Two pedals that are inspired by bona fide classics.
London, England (November 21, 2018) -- Magnetic Effects are pleased to release the Black Moon.
The Black Moon is a limited-edition Fuzz Face clone with expanded features that allows for classic fuzz tones in a more convenient and versatile pedal.
From the building blocks of one of the original, legendary fuzz pedals comes the Black Moon. Loaded with a pair of selected and tested Germanium NOS transistors, the Black Moon yields dynamic, vintage fuzz that responds excellently to the guitars volume control.
In addition to the original volume and fuzz controls that the Fuzz Face had, the Black Moon has bias and input controls as well as a three-position low toggle switch. These additional controls really help the user dial in the sound to match their setup.
The input control alters the signal level and impedance at the input of the fuzz circuit. Fully clockwise (all the way to the right) is the original Fuzz Face setting. Turning the input control down affects the overall gain and impedance of the circuit. This results in a difference to the feel and EQ of the fuzz and can also allow other pedals, such as a wah, to interact better with the fuzz.
The bias control affects the electronic tuning of the transistors. This control can be useful to compensate for differences in temperature which can affect the transistor bias of a Fuzz Face. (This only applies to Germanium transistor versions.) Additionally, the Bias control can used to intentionally alter the sound of the pedal. Different settings provide different tones and a different feel to the fuzz. It is worth spending some time experimenting with different settings of the bias knob.
The Low toggle switch controls the amount of bass being fed into the circuit. This can help tighten up the low end and provide more tonal options.
Features:
- Top mounted Jacks and DC socketz
- NOS Germanium transistors
- Volume, Fuzz, Bias and Input controls
- Three position bass response toggle switch
- Polarity reverse circuit
- Standard 9V DC adapter operation
- True Bypass
Retail: £125 plus shipping.
Magnetic Effects are pleased to release the Lonely Robot.
The Lonely Robot is a limited-edition, Rat-inspired overdrive/distortion pedal.
Expanded tonal options and an internal voltage doubler take this Rat inspired pedal to new sonic places. Running the gamut from overdrive though to distortion and fuzz, the Lonely Robot is a versatile drive pedal that builds upon a legend.
One of its extra features comes in the form of a post-gain active bass eq that allows for boosting or cutting of the low end.
The EQ Control alters the amount of gain applied at specific frequencies. Turning to the right will result in a brighter, tighter tone with more gain. Turning to the left will result in a fuller tone with less gain. You can use the EQ control to alter the overall voicing of the pedal. (Note: this a tweaked version of what is commonly know as the āReutzā mod.)
The Clip Control alters the clipping threshold. You can use the Clip control to dial in the precise amount of compression and harmonic saturation. The more gain added, the more range this control has.
In addition to the extra tone tailoring options on tap, a voltage doubler increases the headroom available.
The Lonely Robot has a high input impedance and low output impedance. This makes it compatible with buffered effects in the signal chain. The Lonely Robot uses True Bypass switching.
Features:
- Top mounted Jacks and DC socket
- Volume, Gain, Treble, Bass, EQ and Clip controls
- Internal voltage doubler
- Standard 9V DC adapter operation
- True Bypass
Retail: £125 plus shipping.
For more information:
Magnetic Effects
-
Crank the heat! PG's John Bohlinger plugs into the boutique-built Sterling Vermin, a modern twist on the iconic Rat distortion. Hear it rip through Strats, Teles, and a Les Paul with classic snarl and smooth silicon/BAT41 clipping.
Sterling Vermin RAT
The Sterling Vermin was born from a desire for something different ā something refined, with the soul of a traditional RAT pedal, but with a voice all its own.
Built in small batches and hand-soldered in ACTās Jackson, Missouri headquarters, the Sterling Vermin is a work of pure beauty that honors the brand legacy while taking a bold step forward for creativity.
The Sterling Vermin features the LM741 Op-Amp and a pair of selectable clipping diodes. Players can toggle between the traditional RAT silicon diode configuration for a punchy, mid-range bite, or the BAT41 option for a smoother, more balanced response. The result is a pedal thatās equally at home delivering snarling distortion or articulate, low-gain overdrive, with a wide, usable tonal range throughout the entire gain spectrum.
The pedal also features CTS pots and oversized knobs for even, responsive control that affords a satisfying smoothness to the rotation, with just the right amount of tension. Additionally, the polished stainless-steel enclosure with laser-annealed graphics showcases the merging of the pedalās vintage flavor and striking design.
From low-gain tones reminiscent of a Klon or Bluesbreaker, to high-gain settings that flirt with Big Muff territory ā yet stay tight and controlled ā the Sterling Vermin is a masterclass in dynamic distortion. With premium components, deliberate design and a focus on feel, the Sterling Vermin is more than a pedal, itās a new chapter for RAT.
The Sunset is a fully analog, zero latency bass amplifier simulator. It features a ¼ā input, XLR and ¼ā outputs, gain and volume controls and extensive equalization. Itās intended to replace your bass amp both live and in the studio.
If you need a full sounding amp simulator with a lot of EQ, the Sunset is for you. It features a five band equalizer with Treble, Bass, Parametric Midrange (with frequency and level controls), Resonance (for ultra lows), and Presence (for ultra highs). All are carefully tuned for bass guitar. But donāt let that hold you back if youāre a keyboard player. Pianos and synthesizers sound great with the Sunset!
The Sunset includes Gain and master Volume controls which allow you to add compression and classic tube amp growl. It has both ¼ā phone and balanced XLR outputs - which lets you use it as a high quality active direct box. Finally, the Sunset features zero latency all analog circuitry ā important for the instrument most responsible for the bandās groove.
Introducing the Sunset Bass Amp Simulator
- Zero Latency bass amp simulator.
- Go direct into the PA or DAW.
- Five Band EQ:
- Treble and Bass controls.
- Parametric midrange with level and frequency controls.
- Presence control for extreme highs.
- Resonance control for extreme lows.
- Gain control to add compression and harmonics.
- Master Volume.
- XLR and 1/4" outputs.
- Full bypass.
- 9VDC, 200mA.
Artwork by Aaron Cheney
MAP price: $210 USD ($299 CAD).
PG contributor Tom Butwin reveals his favorite songwriting secret weapon: the partial capo. Watch how the Shubb C7 and C8 can simulate alternate tunings without retuning your guitarāand spark fresh creative ideas instantly.
Shubb C8b Partial Capo for Drop-D Tuning - Brass
The C8 covers five of the six strings, leaving either the low E or high E string open, depending on how it's positioned.
- Standard setup: Placed on the 2nd fret while leaving the low E string open, it simulates Drop D-style soundsāexcept you're still in standard tuning (key of E). You get that big, droning bass feel without retuning.
- Reverse setup: Flipping the capo allows the high E string to ring, giving you shimmering drones and new melodic options across familiar chord shapes.
- A flexible tool that lets you simulate alternate tunings and create rich sonic texturesāall while keeping your guitar in standard tuning.
Shubb C7b Partial Capo for DADGAD Tuning - Brass
The C7 covers three of the six stringsāeither D, G, and B or A, D, and Gādepending on how it's flipped.
- Typical setup (D, G, B): Creates an open A chord shape at the 2nd fret without needing your fingers. This frees you up for new voicings and droning notes in the key of A.
- Reversed setup (A, D, G): Gets you close to a DADGAD-style tuning vibe, but still keeps you in standard tuningāgreat for modal, spacious textures often found in folk or cinematic guitar parts.
Use it alone or stack it with the C8 for wild, layered effects and truly out-of-the-box inspiration.
PRS Guitars celebrates 40 years with the limited edition McCarty SC56. Featuring vintage-inspired design and modern innovations, this single-cutaway guitar pays tribute to Ted McCarty and his impact on the industry. With only 400 pieces available, this instrument is a must-have for collectors and performers alike.
PRS Guitars today announced the 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition. With a classic PRS single-cutaway body shape and carefully chosen specifications, the McCarty SC56 is both a tribute to tradition and a reliable tool for the modern performer. Only 400 pieces will be made.
āThe SC56, signifying Singlecut and 1956, model is our most recent tribute to my late mentor Ted McCarty and his impact on the guitar industry. We started with our take on a classic late ā50s singlecut body. 1956 marks the year that Ted first had guitars made with his newly coined 'humbucker' pickups. It also happens to be the year I was born. Bringing vintage design into the modern era, we loaded this model with our McCarty III pickups, meticulously designed to deliver warm, clear, vintage tone with exceptional note separation and dynamics,ā said PRS Guitars Founder & Managing General Partner, Paul Reed Smith.
Anchored by a maple top and mahogany back, the 24.594ā scale length and 22-fret Pattern Vintage neck work with Phase III non-locking tuners and PRS two-piece bridge to promote its musical sustain. The PRS McCarty III pickups are controlled by a simple layout ā two volume controls, two tone controls, and a three-way toggle on the upper bout.
Single-cutaway guitars are known to be heavier than their double-cutaway counterparts. The McCarty SC56 Limited Edition design incorporates weight-relief, decreasing the weight of the guitar by about 2/3 of a pound, while maintaining several points of attachment between the guitar top and back to eliminate the āhollowā sound of the cavities and promote tone transfer.
With appointments like binding on the fretboard, classic bird inlays, and a vintage-inspired nitrocellulose finish, the 40th Anniversary McCarty SC56 Limited Edition blends heritage and innovation into a timeless instrument.
PRS Guitars continues its schedule of launching new products each month in 2025.
For more information, please visit prsguitars.com.