Telonics volume pedals

George Macdonald · Post by **George Macdonald** » 9 Oct 2011 7:11 am

A question for anybody framiliar with Telonics pedals. Do you not need to use a unit such as a Black Box, Freeloader, or Matchbox when using a Telonics pedal? I do know that they have a screw for adjusting the impedance on the side of the pedal, but probably not easily used on the fly. I have always used a Black Box or Freeloader to take the shrillness off the highs. Not neccessary to use with a Telonics?

Jim Palenscar · Post by **Jim Palenscar** » 9 Oct 2011 7:27 am

Once the impedance screw is set for your taste, there is no need to constantly readjust it. It is an amazing pedal.

George Macdonald · Post by **George Macdonald** » 9 Oct 2011 8:32 am

Thanks for the reply Jim.

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 9 Oct 2011 10:05 pm

Yep, it's the best piece of music equipment I've ever bought. Sounds great, is very easy to tailor to your specific tastes and is, at least in the silver anodized version, exquisitely finished. Couldn't be better, worth every penny (even including overseas shipping, Euro wall-wart, duties and 25 % sales tax...).

john widgren · Post by **john widgren** » 10 Oct 2011 6:05 am

Please add my voice to the chorus of accolades for the Telonics volume pedal (and pre amp). Simply the best I have ever used. I love mine.

Best always, JW

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 10 Oct 2011 10:59 am

I have been playing around with one of my friend's Telonics pedals. He has it set to the Hilton taper. To be honest with you, I can not tell any difference between the Hilton and the Telonics. Not enough to convince me to pay almost twice the price of a Hilton for one.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 10 Oct 2011 11:42 am

Richard,
I'm with you.
Tom Bradshaw let me try out a Telonics pedal.
I compared it to my Hilton pedal and there wasn't any difference as far as my old ears could tell.
I felt kind of bad but I returned it to Tom, bless his heart.

Marty Holmes · Post by **Marty Holmes** » 23 Oct 2011 10:01 am

I've always tried to justify $500 on one volume pedal but if it doesnt clean the tone up any more than Keith's pedal i think i'll just stay here and drink.My hats off to you Mr. Hilton for such a consistant product.

Jeff Valentine · Post by **Jeff Valentine** » 24 Oct 2011 6:36 pm

I can't say enough about the quality of the Telonics Pedal. You do get what you pay for.

-Jeff

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 24 Oct 2011 10:03 pm

If you already own a Hilton or similar electronic pedal and feel fine about its characteristics, I don't think you need to consider trading up.

But if you are making the move up from a pot pedal, the Telonics is easily the best option! The most expensive electronic VP, yes, but definitely most bang for the buck as well. The finish is incredible, as are the adjustment possibilities.

John Davis · Post by **John Davis** » 24 Oct 2011 11:27 pm

Its true they are both great pedals but IMHO you do get what you pay for and yes the Telonics is worth every penny just look at the design and build of it.
I would not swap mine for a dozen other pedals ( and a night out with Naomi Campbell)

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 25 Oct 2011 12:43 am

i've had the GR120, the Hilton
they served me well & no complaints
i moved up to the Telonics & yes ! i'm quite content
it's a dynOmite vp

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 25 Oct 2011 4:25 am

Richard Sinkler wrote:I have been playing around with one of my friend's Telonics pedals. He has it set to the Hilton taper. To be honest with you, I can not tell any difference between the Hilton and the Telonics. Not enough to convince me to pay almost twice the price of a Hilton for one.

I have both pedals. I have to agree with you Richard. The Telonics has all of the bells and whistles, but at the end of the day the Hilton still remains a great pedal (especially since Keith now offers the detachable power cable option). Why someone would buy a Telonics and then set it to the 'Hilton' setting is beyond me. An expensive option.

Tom Bradshaw is the fairest distributor that you can find for the Telonics pedal.

john widgren · Post by **john widgren** » 25 Oct 2011 7:25 am

Why would someone buy a Telonics VP and then set it to the Hilton setting? Good question!

The Hilton pedal setting on the telonics volume pedal only emulates the taper of that pedal. It does not sound like a Hilton.. One also has the option of changing tapers among a variety of other very useful options.

The impedance matching function is the best part: you can dial in the amount of impedance loading that suits your ear, and that timbre is consistent through the entire volume taper. There is no "sweet spot" the sweet spot is dialed into the entire taper. You get your tone at all volumes, with pure and simple increase or decrease of amplitude. No tone change.

I never really knew what my guitar actually sounded like till I got a Telonics.

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 25 Oct 2011 10:08 am

John
I can understand your views, particularly as you are a Telonics dealer. As someone with completely independant views, I can honestly say that I find neither pedal colouring the tone in any way. Both pedals are very transparent in use, and both are fully functional. The fact that the Telonics has a Hilton taper, and that many players use that preset shows that Keith Hilton got his taper right first time.

There is a significant difference in retail prices, but the buyers have a choice whether to go with the all singing all dancing Telonics, or the more functional Hilton. Both are really great products, and neither is significantly better than the other. I would be happy to use either on a gig or in the studio.

john widgren · Post by **john widgren** » 25 Oct 2011 10:28 am

Dear Ken,

Anyone who knows me, knows that my opinions are completely independent and cannot be bought at any price. You don't know me so I can almost appreciate your natural suspicion that my thoughts on the subject are profit motivated. I will simply say that they are not, and you can believe it or not, I don't care.

Your argument (remember you asked the question) does not address the impedance loading aspect of the telonics product. Quantifiable, and one of the many reasons that I prefer the Telonics.

Bottom line: if you don't hear a difference, then for you there is no difference, and you will be happy with whatever costs less. Enjoy.

Best always, JW

Tonu Timm · Post by **Tonu Timm** » 25 Oct 2011 12:15 pm

The question was, is there any need to use Blackbox or Freeloader with Telonics. I use Blackbox with my Hilton (had no possibility to try out Telonics yet) and I believe that it helps to make a trick with Telonics too.

Mark van Allen · Post by **Mark van Allen** » 25 Oct 2011 12:16 pm

I played Hilton pedals for many years, and was on the fence about the expense factor. When I finally sprung for the Telonics, I had plenty of time and ear experience to A-B the two, and I can definitely hear a difference. Aside from all the other bells and whistles, the Telonics is definitely more transparent, and to me, smoother sounding, especially in the high end.
I was using a Freeloader with my Hilton and found no need for it with the Telonics.
There comes a point where the tweakability may be somewhat obsessive, particularly to a beginning or indifferent player, but for those who like to fine-tune and massage their tone and response, it's a serious piece of gear. The build quality and attention to detail has me really wanting to try out their preamps and pickups.
Time to go rob a bank, I suppose.

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 25 Oct 2011 2:36 pm

John W
I'm sorry if it came across that I was questioning your integrity. It certainly wasn't meant that way and I apologise. I am not sure if you have been able to do an A/B comparison between both pedals, and that is why I referred to me having an impartial view - I own pedals by both manufacturers so I can easily compare the performance of both products.

As far as build quality is concerned, then it is a one horse race. The Telonics wins hands down. I have the silver version and it is a beautiful piece of kit. However, my old ears cannot distinguish between the end product from both pedals - i.e. the sound that comes out of my amp's speaker.

I would have thought that the Freeloader would work far better with a pot pedal in adjusting impedance or tone. I can't see too much advantage in using one with the Telonics pedal.

As someone who has a fairly large collection of pot volume pedals, I still don't think that option is quite dead yet either.

Roger Francis · Post by **Roger Francis** » 25 Oct 2011 3:28 pm

I have to agree with Mark, i heard a diff the first chord i hit with the telonics, from 1rst fret up. I had a hilton for 7 years and they are a great pedal and Keith is a stand up guy, but i think its like any other piece of eqipment there is allways room for improvement. They might cost more but to me it was worth it. MPO

john widgren · Post by **john widgren** » 26 Oct 2011 6:23 am

Dear Ken,

Thanks, and no worries mate! I'm a big fan of the free exchange of ideas and informed opinions. This is how we learn and grow. Your input is thoughtfully considered and most certainly respected. Your comparison base as fair as anyone can do. Perhaps the rest is a matter of personal preference. Thanks again.

Best,

JW

Bob Simons · Post by **Bob Simons** » 30 Oct 2011 7:28 pm

Put me down for the Telonics!!! I went from a Hilton to Telonics and the new clarity and breadth of the sound is breathtaking! I wish I could afford the pre amp and power amp as well. You can actually put down money and get back TONE!

George Macdonald · Post by **George Macdonald** » 31 Oct 2011 7:02 am

Well, my Telonics pedal arrived from Tom Bradshaw on Friday. I've been dealing with Tom since 1974 when I ordered a new MSA steel from him. Anyway, the pedal is everything others have said about it. The tone and clarity are simply oustanding. Also, it has features not found on other pedals. I have a good pot pedal, and a very good electronic pedal, but they will be shelf ornaments now. The Telonics pedal is a stunning example of new, state of the art, technology.

Georg Sørtun · Post by **Georg Sørtun** » 31 Oct 2011 7:31 am

If the Telonics, or any other active VP, is provided with a "DC control-voltage out" so the VP's position can be used to control other equipment, I might find it interesting. AFAIK none has such an output.

Marvin Born · Post by **Marvin Born** » 31 Oct 2011 8:21 am

I have a Telonics pedal with a DC output voltage that tracks the position of the pedal. I use it to control an effects unit.

I ordered it from Telonics, with the second audio output jack having a tip, ring and sleeve. The tip is a normal second audio output and the ring is the voltage feed. The voltage is buffered and short-circuit proof, so I can plug in a standard mono audio plug if I want use both audio outputs, with no damage to the DC voltage feed. Of course I can use the DC feed and the second audio buy using a TRS 1/4" plug.

Goto:

http://www.telonics.com/proaudio/SWSGA_Ad.pdf

scroll down the page and look at the pedal listings.
Its called "Expression Output"

Marvin