BounceChord’s Pedal Paradise: A Studio Tour

BounceChord kicks things off with a trip down pedalboard memory lane, explaining how this setup rose from the ashes of his previous band. Describing his pedalboard as a ‘Frankenstein mishmash,’ he walks us through a history written in patch cables and burnt-out pedals. The backbone of the board is a Pedaltrain, powered by twin Strymon Ohais, offering a reliable power source amidst all the cable chaos. What strikes you immediately is the casual, almost humorous tone BounceChord adopts when critiquing his own setup—it’s less about perfection and more about a collection of beloved odds and ends.

Enter the pedal line-up! This section feels like stepping into a well-loved diner, where each pedal has its own backstory and flavor. BounceChord starts with the TC Electronics Polytune 3, regarded for its no-nonsense readability—apparently, its nine-volt plug caught his eye initially. Next up is the Boss OC-5, a pedal for the octave snobs among us, noted for its pristine octave capabilities that BounceChord prefers to keep in vintage mode. He gives props to his envelope filter from Smoking Amp Co, a clone of the Mutron Micro V, enhanced with nifty attack and decay knobs, always paired with some dirt for extra character. He transitions with flair into his cherished Boss PH-2 Super Phaser, a pedal that beckons him to space with its distinct flanging voodoo. This section presents a quirky curation of pedals that contribute to a myriad of tone textures.

Every board needs a bit of grit, and BounceChord doesn’t shy away from it. Delving into his dirt section, he praises the Keeley Super Phat Mod for its Blues Driver heritage, a pedal he occasionally uses to boost his 903 Effects Rune. This Rune pedal is celebrated as a vintage rat, presenting an old-school vibe with a modern twist, complete with an optional boost. It’s clear that these dirt boxes are his secret sauce, adding punch and pizzazz to his overall sound. His love for these pedals is evident as he heaps praises like they’re old friends from the block.

As BounceChord moves into the realm of time and space effects, the passion gets palpable. The Aurora Analog Flanger by Space Man FX takes center stage as a unique element on his board, particularly due to its momentary flange switch. This allows BounceChord to manipulate flanger effects on the fly, using it almost like a DJ uses a scratch—an on-demand thrill ride for the ears. The Strymon Volante acts as a modern-day phoenix, rising to fill the echoing shoes of the revered Roland Space Echo from yesteryear. It’s not just about delay; it’s about creating whole new worlds of sound. He speaks of the Volante’s tape heads like a seasoned chef might describe the spices in a gumbo—each can be alternated to produce something fresh and innovative. As if that’s not enough, he praises the Neunaber Immerse MK2 for its ability to replicate the elusive physicality of live reverb, his trusty companion for simulating spaces both vast and intimate.