Guitar Effects Guide #8: Vibrato
In the last episode, we looked at tremolo effects and also quickly explained the difference between tremolo and vibrato. The two terms are often used interchangeably, and yet they are completely different devices that work on completely different principles. But how did that happen? The main culprits are guitar and instrument manufacturers, who have been using these terms very loosely for decades. As a result, the term tremolo is now used to describe vibrato on guitars while tremolo on guitar amps is typically called vibrato. It's as simple as that...
As we explained in the last episode, tremolo is an effect based on faster or slower volume changes. But what is vibrato? It is a pulse effect that is created by changing the pitch frequency of a note. Although not as a device effect, vibrato has been used in music for centuries to add emotional depth and expression. The vibrato effect, like the tremolo, is characterised by two basic parameters: depth, or how large the range between the lowest and highest pitches is, and speed, or how quickly the pitch changes.
Earthquaker Devices Aqueduct
It's no coincidence that Earthquaker effects are almost always among the top picks. Nearly all of the effects from this Ohio-based crew offer a lot of unique features that result in truly original sounds. Aqueduct vibrato is no exception. Although it's inspired by vintage effects from the past, it features eight modes that take you from classic vibrato to synth sounds, pulsing sonars and spaceships. And of course, there are the Rate and Depth potentiometers. The effect's footswitch also has a momentary function, so the Aqueduct only activates for as long as the switch is pressed.
Boss VB-2W
Boss introduced their vibrato effect called VB-2 in 1982 and it quickly became a classic. A couple of years ago, it was reissued in the form of the VB-2 Waza Craft, which, unlike the brand's regular effects, is made in Japan. VB-2W offers a complete analogue circuit and two modes: S (Standard) and C (Custom). The Standard mode offers classic vintage vibrato and is a replica of the original effect. The Custom mode is more expressive and full-bodied.
The effect has three modes: latch, unlatch and bypass. In Latch mode, the box operates normally, in Unlatch mode the switch switches to momentary mode, and in Bypass mode the entire circuit is immediately removed from the signal path when switched off. The effect also allows you to connect an expression pedal to change the modulation intensity. Like all other Boss effects, the VB-2 operates in buffered bypass mode.
Crazy Tube Circuits Memphis Vibrato
Crazy Tube Circuits is a Greek company based in Athens. Their portfolio is full of many interesting effects, but we will focus on the Memphis Vibrato pedal. The Memphis Vibrato is half the Killer V pedal, which was inspired by the old Magnatone amps from the 50s and 60s. The Memphis is built on a pure analogue circuit with a period-accurate preamp that can boost your signal by up to 20 dB. The result is a beautiful vintage-sounding vibrato effect that transports you right back to the late 50s. The highlight is the All-wet/Dry wet switch, which adds an un-effected signal to your effects signal. The result is basically an ani-vibe or phaser sound.
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