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Boutique version of the Expandora pedal?

Discussion in 'Effects, Pedals, Strings & Things' started by BluesHarp, Feb 6, 2012.

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  1. Feb 6, 2012 #1
    BluesHarp

    BluesHarp Member

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    Every older circuit ( tubescreamer, muff, etc ) has some clones or modified versions under a different name floating around.. is there one for the bixonic expandora?

    If I buy an original.. is the 1st v better or the 3rd?

    Been wanting more Gibbons tone here lately. :aok

    7-30-16 Edit: Im aware of the Kilt.. bringing it back to focus on the original and perhaps
    other circuits out there that are similar to this pedal.
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2016
    BluesHarp, Feb 6, 2012
    BluesHarp, Feb 6, 2012
    #1
  2. Feb 6, 2012 #2
    TheGuacamoleXplosion

    TheGuacamoleXplosion Member

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    TheGuacamoleXplosion, Feb 6, 2012
    TheGuacamoleXplosion, Feb 6, 2012
    #2
  3. Feb 6, 2012 #3
    lux_interior

    lux_interior Member

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    What was wrong with the original version that a $240 DIY clone will rectify? As for which version is better, I've played the one with the 3 knobs and the switches, and the one with the 4 knobs. I like both - probably the 3-knob one more. But it was so many years ago (and on different setups) that I can't recommend one and not the other. I like its "biting" sound that crosses the fine line between OD and distortion. This "bite" reminded me of a Boss OD1, but there is a chance it might sound harsh on your amp.
     
    Last edited: Feb 6, 2012
    lux_interior, Feb 6, 2012
    lux_interior, Feb 6, 2012
    #3
  4. Feb 6, 2012 #4
    BluesHarp

    BluesHarp Member

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    $240?? Thats insane.. id rather buy an original and know I have resale value.

    Reason im curious is that some boutique versions are much better than the original circuit and are then worth the money. Since I dont know, im asking.
     
    BluesHarp, Feb 6, 2012
    BluesHarp, Feb 6, 2012
    #4
  5. Feb 6, 2012 #5
    lux_interior

    lux_interior Member

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    I see... you have a point. I can't be of any help since I have never tried an Expandora clone!
     
    lux_interior, Feb 6, 2012
    lux_interior, Feb 6, 2012
    #5
  6. Feb 6, 2012 #6
    JamonGrande

    JamonGrande Supporting Member

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    I've always thought of Expandora as a boutique pedal myself - or at least one of the first, when Way Huge, Fulltone and Prescription Elect. were hardly anywhere to be found (pre-online shopping as well).

    sorry if this is a little ot

    joe
     
    JamonGrande, Feb 6, 2012
    JamonGrande, Feb 6, 2012
    #6
  7. Feb 6, 2012 #7
    BluesHarp

    BluesHarp Member

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    I see.. no, that helps. Thanks.

    Kind of surprised that its circuit hasnt been improved on and it doesnt have more attention.. on Gibbons tone alone.
     
    BluesHarp, Feb 6, 2012
    BluesHarp, Feb 6, 2012
    #7
  8. Feb 6, 2012 #8
    Shugaboy

    Shugaboy Member

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    go with the original - love mine - cuts very well
     
    Shugaboy, Feb 6, 2012
    Shugaboy, Feb 6, 2012
    #8
  9. Feb 6, 2012 #9
    DiscoFreq

    DiscoFreq Member

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    It costs less (€150 / $197) if you don't buy on eBay but contact him directly...
     
    DiscoFreq, Feb 6, 2012
    DiscoFreq, Feb 6, 2012
    #9
  10. Feb 6, 2012 #10
    BluesHarp

    BluesHarp Member

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    Cool.. thanks man.
     
    BluesHarp, Feb 6, 2012
    BluesHarp, Feb 6, 2012
    #10
  11. Feb 6, 2012 #11
    Veritas

    Veritas Silver Supporting Member

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    I really enjoyed the last version when I had it. Very cool pedal.
     
    Veritas, Feb 6, 2012
    Veritas, Feb 6, 2012
    #11
  12. Apr 20, 2012 #12
    Ginsly

    Ginsly Member

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    Slightly old thread, but I was wondering about the different versions myself. I have the last version with the dip switches on the outside, and while it can be harsh at some settings it really is a wonderful, diverse pedal. I tried an original version years ago, and I don't remember if it sounded any better than mine - what I do know is that it's a pain the ass to have to remove the bottom plate to change the dip switches every time you want to switch between overdrive/distortion/wild fuzz. The last version is great for that reason alone.
     
    Ginsly, Apr 20, 2012
    Ginsly, Apr 20, 2012
    #12
  13. Apr 20, 2012 #13
    natethegreat12

    natethegreat12 Member

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    Bluesharp,

    I've owned the Expandora Reissue (switches on faceplate) for a few years.

    The "forbidden mode" is undeniably awesome. Makes your signal sound like
    It's about to explode.
    Add some slap back delay and you are set.

    Overall IMO the pedal is voiced more for humbuckers.
     
    natethegreat12, Apr 20, 2012
    natethegreat12, Apr 20, 2012
    #13
    Caprica likes this.
  14. Apr 20, 2012 #14
    BluesHarp

    BluesHarp Member

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    Im still wanting to try this pedal... hopefully soon!
     
    BluesHarp, Apr 20, 2012
    BluesHarp, Apr 20, 2012
    #14
  15. Apr 20, 2012 #15
    jkokura

    jkokura Member

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    I'd say the original was boutique...

    Jacob
     
    jkokura, Apr 20, 2012
    jkokura, Apr 20, 2012
    #15
  16. Apr 5, 2013 #16
    guitarmageddon

    guitarmageddon Member

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    These are a great pedal.
    The originals used an obsolete and now rare part which I think is the main reason they are discontinued.
    I like them so much I've done what I can to put more of them in the world. I also build them, stock, or with a variety of modernisations.
    codtone.com
     
    guitarmageddon, Apr 5, 2013
    guitarmageddon, Apr 5, 2013
    #16
  17. Apr 6, 2013 #17
    Bartimaeus

    Bartimaeus Member

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    Well that isn't very punk, is it?
    The original Expandora was basically a super-modded boutique Rat, so...
     
    Bartimaeus, Apr 6, 2013
    Bartimaeus, Apr 6, 2013
    #17
    Flatscan likes this.
  18. Apr 6, 2013 #18
    guitarmageddon

    guitarmageddon Member

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    Yes and no. Part of the curcuit is just like a Rat, but the attack controlled gain is totally unique. The net result doesn't really sound much like a Rat.
     
    guitarmageddon, Apr 6, 2013
    guitarmageddon, Apr 6, 2013
    #18
  19. Apr 6, 2013 #19
    SirGilmour

    SirGilmour Supporting Member

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    Necro-thread!
     
    SirGilmour, Apr 6, 2013
    SirGilmour, Apr 6, 2013
    #19
  20. Jul 30, 2016 #20
    BluesHarp

    BluesHarp Member

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    ( to bring back an old thread I started )

    Whats the very best sounding version of the Expandora?
    I tried searching here but couldn't find the posts ive read before from those of
    you who have owned or tried two or all three versions.
    I take it that the round version with no dip switches on top is the original and the version that Gibbons used. ??
    It also has the least amount of bass content. So, how do the other two versions compare to the original
    and which one is the second version and which is the last?
    Comparisons? In EQ, background noise amount, overall gain, and the most mojo.. any details would be great!
     
    BluesHarp, Jul 30, 2016
    BluesHarp, Jul 30, 2016
    #20
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