MMHMM 20th Anniversary PROTOTYPE: WARM LED GLOW

DRV2

Ok, so I was going through some boxes, and found a few finished pedals from this run that were unclaimed. I only have 5 available, shipping now. 

These are slightly different than the original run, as I was experimenting with an idea where you can actually see the LED clipping mod happening. As you play the pedal, it lights up from the inside. This is (albeit very slightly) visible through the clear bottom layer between the enclosure and the bottom plate. It is very subtle, so please don't expect to be wowed with a ton of lights lol. You can also very easily take off the bottom plate, for the original look. 

This circuit is SLIGHTLY different sounding. It's a little more clear. Slightly less gain overall, and has a lot of clarity on complex chords. It's also much LOUDER if that is your thing. I think they sound great. Happy to send you one. Also, as these are currently not signed, I can do that if you'd like, but it may take a few days extra for me to meet up with Matt (singer of our band) for him to sign. Please send me an email through my site as soon as you order if you'd like this, and I'm happy to accomodate!

I'm in a band called Relient K. Matt Thiessen and I started this band in high school and we are still having fun playing music together. This is the first in a series of a few things we are gonna do to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of our album - MMHMM. I've always wanted to do a crossover / collaboration / art piece with the band, and I'm so happy to be doing this now!

For me, DRV is the sound of MMHMM. It's even a bit nostalgic to me at this point, in its own way. It's what I use to get the sounds to play the songs from this record live, and has taken a long process of creating something new and unique that sounds like this record sounds.

The artwork is by Karen Schierhorn and Grant Wilson of Big Ear Pedals, taken from the original MMHMM album artwork by Greg Leppert.

I've decided to switch up the pedal enclosure for this release! It's so beautiful, and honestly looks even better in person!. This release will be a lot of firsts for 1981, and for RK. I am doing this DRV in an entirely different enclosure. It's about the same size, but a little taller and a little deeper (about a 1/4 inch). It's also a little more squared off. I felt that the shape and size not only help differentiate, but feel "right" and a little more substantial for the artwork.

The circuit will be the all new / redesigned V2 of the DRV, internally called DRV2. This has not yet been widely released, and I feel that it encapsulates the sound of the record even more so. I’ve been working on this V2 circuit for more than a year now, and I finally got it right. Instead of trying to exactly copy the original circuit, I decided to make some changes. It's not a whole lot different, I think, but the differences are subtle, and nice. I’ve used this version for multiple shows and rehearsals with my band, and I absolutely love it. The sound of my guitar is the best tone I’ve ever had, and it has been an exciting change for me. I even find myself using DRV on songs where I typically would favor LVL or other gain devices.

That said, getting to the PCB, it is now in SMT (surface mount) format. Redesigned and engineered by resident genius John Snyder of Electronic Audio Experiments (who also did the LVL circuit). At first, I was really concerned with exactly replicating the original DRV sound, but after getting some time, I thought of a few things I’d like to alter. I won’t go into all the specifics of it here and now, but it can now run at 9v or 18v. It is much quieter, as far as the noise floor of the pedal, but it’s still a distortion, which is actually mostly noise haha. I realize that some of you may have preferences against the surface mount format, and this one is not for you! I really enjoy things about through hole, but mainly the nostalgia and the romantic feeling about it. And does it sound different? I think so, but see for yourself.

These pedals will be hand assembled by Jack and I, in Nashville, TN. Also gonna get Matt T to help out and do some soldering for you guys.

Will ship with standard packaging materials, including a MMHMM20 guitar pick, and 2 all new stickers!

Runs on 9v standard (boss style) power. Battery clip or power supply is not included. An isolated power supply is recommended.

INTL Shipping is now $35USD (flat rate)

A note for international. I’m lowering my international shipping rate. I realize that tariffs are a drag. While I can’t control what governments do, I have made my shipping more efficient and I’m passing on the savings straight to you! Shipping through UPS Expedited (unless otherwise requested). EU orders will be responsible for VAT taxes, and all countries are responsible for knowing the import tax laws within your country.