Do These Pedals Need Knobs?

In this episode, I want to explore an idea. Has it been explored before? Has anyone been brave enough to plumb the depths of this mystery? I honestly don’t know. But I want to answer a deceptively simple question: do they need knobs?
That’s it. That’s the episode. It's just a bunch of pedals with no knobs, and Nick and I are going to decide whether it needs a knob or not. It's pretty simple. It's straightforward. It's not complicated, but I'm going to make it complicated, because that’s what I do.
www.thejhsshow...
www.jhspedals....
/ thejhsshow
Check out the gear in this and past episodes here:
reverb.com/c/j...
Josh's guitar is a Ozztosh Luma T
ozztosh.com
Josh's amp can be found on Sweetwater.com
www.sweetwater...
Gear in this video:
0:59 Morley Just Distortion
2:25 Vintage Technology Orange Sunshine
4:45 TC Electronics June-60 Chorus
reverb.com/p/t...
6:05 TC Electronics 3rd Dimension Chorus
reverb.com/p/t...
7:08 Danelectro Bacon N' Eggs Mini Amp
reverb.com/p/d...
8:51 DOD 270 A-B Box
reverb.com/p/d...
10:08 Lovepedal Believe
reverb.com/p/l...
12:21 Ibanez PDS1 DCP Distortion
reverb.com/p/i...
14:14 Jen Variospectra
16:48 Land Devices Domino
reverb.com/sho...
18:53 Outside The Box FX Signal Diverter
Record Time:
Hiss Golden Messenger - Hallelujah Anyhow
amzn.to/31PsyCf
Josh’s record player is by U-Turn Audio:
amzn.to/34CRXjr
#jhs #thejhsshow #guitarpedals

[@emilianoleiva3522]

Do a "Do They Need (So Many) Knobs?" version

[@andymellor9056]

Lovepedal (the old British one not the minimalist American maker)

[@markustick9348]

So basically an Earthquakers episode

[@ashtabet3450]

Strymon just shit itself

[@ampthebassplayer]

Top contender: Way Huge Swollen Pickle. Too many knobs. 2 of them are inside the pedal accessible only by using a screwdriver to open the pedal. Why? Just why?

[@Theminebros122]

Exh cathedral reverb and the Grand Canyon, lotta knobs on those bad boys

[@jas_bataille]

Josh, please make a pedal with a "whoofiness" control on it called "woof-woof" with a dog painted on the enclosure.

[@mwicks1968]

This was the funniest episode I’ve ever seen - well done! 👍😂

[@BrickNewton]

Can someone please check in on Josh. I feel he's sitting in a corner buried in pedal knobs laughing hysterically.

[@PilchHarmonics]

Probably the funniest episode yet

[@careyvinzant]

The Orange Sunshine was reviewed by Guitar Player magazine in the early 90s. You might find some info there.

[@Jimmy2Bits]

19:31 did you try putting different value resistors in the clips? Maybe other audio components that might actually be used to affect the tone

[@loulasher]

I thought this was going to be an episode about pedals that have knobs that don't need them. I guess that's another episode

[@brianeharmonjr]

Man, I used to have a Lovepedal Believe. I totally forgot about that pedal.

[@kdrake777]

The Danelectro Bacon and Eggs needs a self destruct knob.

[@WarriorofChaos20]

Poor Josh. I think he needs a hug after this episode...

[@AppaBoy]

i need to know that model of reflective telecaster

[@phantompenguin]

This show has gone completely off the rails. IT DOESN'T NEED RAILS!!!

[@TrevorScanlan]

Where we're going... we don't neeeeed rails

[@TheLocalZeroChannel]

i'm conflicted. This might be the least useful JHS video i've ever wasted a third of an hour on. But, it might be the best and most enjoyable JHS video i've ever wasted 20 minutes on. Thank you for filling the empty void that was the past 22 minutes of my day.

[@sparkyhartfield7777]

...agreed...!

[@d3br1s_]

YESSS

[@alexsouthey]

this really made me lol

[@gerongrahamgg]

Perfect comment

[@PK7796]

Agreed 100%

[@kurtkhoff54]

This is the JHS Show of JHS Shows. This is the one that you show your friends to share it with them for the first time. Josh is becoming more and more comfortable with letting us inside of the rabbit holes of his mind. It’s fantastic and definitely doesn’t need a knob. Crank it to 11, then set it and forget it. Great fun was had by all here today. Thanks, Josh! Keep the great content coming!

[@jaynixon3129]

"Do they need knobs?" - *The guy who adds an extra knob to almost every pedal he mods*

[@billphillipstube]

Fifteen free names for “no knob” pedals: * The "One choice" * The "Simplifier" * The "Decision maker" * The "Autocrat" * The "Ball Park Dog Vendor" * The "Geronimo!" * The "Model T" * The "Straight Edger" (no pots) * The "99 problems, but a knob ain't one" * The "Trust me" * The "Take it or leave it" * The "You don't want that" * The "All in" * The "Deep end" * The "Nonjustamatic 9000" * The "Government regulator" * The "My way" * The "How about no?" * The "F That" * The "Not on my watch"

[@archie3k433]

Where is the Horrific Penis Injury Flanger pedal?

[@nayasis6892]

What about "The Bail Out?"

[@_Information_]

Balls Deep

[@_Information_]

Head First

[@_Information_]

Just This

[@kingbumi3418]

Josh, Imma need that sovtek episode man!!

[@daddyosink4413]

The first rule of Sovtek Club is that you dont talk about Sovtek Club. But I now know why I cant find one anywhere, josh bought them ALL.

[@NicholasRHunn]

I second that emotion daily, I assume that a tele thru any Small Clone into any Muff into a MIG 50 would sound exactly like an extraterrestrial ejaculation.

[@clydebillingsworth8574]

This is KZbin gold. You should do a demo of like 25 ab boxes and compare them all.

[@JakeCuster]

This video has me thinking...doors; do they need knobs?

[@edwardlayer4259]

I’m about to blown your mind: handles.

[@JakeCuster]

edward layer you don’t understand how much I appreciate that...I’ve been locked in the same room with no means of opening the door for far too long

[@Steefpeer]

It Needs Knobs!

[@titoaldunate]

It Doesn't Need Knobs!

[@RCAvhstape]

Motion sensors. No human contact needed.

[@grrggrrg4805]

I think all wahs should have knob to adjust the sweep

[@zeusapollo8688]

Nah...just own many wahs

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I Agree 100% - "We need Knobs" to compensate for: different guitars, pickups, amps, rooms, tweak-ability and versatility of tones. I have the Fulltone Clyde Deluxe = killer. I do (however) love my (no knobs) Boss DC-2W too.

[@robertisrael338]

Just open it up and adjust the pot itself

[@grrggrrg4805]

@@robertisrael338 it'd be more convenient to be able to change settings between songs on a set if there was a knob

[@Thurston86]

Robert Israel yes! My Wah was too bright so i tapered it down to closer match what i was playing along with.

[@DorGreen1]

9:00 An A-B box with "bleed" knob to mix some A's into your B's!

[@snow15243]

Honestly that would be cool, so you kinda have a switch to clean up your fuzz or something

[@axelbergstrom3644]

BOSS HM - 2 without knobs permantly on the Swedish chainsaw setting

[@StatusMusicDesign]

that would be boss see what I did you guys

[@Bovineicide]

They make those, they're on reverb

[@micahj9828]

Shouldn't have had to scroll this far for this comment.

[@MrUrban2306]

Idk I enjoy messing with the settings on mine. But I know admitting that is Blasphemy.

[@Nightingale1887]

Tc electronic eyemaster is half way there.

[@switch_cave9247]

I love how Josh clarifies before every single pedal that it doesn't have knobs.

[@RTFosmark]

This was the best episode, possibly ever. Well done, Josh & Nick. I laughed, I got sad for Josh’s sticker, I enjoyed myself.

[@billedwards2657]

The genuine disappointment of the dried out sticker. If Covid wasn’t a thing I’d give you a hug buddy.

[@nathandiefenbach1274]

That last pedal, you could've clipped the alligators to a potentiometer. I want to see that.

[@SausageFingers420]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@micahmaluk]

Congrats, you’ve now made a volume pedal.

[@maddieromg]

I was thinking about connecting it to a tone generator like the ones used by telecom companies

[@dadahlberg3]

Rather late to the party, but my thought was also along the lines of circuit-bending more than "see what your toaster sounds like for real"

[@iawlfan]

The TC Electronics Third Dimension does not need knobs, but it DESPERATELY needs lights so you know which buttons are pushed down/active.

[@unfinishedBridges]

This begs the question...does that guitar need knobs?

[@ethanrummel7638]

Eh, there are some sigs I've seen that don't. Usually metal rhythms guys who just want to chug. Also Jack White's old Airline had the knobs just taken off if Im not mistaken.

[@RaxFx]

no

[@xdoctorblindx]

Who needs knobs when you have CHROME.

[@xjunkxyrdxdog89]

Airline guitars has entered the chat

[@fakhruliqbal3550]

"Any pedals is useful" Are you implying that my korg miku has it own uses? Finally!

[@Monkeyshaman]

If it plugs into an sf300 you have a music workstation. All is music through the ears of the sf300. Don't buy any sf300s plz I'm very happy with my niche product not costing me an arm and a leg.

[@GrowerTalks]

In England, the term "with knobs on" sort of means "with a vengeance." For what it's worth.

[@jas_bataille]

"With knobs on" is definitely a great name for a pedal company

[@GothicKittyMadness]

You are a knob

[@bldallas]

Hey man, pick up that dried up DOD sticker and hear me out here. I recently opened up the boxes on a couple barely used 25+ year old big Danelectro pedals that I’ve had since they were new. Both pedals had original, all be it dried out, Danelectro stickers. Since I puttons of stickers all over my giant luthier tool box and my even bigger pedal box, I was determined to make these work. Using my extremely creative, retired engineer brain, I got out some clear packing tape and put it over the stickers, then cut the perimeter of the tape to be about 1/4” wider than the sticker. Whalla! I now had working stickers WITH a shiny clear coat. You are free to use my design concept, provided no evil is involved.

[@xdoctorblindx]

When you ask for a mirror pickguard to make your tele look like Jeff Buckley's toploader and your guitar tech goes a little overboard...

[@JackBealeGuitar]

I wanted to see more of that guitar, a thing of mirrored beauty

[@tgrimesify]

The June-60 from TC Electronic is my first chorus pedal and I will confirm: it doesn't need knobs. I'm a total chorus novice and I just wanted to make a nice chorus sound, so I bought the thing for $50. I play rhythm guitar and I leave the pedal on the II setting and use it to make chords sound more interesting in slow songs. It's beautiful and I wouldn't change a thing. Also, love this episode. It's easily the silliest episode and that's saying something.

[@VodkaSelekta]

I actually have a DOD 270 sticker I can sell you for £10000

[@cmcp975]

I just learned something new about myself: pedals with no knobs gives me anxiety😬

[@loganressler9173]

This episode was an emotional roller coaster. One my favorites ever.

[@FFGG22E]

No. Knobs are a cop out, always. Design the distortion that it should provide and that's that. Even an on/off switch is just too much tweeking. The only pedals that require knobs are tuners.

[@wspann1967]

This is a very regressive way of thinking that prevents a lot of artistic freedom on the player’s end

[@FFGG22E]

@Toxic Potato I thought the tuner comment would have set it straight, but...the internet!

[@CletoFrost]

i need a tuner pedal that can be tuned (with knobs)

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

Someone somewhere will always be butthurt by something, no matter how insignificant to their lives.

[@joellebrodeur1015]

I have the Dimension C. You actually have 16 combinations of settings on it. It's not a seasick warble pedal, It's a classic, subtle chorus. That's what I wanted and I am happy with this pedal. I just wish the housing wasn't so bloody huge.

[@romatigerpunk]

Huge rules

[@paulvash]

TL:DV: "Woofie" "This pedal definitely has LSD in it" "It is a raging fire of volume" "Switch switch SWITCH SWIIITCH" "I messed up everything for myself" "Its like those Bird vs. Jordan games I used to play" "That was the most visible form of disappointment I've every allowed anyone to see into my life" "I'm broken and everything I touch is broken" "I was so young, so foolish...add a knob, save the world." "We have a lot of questions!" "

[@no_torrs]

Morley: doesn't need knobs cause the name wouldn't be as cool. Orange Sunshine: Definitely has LSD in it . June 60: No knobs, buttons deserve love too. 3rd Dimension: Seemed pretty one note. KNOB IT. bacon and eggs : KNOB IT. AB BOX: BOX IT. believe: you just didn't believe Ibanez distortion: Sounds great! Doesn't need knobs but it could use the addition of a number pad. Variospectra: REPAIR IT. Domino: no knobs. But take the on/off switch off and operated it like a wah. Signal Diverted: I don't get it. What didn't I win?

[@szabolcsmate5254]

Signal Diverter: I can't decide if it's a fraud or a joke.

[@thetribalist6923]

This rapidfire list reminds me of "... That's a paddlin'."

[@renanterezan9922]

Joy. That's what you won.

[@daemonelectricity]

I wrote a whole Navy SEAL knob-themed copypasta and KZbin keeps deleting it. Bummer. Also a certain Buchla modular panel with the red paint at Berkley was absolutely dipped in LSD and someone was recently cleaning it without knowing about a well discussed legend among synth nerds and the poor guy got an unexpected contact high.

[@tungtobak]

That's not what the term contact high means. A contact high is psychologial phenomenon, more akin to if you hang out with a guy that's really hung over you will after a while kind of start to feel hung over yourself, even though you are not.

[@daemonelectricity]

@@tungtobak Damn... all these years, I thought it meant absorbing something through your skin.

[@chadfavre]

This was your best episode. Josh, you need to just start a talk show where you interview non famous musicians. Your humor spot on. The AB switch demo had me lolling! Thanks man.

[@IamtheFerryMan]

"Between two offsets" Sorry, I'm late to the JHS pedals show party but i must comment...

[@dalebrownmusic]

Coming soon: The JHS "Does It Needs Knobs?", a no-knob rotary effect as tribute to Josh's spiraling into madness over the duration of this episode.

[@thomasberner5282]

Speaking of knobs... I was wondering where to buy the JHS knobs. I'm currently working on a DIY Big Muff and I really like their style. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything on the Mouser website. Thanks for your advice.👍

[@andrewblue8509]

I’m pretty sure the Orange Sunshine *does* have LSD... ...lacks some dials. I’ll go.

[@IzaiahProductions]

I’m surprised I didn’t see the tentacle in here

[@gillisclarke3764]

He did play a green ringer tho, basically the same

[@theolang3566]

me best friend, Iain, hasn't put any controls on the pedals he builds since 2017, he sais that what he builds is perfect the way it is, and that there are trimmers inside to ''set and forget'' he's a crazy dude

[@speechisanexperiment]

I feel like this video was made for me. I can't bring myself to buy pedals that have more than 3 knobs. The TC 3rd Dimension is my newest favorite pedal. I got it in march and can't live without it.

[@LysanderLH]

Yes they do need knobs and what’s more, they should all look as if they have been salvaged from a Cold War listening station. Big grey metal boxes that smell when they heat up. In fact, I want a guitar effect that sounds like an AM/ Shortwave radio being tuned in!

[@nedward5871]

Josh - that is definitely a knob on the back of the VarioSpectra - I now feel cheated. As to why it didn't work - 60s/70s Italian electronics weren't known for stability - as an owner of a Farfisa Compact Duo, I can attest... #italreadyhasaknob

[@mr.champlinssciencechannel906]

I bought the signal diverter thinking that it would change my life. Unfortunately there is no noticeable difference in tone. The only thing i can think of is to send it through something and then recombine it with your original signal somehow in a parallel set up. Almost like a do it yourself plate reverb. I can't find any instructions or demos online. Anybody had any luck with this pedal?

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

I LOVED the June 60 and 3rd dimension! No knobs for those; the presets are set just right for my tastes.

[@Jimmy2Bits]

12:20 I see you noticed my sweet Casio Ca53W-1 If you like, I can get you one of these. I mean you can too somewhere on the internet jungle space, but I just thought it would make a neato gift for you. and I can do that.

[@christophergregory1205]

"This is taking a dark turn" "Its FINE, move on to the next one" 😂😂😂

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

Wait, what's the difference, because that pedal sounds terrible as is. 11:09 Either you had it set to the sound it made without the knobs, or set to the sound you can make after installing the knobs. So whether or not you ruined the show is something no one can commiserate with you about unless they know that. My guess is it definitely needed knobs, like 12 of them, all over the casing, top, sides and bottom. Please, anything! Just make it stop. I say the show is still intact.

[@fuzzprobe]

With the Orange Sunshine, I would just say “Knob’s yer uncle” and call it good!

[@Tomsdrawings]

Joe Munsinger haha nice one!

[@TheVenusEagles]

oh right the question was about pedals...

[@scottyvalero3691]

The tc electronic 3rd dimension is immense. Bought one and threw it on my board cuz of this video

[@TheChadPad]

The first pedal needs a knob...that does nothing and is labeled "just a knob", cause I wouldn't wanna mess with how cool that distortion sounds anyway

[@fuckenps3]

Sounded crappy imo

[@eanroad]

I think the most important question is "What does KNOBS think about these pedals needing knobs?"

[@spartan8390]

Two things: The Signal Diverter pedal seems to be nothing more than a short to ground. Great example of "just because you can, doesn't mean you should." Finally, it appears Josh has an affinity for "road trip music." Nothing wrong with it, just an observation.

[@bldallas]

Knobs are essential; I can’t imagine buying a pedal without any knobs. Now, if you want to make a truly incredible pedal, you add a toggle switch or two and a selector switch, like the one in your Muffulotta. If you can combine all three, I think I would have to buy it, regardless of what the heck it does.

[@Austenstone118]

Oh wow this episode was amazing! Started off almost serious and then went off on a tangent it was hilarious 😂

[@brianvankley3529]

I have a few chorus pedals, and the TC 3rd Dimension has basically replaced all of them. It sounds GREAT.

[@bruiserbrawler8054]

I have both the June 60 and 3rd Dimension and I love them both!

[@williamolsen20]

I have that 3rd dimension pedal, and I like it, and it doesn't need knobs.

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

HOLY CRAP that Orange Sunshine sounded awesome

[@gabrielledebourg2487]

Suggestion for two knobless pedals: 1. A dimed Fuzz Face. Classically, people play them with Volume and Fuzz maxed out and control it from the guitar. Here, we've made the job easy. Seeing as a Fuzz Face has so few components, it could be made in a tiny enclosure - especially with no battery compartment. 2. A preamp from a '68 Plexi, completely dimed.

[@minorracket2854]

I had an original orange sunshine and even met Tracy sands once. He was a hippy from the 60s! It was a killer fuzz but unusable with other pedals because it was so loud when you turned it on. It also ran on a weird mercury battery that you can’t get anymore . The sound was great and it did have a short sustain and made kind of a fizzle when the note died out.

[@chrispfeifer7628]

What a silly question. Of course they do. What else are mediocre guitar players like me going to blame? I can only blame old strings so many times. My nut is cut wrong, my bridge is messed up. That's a limited but of guilty parties. So yes, yes and yes

[@jhspedals]

😂

[@Monkeyshaman]

You barely heard the guitar tone, _through the distortion?_

[@Sandman60077]

Does the Earthquaker Devices Tentacle need knobs?

[@deadrat1]

Directions for ORANGE SUNSHINE: 1) Lick the pedal (a good lick - you know you want to); 2) Get to a safe place within 45-52 minutes; 3) Make sure Nick is within yelling range, but not within sight; 4) Cover ALL your mirrors (and mirror-like reflective surfaces); 5) ENJOY THE TRIP!

[@JimWitschey]

Pouring one out for that dried-out sticker

[@KerryEgeler]

Josh, I just need to say.... You can make any fuzz sound good. You have a gift.

[@markerspaintsand808s]

Hella funny!!! My two favorite responses to almost everything as of now.

[@markerspaintsand808s]

This video does not need knobs.

[@ericmevans]

This is one of the best videos yet. Love the edits, graphics, and the "dark turn" toward the end. Nice one guys!

[@Apitome1]

Josh picture someone bellowing back at you. "He HAS THE BOX!" I love it. Martha get in here he has the box

[@MiguelBaptista1981]

That TC chorus sounded amazing.

[@SuperJiggawhat]

I was told by a friend that the orange sunshine acid would last about a week long. I think after a week long trip on acid, you yourself become the nob.

[@mysonemo]

Josh you forgot the Devices Tentacles and the Black Bumble :)

[@gavin4848]

The Dimension is a sacred pedal indeed.

[@loganpayne6086]

Do pedals with no footswitches.

[@druwk]

Thanks for the post! Very, very, VERY important question. The Henretta series of pedals are pretty brilliant...”ThePurple Octopus” (two internal trim pots, so kind of knobs?) is like the Love Pedal “Believe”. YOUR CHEMISTRY WITH NICK CRACKS ME UP! Made m3 smile today

[@300Foxes]

For the A / B box, you should have had the A channel be your JHS amp, and the B Channel switch over to the speaker in the bacon and eggs mini amp pedal.

[@Catmemegod]

That orange sunshine is dank.

[@Zwidawurzn]

This is the kind of Show i want to see! But Josh, you can repair but not mod rare collector's pedals, just clone them first if you want mods! I think the Orange Sunshine has LSD in it and it probably could probably use knobs like volume? TC Chorus is fine, Danelectro Bacon'n'Eggs is horrible without knobs the A/B Box needs Knobs for Mix, no idea about the Signal Diverter

[@AlexGordonMusic]

Holy hell..... that Domino sounds absolutely fantastic. can’t possibly understand the decision to produce a chorus pedal without a speed nob. It’s not a “one-rate-fits-all” kind of effect.

[@johnfox2727]

I use to have a Jen variospectra and those things definitely need knobs!! I would not be surprised if you open it up and it's perfect, mine had the subtlest effect on the chorus and tremolo (you could barely even hear it). I think I only left it on my pedal board cause I wanted to take up as much real estate as I could on stage. Maybe install a knob so that you can actually hear the effect. Awesome to see you aquired one though!

[@ezernetoguitar]

3:28 Josh talking abou LSD wearing a bicycle T-shirt. Got it.

[@yogimarkmac]

"I'm broken so everything I touch gets broken" -- you're killing me Josh!

[@ckhgator]

this is psychotic

[@ICACJ]

Video paused. Uses term woo-fee. Resumes video.

[@petefrombookham]

That was a funny-assed episode. Clocked up about 15 hours of videos from this account by now. Love what you’re doing. Really helping a doofus like me explore some groovy sounds.

[@maconlindseyadams2760]

Mad Professor Simble Predriver... great pedal.... and simple. Technically, it has a switch, but no knobs

[@RickHeil777]

in my humble opinion, EVERYTHING NEEDS KNOBS!!!!!!!...the more, the merrier

[@coleemmersonhallman5329]

Does It Need Knobs? Just Distortion - yes Orange Sunshine - no June 60 - yes 3rd Dimension - no Bacon N Eggs - no (it’s beautiful) 270 - no Believe - yes PDS1 - no Variospectra - yes Domino - no Signal Diverter - I don’t even know

[@Steefpeer]

I think the june 60 should have a knob or at least a tap tempo :) Also, that guitar would look extra good with a full aluminum neck. Also also, the videos are so good! Your humour, creativity and editing are something else!

[@moushunter]

Opportunity missed Josh...should have played Twist And Shout for the pedals that need knobs. "Twist And Shout: IT NEEDS KNOBS!"