TEST: Keeler Pull

I am such a little skeptic. Sometimes I even have to be careful that I don't get a whiff of bias. Yes, I admit it, with certain products, which have certain construction features, there is a tendency to assign a fluctuating percentage of evaluation already before the introduction of the actual test.

Good for the one who nevertheless surrenders himself to objectivity in the last consequence and surrenders himself like a novice, without prejudices to the actual sound yield. What does this introduction have to do with the actual test? Well, I'm a tube-man! Not only in terms of amplifier technology in the actual sense, but also with effects devices of any kind, the small glass bulbs were personally in terms of saturation or dynamic behavior compared to their semiconductor colleagues usually a step ahead in terms of sound.

Of course there are legends a la Tube Screamer or OD-1, about which whole volumes of books have been written and which have been used excessively by well-known artists, so you really can't assume a general valuation. Only I personally have in case of doubt in direct comparison mostly missed the transistor the second place and preferred for my live operation the glass piston.

Especially concerning the distortion range, a representative of the semiconductor league has it therefore always at first sight a little bit more difficult with me than if it is equipped with a small mica. But as I said, objectivity will prevail this time as well!

On to another round of the boutique department. Keeler Designs hands me a nondescript pedal labeled "Pull", of its mark to be classified in the category of overdrive pedals.


Construction

As usual with Keeler Design, the "Pull" also comes with a general spartanity. Three controls (Volume, Texture, Tone), input, output, power connector, blue LED, off! Hm, truly not much, you would think, but well, we know that from other overdrive pedals as well.

Internally, components are not stingy, for example, only very massive jack sockets and a high-quality true bypass switch are used. As usual with Keeler pedals, nothing can be said about the overall circuitry, since all the electronics are on a circuit board that has been completely covered with synthetic resin. Too bad, but this is the only method to defend against copyists.

Visually, it's once again "disco time" ;-). While the colleague "Push" still called the exalted violet his own, brother "Pull" comes analog in blue metallic, not without two huge, ugly, but unfortunately legally required CE and disposal stickers on the bottom. Fortunately, you can peel them off.



Practice

According to Rob Keeler, the "Pull" was the first pedal he developed. Decisive for this must have been in his function as a guitarist the constant discussion with the FOH about the stage volume used (which guitarist does not know this discussion....). So the goal was to design a pedal that would only "improve" the sound, not "change" it.

A lofty goal, because in general you use pedals to "blow up" your sound, which partly serves its purpose, but also usually goes hand in hand with a change in the sound. But what if you are generally satisfied with your sound, but only get it from a certain volume or just want to "pimp" it a bit?

This is where the Pull comes in, which in principle does "nothing at all"! Huh? Has the ride now again not heard the shot? Au Contraire, mon Ami. If you switch the "Pull" between guitar and amplifier and turn all controls to 12 o'clock, nothing really happens at first when the circuit is activated, i.e. the FX sound and the original sound are identical.

But if you turn the knobs now, you cause a high interaction with the amp and achieve a kind of "frequency fusion" depending on the guitar and amp used. The signal changes, but even my trained ears, which in their 20-year function as sound engineers have heard really every guitar sound, can not readily tell WHAT exactly is going on sonically.

On the one hand, a slight increase in gain takes place, but without immediately feeding the amp of a classic booster with a higher output signal. This also does not drive the preamp of the amp into saturation and the dynamics are preserved. So you can continue to work very nicely with the volume control of the guitar, without a catch-up effect of a booster to undo this again.

The "Texture" and "Tone" controls actually only serve to sound out the "sweet spot" of the used guitar / amp combination. Once you have found it, you have succumbed to the pedal, you just don't want to turn it off anymore. Like a junkie on the needle, or like the Western industrial nations on the oil, you stick to this sound and make it a permanent part of your sound within a very short time.

However, it is very decisive which combination you call your own, or what you use live or in the studio. Although there are only three inconspicuous controls, usually only exactly one sound hits the optimum between guitar and amplifier and can not be transferred to other combinations. As I said, the pedal does "nothing" except improve the sound....

Well, for crystal clear, clean sounds in the eighties style this "low gain overdrive", as its official type designation is called, will not be used, that probably explains itself, but as soon as even a "hint" of gain enters the stage, one is immediately inclined to operate the pedal's relay.


Conclusion

Yes, and then came Keeler...... It's hard to put into words sonically something that, on the one hand, is so subtle that a majority of the listener will hardly notice it, and yet, within a very short time, molds itself into an absolute "must-have". Despite my reticence towards semiconductor technology, I'm actually at a loss for words here.

I have no idea what Rob Keeler has glued in his resin mass, I can only say that it is unparalleled! Similar to the analogy of using a simple cable (sound ok), then using a top cable (sound subjectively marginally better), then back to the simple cable (sound suddenly crap, because within seconds you have become accustomed to the sound of the top cable), the pull changes the sound initially only in small steps, which, however, when the pedal is subsequently deactivated, is equivalent to a castration of the original sound.

Similar to a loudness circuit on a stereo system, the pedal makes the amp sound "bigger" and "more voluminous", especially at moderate volumes, without letting the transparency of the signal go to the dogs by increasing the compression. Rarely has a distortion, or shall we say booster, signal captivated me as much as the Pull from Keeler Designs.

Even if the price really hurts and should actually cause a small point deduction, here there is only maximum score, non-negotiable, sorry!

Additional informations:

- Keeler Pedals has emerged as a leading brand in the realm of guitar effects pedals, offering a diverse range of meticulously crafted devices designed to enhance the sonic possibilities for guitarists and musicians. In this detailed review, we will explore the key features, performance, build quality, and overall user experience of Keeler Pedals, delving into their acclaimed models and their impact on the music industry.

History and Background: Keeler Pedals was founded in 2010 by Tim Keeler, a passionate guitarist and engineer with a vision to create exceptional effects pedals that surpass industry standards. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Keeler Pedals quickly gained recognition for its unique designs and uncompromising quality.
Design and Build Quality: One of the standout features of Keeler Pedals is their distinctive design aesthetics. The pedals boast a sleek, minimalist appearance, often featuring bold and captivating artwork. The build quality is exceptional, with robust construction using high-quality materials, ensuring durability for both studio and live performance settings.
Range of Pedals: Keeler Pedals offers a diverse lineup of effects pedals, catering to various musical genres and playing styles. Let's explore some of their noteworthy models:

a. Drive Pedals:
The Abbey Drive: A versatile overdrive pedal known for its warm and smooth tone, capable of producing subtle bluesy grit to searing lead tones.
The Merman Overdrive: A transparent overdrive pedal that preserves the natural dynamics of the guitar, ideal for players seeking a dynamic response.

b. Modulation Pedals:
The Neapolitan Chorus: A lush analog chorus pedal with rich, warm tones, featuring versatile controls for depth, speed, and modulation character.
The Aurora Phaser: A versatile phaser pedal offering a wide range of classic and modern phasing effects, with intuitive controls for versatility.

c. Time-Based Effects:
The Eccos Delay/Looper: A feature-packed delay and looper pedal, offering pristine digital delay sounds, tap tempo, and up to 8 minutes of looping capabilities.
The Helios Reverb: A high-quality reverb pedal, ranging from subtle ambience to vast, atmospheric soundscapes, with a user-friendly interface.
Performance and Sound Quality: Keeler Pedals have garnered a reputation for their exceptional sound quality and performance. The pedals are known for their transparency, preserving the natural tone and dynamics of the instrument while adding character and depth. Each pedal is carefully voiced to provide a unique sonic signature, inspiring creativity and musical expression.

Innovative Features: Keeler Pedals continually pushes the boundaries of guitar effects, integrating innovative features that set them apart from competitors. Some notable features include:

a. The Tone Condenser: This unique circuitry ensures that the pedals respond dynamically to the nuances of the player, providing a highly touch-sensitive and responsive experience.

b. Hybrid Power: Keeler Pedals incorporates hybrid power technology, allowing their pedals to be powered via standard 9V power supplies or USB power banks, making them suitable for both stage and studio use.

c. Flexi-Switch Technology: Many Keeler Pedals utilize Flexi-Switch technology, enabling seamless switching between momentary and latching operations, expanding the range of creative possibilities.

User Experience and Support: Keeler Pedals prides itself on providing an exceptional user experience. The pedals feature intuitive controls and clear labeling, making them accessible to both beginners and experienced players. The company also offers comprehensive user manuals, tutorial videos, and prompt customer support, ensuring that users have the necessary resources to maximize their pedal's potential.

Conclusion:
Keeler Pedals has solidified its position as a trailblazer in the realm of guitar effects pedals, offering an extensive range of meticulously designed devices that cater to the needs of diverse musicians. Their commitment to innovation, sound quality, and user experience has garnered them a loyal following. With their unique features and exceptional build quality, Keeler Pedals continue to shape the sonic landscapes of contemporary music, inspiring guitarists worldwide.

- Overdrive pedals have become an integral part of the guitarist's arsenal, providing a versatile means of adding warmth, grit, and harmonically rich overtones to their sound. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the world of overdrive pedals, exploring their history, types, key features, notable models, and their impact on guitar tone and musical expression.

History and Evolution: The concept of overdrive in electric guitar tone originated in the 1950s and gained popularity as guitarists sought to emulate the natural breakup and harmonic saturation of tube amplifiers at higher volumes. Initially, players would achieve overdrive by pushing their amplifiers to the point of distortion. Over time, the demand for a controllable and portable solution led to the development of overdrive pedals.
Types of Overdrive Pedals: Overdrive pedals can be broadly categorized into three types based on their circuit designs:

a. Tube-Based Overdrive: These pedals utilize vacuum tubes (valves) to produce the overdriven sound, emulating the warm and dynamic characteristics of tube amplifiers. They often exhibit a more organic and responsive feel.

b. Solid-State Overdrive: These pedals employ transistor-based circuitry to generate overdrive tones. They tend to offer a cleaner, more focused overdrive and are often characterized by their transparency and clarity.

c. Digital Overdrive: Digital overdrive pedals utilize digital signal processing (DSP) technology to replicate the sound of overdriven tubes or solid-state circuits. They offer a wide range of tonal options and can emulate various classic and modern overdrive sounds.

Key Features of Overdrive Pedals: Overdrive pedals incorporate various features that contribute to their versatility and usability:

a. Gain Control: This knob determines the amount of overdrive or distortion applied to the signal, allowing players to achieve anything from subtle breakup to saturated and aggressive tones.

b. Tone Control: The tone knob adjusts the frequency response of the overdriven signal, enabling players to shape the overall tonal character. Some pedals offer additional EQ controls for further tone shaping.

c. Level Control: The level (or volume) knob controls the overall output level of the pedal, ensuring unity gain or boosting the signal to cut through the mix.

d. Additional Controls: Many overdrive pedals feature extra controls such as presence, midrange, and bass knobs, allowing for fine-tuning and customization of the pedal's tone.
Notable Overdrive Pedal Models:

a. Ibanez Tube Screamer: A legendary overdrive pedal known for its smooth midrange boost and iconic "808" and "TS9" versions. It has been a staple on countless pedalboards across genres.

b. Fulltone OCD: Renowned for its dynamic response and wide gain range, the Fulltone OCD offers rich overtones and excellent touch sensitivity, making it a versatile choice for various musical styles.

c. Boss BD-2 Blues Driver: With its warm and bluesy overdrive, the BD-2 has become a favorite among blues and rock guitarists, delivering a smooth and harmonically complex tone.

d. Klon Centaur: Considered a holy grail of overdrive, the Klon Centaur provides transparent and dynamic overdrive, adding a touch of magic to the guitar's tone and responsiveness.

e. ProCo RAT: Originally designed as a distortion pedal, the ProCo RAT gained popularity for its versatile overdrive capabilities. It offers a wide range of tones, from mild breakup to aggressive distortion.

Impact on Guitar Tone and Musical Expression: Overdrive pedals significantly impact guitar tone and musical expression by adding texture, sustain, and harmonically complex overtones to the sound. They allow players to explore a wide range of tonal possibilities, from subtle vintage-style breakup to aggressive and saturated distortion. Overdrive pedals not only enhance the character of different guitar and amplifier combinations but also respond to the player's touch and playing dynamics, enabling expressive and nuanced performances.

Conclusion:
Overdrive pedals have revolutionized the world of guitar tone, offering guitarists a means to shape their sound and add richness, warmth, and harmonics to their playing. With a diverse range of types and models available, players have endless options for achieving their desired overdrive tones. Whether it's vintage-inspired breakup, modern saturation, or anything in between, overdrive pedals continue to be an essential tool for musicians seeking to unlock new levels of creativity and sonic expression.