News Board Archives:
March 23rd, 2009
Due to popular demand, we are extending our offer to install a Switch
that allows your Ethos to select between TLE mode and Classic mode.
For more details go to the Order/Contact page.
The music on our Home page was Directly Recorded into a MAC computer,
(no guitar amp was used). The piece entitled, "Little Diddy Blues" was
performed and recorded by Matt Marshak using his Ethos TLE. Thanks
Matt! www.mattmarshak.com
Ethos T-Shirts: We've received many requests for Ethos T-Shirts. With help from our printer friends at Amalgamated Culture Works, we now have some nice looking shirts available. For more information go to our photo page.
NAMM Show Photos: The Ethos sat front and center on the new Trillium Amp Pedal Board during the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA
Check out our photo page.
Production Update:
We are now shipping orders placed in February.
Two published reviews of the Ethos:
1. Berklee Professor, Thaddeus Hogarth-- "Gear Box" Review.
Click Here For Review
2. Performing Musician Magazine review written by Bob Thomas.
Click Here for Review
Thanks for all of the great feedback!
August 13, 2008
Hi Everybody,
Production Update:
Batch 4 Units are shipping out steadily.
Tech Update:
The
Manual page has been updated to include another power adapter which
will work for many power types around the world, including Japan.
Sound Clips:
I've
added a new clip to the Sound Clip page called "Ethos Stack". I stacked
the Overdrive channel into the Clean channel, using two Ethos Overdrives. If you
want some low end you'll get some and more. To compare, the first
verse of the sound clip is Ethos TLE and the second verse is Ethos TLE
Stacked.
Update: April 27, 2008
Hi Everybody,
Thanks for all the great feedback on the Ethos. Both the Classic Ethos and the TLE have been shipping out steadily.
The FAQ page has been updated with a qualitative description of the differences between the Ethos Classic and TLE.
I
have also updated the sound clips page with video clips featuring some
great artists including: Tomo Fujita, Thaddeus Hogarth and Jack Zucker
-- Check them out!
Thanks,
Robbie
Hi Everybody,
Update: 1/26/08
Producton Update:
Units for batch 3 are now shipping.
Sound Clips:
I have finally gotten my recording set-up back in order. Please find some new TLE clips on the sound clip page.
Thanks,
Robbie
Update 11/25/07
Hi Everybody,
Here's an update on the TLE (Tighter Low End).
I
want to apologize to those folks out there who are frustrated /confused
over the TLE mod. My intentions were to develop a mod to satisfy those
players who wanted a tighter low end in their Ethos. Below is some
discussion that may help you understand where the TLE mod stands today.
Is
the TLE a mod or an improvement? Since my last update on 11/17/07 more
players have tried the TLE. The results have been mixed. Some folks
prefer the looser low end of the Classic Ethos (non TLE) because it
provides the type of tone they are going for. Others who want a
tighter low end, prefer the Ethos with the TLE. The bottom line is
the TLE is a MOD for those folks who want a tighter low end. Of
all the units we have shipped, only 25% of the folks have commented on
the low end. We are not planning on replacing the Classic Ethos by
any means-- In fact, we are still receiving new orders for the Classic Ethos. At the end of day it just depends on what you like, and we are trying to satisfy everybody's needs, so we are offering 2 versions of the Ethos, The Classic Ethos and Ethos with TLE.
If
a new customer is interested in the TLE, there is no extra charge,
since it can be incorporated in-line with the existing production
process with no impact. We could have charged for this, but it
doesn't make sense to charge for something that doesn't require it.
For existing customers who want the TLE mod, we have to charge $23 to
cover the dis-assembly, implementing the mod, re-assembly and test.
I have been looking into the TLE modification situation for
folks who live overseas. I have examined providing information to
customers on how to do the mod themselves. Unfortunately, to correctly
implement the mod requires disclosing too much of the design,
therefore it is not possible to offer the information at this time.
Presently we are researching the Trade / Customs regulations to
exactly understand the registration process required for transporting
products overseas to specifically conduct modifications / repairs. I
will post more information when it becomes available. We are happy to
work with you to sort out the appropriate paperwork to process your mod
efficiently. However, as each country has different requirements, we will need your help working with local authorities.
Thanks,
Robbie
Update: 11/17/07
Based
on customer feedback, I have been very busy developing a mod that
tightens the low end (TLE) of the Ethos. During the research phase, I
modified several Ethos Overdrives, owned by professional guitarists. For
evaluation purposes, a switch was installed so the mod could be
switched in and out for comparison. So far every player who has tried
the TLE mod has preferred it.
Based on this we are offering the TLE mod to new and existing customers.
New Customers:
New
customers are offered the choice between the Classic Ethos or the
Ethos with the TLE. Since these units are still in the build process,
the price is the same for either version.
Existing Customers:
Folks can have their Ethos modified with the TLE for $23.00, plus shipping. For details, please go to the ORDER/CONTACT page.
Presently,
I am not offering a switch that selects between the Classic Ethos and
the TLE mod. This is based on the fact that all the guitarists that
have tried the TLE say they would want the TLE on all the time, so the
switch is not necessary. Additionally, the installation/mod time
required is extensive and expensive.
You will know if your Ethos has the TLE mod by the notation "M1" located on the output jack side of the box.
Thanks,
Robbie
Update: 11/5/07
Producton Update:
Units from batch 2 are shipping ahead of schedule and batch 3 is coming up at the end of the month.
Power Adapters:
I
have been doing some research on power adapters to accommodate
different needs, especially outside of the United States. Please
refer to the user's manual page for details.
Sound Clips:
I'm excited to share with you great clips by artists Mats Nermark and Tomo Fugita. Check them out on the sound clips page.
Thanks,
Robbie
Update: Oct 1, 2007
Production Update:
Units from the second batch are now shipping!
FAQs:
The FAQ page has been updated with more Tone Tips, check it out.
Sound Clips:
I
am really excited to record some single coil clips, but my ProTools is
still malfunctioning. I'm working it hard and will try to get them out
as soon as I can.
Thanks,
Robbie
Update: Sept 9, 2007
Production Update:
The
second batch build is coming along nicely. The first units from the
second batch should start shipping at the end of the month if all goes
well.
New Sound Clip:
A new DI clip has been added to the sound clip page. More clips coming soon.
FAQs:
The
FAQ page has been updated based on more great questions coming in.
Additionally, there are some tips on tone as part of this page.
Photos:
I took a pic of the second batch in process a few weeks ago. I thought I'd load it on the photo page just for the heck of it.
Thanks,
Robbie
Update: August 19, 2007
The Production Launch:
The
first production units are going out and folks are starting to make
some great tone/music. I will try to answer all of your questions and
get you your ETHOS ASAP.
The List:
I
have been receiving many inquireries regarding the list. I would
really like to review the list with each of you , but I just don't have
the time right now. The first batch of units is finished and I am
starting the second. I really appreciate your patience and support.
FAQs:
Some great questions are coming in. They will be posted in the FAQ section along with answers. Please check out the updates.
New Sound Clip:
I
had a couple minutes to run the Ethos into a solid state power amp.
This new clip, (and photos) can be found at the top of the sound clip
page.
Thanks,
Robbie
Update: August 5, 2007
Sound Clips:
Thanks for all the great feedback on the sound clips.
Production Update:
Notifications
of the first batch have and will be going out. We experienced a
little set-back getting our Pay Pal working, but things should be all
set now.
Photos:
Check out the photo page for some new pics.
Warranty / Return Policy:
Please go to the Contact / Order Info page for details.
Thanks,
Robbie
Update: July 10, 2007
Sound Clips:
Five
new sound clips have been added to the sound page. They cover some new
territory including agressive rock leads/chords as well as some
lighter jazz applications.
Production Update:
I have received the first batch of boards and am cross checking them against the prototype.
The overlay panel is expected later on this month.
Thanks,
Robbie
Update: June 30, 2007
Website:
Thanks for all the feedback on the website. The sound clips are now directly accessible and
there will be more info coming eg. Pics, FAQs, Reviews and more.
Sound Clips:
New
sound clips are being developed now and will be coming out soon, (in
one to two weeks). There will be a variety of styles... anywhere from
Jazz to Rock.
Production Update:
The first batch of boards have completed the surface mount process and now are going through the hand wire assembly process.
FAQ:
I have been getting emails asking me about my background, so here's a quick summary.
I got my EE degree back in 1984 and have been designing electronics at an Aerospace firm for the
past 23 years. We build subsystem and black box electronics for military and commerical aircraft.
I have been playing guitar since I was 12 years old and have been in numerous bands ever since.
I've been making amps and pedals for 25 years. In the past few years I have gone into limited
production on a couple designs. I am totally obsessed with tone and love music and gear.
Update June 21, 2007
New Name:
As you can probably tell by now, Rob's Boutique Overdrive pedal has a new name " Ethos
Overdrive". I went back and forth with alot of Xumble like names.
There are several products already on the market that use "umble" in
their name. I settled on Ethos based on
its uniqueness, meaning, and to avoid any possible trademark
violations. (The photo above will be updated to reflect the name
change.)
Production Update:
I have been
working closely with the board manufacturer. To no surprise several
part issues have popped up, but are now under control. The bare PC
cards are completed, and are in the process of being populated. The
overlay (panel) is on order and presently is the long lead part,
expected delivery is the 3rd week of July.
Technical Update:
The Ethos Overdrive circuitry has a current draw of 35mA at 9VDC. This current draw is due to the fact that the Ethos
contains the circuitry equivalent to the front end of a guitar amp and
more. This current draw will result in a battery life of approximately
15 operating hours. I spent quite a bit of time reviewing different
schemes to reduce the power, but everytime I did, tone got sacrificed.
Therefore I will be supplying an AC to DC converter (12VDC) at no
charge with each unit.
I will try to update this area as often as possible to keep you informed.
Thanks,
Robbie
