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Average Price: $225
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$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
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What effects are included in the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal?
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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.
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Is the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal suitable for live performances?
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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.
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Can the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal be powered by a standard power supply?
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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.
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How does the chorus effect in the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal sound?
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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.
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Does the JHS PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal have true bypass?
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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.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
JHS Pedals VCR - Ryan Adams/PaxAm Signature Pedal
Reviews
PROS
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Boost adds brightness, enhancing tone quality
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Chorus modeled after CE2, offers unique sound
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Reverb algorithm tweaked by Robert Keeley for exceptional quality
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Compatible with other pedals, integrates well into setups
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Offers significant value as a multi-effects pedal
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Compact size suitable for smaller boards, travel-friendly
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High-quality construction, consistent with JHS standards
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Collectible item with potential for increased value
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Visually appealing design
CONS
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Digital chorus may sound flangery when distorted
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Reverb and chorus controls have limited adjustability
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Boost can introduce noise at high settings
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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
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The integrated overdrive and reverb design dictates pedal placement, challenging typical chain setups due to reverb usually being last.
Source
User experience
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Users appreciate the pedal's sound but desire separate footswitches for each effect instead of the small switches provided.
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Owners describe the VCR as a "secret weapon" for filling voids in sound, emphasizing its versatility in various styles.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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The VCR is praised for achieving the "Bette Davis Eyes" tone, appealing to fans of Kim Carnes' music.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings
294
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!
169
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
Rich Costey, producer of the next Muse album upload this image from the studio, where you can see the VCR.
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
Chris Shiflett is shown with the JHS / PaxAm Ryan Adams VCR pedal in a photo on Instagram, captioned "Getting ready for summer..."
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.
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.
According to Wolfe's Instagram profile, she received this pedal as a gift from Kevin McKeown, frontman of the band Black Pistol Fire.
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.
Community setups
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