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Average Price: $225

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$150

$601+

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Description

Unleash the nostalgic essence of the '80s with the JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR. This multi-effect pedal, designed in collaboration with the renowned Ryan Adams, is your all-access pass to the evocative soundscapes reminiscent of The Smiths and The Cure. With its seamless integration of volume, chorus, and reverb circuits, the VCR offers a straightforward yet powerful means to sculpt your sound. Whether you're channeling the haunting vibes of Love Is Hell or the raw emotion of Prisoner, this pedal delivers. Its individual toggles for each effect, coupled with a master on/off switch, ensure a user-friendly experience without sacrificing depth or complexity. Dive into the past while staying grounded in the present with the JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR.

Key Features:

  • Designed in collaboration with Ryan Adams
  • Combines volume, chorus, and reverb circuits in one unit
  • Individual toggles for each effect plus a master on/off switch
  • Retro aesthetic inspired by '80s music icons
  • Ideal for achieving the sounds of The Smiths, The Cure, and Ryan Adams' discography

Product specs

Brand JHS
Model The VCR Ryan Adams PaxAm Signature
Finish Standard
Year 2017 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories Chorus and Vibrato, Reverb Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What effects are included in the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal?

The JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal includes three effects: volume boost, chorus, and reverb, which can be used individually or combined for a versatile sound.

Is the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal suitable for live performances?

Yes, the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal is designed with a robust build and intuitive controls, making it suitable for live performances and easy on-stage adjustments.

Can the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal be powered by a standard power supply?

The JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply, typical for most pedalboards, but it does not run on batteries.

How does the chorus effect in the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal sound?

The chorus effect in the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal is known for its lush, vintage tone, adding depth and dimension to your guitar sound.

Does the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal have true bypass?

Yes, the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal features true bypass, ensuring your guitar's tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not in use.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

JHS Pedals VCR - Ryan Adams/PaxAm Signature Pedal

Video thumbnail for JHS Pedals VCR - Ryan Adams/PaxAm Signature Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

JHS Pedals VCR - Ryan Adams/PaxAm Signature Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for JHS Ryan Adams Signature VCR plus Milkman and Calhoun at NAMM 2017 by Reverb

JHS Ryan Adams Signature VCR plus Milkman and Calhoun at NAMM 2017

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for JHS Pedals VCR by Mike Hermans

JHS Pedals VCR

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

Video thumbnail for JHS Pedals The VCR (Ryan Adams) by shnobel

JHS Pedals The VCR (Ryan Adams)

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for JHS Pedals Ryan Adams VCR (Volume, Chorus, Reverb) by Perfect Circuit

JHS Pedals Ryan Adams VCR (Volume, Chorus, Reverb)

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Mason Music Demo Lab: The VCR (JHS + Ryan Adams' Signature Pedal) by Mason Music

Mason Music Demo Lab: The VCR (JHS + Ryan Adams' Signature Pedal)

Mason Music

Mason Music

Video thumbnail for JHS VCR Ryan Adams Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

JHS VCR Ryan Adams Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for 90 Seconds With JHS VCR by Musicmaker

90 Seconds With JHS VCR

Musicmaker

Musicmaker

Video thumbnail for FIRST LOOK! JHS VCR DEMO - Ryan Adams Pax Am Signature by Daily Gear Desk

FIRST LOOK! JHS VCR DEMO - Ryan Adams Pax Am Signature

Daily Gear Desk

Daily Gear Desk

Video thumbnail for JHS Pedals VCR Volume Chorus Reverb - PaxAm - Ryan Adams by Pedal of the Day

JHS Pedals VCR Volume Chorus Reverb - PaxAm - Ryan Adams

Pedal of the Day

Pedal of the Day

Reviews

PROS

  • Boost adds brightness, enhancing tone quality

  • Chorus modeled after CE2, offers unique sound

  • Reverb algorithm tweaked by Robert Keeley for exceptional quality

  • Compatible with other pedals, integrates well into setups

  • Offers significant value as a multi-effects pedal

  • Compact size suitable for smaller boards, travel-friendly

  • High-quality construction, consistent with JHS standards

  • Collectible item with potential for increased value

  • Visually appealing design

CONS

  • Digital chorus may sound flangery when distorted

  • Reverb and chorus controls have limited adjustability

  • Boost can introduce noise at high settings

  • Slight treble boost in the boost function, not purely clean

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR.

Features and functionality

  • The integrated overdrive and reverb design dictates pedal placement, challenging typical chain setups due to reverb usually being last.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the pedal's sound but desire separate footswitches for each effect instead of the small switches provided.

    Source
  • Owners describe the VCR as a "secret weapon" for filling voids in sound, emphasizing its versatility in various styles.

    Source
  • Despite JHS's mixed reputation, users express satisfaction with the VCR, calling it "fun to play around with" and maintaining its presence on their pedalboards.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The VCR is praised for achieving the "Bette Davis Eyes" tone, appealing to fans of Kim Carnes' music.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The VCR is acknowledged as potentially overpriced, but owners justify its cost for its reliability and enjoyment provided.

    Source

Critic Reviews

JHS VCR Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR is a versatile multi-effect pedal with a unique combination of volume, chorus, and reverb. Its clean-to-dirty boost, inspired chorus, and digital reverb can enhance any setup, making small amps sound huge. While it excels as a set-and-forget tool for consistent tones, it lacks the flexibility for on-the-fly adjustments, and its $269 price tag may deter those seeking individual pedal versatility. Overall, it's a solid choice for players who frequently use these effects and are looking for a streamlined solution.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings

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pablo_salvatore

Amazing! So inspiring

This pedal is amazing. The reverb is the most magical part, it was programed by robert keeley and it sounds as expressive as my big box holy grail. The chorus is nice but tends to push itself into flangery tones, it works well but to my ears is more like a ch1(and i wanted/preferred ce2 style). The boost can get noisy if pushed super hard and it has a slight treble boost in its frequency (its not just volume, very slight eq on it) but it works well as an overall volume boost for the whole pedalboard or to push drives amps/other pedals into hi gain territory very easily. This version is going to become a collectors item, jhs is a much loved company, the name attached will always have fans/followers, plus the design is amazing and the tones are stellar. These are awsome!

mitch_peters

Awesome pedal

The Reverb is perfect. That's usually all I use with a bit of volume for overdrive. The Chorus is fun but very 80's early 90's.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Bellamy uses JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Photo

Rich Costey, producer of the next Muse album upload this image from the studio, where you can see the VCR.

See how Jeff Beck uses JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR visible in the photo of Jeff Beck's pedal board taken from the auction of his items at Christie's, January 2025, see: Jeff Beck - The Guitar Collection

See how Chris Shiflett uses JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR

Chris Shiflett

Guitarist

Foo Fighters

...
Verified via Photo

Chris Shiflett is shown with the JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal in a photo on Instagram, captioned "Getting ready for summer..."

See how Mark Hoppus uses JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR

Mark Hoppus

Singer, Bassist

Blink-182

...
Verified via Twitter

You can spot it on his "Rack of Doom" posted on Twitter by Mark.

See how Ryan Adams uses JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR

Ryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Whiskeytown

...
Verified via Jhspedals

The VCR pedal is Ryan's signature Volume/Chorus/Reverb pedal inspired by the tones of The Cure, The Smiths and a hefty dose of 1980’s angst.

See how Drew Shirley uses JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR

Drew Shirley

Guitarist

Switchfoot

...
Verified via YouTube

Right at 5:10 Drew shirley shows a quick shot of his current pedal board and then lists his new additions and returning pedals through onscreen text.

See how Emily Wolfe uses JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR

Emily Wolfe

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

According to Wolfe's Instagram profile, she received this pedal as a gift from Kevin McKeown, frontman of the band Black Pistol Fire.

See how Sky Acord uses JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR

Sky Acord

Bassist

Twenty One Pilots

...
Verified via Photo

Sky has a vcr pedal on his pedal board

See how Will Knaak uses JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR

Will Knaak

Guitarist

Blue October

...
Verified via Photo

Pictured in his Instagram photo.

See how Nico Dijkshoorn uses JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR

Nico Dijkshoorn

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

In this twitter post he talks about playing with his pedalboard; you can spot the VCR

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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tyler_mcswain

tyler_mcswain

Gear IQ 199

1 alternative for JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR, curated by the Equipboard community.

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