Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Malekko Releases the Downer and Thicken

One combines the power of wavefolding or saturation with pitch shifting down to one octave while the second offers multi-tap delay modes plus an independent chorus.

Portland, OR (March 13, 2018) -- In keeping with their latest series of visionary effects pedals like the Sneak Attack and Charlie Foxtrot, Malekko releases Downer and Thicken. The latter is designed in conjunction with Colin Newman (Wire).

DOWNER​ combines the power of wavefolding or saturation, pitch shifting down to one octave, and both high-pass and low-pass filters all in one compact package with just 6 knobs. The PREAMP drives the Wavefolding or Saturation from subtle to extreme. The BLEND control adjusts the Dry/Octave balance from 100% Dry to 100% Octave. the High-pass and Low-pass filters allow for sculpting the perfect tone. Add the ability to assign an expression pedal to your own combinations and settings within these features and in one sweep, you can dial your tone from classic, heavy fuzz to screaming experimental madness!

Features:

  • Saturation and Wavefolding
  • Control over Octave Down (detune to full octave down)
  • High and Low-pass filtering
  • Preamp level control
  • Assignable expression to combinations of controls and settings

Watch the Downer video demo:


THICKEN​ has 2 selectable multi-tap delay modes plus a separate chorus, for three delay lines total. Spread determines the delay times, and increasing the spread exponentially widens the delay times. With the addition of Preamp, these controls result in mind-blowing, thicker sounds that any serious player needs.

There are 2 modes of SPREAD time: Exponential and Random, selected by holding down the stomp at power connection. In Random mode, the SPREAD control adjusts between smooth and aggressive time transitions.

Features:

  • 2 multi-tap delay modes
  • Chorus rate and depth controls
  • Spread volume and width control
  • Assignable expression input for any combination of controls and settings
  • Preamp control

Watch the Thicken video demo:

Both Downer and Thicken can be purchased for $189.

For more information:
Malekko Heavy Industry

The two-in-one “sonic refractor” takes tremolo and wavefolding to radical new depths.

Pros: Huge range of usable sounds. Delicious distortion tones. Broadens your conception of what guitar can be.

Build quirks will turn some users off.

$279

Cosmodio Gravity Well
cosmod.io

4.5
4
4
4.5

Know what a wavefolder does to your guitar signal? If you don’t, that’s okay. I didn’t either until I started messing around with the all-analog Cosmodio Instruments Gravity Well. It’s a dual-effect pedal with a tremolo and wavefolder, the latter more widely used in synthesis that , at a certain threshold, shifts or inverts the direction the wave is traveling—in essence, folding it upon itself. Used together here, they make up what Cosmodio calls a sonic refractor.

Read MoreShow less

The author in the spray booth.

Does the type of finish on an electric guitar—whether nitro, poly, or oil and wax—really affect its tone?

There’s an allure to the sound and feel of a great electric guitar. Many of us believe those instruments have something special that speaks not just to the ear but to the soul, where every note, every nuance feels personal. As much as we obsess over the pickups, wood, and hardware, there’s a subtler, more controversial character at play: the role of the finish. It’s the shimmering outer skin of the guitar, which some think exists solely for protection and aesthetics, and others insist has a role influencing the voice of the instrument. Builders pontificate about how their choice of finishing material may enhance tone by allowing the guitar to “breathe,” or resonate unfettered. They throw around terms like plasticizers, solids percentages, and “thin skin” to lend support to their claims. Are these people tripping? Say what you will, but I believe there is another truth behind the smoke.

Read MoreShow less

Featuring a preamp and Dynamic Expansion circuit for punch and attack, plus switchable amp simulations.

Read MoreShow less
Photo by Chuck Brueckmann

Creed extend their sold-out Summer of ’99 Tour with 23 additional dates.

Read MoreShow less