Empress Tremolo vs Lightfoot Labs Goatkeeper

[benschmidt]

How do these two pedals compare?

[NewarkWilder]

Well... one is an absolutely top-notch trem, w/ tap, and built like a tank, with some cool features. The other is in a class all by itself in terms of originality and more advanced features that you'll either love and find all sorts of creative uses for IF that is what you want from a tremolo unit, or discover that you don't really need a lot of what it can do.

Of course I'm talking about the Empress first and Goatkeeper 2nd. The GK is radically different than any other trem out there really--you can do standard stuff with it, but you can also do some incredibly unique things with its ability to draw your own waveforms, sequenced rhythmic patterns and LFO out to drive other pedals that can take options like that.

If you just need a rock solid but more traditional trem, the Empress (or Cusack, fwiw) will definitely make you happy. If you want to go way out into experimental territory with what can be done with trem, the GK is for you. Its also hard to get and expensive, so really, unless you seriously need a whacked out crazy trem that is seriously awesome but perhaps overkill for a lot of people, just get the Empress or Cusack and save some money.

[fightthepower]

Ive been thinking about the Goatkeeper as an LFO source, but I wouldn't get it for just a tremolo. I had an Empress and it was great all around; I ultimately kicked it off because I have tap trem with my ringmod+mp201, and don't use tremolo that much anyway, but I had absolutely no complaints on the sound, options, build quality, etc- the rythmic patterns were fun driving into a Bass Micro Synth set to a slow sweep and only triggering on the '1'.

[this1smyne]

the empress will do you good. the GK will change your world (if you're into creative stuff). Good post Newark

[Chonny]

Goatkeeper is just a neat name. Id buy it for name alone. Who cares what it sounds like, its the Goatkeeper.

[benschmidt]

I've got an Empress on the way, but I'd be interested in getting a Goatkeeper. Do you really have to just get lucky at Analogue Haven or what? What's the best way to order one?

[NewarkWilder]

Originally Posted by benschmidt

I've got an Empress on the way, but I'd be interested in getting a Goatkeeper. Do you really have to just get lucky at Analogue Haven or what? What's the best way to order one?

not really a matter of "getting lucky" its just that they are released in very small batches and tend to sell out rather quickly. But if you keep your eye on the Lightfoot website they announce when the releases will be done, so you just sort of have to know when to be there to get one.

I believe they are under yet another redesign at the moment though so it may be a while before a new batch is released.

[PanicProne]

I love my keeley TR-2 and use a whole lot but decided I needed tap trem, so I got myself an Empress. Really awesome pedal, small size and good tap tempo etc.. What I really liked about it was the "rhythm" knob. Cool. It's a shame I can't do my own rhythm, oh wait! What the heck is that? *pointing to a TGP-pedalboard-thread"* Can it do what I think it'll be able to do!!!?? I've gotta have that... And from there on I was hooked on the GK2. Waited for one, got one and even though it's not in a song yet it's an awesome tool for writing, creating or just fooling around. Use it a bit for programm-ish stuff. Money well spent if you ask me..

Like everybody else says, if all you want is tap trem (and a bit more) get the Empress. Versatile and well built. If you want everything else, get the GK2.

[macmax77]

for an effect you won't turn on all the time, i would go empress