Radial Engineering has again added to its pedal line-up, with the launch of the Regency, which acts as a pre-emphasis for mid and high gain amps, and a revamped version of its Tonebone Switchbone V2.
The Regency is pitched as two pedals in one. The first is the pre-drive – a high output, low distortion overdrive that is used to add extra saturation to the amp without muddying up the tone. It features a drive control, adjustable tone and a level control. A three-position low-mid switch further refines the tone by allowing the artist to tailor the bottom end to suit. When in play, the pre-drive adds natural sustain and harmonics. The second is a 100 per cent discrete Class-A boost that delivers up to +18Db of gain. A built-in effects loop automatically activates when the boost is engaged, allowing the artist to turn on his delay at the same time when soloing. This not only improves on-stage efficiency; it also helps to deliver a better performance. Both the pre-drive and the boost may be used at the same time, should absolute power be needed.
It will retail around $169.99.
In addition, the firm is now shipping the updated version of its Switchbone V2, which it claims is “the most powerful ABY+C amp selector ever devised”.
According to Radial CEO Peter Janis: “Back in 2001, when we developed the original Switchbone, we had no idea that it would become a classic that would be adopted by so many legendary artists including Allan Holdsworth, Derek Trucks, Marc Ribot, G.E. Smith, Audley Freed and Luther Dickinson just to name a few. We have even seen pictures of the Switchbone on Eric Clapton’s pedalboard… now how cool is that? But no matter how well it has been received, there comes a time when an update is needed. After 15 years, the Switchbone V2 represents the culmination of experience and feedback that we believe will deliver a greater degree of control and musical enjoyment for the most demanding guitarist.”
Faithful to the original is Radial’s award-winning class-A buffering circuit. This same circuit is employed in the Radial JD7 Injector that is used by players including John Petrucci, Carlos Santana and Steve Vai.
The new Tonebone Switchbone V2 delivers a natural signal transfer without the distortion or artifact that is commonly found with chip based switchers. It eliminates switching noise even when used with high gain amps and attenuates the hum that is common with true bypass devices. To top it off, it incorporates a power booster for soloing and opens the door to remote capabilities for enhancing the performance.
The Tonebone Switchbone V2 is now shipping with an RRP of $259.99.
