thepedalarchitect's Reviews
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It's all about the Cheese
The JHS Cheese Ball Fuzz/Distortion is an accurate 1:1 replica of the original circuit from the 90s legendary Lovetone Big Cheese-Pedal (which is super rare and almost unaffordable). The original was at home on the pedalboards of some of the greatest names in the music industry - The Edge, Jimmy Page, Radiohead and Gary Moore, just to name some.
First impression
The pedal with it's orange finish comes in a standard JHS cardboard box with instructions, four rubber feet, a JHS pin, a sticker and a guitar pick. It weighs 265 grams (9.347 oz) and measures 120 x 65 x 57 mm (4.72 x 2.56 x 2.24 inches). The purple cheese slice design is a nice reminiscence of the Lovetone Original. The pedal is handmade by JHS in Kansas City, USA.
Details
Although the Cheese Ball doesn't merge an infinite number of separate circuits under it's shell, it offers a huge variety of fuzz sounds. The entirely analogue circuit works in a stable, full metal enclosure, the activity status of the True-Bypass switch is indicated by a bright LED light. Compared to Lovetone's Big Cheese, which is a lot more heavy and massive, it's a much lighter and more elegant stompbox. The retro touch comes in with the placement of the input and output jacks on the right and left side of the pedal.
To use the fuzz you will need a 9V DC power adapter (which is not included), battery operation is not an option. The pedal interface runs with 3 pots and a switch, all together equipped with purple Chickenhead knobs to match the purple graphics which stand in a nice contrast to the orange enclosure. The knob positions are distinguishable from afar thanks to white scale marks.
There are 4 main controls (1 from upper left to 4 below on the right) 1 - Tone (from Dark to Bright) - a standard brightness control to dampen / cut or push / boost the highs. 2 - Mode - a Four-Step selector switch for 4 tone modes: Off - Delivers a bright vintage orientated fuzz sound with less gain, the Tone Pot is deactivated. 1 - Delivers a kind of muff-like mid-scoop sound with a lot of sustain. 2 - Delivers a huge more mid-orientated fuzz sound with a lot of gain and a lower / restrained attack. 3 - Delivers the most aggressive gated-fuzz-sound with the most Gain-Reserves. 3 - Volume - Controls the overall volume of the effect. 4 - Gain - Controls the overall amount of gain, from slightly crunchy to hell distortion.
Conclusion
The JHS Cheese Ball Fuzz/Distortion-Pedal is a thoroughly professional stompbox, combining high quality craftsmanship with convincing sound quality. Four modes provide a wide range of fuzz sounds which allow to recreate almost any characteristic or familiar fuzz sound, which makes it an attractive alternative to it's much more expensive big brother.
Pros
- It's a replica of a rare pedal legend
- Four Tone and Gain settings
- Authentic Fuzz-Sounds from the 60s to 90s
- High quality product
- Versatility
Cons
- sounds could be a matter of taste and will not suit everyone
...I highly recommend getting one!
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