fuzzfoot
06-16-2009, 03:00 PM
Normally I wouldn't think to compare a Kingsley Jester to a BJFE Model H. They are both completely different beasts and are both fantastic pedals in their own right. But today I chained them both up to see how they interact and stack. I didn't expect that, by the end, I would consider permanently removing the Model H from the board. Let me explain:
I've had the Model H for a few weeks now and really couldn't have been happier with it. It does exactly what it was designed to do: Live at Leeds. Cleans up to almost pure clean, stacks like crazy with other drives and fuzzes. No hype, just great Hiwattesque tones.
I received a second-hand Kingsley Jester (thanks Christian!) last week and finally had some time to experiment this weekend. Enough has been written regarding its fantastic sounds and the multi-faceted features are a huge plus.
What I discovered is that the Jester is completely capable of emulating the tone of the Model H. I had it set so that I could barely distinguish between the two. The Jester sounded a touch more clear and perhaps a bit better to my ears. Of course, I did not buy a Jester to emulate a Model H, but rather stumbled on to it while experimenting.
Settings on Jester were: (no boost) Bass @ noon, Middle @ 100%, Treble @ 2 O'clock, Volume @ 9 O'clock, Gain @ 3 O'clock, and the OD set to level 3. From here I could cover all of the Model H's best tones and still have a vast array of different drive and boost settings to boot.
Equipment used: Fender Strat w/ Texas Specials/1982 Stock Gibson Les Paul Custom, Amp: Allen Sweet Spot.
This comparison is also a testament of how well the Model H can simulate an overdriven Hiwatt amp. But in the end, it is a one trick pony and, coupled with the high second-hand price or long wait period, there is no reason not consider a Jester for the same application. The Jester is a horse capable of many tricks and availability is not out of the realm of possibility.
Cheers,
Mike :drink
I've had the Model H for a few weeks now and really couldn't have been happier with it. It does exactly what it was designed to do: Live at Leeds. Cleans up to almost pure clean, stacks like crazy with other drives and fuzzes. No hype, just great Hiwattesque tones.
I received a second-hand Kingsley Jester (thanks Christian!) last week and finally had some time to experiment this weekend. Enough has been written regarding its fantastic sounds and the multi-faceted features are a huge plus.
What I discovered is that the Jester is completely capable of emulating the tone of the Model H. I had it set so that I could barely distinguish between the two. The Jester sounded a touch more clear and perhaps a bit better to my ears. Of course, I did not buy a Jester to emulate a Model H, but rather stumbled on to it while experimenting.
Settings on Jester were: (no boost) Bass @ noon, Middle @ 100%, Treble @ 2 O'clock, Volume @ 9 O'clock, Gain @ 3 O'clock, and the OD set to level 3. From here I could cover all of the Model H's best tones and still have a vast array of different drive and boost settings to boot.
Equipment used: Fender Strat w/ Texas Specials/1982 Stock Gibson Les Paul Custom, Amp: Allen Sweet Spot.
This comparison is also a testament of how well the Model H can simulate an overdriven Hiwatt amp. But in the end, it is a one trick pony and, coupled with the high second-hand price or long wait period, there is no reason not consider a Jester for the same application. The Jester is a horse capable of many tricks and availability is not out of the realm of possibility.
Cheers,
Mike :drink