JHS Pack Rat Sounds and Tear Down

[@dirtcat976]

Love tear downs like this because I knew there was no way in hell with was an analog pedal but it’s frowned upon to break open a pedal in a shop

[@shoetiquemusic]

My understanding is that each of the rat voicings use an analog signal path. The digital part is what allows you to select between the different circuits. Keep in mind the surface mount capacitors and resistors are still analog (even if they aren't usually considered to have the best tone).

[@ArrakisOCE]

I had the same thoughts - there was no way this thing packed traditional analog components. Good to confirm from seeing the insides.

[@JinxRemoving]

Really enjoyed this video and your playing style, subscribed! Keep it up! Always love to see some RAT content

[@shoetiquemusic]

Thanks Lyburnum! I really appreciate it!

[@cygnals524]

I subscribed and liked the video. Instead of getting a bird for each like on the video maybe get a Rat, just sayin' I enjoyed this video. I still have my Rat Pedal I bought brand new in 1987. It needs some work due to it is not running at 100% and barely feels like it's on when used these days. It was an awesome pedal for many years when I first bought it. I took it apart to get the code/numbers inside which proves it was made in 1987. I can ship it to the company that owns Rat and made the pedals and they charge $65 to fix it. I'm not sure if it is worth doing this due to that is roughly what it costs to buy a new one. I have really been entertaining the idea of buying this JHS version of the Rat. When my Rat Pedal was operating at 100% it was an excellent distortion pedal & the only one I used for a very long time. I use a combination of an Overdrive Pedal with an EHX - Big Muff - Fuzz Pedal along with the built in distortion on my Marshall - Triple Lead Tube Amp. I also have an EHX Cock Fight Pedal (Fuzz Pedal) with an Expression Pedal which can get some narly sounds. I get great distortion but I still miss my Rat Pedal & need to get one back on my board. Your video has me wanting to buy this newer JHS version plus Josh from JHS is a really cool dude. Thanks for posting this video and I look forward to seeing future videos put out by you.

[@shoetiquemusic]

Thanks for subscribing Cygnals! I did a quick search on Reverb for 'Small Box RAT 1984 - 1988'. If you get that Rat fixed up it would be worth a couple hundred bucks. You could sell it afterwards and buy whatever you like. If you know how to solder you could do the job yourself. If you're having problems diagnosing the problem the folks over at www.reddit.com/r/diypedals might be able to help figure out what is wrong with it. Its nice having the different Rat options in one place, but if you're like me you'll only end up using one or two. If you can get the chance to play one you may decide that a particular setting stands out to you. If that's the case I would just buy a new production Rat from whatever company makes one close to that. Then you end up with what you will actually use and less options to distract you while you're playing and writing music.

[@cygnals524]

@@shoetiquemusic Thanks for the info & welcoming me to your channel. I knew it was worth a few bucks but did not realize it could be up to a couple hundred now. If I got it fixed I would probably just use it again. I LOVE that Rat Pedal and it served me well for over 20 years. The thing is built like a tank and I was always able to dial in a distortion sound that suited whatever song or genre I was playing at the time. I was always surprised by how versatile it is. I would still love to get the JHS Rat but like you mentioned I would probably spend hours everyday playing around with all 5 settings and options. Thanks for the link I will check that out this week when I have more time. It is strange ... it is not completely dead/broken. There are 2 lost bolts but I can get them at any one of the hardware stores in my area. It sort of works but sounds weak. That is the best way I can describe it. It would be fun to get it fixed and plug it in with my current amp set up. Selling it and getting the JHS one sounds cool as well LOLOL This gives me something to think about for the next week or so. Thanks again for posting the demo you did with it.

[@markchristopher420]

With Thanksgiving a week away, will you adopt a turkey? 🦃 After all, I did like & sub! Pulled the trigger (or maybe snapped the trap?!) on my very own pack rat the other day, can't wait to fire it up and see what it's all about! Thanks for the cool video review! 🐀

[@shoetiquemusic]

Snap that trap! I think you're going to enjoy it!

Great video. Is there an update on the birds?

[@shoetiquemusic]

Hi Daniel! I under estimated how much up keep seagulls require and my house is now over run with birds. I plan on dropping them off in the bird bin at my local animal shelter later this week.

[@metalhearted1]

How do you like those slim patch cables?

[@shoetiquemusic]

They're pretty slick! Normally I would make my own cables but I haven't found parts that would allow me to get anywhere near this slim for DIY. They are a little pricey, but overall I would recommend them.

[@cygnals524]

@Curt Cooper I use slim patch cables now and have for about two years. I really like them and will never go back to using anything else. Like @ShoeTique mentioned they are a little pricey, but I find they are worth it because they sound better and last much longer. I also switched over to using higher end cables for plugging my guitar in my pedals and for the other cable at the end of my pedal chain that plugs into my amp. They are a bit more expensive but are definitely worth it because they have lasted at least 3 times longer than the cables I was using before. I am still actually amazed at how long the cables last now. It seemed like I was lucky to have a cable last a year or so before and now they are lasting for several years and still going strong.