VFE Pedals is Closing Down

KHann

KHann

Oct 23, 2018
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Canada
#1


TL;DR He's just had a son with a cleft lip and needs more personal time, but is having a big sale on pedals if you're willing to wait for him to build them; the longer you can wait, the cheaper they get. Go to his deals page and you can see the terms:
VFE Pedals :: Boutique & Custom Effects :: Education

Fortunately doctors are pretty good with this sort of thing nowadays, so his little guy will be fine.

I found this because I was trying to figure out how to identify (and so possible buy) a bass-modded Triumvirate. Can anyone supply a photo or something showing the difference between the stock and the bass mod, so I don't accidentally buy the guitar-based version? Thanks.
 
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#2
I, too, would like to know the differences between the two Triumvirates, as I intend to get the VFE Triumvirate PCB from MadBean (several other VFE designs are available there as well).

If you can find out the differences between the two, I'm pretty sure you could get the PCB from Madbean and use that one for the bass version, either soldering it yourself or a local iron-wielder to do it for you.

I just tried to buy the Eagle Files that were up for sale, but the link didn't work. :(

Didn't snap it up before because I didn't use Eagle, but...
Just downloaded the Eagle Programme the other day, so when I saw this thread and then the video, thought every drop in the bucket helps fill it.

I've emailed him to see if the Eagle files are still available, the differences between the bass Triumvirate and guitar version may be contained therein.
 
#3
KHann said:


TL;DR He's just had a son with a cleft lip and needs more personal time, but is having a big sale on pedals if you're willing to wait for him to build them; the longer you can wait, the cheaper they get. Go to his deals page and you can see the terms:
VFE Pedals :: Boutique & Custom Effects :: Education

Fortunately doctors are pretty good with this sort of thing nowadays, so his little guy will be fine.

I found this because I was trying to figure out how to identify (and so possible buy) a bass-modded Triumvirate. Can anyone supply a photo or something showing the difference between the stock and the bass mod, so I don't accidentally buy the guitar-based version? Thanks.
Click to expand...


Hello, welcome to TalkBass, and thank you for this news. I love, love, love VFE Pedals. Peter is a fantastic human being and his pedals aren't bad either. Now I know never to sell my VFE Pedals custom Azabache or my Klein Bottle.

Peter: We love you, man. Your son is going to be fine. He is a lucky little guy to be part of such a good family.
 
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#5
Feral Feline said:
I, too, would like to know the differences between the two Triumvirates
Click to expand...

My recollection is that the only difference between the guitar and bass Triumvirates is the settings of the internal trimpots for crossover frequencies. Makes sense given that the two versions aren't labeled any differently from each other. If true: with no other information, you could just tweak the trimpots until you got the best result.

I have a bass Triumvirate that I haven't used much since I picked up some other multiband pedals. When I get a chance I'll peek inside to see how the trimpots are set. I haven't adjusted them, and I bought the pedal new from the VFE custom shop.

Ordering from the VFE custom shop was an amazing process, btw -- I was sorry it was shut down a couple/few years ago, and I'm also sorry that VFE pedals is shutting down.
 
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#10
KHann said:
I'm more interested in how you would recognize one when it appears, so that I can buy the right one. I'm hoping the only physical difference isn't inside the case.
Click to expand...
your best bet would be to buy the RUP pedal, which is the Triumvirate with all trimpots on the outside as well as a clean blend. There are two on Reverb now, although grossly overvalued. They've been up for months/years.
 
#11
KHann said:
I'm more interested in how you would recognize one when it appears, so that I can buy the right one. I'm hoping the only physical difference isn't inside the case.
Click to expand...

Other than the seller telling you so, in most cases I don't think you can tell by outside looks, since (at least when I purchased mine) the buyer would pick the paint/enclosure graphics/knobs of there choice.

Here's mine - no way to tell it's the bass version... no way really even to tell it's a Triumvirate

triumvirate.png


There a RUP in the TB classifieds I believe...
 
#14
Heard back from Mr Rutter, he is planning on releasing his designs into the wild via Reverb-dawt-cawm or something, he's still working out the details.

Meanwhile, the Eagle has landed, here. ;) I'm looking forward to dissecting and learning...

For instance a quick perusal of the VFE Triplet reveals it owes a lot to Dan Armstrong, as the compressor section is basically an Orange Squeezer, the Octave-up Armstrong's Green Ringer and I haven't examined the schematic closely enough to determine what the distortion section is, but it's op-amp based and I'm guessing it owes some debt to the Blue Clipper or similar circuit (MXR Dist+/DOD250). I'll be taking a closer look when I have more time.

I've been working on my own Dan Armstrong circuit amalgamation, so learning about the Triplet was kinda like receiving validation. :)
 
#15
Stumbled across this bit of news, VFE will be having a limited run of custom pedals for summer 2020, and another company will be subcontracted to make the redesigned VFE pedals [as "V(E)"] next year:

PETER RUTTER said:
I will redesign the entire VFE Pedal lineup in 2020 to prepare all compact pedals for production by another manufacturer in 2021. As part of this process, I am offering a limited, custom run of pedals that I will build in the summer of 2020. Any of the pedals listed at vfepedals.com/pedals can be custom ordered now for $199. The only exceptions are the Klein Bottle (available on Reverb) and the RUP.
Click to expand...

Looks like they'll be housed in 1590B2 enclosures with top-mount jacks. Mr Rutter was the guy who convinced Hammond to make the B2 (slightly taller than the regular 1590B) to aid in TOP MOUNT JACKS. 1590B2, just about the perfect-sized enclosure — big enough for more complex circuits and more knobs than a 1590A, but takes about the same amount of pedalboard real-estate as 1590A once you figure in jacks/patch-cables.

Pre-order here:
VFE Pedals :: Boutique & Custom Effects :: Pedals

There was also an IndieGogo campaign, but alas it's already closed.



No affiliation, just thought some TBers might appreciate VFE B2 pedals.
 
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#17
Just an add on to the above.

Went digging around for another Pinball EQ today and it seems it’s getting down to the final wire on VFE pedals if anybody’s still interested.

From the website:

Final 2021 Pedal Run - While Supplies Last

This is it! I took inventory of all the cases, knobs, and circuit boards I have in stock and made a list of all the pedals I can build in the next 2-3 months. A handful of these pedals are nearly finished, but most won't be finished & ready to ship until my spring break at the end of March.

I will not be purchasing any more inventory after these pedals are finished. I plan sell or license my designs in 2021 so I can spend more time with my family and build our programs at IDEA High School.

Many of the new designs run optimally with current draw between 100-150mA. Some can take over 200mA (Rocket EQ + reverb pedals) and some take much less (Alpha Dog + Fuzz Duo).
Click to expand...

Last of what’s still available can be preordered here. So if you’ve been sitting on the fence about one of them, now is probably a good time to consider making your move. (Just note the delivery window.)

Standard disclaimer: I have no affiliation. :)
 
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