

We added it to our article about the best Glitch and Stutter Pedals.

Catalinbread Csidman, Builder’s Notes

Yes, it’s digital. Did I stutter? What are the artifacts of antiquated technologies that have merit in a musical context? Why can’t we create a pedal that intentionally embraces technological limitations that musicians haven’t widely utilized?
I see technology as the optimistic push through the limitations of existing paradigms: limitations in materials, processes, functionality, cost, and foresight. With each spearhead of technology, the limitations of incumbents are resolved. All too often, a slew of new issues are introduced that the marketplace is willing to overlook, at least for a short period of time. It isn’t too long before the marketplace demands better, and is willing to abandon the past and pay for the next-generation solution.

So I got to thinking, “What are the artifacts of other antiquated technologies that have merit in a musical context? If David Byrne can find a way to use Powerpoint in an artistic way, why can’t we create a pedal that intentionally embraces technological limitations that musicians haven’t widely utilized?”