Tone Monk Phoenix

[Martin82]

I have an opportunity to buy a TM Phoenix. I don't see much discussion of this pedal. Any opinions?

 

[super]

This is based on a Madbean Klon clone PCB formerly called a Sunking. many stories abound about this subject.

If the price is low enough purchase it anyway.

Cheers!

 

[super]

This is based on a Madbean Klon clone PCB formerly called a Sunking. Many stories abound about this subject.

If the price is low enough purchase it anyway.

Cheers!

 

[sameoldblues]

Phoenix? Had one, delivery took 4 times as long as he said it would. The pedal arrived with an intermittent volume issue, so I sent it back, and once again waited much longer than quoted for the "repair." Got it back, had the same issue. Could've sent it back again, but why bother at that point? It sat on a shelf for a year until I finally just sold it as-is for a huge loss. Good sounding pedal for boost, though...jump on it if the price is right and it doesn't have any functional issues (haven't read any other stories about that, so I guess I was just unfortunate).

I have an Aluminum Falcon now, just bought it off the emporium. Pretty much the same for boost, but it blows the Phoenix away as an overdrive.

 

[Voodoo Blues]

When it first came out it was the cats pajamas, everyone raved about how good it was and how it sounded exactly like a Klon... a few years later when the whole PCB issue came up and the lynch mob started, now it's no longer cool.

 

[Hulakatt]

As long as it's used I would pick it up. The pedals themselves have a decent reputation it's just the builder with the mud on his name. The pedals are usually well built and look damn cool.

 

[lux_interior]

I have an opportunity to buy a TM Phoenix. I don't see much discussion of this pedal. Any opinions?

@Google: site:thegearpage.net tone monk phoenix

 

[bobbyatomic]

It's a great sounding pedal, end of story! if you're looking for drama go watch a lifetime movie.

 

[lux_interior]

It's a great sounding pedal, end of story! if you're looking for drama go watch a lifetime movie.

 

[aporcelainsky]

As long as it's used I would pick it up. The pedals themselves have a decent reputation it's just the builder with the mud on his name. The pedals are usually well built and look damn cool.

lol

nothing tone monk builds is built well. I have heard countless people complain about the build quality. add in the "questionable ethics" mentioned above and the fact that he routinely makes new user names to try and promote his products on here and other forums and it's a no brainer to stay away from this guy. I still have a hard time buying from PGS when I see they continue to sell his products (i.e. cheaply made DIY kits that come with terrible TERRIBLE paint jobs). did I mention I encourage everyone to stay clear of tone monk? because I do.

 

[sixty2strat]

Random thoughts
Ok I bought one 2 plus years ago and It broke the first day I had. Took about a week to make the exchange. Liked it first but then lost interest, tried it 6 months latter have been using it all the time. The construction seems shabby, loose pot and knobs always getting loose . my ts808 had one loose pot in 30 years. In hindsight when considering it was a kit and the price I feel a bit cheated. It sounds great but seem finicky, saturday night I had the volume cranked, 2 weeks before at 8 o'clock it was outta controll. The controll knob graphics are unreable so put a V T G on the knobs. I think it sounds great but not sure I say but. It is goped so if it ever breaks your screwed. That to me says avoid it. It sounds killer....so a delima

 

[aporcelainsky]

Random thoughts
Ok I bought one 2 plus years ago and It broke the first day I had. Took about a week to make the exchange. Liked it first but then lost interest, tried it 6 months latter have been using it all the time. The construction seems shabby, loose pot and knobs always getting loose . my ts808 had one loose pot in 30 years. In hindsight when considering it was a kit and the price I feel a bit cheated. It sounds great but seem finicky, saturday night I had the volume cranked, 2 weeks before at 8 o'clock it was outta controll. The controll knob graphics are unreable so put a V T G on the knobs. I think it sounds great but not sure I say but. It is goped so if it ever breaks your screwed. That to me says avoid it. It sounds killer....so a delima

no dilemma for OP, just buy a klone from someone else. I vote for either monsterpiece or arc - oh and they're about HALF THE PRICE and not complete rip-offs

 

[ejkennedy]

lol

nothing tone monk builds is built well. I have heard countless people complain about the build quality. add in the "questionable ethics" mentioned above and the fact that he routinely makes new user names to try and promote his products on here and other forums and it's a no brainer to stay away from this guy. I still have a hard time buying from PGS when I see they continue to sell his products (i.e. cheaply made DIY kits that come with terrible TERRIBLE paint jobs). did I mention I encourage everyone to stay clear of tone monk? because I do.

PGS also has the OD11 front page and center right now with a new video. That might just he enough to keep you off their website for good ; ). I say that in jest because this thread is already similar to the current Love pedal thread floating around. But to the point, I would also say to the OP- look elsewhere. There are better options as far as tone goes in my opinion.

 

[Teledeluxe77]

I can't speak for the Phoenix but I have had the Seed of Life for about 2 years. It's ok. Nothing to write home about in my mind. Mine was a gift from my wife but she said he was friendly etc. on the phone. It took about 4 weeks to get in, however, buying new was a mistake because the resale value is not great. I've heard shoot outs of the Phoenix verses the Alum. Falcon and even JHS klone and those other two win hands down IMHO. (for what it's worth)

 

[aporcelainsky]

PGS also has the OD11 front page and center right now with a new video. That might just he enough to keep you off their website for good ; ). I say that in jest because this thread is already similar to the current Love pedal thread floating around. But to the point, I would also say to the OP- look elsewhere. There are better options as far as tone goes in my opinion.

oh PGS...

I realize they're a business just trying to stock products they think consumers will buy.. but who really is still buying tone monk pedals new? I would think the majority of his audience would be TGP members and from what I gather the consensus is pretty clear to stay away.

anyway.. I won't continue to feed this fire. everyone knows my opinion on this guy and I'll leave it at that. hope the OP finds what he's after.

 

[randalp3000]

no dilemma for OP, just buy a klone from someone else. I vote for either monsterpiece or arc - oh and they're about HALF THE PRICE and not complete rip-offs

I have all 3 of these and a JHS, I prefer the ARC and Monsterpiece. The Monsterpiece sounds a bit fatter but I just put the ARC on my board to see how it does.

Was not blown away by the Phoenix but I like having the jacks on the back.

Also my Phoenix has a gooped circuit board, is this standard or really necessary??????????? Any one else have a gooped one????

 

[78deluxe]

Also the my Phoenix has a gooped circuit board, is this standard or really necessary??????????? Any one else have a gooped one????

Obvioulsy not necessary, but certainly standard for the TM Phoenix.

Not sure if he was trying to hide the fact he was using the Madbean board, the components used, or less likely he was trying to make it even more Klon-like by pointlessly gooping it.

 

[Hulakatt]

I had heard horrer stories from some but I thought the build quality overall was good. Oh well, bad QC is just another nail in the coffin. Truly Tone Monk is the best reason not to buy Tone Monk...

 

[alamere]

Phoenix? Had one, delivery took 4 times as long as he said it would. The pedal arrived with an intermittent volume issue, so I sent it back, and once again waited much longer than quoted for the "repair." Got it back, had the same issue. Could've sent it back again, but why bother at that point?

Pretty much the same story for me.. I bought one from an online retailer, it was broken when I got it.. really wanted the pedal so I sent it back to be repaired.

They repaired it and sent it back to me. When I got it.. EXACT same issue?!!
Talked to "monk", he swears he had someone repair it but didn't repair it himself.

Sent back again.. got a different pedal back, seemed ok, but build quality was certainly poor, especially for this expensive of a pedal.
Taper on the pots seemed off/strange.
Sold the replacement for a ridiculous loss...

 

[Martin82]

Well guys, thanks for your comments. Seems best to look elsewhere.