Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

[LooseCannon]

I came across these two "products":

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...loc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...loc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget

Now, isn't this more than a simple volume control in your effects loop? Similliar to using an eq or volume pedal?

 

[greendy123]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

Basically what you said it just gives you more control of the volume. The only way get the overdriven tone is having the power tubes output more = more volume or a attenuator to soak up some of volume, but keep the tone.

Those item descriptions are just lies. Except the parts about more sensitivity in volume control. The worst description in the first link was saying going to 1 or 2 on the volume is too loud, I thought that was pretty much crap cause at least need to go to around 5 on the volume.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

Total BS device for what they're describing it as. I don't even have to click the links.

Those things are best served in the effects loop of an amp that has a very touchy volume where 1 or 2 is too loud (Fender's are good examples of this). They also work well between an acoustic and mixing board or amp if your acoustic pickup system doesn't have a volume control, like mine.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

You can build one of these for half the price (I you like easy projects...).

I built one just for kicks a year ago or so... 15 minutes, approx. 8$. It works nice in the effects loop if you don't have a master volume.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

The truth is, those things work pretty well for taming down loud amps. The reason he suggests it on a bunch of Marshall halfstacks he has listed is because it works best on amps like those. If you get the majority of your gain from the preamp, the unit works great because it allows the preamp to sound more cranked. The power tubes are not breaking up, but they sound a little more pushed because your master volume is set higher.

When I use my Marshall Jubilee, I usually do the same thing by putting an Alesis Nanoverb in the FX loop and using it's input/output knobs in the same way as this other unit on Ebay. The benefit is that I can also mix in a little reverb, so it's not so dry.

When I use my Bogner Ecstasy (my main amp), it has a mixable FX loop with send return levels built in, so I put a Holy Grail in the loop, mix in a tiny bit of reverb, and use the return volume as a global master volume. Same concept.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

I wouldn't piss on one of those if it was on fire...total junk!

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

I was just talking about building one for David P tonight to put into one of the Dierdre's FX loops so he can equalize the channel volumes for gigging purposes. There's a how-to right here... http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/newland/2081/id3.htm

I built one of these one time. $10 worth of parts. Nothing to it. Works just like a volume pedal if you put it in an FX loop.

I ran one of these in my old HRDeville and all it really does is allow you to boost your preamp distortion. I"m not that partial to that tone myself. But, it can help. The way David wants to use it, to equalize the EF86 channel volume versus the 12AX7 channel volume, it ought to work pretty well especially since it won't require huge adjustments. Just a little tweak.

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

I like how it's says he owns the copyright!

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

He very well might have copywrited the term. Even the design potentially. If not one else has,it's hanging out there. He offers a service. If you don't want to drive down to the store and buy the parts, potentially have to buy a soldering iron, etc, maybe it's worth the extra 20 bucks to get one from him?

 

[shaka]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

I agree with Scott. While I have no use for this device I can see where it would be helpful to some players. Why bust his chops for offering and marketing a product that has a practical application?

Eric

 

[ErikH]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

Why bust his chops for offering and marketing a product that has a practical application?

Eric

That's fine and dandy and totally acceptible. Marketing it properly is something else and that is the problem I have. These things are consistently marketed as devices that help you get that cranked power tube tone at low volumes when that is not true at all. It's misleading to the buyers.

In reality, there are two good applications:

1. For use in the effects loop of an amp with a touchy master volume (Fender's are prime examples - see link that Scott supplied and note what the original designer uses for an amp).
2. Between an acoustic guitar and mixer or amp if you use an acoustic pickup with no volume control (like I do).

I would not use this outside those two applications. If you want to use it out front with other pedals in an electric guitar rig, then just get a volume pedal instead so the volume can be controlled with your foot.

 

[J.LaGrassa]

Re: Volume Box On Ebay - Ripoff?

Total BS device for what they're describing it as. I don't even have to click the links.

Those things are best served in the effects loop of an amp that has a very touchy volume where 1 or 2 is too loud (Fender's are good examples of this). They also work well between an acoustic and mixing board or amp if your acoustic pickup system doesn't have a volume control, like mine.

Your right! I use one with my Fender Blues Deluxe RI and actually works quite well, the volume can get loud real fast just like the Hot Rod Deluxe amps so the Volume box in the loop is almost like adding a master volume.

I made mine with parts I already had but installed it in a better hammond enclosure, here is a pic of mine!