other hand, I imagine that
footswitches for each effect
would be more useful for
performances. Potential
buyers would be wise to
consider the merits of the
VCR’s design in light of
their own practices and
preferences.
As for the chorus, I coaxed
a pleasant and slow
undulation with a slight
metallic edge from the VCR
in the slower settings. The
effect cycled about once
every second or so when
the knob was set to roughly
2:00. Above 2:00, the effect
transformed into a warble
with a slight detune. At full-
on, the chorus resembled
the loopy, almost drunken
quaver heard in Nirvana’s
“Radio Friendly Unit
Shifter.” One caveat: The
Chorus appeared to output
at a predetermined mix
level.
The Reverb, like the chorus,
has only one adjustment
knob, which increases or
decreases the reverb time
or quantity. At shorter
settings, the reverb
reminded me of a spacious
room such as a concert
hall. At moderate settings,
the reverb began to take
on the long-hallway effect,
and at the highest settings,
the reverb seemed to
produce reflections within
reflections. A longer decay
trail followed, and I felt that
the effect was reminiscent
of spring reverb cranked
to the max. The VCR, then,
offers a range of different
reverb sounds, although
I wish that it gave me the
option of adjusting, say, the
decay. Still, the default tone
the VCR provides is more
than respectable.
When combined, the
chorus and reverb produce
the sort of shimmering,
pleasant tone that calls for
delicate finger style work
or mournful slide guitar
playing. The combination
of chorus and reverb will
surely please audience
and player alike. And, if
they can’t quite hear the
shimmering tones in the
back row, flip the toggle to
boost the volume.
about his favored Fender
Princeton amplifiers to hear
what I’m talking about). JHS
is a solid maker of pedals.
For these reasons, I believe
that guitarists everywhere
would be well served by the
VCR.
WHAT WE LIKE
Individually selectable
boost, chorus, and reverb
in one unit; pleasant chorus
with a variety of reverb
tones; a cool design that
harkens to the days of VHS.
CONCERNS
Some people might prefer
to have on/off rather
than toggle switches for
the effects; lack of fine
adjustments for Chorus and
Reverb.
Adams is a consummate
showman, and he knows
what sounds good live.
(Check out his videos online
ToneReport.com
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