Capable of anything from light boost to a gritty drive that can send an amplifier into heavily overdriven tones, the Moxie is an ultra-flexible, wonderfully warm and rich pedal but with an extra bite. In addition to the standard controls, Brian has added two unique switches. The Voice switch adds clarity by changing the entire EQ associated with this design giving it a more transparent yet robust tone. The Fat switch adds an extra dimension of gain with a custom MOSFET clipping stage, reminiscent of a classic high-end boutique amp.
Staying true to the vintage sound of a TS10 Tube Screamer, the Moxie is powered by the classic 4558 chip, enabling it to scream with authentic woody tones. Use it to pour out a cold shot of Texas Blues, add gravity to rhythm chops, or tighten up and push your lead channel into brutal high gain. Whatever the genre, this little pedal has got it covered. The Moxie is sensitive to nuanced picking with layers of complex harmonics allowing it to play nicely with a broad section of amplifiers and pedals. Stack this with another distortion or overdrive pedal like the Wampler Ratsbane, Tumnus, or Belle for a huge variety of inspiring tones.
Features
- High-grade components selected for superior sound and response, premium finish and controls.
- Based on one of the most classic overdrive circuits of all time, the TS10 Tube Screamer
- Volume, Gain, Tone controls
- Fat switch to enhance the gain structure
- Voice switch to equalize critical frequencies
- Dimensions: 1.5” x 3.5” x 1.5” (38.1mm x 88.9mm x 38.1mm) - height excludes knobs and switches
- Power draw: 11mA at 9V, 16mA at 18V • 9-18V power jack – DC supply only, no battery connection within
- Includes limited 5-year warranty
$149.97 USD. More info at www.wamplerpedals.com.
A huge part of their unique sound and stage presence came from the unusual instruments often employed by bassist Ronnie Lane and guitarist Ron Wood. Anthony Zemaitis was a British born cabinet-maker-turned-luthier. His guitars’ distinctive metal tops, often with elaborately engraved designs provided by Danny O’Brien, can be seen with some of the era’s most legendary guitar players, but it was his connection to the Faces that really put Zemaitis’ instruments on the map.
Engraver Danny O’Brien’s handiwork on the heel plate and control cavity covers are on display in this view of the bass’ back.
The bass pictured here was one of his earliest custom designs for Ronnie Lane. Though all of Tony’s designs are one-of-a-kind, this stands out as a bass guitar truly unlike any other we’ve ever seen. This instrument has a chambered body with a neck-through design and features a 6-screw heel plate purely for cosmetics. The hollow chambers on either side of the neck block were stuffed with cotton to eliminate feedback below a laminate-wood carved top. The distinctive “suit of cards” inlays along the 32"-scale neck would become a signature of Ronnie Lane, but this is perhaps the earliest example of that motif on one of his instruments. Both the headstock and end of the fretboard are delicately carved into a crown-like pattern, perhaps drawing inspiration from mandolins and lutes of the previous century. The controls are two tone dials with on-off switches for each, plus a master volume—with a missing knob—on the upper body. Every piece of metal, from the pickup surrounds, knobs, tailpiece—even the heel plate and control cavity cover—have been intricately engraved by O’Brien. This is as much a work of art as it is a unique instrument with an inspiring tone.
Ronnie Lane is hardly the most famous name associated with the Faces, but it could be argued that the spirit of the band was largely due to his influence. His love of folk and country music even left its mark upon early Rod Stewart solo records on which Lane and his Faces bandmates played a large part. This bass was with him for early Faces performances and could easily have been used on some of these classic recordings, including the albums First Step and Long Player.
This headstock has flourishes fit for a king—possibly of clubs.
There are numerous iconic photos of the band onstage where this bass can be seen, but its value goes well beyond pure memorabilia. Zemaitis instruments hold a special place in the evolution of guitar design, and the masterful engravings of Danny O’Brien are unmistakable. The sad loss of Ronnie Lane to multiple sclerosis in 1997 makes this instrument even more special. The wear and tear he put on the bass and the music he made with it are part of his lasting legacy.
Eventually this bass found its way to a pawn shop in the southern United States, where its second owner purchased it, unaware of its famous history. The bass was played locally from the late 1970s until about three years ago, when that owner passed away, leaving the bass to his cousin. His research over the past few years led him to realize the provenance of the instrument in his possession, and he ultimately confirmed his findings with us at Rumble Seat Music in Nashville, where this legendary instrument is now proudly offered—a perfect example of the kind of rock ’n’ roll artifact we love!
