MATRIXSYNTH: Ludwig Phase II guitar synthesizer - A vintage FX pedal


Friday, September 04, 2009

Ludwig Phase II guitar synthesizer - A vintage FX pedal

via this auction
"The Phase II, made in limited numbers during 1970-71, is a vintage FX guitar unit. It includes a fuzz, a tremolo (Animation), and a voltage-controlled filtering section (Formant Trajectories-Parallel, Counter, and Vowel switches). The circuit uses only discreet components. A control panel contains seven switches (light/change color) and four sliders which alter several effects, including fuzz, voltage-controlled filters and gating, combined in a box that unfolds to reveal a rocker pedal and four footswitches. There is nothing out there in today's market that duplicates the animation and filtering possibilities. With some practice, many unusual and unique sounds are possible. Some of the effects (including the famous "Yoy, yoy" sound) can be heard on tracks by Primus "Pork Soda", Pearl Jam "Binaural", Sonic Youth "The Diamond Sea", "Washing Machine" and Beck's "Cold Brains" intro.

Specifications:
- Fuzz (includes voice fuzz)
- Animation - FFM, Fuzz RPT or both and Fast/slow start (switches),
Alter Intensity and Rate with three sliders.
- Voltage-Controlled Filtering - "Format Trajectories": Parallel, Counter, Vowel .
- Foot Pedal with Primary and Stereo outputs (Bypass Balance control), Lo/Hi Z inputs
(Lo Z Balance control) plus four foot switches: Stereo, Bypass, Animation, Fuzz f

Product Information:
- Ludwig Phase II Synthesizer
- Model #9000 -- Serial # 1529
- Supply Voltage: 120/240 VAC, 50/60 cycles, 15 watts

Only a few Ludwig Phase II units are still in existence."




1 comment:

  1. I have a few friends that were in a band once that owned three of these pedals (pre-eBay price inflation explosion circa 2003, but still expensive for the time), though one was only semi-functioning. They are really beautiful because of their odd size, design, and soft glow of the lights, if a bit fragile. Totally unique sound.

    At the time the only people who could fix them or at least specialized in fixing them were Santana's and Pearl Jam's guitar techs. Though I bet they aren't that complicated, really, but probably have parts that are hell to source.

    ReplyDelete

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