Have any of you NOT liked the timmy?

[Fuzzdawg]

ok, since i have been to TGP, i have heard nothing but praise after praise for the timmy. have any of you tried the timmy and not liked it?

[Nathan]

I sold mine but I did like it ...alot! Is there anything better out there? Possibly, like the Kar Krash sounded better to my ears for most things, but have a look at the price tag! Incidentally, I sold that too.

[dividedsky]

Well, it was more that I didn't need it than didn't like it. It's a good pedal, and definitely the most amp like I've ever played. It just had a flavor that I didn't necessarily care for.

[teddy boy]

Nice pedal indeed... Actually, I don't think I've heard of anybody not liking it. A real TGP classic!

[Mapleneck]

I liked the pedal ok but also sold nine. I just didn't use it that much. It worked great with other pedals, but didn't do much for me on its own. It sounded like a pedal to me. Didn't clean up that great for me, and I keep my tweed amp cranked higher (through an attenuator if need be) these days, so I just don't need a low gain pedal. It is still a great, well thought out pedal and Paul Cochrane is tops. But when I went for the minimalistic pedalboard, in the end the Timmy was expendable.

[mustangman]

its a really nice pedal and its not that i dont like it, its just not the sound I'm looking for. The Eternity sounds very nice though!!!
by the way mines for sale. looking for a seek trem and an eternity.

[Gibsonchild]

I really didn't like mine at first. Took me a while to get it dialed in. Also, it doesn't like my Mesa DC3 at all, which is very pedal friendly. I finally drug out my Pro Reverb and, wow!! I can't even turn the Timmy off now. Good stuff.

[tedzepplin]

I still have my Timmy but I don't use it right now. If I need a volume boost I'll use it. But if I need overdrive without a volume boost I use my Blackstone.

[fyler]

i thought it was good for making my small amp seem bigger (fargen bastage), but it didn't really sound all that great with my big amp (thd flexi). i sold it because it just wasn't really useful for me.

[teddy boy]

Wow, so now it's just ok? And I just waited 3 months to get mine...

[1radicalron]

I was slightly Underwhelmed by the Tim and Timmy Pedals. They sound like a very Linear Even order Harmonic Clipping sound. Great, if thats your thing.
I still prefer a more Tube like Overdrive. The Classic 808 or the Aramat Green Machine is a personal Fav of mine.
A bit more of a "Tube" attitude sound.

[Fuzzdawg]

wow! nothing but "YOU MUST BUY THIS PEDAL" for a month, then this...

[bjjp2]

I just sold mine. Granted, I didn't give it that much time, but I didn't see what the big deal was. For low gain OD, it didn't sound better than my Barber LTD (not to mention my Zendrive or my Blues Pro). Sounded a little raspier in the bass than I expected. Maybe just lack of synergy with my amp, guitars and playing style (or ability).

[Mapleneck]

wow! nothing but "YOU MUST BUY THIS PEDAL" for a month, then this...

I wouldn't get down on Timmy just yet. Just because it didn't fit my application is no slight against the pedal. I have sold lots of pedals that I thought were great because I had a very specific purpose in mind that they didn't fit. No pedal can be all things to all people.

Besides I don't think it has been all at once. I have noticed several Tims and Timmys for sale over the last several months. It is suffering from a major case of flavor of the month and that makes it hard to notice the few who passed on it.

[onemind]

This thread requested feedback from people who "didn't love the Timmy pedal" so don't assume it's not a killer pedal, only people who fit the criteria are posting (and even some of them dug it), Me, I sold my Timmy, kept my Tim, probably should have kept both.

[threm]

I like it a lot for adding just some grit to a clean sound and it`s a great pedal for what it does well.
But going into a clean amp there are other pedals that are more suited in simulating the kind of amp (tube) compression I like. Even with the internal switches on the Timmy doesn`t compress the way I prefer. This is possibly just a plus to most folks.

I`ll keep the Timmy as it sits well (soundwise) between the Klon (used with Gain off) and other OD`s.

[PaulC]

There's days I don't like it! It's just something I made for my plexi and my strat. Just another flavor...

Later, PaulC

[twoheadedboy]

I couldn't stand mine with any of the amps I tried it with. I found that at most settings it was very harsh and grainy. I used it with several custom amps, some vintage fenders, and a vox clone. I also tried several guitars running through the Timmy. I love the sound of all of those amps on their own, but the Timmy sounded like mung going into every one of them. It was either grainy and thin sounding or just plain dull. I played with the switches inside and still couldn't find a combination that I liked. I even played with different cables, speakers and batteries. With the unit I tried, there was a cheap-sounding fizz riding on top of every note I played, no matter what I did. As soon as I switched off the Timmy, I could calm down and feel okay about playing guitar again.

Well, at least I made quite a profit selling it ;)

[PaulC]

Bummer - you should have called me. I have a full weeks return on them you know... Well at least you were able to make some money off of it instead of returning it to me.

This is going to be a fun night I can tell... Maybe i should go ahead and toss my computer out the window now! PaulC

[twoheadedboy]

Sorry Paul. I meant no disrespect towards you or your product. It has great workmanship and a good solid design, but I think I would be doing a disservice to TGP if I didn't speak up about the fact that the Timmy didn't do it for me. I trust that the members of TGP are smart enough to tease apart the hype from the truth, and that your pedals really do have something special. I purchased my Timmy used, so I don't know if I could have returned it to you. The guy I sold it to absolutely loves it, and I know he's not the only one.

[1968]

I love using it as a clean boost- but I decided I can do without it for now (while using a zvex booster).. Its definitely a pedal I would buy again one day..

[♫▐▀▄▀▌♫]

I love the Timmy! I agree with what was posted before, the thread asked for negatives, so the people that have had negative experiences with the pedal (which you are bound to have some of with any product) are posting, but it's a great pedal that a lot of people (myself included) really enjoy playing.

[Bajan]

Well I just got my Tim today and got home a while ago and fired it up. I am using it with a Fargen 40 watt (6L6) Blackbird combo and a Hamer Artist Korina Humbucker model. So far, I love it. It does exactly what I couldn't get my Fulldrive to do, be very clear with tight lows and highs that don't hurt. The EQ section is great, I can control the boom and mud with the bass control, keeping things very tight and controlled while also keeping the highs from getting too bright with the treb knob. I can actually get a very tight singing overdrive with a neck humbucker and have a full, warm clean tone at the same time. I find that the Tim has a very 'clean' gain in that it isn't fizzy or buzzy but is articulate and very clear. It is like taking my clean tone and making it just smoke. There is no hiding behind this pedal, you will hear everything you play. So is this pedal for everyone? No, no pedal is. Fortunately, we have a great selection of high quality gear on the market and so you can probably find exactly what you are looking for if you search for it. Is this pedal for me? My initial answer is yes, hell yes. Anyway, back to playing the Tim..........

Shane

[VanStone]

I found the Timmy grainy and unnatural sounding at mid-high gain levels (not a big deal, as I was looking for a low-gain OD). It was also generally trebly, and when I dialed down the treble it affected the mids too (I've been told, subsequent to having it, that's not the norm however).

Excellent build quality and PaulC is very cool. But it just didn't "do it" for me. If you want a booster type pedal with a little gain it's excellent, but I found that for my tastes in low-gain OD there are better choices.

V

[cheesey]

people expect too much i got a tim and at first i was wondering what all the fuss was about . i didnt get it until i hit the stage and it was ding Tim works awesome pushing my tweed super and boosting up my gainster .
its all guitar and amp thats all i want.

[tot_Ou_tard]

I like it a lot for adding just some grit to a clean sound and it`s a great pedal for what it does well.
But going into a clean amp there are other pedals that are more suited in simulating the kind of amp (tube) compression I like. Even with the internal switches on the Timmy doesn`t compress the way I prefer. This is possibly just a plus to most folks.

I`ll keep the Timmy as it sits well (soundwise) between the Klon (used with Gain off) and other OD`s.
So what do you like better going into a clean amp?

[Bulldog]

Bummer - you should have called me. I have a full weeks return on them you know... Well at least you were able to make some money off of it instead of returning it to me.

This is going to be a fun night I can tell... Maybe i should go ahead and toss my computer out the window now! PaulC

Haha, with all the praise your pedals get, the 5 negative responses should just make you feel better! Your equipment's so successful, it warrants a backlash! =)

[PaulC]

Sorry Paul. I meant no disrespect towards you or your product. It has great workmanship and a good solid design, but I think I would be doing a disservice to TGP if I didn't speak up about the fact that the Timmy didn't do it for me. I trust that the members of TGP are smart enough to tease apart the hype from the truth, and that your pedals really do have something special. I purchased my Timmy used, so I don't know if I could have returned it to you. The guy I sold it to absolutely loves it, and I know he's not the only one.

It's O.k. - I didn't feel like there was any disrespect! Like I said there's days I don't like the pedal depending on my mood. It's good to have both views going. Add 'em all up and divided by half and you get a better picture of what's really going on.

Later, PaulC

[tiltrite]

they'll get my TIM when they pry it from my cold,dead, etc etc..

not as crazy about my timmy when used alone; but when I put it in the fx loop of the TIM, I like that combo a lot.

[threm]

So what do you like better going into a clean amp?
First of all, I like the Timmy a lot. It`s on my board but not as a main OD, more like a hairy booster after the Klon.

The Stephenson Stage Hog has solved the tone quest for an OD that sounds and feels like the real thing going into a clean amp. It may seem expensive but it`s not more than three of the OD`s that folks here buy every second month.

I haven`t heard a lot of OD`s but of the ones I have I like;
CJOD - Amplike feel, nice dynamics and compression when digging in, sometimes a little too much hi mids with my amps
Zendrive - fat and tight, still missing some low mid punch sometimes
Shannon OD - still fatter and broader but also softer, great bloom and sustain
Pedalworx TTS Elite - Tighter than the Shannon, the midhump is a little higher up on the EQ
Also got a MI Blue Boy, Vox Valvetone, BD-2, Rumble Mod, Slow Burn

A friends vintage tubescreamer is hard to beat for that sound combined with his Honey Bee.

There are still a few OD`s I`d like to try.........
A Blackstone combined with a Honey Bee, another tubescreamer like the Cusack or CMATMODS Tube Slammer, one of the Skreddy OD`s, the MI Crunch Box ..........


I still believe there`s an end to this :horse

[Blues Wail]

It's O.k. - I didn't feel like there was any disrespect! Like I said there's days I don't like the pedal depending on my mood. It's good to have both views going. Add 'em all up and divided by half and you get a better picture of what's really going on.

Later, PaulC
paul, aldo here, i should have my timmy twomorrow, i know what i'm goin
for soundwise, lookin 4ward to it! thanx fer lettin me rattle yer ear off the
other morning!:D

[57special]

There's days I don't like it! It's just something I made for my plexi and my strat. Just another flavor...

Later, PaulC

very funny! Not exactly a hypemeister, are you Paul? BTW, i picked up a Briton II and LOVE it.

[ToneRanger]

There's so much truth in PaulC saying "there's days I don't like it".. That sums it up perfectly for me. I find quite often that yesterdays dream setup is tomorrows nightmare. I dont know if it's the inconsistent nature of the tubes working or just the weird way my brain functions, but anyway.. Things always sound a bit different. And then there are people claiming they actually can remember excactly how their setup sounded before some minor change. ;)

[teddy boy]

There's so much truth in PaulC saying "there's days I don't like it".. That sums it up perfectly for me. I find quite often that yesterdays dream setup is tomorrows nightmare. I dont know if it's the inconsistent nature of the tubes working or just the weird way my brain functions, but anyway.. Things always sound a bit different. And then there are people claiming they actually can remember excactly how their setup sounded before some minor change. ;)

+100 So true. I remember this dilemma from already years ago when our band was playing grungey type stuff with Big Muffs. On one day they'd sound like Gods fist pounding and the next it would be a wasp in a jar. No changes at all to the setup but just some weird stuff going on that I never quite understand...

[thebot]

I think it's actually your head on any given day. Like some days you can play Neil Young's whole collection back to back, another day you don't want to listen to any. It's not just in the fingers, it's also in the head. I know my head sometimes has a pretty high noise floor!

[ToneRanger]

Hell yeah, at last some honesty in here, people confessing that their ears always dont function like super computers! :)

"I'm sure my guitar really started to breathe once I removed that sticky poly finish" (after reading thousands of comments on how guitars breathe with thinner finish... been there, done that, bought the t-shirt :) most of this stuff is in your head).

But back to the topic, I really love my Timmy. It made such an impression, I just kept saying "I love this" thousand times when I first tried it.. And it keeps on working still, so that was not honey moon bs ;)

Funny thing, I tried my '57 reissue strat with my setup the other day and found it to be VERY picky about pedals. The only pedals it worked seamlessly with (although the setup was optimized for my Telesonic, have been playing that 'cause it's my gigging axe and I wanted to find my comfort zone) were the SCP, Eternity and DMM.. Had problems with COT (it might have been running low on battery), EGDM and the Timmy. So problems in the Timmy land!! Just kidding, just needs some adjustments to be made, I love this pedal.

[Realfi]

For me, out of everything I've had so far:

Vintage TS pedals
Tc Booster Linedriver
Fulltone FD2
Analogman KOT
Durham SexDrive
Xotic AC Booster
Aramat Green Machine
BJF Honey Bee

for an open sounding, just overdriven sound for rhythm guitar, TIM and Timmy are my favourites.

The versatile EQ and transparency also make them my favourite pedals to stack with others for various purposes.

Of course there's always a so far included in such statements, and some of those other pedals have and do perform other functions for me very well.

[Thazy]

I find that my Timmy does what I want it to very well. I think it really depends on what you want it to do. It doesn't do a medium to high gain...it does a boost with gain very well. I have a phrase, it sprinkles "magic dust" on my tone and it does that, to me, the best.

[StompBoxBlues]

I don't own one, but I have been very impressed and really considered getting one. Have also been extremely impressed by Pauls even-handed honest posts on it.

It's only healthy that people can also say when they don't like it so much. But I don't think it is a flavor-of-the-month, it's already lasted way longer, and people I know I respect have great things to say about the pedals.

No pedal is going to be for everyone, just as no guitar is, or no one amplifier. That's part of the fun of all this. I DO get a sense from reading so much about the pedal, that it is EXTREMELY versatile but at the same time EASY to dial in great sounds for even the less technologically inclined of us. That is a hard combination to beat, and most often I think it is one or the other. I think it was wise to have some of the controls buried inside the pedal, to let the tweakers go to town, and let the ones that want it simple to stay in their comfort zone and still get great sounds.

That is smart!

Personally, I just this last few months got a MI Audio Blues Pro, and a Zendrive. They are both great! I get flumoxed though sometimes trying to decide how I want them set...the Zendrive is doing some amazing stuff at least at home levels (gotta wait til next week to try it out with the band) at very low gain...just sounds fantastic. I loved the BP, and still do, but with the ZD on the board...suddenly I'm feeling like the BP can be used more for higher gain, a little bassier...but again, at bedroom levels.

Gotta wait and try a bunch of stuff at real levels to really see.

There is another thing, I bough a new strat (now have two) and the same settings I loved on the old one, are not as nice at all on the new one. I can tweak the settings, but it just shows...the equipment has a lot to say also about the sound. As well as styles, etc.

And a last thing, I can't wait to try the Zendrive as I know from it's rep, it really shines in the mix!! Some guys I'm sure tried some of these pedals at low vol, or with transistor amps, etc. and didn't like it.

But, certainly there are some, (again, this is healthy. The higher your expectations the more chance you won't be as happy with it) folks with great gear, same as others tha love it, and great taste who just didn't like it enough over other pedals.

It's good to get grounded once in a while.

[Dana]

For people who like/dislike the pedal, I'd be interested in more details.

Such as; "I used it through (amp) with these (pedals, etc) and I play (music style here) and I was trying for this specific sound (enter here).

When I get my Tim/Timmy I plan to use them in a Jazz/Rock situation using either a DRRI or some Boutique clone of a DRRI with a Cunetto Nocaster or Suhr Strat. I'm looking to achieve a warm fat tone with a little breakup on leads.

I happened to notice over on the MI Crunchbox thread that many of the EL34 amp guys aren't digging it, but the Fender amp guys seem to be having good results. For me that's important to know so I can get an idea whether a certain piece of gear will suit my needs.

[dividedsky]

I used it through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with a Squeeze Factor Compressor and I was trying to get a smooth overdrive. I felt it was too gritty and I felt like I had to change the EQ every time I wanted a different amount of gain.

[lcjc800]

I've had both a Tim and a Timmy. I got the Tim from a forum mite and tried it but didn't like it, and either did the bunch of tone nerds that played and heard it. WE all thought it was too bright and harsh, and that was being cork sniffer critical, but considering the hype it should be expected. I then traded it for a Timmy to another forum mite and a similar test was done, this was much more favorable, and up against a KLON, Keeley TMB and a RC boost it faired well, but not good enough to stay with me so I put it on ebay 2 weeks before Xmas and lost my BUTT believe it or not, on everything I sold that week and then 3 weeks later a Timmy sells for over $300.00. And no I don't know if the auction was completed, just that that was bid. And all this goes to prove, that we are a fickle bunch, that there is probably no universally pleasing pedal and that quality boot-eek pedals can be made at a reasonable price by individuals who care about their customers and perception in the marketplace.

[drolling]

For people who like/dislike the pedal, I'd be interested in more details.

Such as; "I used it through (amp) with these (pedals, etc) and I play (music style here) and I was trying for this specific sound (enter here).

When I get my Tim/Timmy I plan to use them in a Jazz/Rock situation using either a DRRI or some Boutique clone of a DRRI with a Cunetto Nocaster or Suhr Strat. I'm looking to achieve a warm fat tone with a little breakup on leads.

I happened to notice over on the MI Crunchbox thread that many of the EL34 amp guys aren't digging it, but the Fender amp guys seem to be having good results.BINGO! If you do your homework before you order something, there shouldn't be ANY surprises.

I've bought a ton of stuff in the last year, and have been blown away by everything, except the Zendrive - and that's entirely my own fault, as I chose to ignore the fact that many players are getting their best results w/humbuckers and gainier amps than I use.

Last time I talked to Paul, he told me he'd be bringing a Timmy to NAMM for Kenny Burrell, who'd been asking for one. He couldn't understand why Kenny'd want one, as the Timmy does not do jazz tones. Paul had been listening to a lot of Kenny, as he was voicing a new amp for him (Burrell's a Heritage endorser) and he didn't think that Kenny'd be able to get any useful tones out of Timmy.

Timmy's got a bright, grainy, edgy personality that's totally Rock & Roll. I use mine w/underwound single coils (strats/teles) into clean blackface amps. It adds a bit of zing without detracting from the natural characteristics of the equipment used. Which is exactly what I expected:RoCkIn

[K-man]

See, the Timmy sucks! So anyone on the wait list before me should just cancel their order...

[Bulldog]

See, the Timmy sucks! So anyone on the wait list before me should just cancel their order... HAha, all this thread has done is confirm that I need to be on the waiting list =)

[threm]

HAha, all this thread has done is confirm that I need to be on the waiting list =)
This thread just adds to the mojo.
Several of posters had the Tim/Timmy but didn`t get it proving that it`s not enough just to get hold of the pedal. You have to be among the chosen few who know how to dial in the mojo. :)

[Mapleneck]

If you need what the Timmy does, I don't think you will find a better pedal or a better person than Paul to deal with. If I change amps again, and think I need another I won't hesitate.

[tedzepplin]

I still have my Timmy but I don't use it right now. If I need a volume boost I'll use it. But if I need overdrive without a volume boost I use my Blackstone.

I just remembered that I AM still using my Timmy. I use it with my Farfisa keyboard and it sounds great with the Timmy! I crank the gain up and overdrive the Farfisa. Long live the Timmy!

[PaulC]

I used it through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with a Squeeze Factor Compressor and I was trying to get a smooth overdrive. I felt it was too gritty and I felt like I had to change the EQ every time I wanted a different amount of gain.

That's the problem with making pedals. What you didn't like about the pedal is exactly what I was trying to do with it:BEER

I didn't want a smooth overdrive. I was going for flat and clean to crunchy/gritty stuff. To be able to get the range out of it I made those tone controls to be user adjustable depending on where you set the gain instead of it being locked into a pre voiced circuit. You have to adjust them as you change the gain. That was all about keeping the freq bumps out as much as possible.

But thanks for giving it a shot! Maybe in the future I might have something that you'll dig. Later, PaulC

[smallbutmighty]

I think most users of the Tim/Timmy would agree that it's the EQ section that is the brilliance of the pedal, and what sets it apart from everything else out there.

I've had a Timmy now about a year, and I absolutely love it and would never sell it. I've tried and sold lots (LOTS) of other od's/distortions, many of which are quite hyped, but my Timmy has weathered them all.

A

[Mapleneck]

I think most users of the Tim/Timmy would agree that it's the EQ section that is the brilliance of the pedal, and what sets it apart from everything else out there.

I've had a Timmy now about a year, and I absolutely love it and would never sell it. I've tried and sold lots (LOTS) of other od's/distortions, many of which are quite hyped, but my Timmy has weathered them all.

A

How true! And I have said so in several threads on the Timmy. The pre-bass, post-treble design works great with this pedal. That and the gritty texture of the Timmy is what drew me to the pedal. It really gave some believability to the tones coming from a silver faced Fender. Paul has great ears. Believability is something sorely missing from most distortion pedals, especially the really smooth sounding ones IMO. The Timmy is voiced and textured near perfectly to me. But I am getting that lower gain gritty sound straight from my amp (tweed deluxe clone) these days and, since I really wanted to shrink my pedal board, I kept the other gritty textured pedal on my board that covered slightly higher gain settings. I probably should have kept the Timmy for future mood swings, but I was in a toy money crisis - the Timmy actually helped pay for that new amp.

[RobertS.]

I have a Timmy on the wait list & am excited to see what it will do with the setup I have now. I'm using a Strat & Paul into a JCM900 ( 50 watt) & like the classic rock sound thingy.
I get a decent amount of crunch right from my amp & am using a Keeley DS1 & Crispy Creme treble boost for my solos right now. My question is, do I turn down my pre-amp volume & use the Timmy for overall gain & continue to use my other pedals for solo boost or can it be used as a seperate boost to get a diferent tone for solos?
BTW does anyone know where on the list Paul is right now? I got on Feb.4 & I'm getting a little anxious. :)

[telecopter]

I had one for awhile, it didn't do much for me. I can't pin it down to any one specific thing, but I just didn't care for it.

[jeffhef]

Depends on the guitar

Depends on the amp

Depends on what else is in the chain

In other words...

Like every other pedal I've had.

It's a different flavor than the other OD's/Dist pedals I have. I use it for some things. It's definitely found a home on my board for now. I haven't found a dist/od pedal that fits the bill for all scenarios yet. The Timmy fits a niche as do other's for me.

jeffhef

[drolling]

I have a Timmy on the wait list & am excited to see what it will do with the setup I have now. I'm using a Strat & Paul into a JCM900 ( 50 watt) & like the classic rock sound thingy.
I get a decent amount of crunch right from my amp & am using a Keeley DS1 & Crispy Creme treble boost for my solos right now. My question is, do I turn down my pre-amp volume & use the Timmy for overall gain & continue to use my other pedals for solo boost or can it be used as a seperate boost to get a diferent tone for solos?
BTW does anyone know where on the list Paul is right now? I got on Feb.4 & I'm getting a little anxious. :)Channel your anxiety back into your playing:p! Like I said earlier in this thread, I got on the list in early January. At the time, Paul was hoping to get back to me in february, but I'm still waiting. I think you can realistically figure on waiting 3 months, minimum. I did last time, and his pedals continue to grow in popularity. Not a flavour of the month, as someone suggested, but a real keeper, as far as I'm concerned.

The players who don't 'get' the Tim/Timmy (and even some of those who do!) never take Paul up on his money back offer - not when they can double their investment in 5 minutes by flipping the pedal here or on eBay.

To attempt an answer to your first question, you won't get anything like the distortion you're getting from the Boss pedal out of Timmy. You'll just get *more* of what you've already got (along with a brilliant EQ circuit). I'm using vintage style strats & teles into bf fenders. Classic tones that have stood the test of time. Timmy'll just take that same sound a bit further. That's why I've got another one on order (1st time I've EVER bought 2 of the same pedal) and a Tim, as well - There are some amazing new EQs on the market that should sound even better in the loop provided by Tim..

[RobertS.]

Channel your anxiety back into your playing:p! Like I said earlier in this thread, I got on the list in early January. At the time, Paul was hoping to get back to me in february, but I'm still waiting. I think you can realistically figure on waiting 3 months, minimum. I did last time, and his pedals continue to grow in popularity. Not a flavour of the month, as someone suggested, but a real keeper, as far as I'm concerned.

The players who don't 'get' the Tim/Timmy (and even some of those who do!) never take Paul up on his money back offer - not when they can double their investment in 5 minutes by flipping the pedal here or on eBay.

To attempt an answer to your first question, you won't get anything like the distortion you're getting from the Boss pedal out of Timmy. You'll just get *more* of what you've already got (along with a brilliant EQ circuit). I'm using vintage style strats & teles into bf fenders. Classic tones that have stood the test of time. Timmy'll just take that same sound a bit further. That's why I've got another one on order (1st time I've EVER bought 2 of the same pedal) and a Tim, as well - There are some amazing new EQs on the market that should sound even better in the loop provided by Tim..

Thanks for the reply! I'm sure I'll like it, if not with the Marshall, then with my old Fender Super Reverb. I probably should've ordered 2 but I didn't want to jump the gun on something I'm not sure about. And I guess the only one who truly knows how much longer it will be is Paul C. himself.
I know patience is a virtue!:cool:

[NuSkoolTone]

I have the TIM, and it's never knocked me out. At certain times it feels "right" but seldomly amazing. That said, I rarely get to play this pedal in a band setting which is where I imagine it shines. This reason alone is why I've kept it. I know if I ever want to flip it resale is not an issue.

It IS gritty, but to me in a fuzzy transistory kind of way. I like it better since I dropped the LM1458 chip in there, I just wish it was a little more "BJF" for a lack of better description. I seldomly use the boost/loop and am curious to hear the difference with a TIMMY.

Not to Highjack the thread, but has anyone compared the HB to the TIM/TIMMMY? Difference in tone/gain range?

[tedzepplin]

I think it's difficult to describe subtle differences in sounds using words.

I just don't understand it when people say they want a smooth overdrive.
Smooth??? I want my overdrive to be rough and overdriven.

Or when people say a certain speaker or amp makes the guitar sound like a bell. huh???? I want my guitar to sound like a guitar. Not a bell!

How about a bell that sounds like a guitar?

[PaulC]

4 pages and 1400 hits so far... well I guess it had to happen sometime. I guess a good thing about this thread is it should drive down the used prices:jo Looks like time to try a new circuit!

PaulC

[RobertS.]

4 pages and 1400 hits so far... well I guess it had to happen sometime. I guess a good thing about this thread is it should drive down the used prices:jo Looks like time to try a new circuit!

PaulC

Actually it might drive the prices up! From the sounds of it, a new circuit wouldn't make the majority happy unless it was a different pedal altogether ( & as if you really have time to design & manufacture a new one right now!). Keep the Tims & timmys coming, I'll be happy to get the one you're doing now.

[thebot]

Yeah, this thread has done nothing to dissuade me, in fact it's only encouraged me. Sort of an exception that proves the rule kind of thing! :D

[Thazy]

Paul C. don't change a thing about the Timmy. It is one of the few pedals that is very consistant and that I use at every gig. Sure, it doesn't knock me out everytime but, no pedal, amp, guitar, etc at any price does. As was said earlier, part of the magic is dialing in the sounds and you can with the Timmy. Not every pedal can say that, in fact very few can. Thanks for making it and it has been on my board since I got it.

[drolling]

I have the TIM, and it's never knocked me out. At certain times it feels "right" but seldomly amazing. That said, I rarely get to play this pedal in a band setting which is where I imagine it shines. This reason alone is why I've kept it. I know if I ever want to flip it resale is not an issue.

It IS gritty, but to me in a fuzzy transistory kind of way. I like it better since I dropped the LM1458 chip in there, I just wish it was a little more "BJF" for a lack of better description. I seldomly use the boost/loop and am curious to hear the difference with a TIMMY.

Not to Highjack the thread, but has anyone compared the HB to the TIM/TIMMMY? Difference in tone/gain range?Yeah, it's raw & grainy - if I want smooth distortion, I go with a fuzz. Interestingly enough, vintage style fuzzes are transistor-based designs, yet no one ever refers to them as "transistory" sounding - but if I had a buck for every time I've heard an op-amp based pedal (like Timmy, for example) described as "transistory" sounding, I'd have enough money to send away for another BJF:rolleyes:...

...which neatly segues to your question; HoneyBee's a great new design from another brilliant builder. Bjorn Juhl's on record as a big fan of Paul Cochrane's work - a simple search should turn up any number of threads attesting to the fact.

But they're very different sounding pedals. HoneyBee imposes its own sonic characteristics on any given rig - it's supposed to. A warm, thick flavour that's a polar opposite to the bright, open sound of Timmy.

What these two overdrives do share is a remarkable responsiveness to pick attack, and a *feel* that's been described as 'amp-like' by many users.

They both meld with, rather than sit on top of, the sound of your guitar & amp. And they both react very well to 'stacking', or cascading into other pedals. Especially, in my experience, with EQ/boosters & compressors.

I've got both on my main board:YinYang

[Thazy]

Drolling, how do the Honey Bee and the Timmy sound together? I want to get a Honey Bee but, no one has one.

[♫▐▀▄▀▌♫]

How do you like the Timmy driving the Honeybee or Honeybee driving Timmy as a combo Drolling?

[drolling]

I'll check it out at next band practice (living room levels can be quite deceiving), but I don't normally stack overdrives. I'll tell you this, tho' - they each sound unbelievable when slammed w/a Diamond opto-compressor (comp. down, vol. up) - like two more gain stages!!

[♫▐▀▄▀▌♫]

Hahahah sorry for the double post, we both posted at 4:01 so his wasn't there when I hit enter!

[erksin]

PaulC, for the love of all things holy - *DO NOT* change a thing about the Timmy!!!

I can't tell you how many ODs I've had in the past 1 1/2 years since I've had my Timmy - it is such an integral part of my basic tone that I don't even think about it anymore. It's like breathing...

It also 'schooled' me on what a truly great OD pedal should sound like and how it should function in relation to the rest of my rig.

You make an amazing little box - don't let the naysayers tell you otherwise...

[Fuzzdawg]

Yeah, this thread has done nothing to dissuade me, in fact it's only encouraged me.


+ 1

[lcjc800]

4 pages and 1400 hits so far... well I guess it had to happen sometime. I guess a good thing about this thread is it should drive down the used prices:jo Looks like time to try a new circuit!

PaulC
Go ahead, build something else. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Just keep up the great attitude. And name it"The Knights Who Say NI!!!!':NUTS Oh please.

[Realfi]

Paul C. don't change a thing about the Timmy.
+1....unless you can make the little DIP switches accessable from the outside of the pedal. Would little slide switches work?

[erksin]

Go ahead, build something else. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Just keep up the great attitude. And name it"The Knights Who Say NI!!!!':NUTS Oh please.

I vote for "The Holy Hand Grenade Of Antioch"...

[Blues Wail]

i cannot believe this b.s.! i just got my timmy today, and i am blown away, it's everything i wanted
and more! grainy? not to me, i ran gain at 10, bass and treble also at 10, volume around 1,
all i can say is.......... my wifes word were........ that pedal dosen't dilute the sound of your amp!
sweet lil thing that woman! LOL! in a nut shell it sounds like more of my amp. fatter, fuller richer,
more punchy and dynamic. i was using a barber ltd as my rythym pedal, and while it is good
it sounds like a pedal. the timmy to me is very articulate, i was surprised at how well it sounded
on solos too! this is what i was looking for, i couldn't be happier with the timmy, it will replace
the ltd for my chord work, while the zendrive will handle most of the lead duties. thank you paul
for an incredible musical box. it will never go!:BEER

aldo...............

[Blues Wail]

This thread just adds to the mojo.
Several of posters had the Tim/Timmy but didn`t get it proving that it`s not enough just to get hold of the pedal. You have to be among the chosen few who know how to dial in the mojo. :)

yeah, i think i got my timmy dialed in ......... oh in aboot 30 seconds:D

[Enjoyer]

I vote for "The Holy Hand Grenade Of Antioch"...

What the world needs is a good SHRUBBERY pedal, me thinks. Thick, verdant and lush.

[erksin]

What the world needs is a good SHRUBBERY pedal, me thinks. Thick, verdant and lush.

Yeah, I guess if it was named 'The Holy Hand Grenade Of Antioch' the knob settings could only go to 3...

I can't believe I still remember this sh!t - I haven't watched the movie in like 15 years...

[Enjoyer]

erskin,
I'm chuckling here. I haven't seen the Holy Grail in years. Now that I think of it, I may have to steal $15 bucks from my secret Echoczar fund buried in the very back of my third drawer in my office - don't tell anyone, especially my wife (lord knows, I have plenty of time to replace it) and buy the DVD.
I scare myself sometimes, The other day, someone at work quoted a Firesign Theatre line and I immediately went into a five minute verbatim recitation of the rest of the skit, which totally amazed my older co-workers and the younger ones just stared at me (deservedly). Where did that come from??????? I hadn't heard that stuff since 1972 and I remembered every word!

Hell, I can't remember what I had for lunch today and I remember this stuff. First signs of dementia???????

[PaulC]

I did come across a little prissy with my last post - sorry about that! I don't plan on changing the tim or timmy pedals, but I do have a couple of things in the works that I've been trying to get done for a long time. I've been making the Tim since '97, and I would like to get some other things finished up.


The funny thing about the Holy Handgrenade is I made Tim in Antioch Tennessee! I was wanting to call a high gain thing that, but with the war going on there's people being killed by those... Still like to use it someday if things ever calm down some (and somebody doesn't beat me to it). I did want to name a comp pedal the "Soft Ni".

But before any of that I need to get a good python name for a company name! I can't keep going by "PaulC" because that's what chandler used.

Thanks for the support guys. Again - it doesn't bother me at all if people don't dig the pedal. I've talked a bunch of people out of it myself! I'm just thankfull so many of you have given it a shot. It's pretty cool!

Later, PaulC

[teddy boy]

Just played my Timmy last night again in band practice with me LP into a 15W Vox-clone. A great clear and raw sound! I just love that and the fact that the real tone of the guitar and amp are so present.

Also, our band mix has improved grealy since both me and ToneRanger got Timmys. It makes everything sound so much clearer. No more mush!!

[Realfi]

But before any of that I need to get a good python name for a company name! I can't keep going by "PaulC" because that's what chandler used.

Later, PaulC

Then again your Surname does have a wonderful Rock 'n Roll pedigree....

[jeffhef]

Hey Paul,

Do a Trem/Vib pedal.

jeffhef

[ToneRanger]

+1 Teddy Boy. I've been really pleased with the Timmy, it has made our lives so much easier and better sounding :) Timmy - a better sounding life.. ;)

Anyway, I think PaulC has a great attitude. The pedals eq and character (meaning there is no character) are superb, it's something that's totally irreplaceable. A pedal that everybody digs would be impossible to make and as a goal for a pedal maker that's not good as well, it might be somewhat bland. The same in music and many other things, try to please everybody and the end result just sucks.

[Bajan]

What the world needs is a good SHRUBBERY pedal, me thinks. Thick, verdant and lush.

But you would need to call that one the 'Roger'.

Shane

[lcjc800]

Paul, The name of the Company, realizing the, Daunting task of building pedals for the masses should be- WITH A HERRING! Off subject, I used to live in Almaville/ Smyrna on Olive Branch rd. when I worked for SATURN.

[Dana]

I wave my private parts at you. :moon

[lcjc800]

I wave my private parts at you. :moon
Your Mother was a hamster and your father smelt of eldeberry, Now go awy you English pigdog or I will fart in your general direction.:BITCH

[Digitalman]

...Or I shall taunt you a second time...

Well I finally got to talk to Paul the other night and got myself on the list. He was really cool and we talked for twenty minutes or so, about guitar sounds and life in general.
I thought it was cool that he was so modest about the pedal, and kept reiterating the one week trial policy. After reading who knows how many reviews about Timmy here on this board, it was nice to hear an articulate description from Paul himself.

Now, I just have to have patience...

I dig the 'Soft Ni' idea for a compressor.

How about - 'Unladen Swallow' or 'Dennis' ?

[Bajan]

or a fuzz called "Buggus Dickus"

[Bulldog]

I want to order a "Killer Rabbit" .... you know, the pedal with knobs labelled: Nasty, Big, Pointy, Teeth.

or the "Wooden Badger" :AOK

It's too bad Menatone went and stole "King of the Britons" cause that was the ultimate Monty Python company name.

[PaulC]

For a while I was thinking of going with "kanigget audio", but that almost sounds racist! I also modded up an amp for a guy here years ago that we were kind of calling the "WNC45" - Wolf Nipple Chips!

PaulC

[Bulldog]

For a while I was thinking of going with "kanigget audio", but that almost sounds racist! I also modded up an amp for a guy here years ago that we were kind of calling the "WNC45" - Wolf Nipple Chips!

PaulC

Well, it could be "Nee-wong Audio" =)

Paul, I sent you a pm.

[Fernando]

Well, call me stupid, but I'd buy whatever pedal Paul designs. Even if I had a similar effect already.

After I got my TIM, I'm sure whatever pedal Paul comes up with will be good.

I wish I could get ahold of one of the Heritage amps. Too bad it's such a hassle to have one delivered in Brazil, because of customs and shipping costs.

Rock on, Paul, you do a great job!

[jazzandmetal?]

I didn't like it...liked my silver ltd better...my frined loved it though.

[anyone]

Go ahead, build something else. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Just keep up the great attitude. And name it"The Knights Who Say NI!!!!':NUTS Oh please.

I was wondering if that's where 'Tim' came from! Is that it?

[lcjc800]

From what Paul has written previously, yes it came from the GRAIL!!!!!!!!

[TaZMaNiO]

I vote for "The Holy Hand Grenade Of Antioch"...

LOL +1000

BTW, Paul don't change a thing!!!

My Timmy rocks :JAM

[eric-d]

I disliked the Timmy. That's all there is to say about it. I think it's WAYYYYYYYYYY overrated.

[Realfi]

I disliked the Timmy. That's all there is to say about it. I think it's WAYYYYYYYYYY overrated.

Well you know I was underwhelmed with the Eternity. As much as I tried tweaking it, putting it in different places within the signal path, swapping op-amps I just couldn't get it to work for me-it just didn't turn "golden" for me.

For my style with my rig it was nothing special despite its lofty reputation. The thing is though I know some people who pull some very cool tones with it so I still wouldn't refer to it as being overrrated.

Of course you're completely entitled to your opinion devil-tone and I think it's totally valid that you didn't like Timmy, but I think overrated is a bit harsh-especially for a product from someone so humble.

[eric-d]

For my style with my rig it was nothing special despite its lofty reputation but considering that I know some people who pull some very cool tones with it I still wouldn't refer to it as being overrrated.

I do... I couldn't get a decent sound outta the thing. I tried just about everything.

[carltonh]

I think market price, especially long term is a good arbiter of "over-rated" and "hype." Most hype has cost=0, market price has a cost, and is "putting your money where your mouth is."

So I just got on the list for both a Tim and Timmy. Current wait is 12 weeks. It was nice to talk to question Paul about the economics of the guitar market, as I'm considering writing an essay on the subject. The market is relatively unique. Most markets are regulated to create barriers to growth that protect existing market shares, but an intelligent person who learns the right skills can enter the guitar market with little capital, and if he is really good enough to make a name for himself, can expand when and if he wants.

Compare the beer market. You can homebrew, but it is illegal to sell homebrew to anyone. The next legal size is massively more expensive and so eliminates 99% of homebrewers from expanding to make a business out of it. And the home distilling market ... uhhh.

Even in the guitar market expamsion is complicated, if easy relative to other markets. Both the skill sets to manage a business and the very mehods of production change when business size changes. So it is not possible to significantly expand quantity without altering quality.

Oops. Sorry for the tangent. At least it isn't politics! :D

[Stressfest]

I prefered the Tim over the Timmy...but there's a lot worse out there!!!

[Realfi]

I prefered the Tim over the Timmy...but there's a lot worse out there!!!

And at way above the Timmy asking price!

[Frethog]

It took me a while to figure it out and find the proper location, but I've quickly become very dependant on my Timmy.

For me, it's always whether or not I've got too much (or not enough) treble considering the pickup, and it's just easier to make the adjustment from the Timmy than the amp. I can hear the results immediately.

Overated?...Puhleez...I got the silly thing for 90 bucks.

[Realfi]

That was my point...that there's a lot of difference between a piece of equipment not being for you and it being 'overrrated'.

[drolling]

OK, so it's no secret that I'm a big fan of Timmy's but I finally got my hands on a TIM and have been A/B'ing the two for a couple of weeks.

When pressed, Paul will concede that TIM's the better pedal, and after putting it thru' its paces in a number of different settings, stage & studio volumes, w/and w/o an EQ (BJF SeaBlu or Antelope MD) in the loop, hum/single coil guits, 6L6-6V6/EL34-84 amps..etc.. I'd be inclined to agree w/him.

With its clean boost function, the FX loop & a beautifully-voiced EQ circuit, there's a real Swiss-Army-Knife-desert-island-pedal thing going on. Dang thing even works w/my old Gretsch Annie & AC-15 - a notoriously pedal-unfriendly combination that will even balk at certain types of cable..

But, I'm still diggin Timmy too. In fact I'm hesitant to send either of mine (yes, Timmys the only pedal I have 2 of.. 3 of them'd still be cheaper than my HoneyBee) for the new mod.

No doubt the extra diodes have improved the pedal's performance, but that raw graininess (that some players clearly don't care for) is one of its most endearing qualities. If I didn't have TIM, I'd definitely have one Timmy upgraded, but as it stands, I've swapped out the chip & reset the dip switches in the newest one.

In fact, I currently have all three pedals on the same board..

but that's kind of insane

isn't it?

[Realfi]

When pressed, Paul will concede that TIM's the better pedal, and after putting it thru' its paces in a number of different settings, stage & studio volumes, w/and w/o an EQ (BJF SeaBlu or Antelope MD) in the loop, hum/single coil guits, 6L6-6V6/EL34-84 amps..etc.. I'd be inclined to agree w/him.


Agreed!

I started with a Timmy, sold it when I got a TIM.

After a while I thought the TIM was too big while I was trying to fit some other drives on a small board so got a Timmy again. From my memory the TIM was just a shade sweeter so now I'm waiting on another but my new board will fit both!

[Deaj]

I had a Timmy here for a couple of weeks. After using it for a clean boost (pre & post OD and in front of the amp when cooking), and as an OD pedal (standalone and stacked with a variety of other OD's) in both home settings and at jam sessions I came to the conclusion that it just wasn't for me. I suspect that it was more of a context thing than anything specific with the pedal itself. The Timmy is a very flexible pedal and does what it does very well (the EQ just ROCKS!). I just didn't bond with it.

[Funky Monkey]

FOR ME, as far as low-gain goes, nothing I've ever tried has been more transparent than the Timmy (though I haven't tried a Tim.) My thinking is, if you don't already like the tone of your amp, you probably won't like the Timmy. If you abolutely love your clean channel and want to add some mild breakup without altering the base tone or cooking your tubes beyond any reasonable level for club gigs, look no further.

[PaulC]

I think it's WAYYYYYYYYYY overrated.

And I think your "Y" button is stuck...

Your pal, Paul

[Thazy]

The Timmy is the kind of pedal that if you don't have it on the board right now, I always come back to it and put it back on. I like how the EQ's work with all my amps. I don't ask for it to be the end all of OD's and I've been happy with it. The combo of my Timmy into my Barber Silver LTD is very good.

[Coach]

And I think your "Y" button is stuck...

Your pal, Paul

:BEER You handled that nicely Paul.

I got my Timmy today and I can definately say I dig it a lot.

[gitpicker]

The Timmy is a strange and wonderful pedal - an earlier poster correctly refered to it as a Swiss Army knife. My big problem with the pedal is trying to figure out how and where to use it - clean boost before or after other OD's? - EQ pedal? - OD? I love my current line-up of OD's, and they each do what they do better than the Timmy can (IMO), but the Timmy is still very good at everything they do, and does a couple of other things as well. I haven't spent as much time fiddling with a pedal since my first ZIM, and I still have a lot of ground to cover with the it. I think I will take it to a gig and leave the rest of my pedalboard at home, just to force myself to explore all of its possibilities. Can't figure out if I like it or love it yet, but it is fun trying to figure that one out...

[Stressfest]

:) oh yeah...

[asdf]

Yeah I love the timmy in so many places that I'm ordering a Tim to go with it! That way I can have the Tim as a base od with its boost as a dirty boost and the Timmy as a clean boost. Really great pedals for a amazing price.

[eric-d]

And I think your "Y" button is stuck...

Your pal, Paul

I have to admit Paul, I may not care for your Timmy, but I really like you.... You're a "grade A" guy. Great sense of humor even when someone disagrees with your product. Keep doing what you're doing man!! - Eric

[Charles#5]

I love mine so much I ordered a 2nd one. I've been waiting exactly 4 months, so I guess it should be ready any day now. I have a feeling 2 Timmy's will go together very well.

Cheers,

Johan.

[PaulC]

I have to admit Paul, I may not care for your Timmy, but I really like you.... You're a "grade A" guy. Great sense of humor even when someone disagrees with your product. Keep doing what you're doing man!! - Eric

What I've come to find out is you have to have a sense of humor, or it gets very hard to sleep at night after reading how some people talk about what you do for a living. The worst is when you get thrown under the bus because somebody feels the need to "defend their free speech" when somebody questions their opinion. Then they argue back and forth, and you're stuck in the middle watching it. I hope you're never in a position where just anybody can criticize what you do for a living for all the world to see.

The internet has allowed anybody to be a critic regardless if they're qualified or not... It's pretty messed up, so you just have to laugh it off (or drink).

PaulC

[Digitalman]

Well, you named your pedal Tim - it's obvious you've got a great sense of humor.

I'm with Sixpack Jay here...4 months to the day. I'm finally starting antsy and really looking forward to your call. Hope the box graphics thing is working out for you. I'm cutting up a home made pedal board this weekend and lil' Timmy is the final piece. It'll be RAD.

BTW - I just bought Life of Brian on DVD...did you know George Harrison is in it?

- Spencer W

[gkelm]

Agreed!

I started with a Timmy, sold it when I got a TIM.

After a while I thought the TIM was too big while I was trying to fit some other drives on a small board so got a Timmy again. From my memory the TIM was just a shade sweeter so now I'm waiting on another but my new board will fit both!

I agree on the Tim...I think like you said it's "a shade sweeter". I had a used one and then ordered a Timmy for size reasons. At the time Paul said he hadn't noticed a difference but noted that the smaller pots or whatever might have made a slight tonal difference. A few weeks ago I ordered a Tim to replace the used one I sold.

Paul...looking forward to the Holy Handgrenade distortion pedal. ;)
Greg

[stucker]

My Timmy is the best sounding, most versatile overdrive I have ever used. Now, I'm using mine with both dip switches up (max compression) but I love the other settings also. I probably should have two!

Scott

[eric-d]

I hope you're never in a position where just anybody can criticize what you do for a living for all the world to see.

PaulC

I work in the medical field, so everything I do has to be on the ball. I'm a surgical assistant so I'm always under big brothers eye.

[Blues Wail]

what a thread! i'm just gonna say........... my timmy has been a permanent
fixture on my board, and paul............. thanks for an awesome pedal!!!!!!!!!
Aldo..................:roll

[tonetweaker]

Could someone fill me in on what a "Timmy" is? Who makes it? Thanks in advance.

[Kidcactus]

My Tim is on my board with an Eternity and Landgraff DO. My Zendrive is not on the board right and I just took delivery of a Zendrive 2 this week and I'm trying various tubes to find the one. My Tim is always turned on and isn't going anywhere. A very fine pedal, thanks Paul.

[evanjackson]

The Tim pedal COMPLETELY lives up to the hype. To me it's more like a tool that solves some problems inherent in typical dirt pedals. The unique EQ controls allows you to dial it into such a wide variety of amps and guitars. If I could only bring one pedal to a gig it would be the Tim...and it's the only pedal with which I'd be confident that I could quickly and easily dial in a very good, usable rhythm and lead sound regardless of what amp I played through. I can't recommend it highly enough.

[MojoHand]

I sold my Tim. It's a fine pedal but it just wasn't "the one" for me. But I've got to say that Paul C is a stand up guy and the Tim/Timmy is worth more than he charges. Paul C and the Tim pedal represent everything that is good about the internet guitar community.

[Cary Chilton]

My Tim isn't going anywhere. Tim is starting to catch on here on Asia--- HUGE F#$%in market! peace