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.com/
www.jhspedals.info/
/ thejhsshow
Check out the gear in this and past episodes here:
reverb.com/c/jhs-pedal-picks?...
Josh's guitar is a Ozztosh Luma T
ozztosh.com
Josh's amp can be found on Sweetwater.com
www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...
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/tc-electronic-ju...
6:05 TC Electronics 3rd Dimension Chorus
reverb.com/p/tc-electronic-3r...
7:08 Danelectro Bacon N' Eggs Mini Amp
reverb.com/p/danelectro-bacon...
8:51 DOD 270 A-B Box
reverb.com/p/dod-270-a-b-box-...
10:08 Lovepedal Believe
reverb.com/p/lovepedal-believ...
12:21 Ibanez PDS1 DCP Distortion
reverb.com/p/ibanez-pds1-dcp-...
14:14 Jen Variospectra
16:48 Land Devices Domino
reverb.com/shop/landdevices?_...
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

[@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!

[@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

[@switch_cave9247]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@jaynixon3129]

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

[@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.

[@phantompenguin]

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

[@trevorscan]

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

[@RTFosmark]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@billedwards2657]

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

[@loganressler9173]

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

[@ericmevans]

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

[@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

[@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...

[@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!

[@mikemaluk]

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"

[@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

[@Bugfrrrrr]

I think JHS makes the highest quality videos I've seen on KZbin. Like genuinely holy jeez I love the editing and aesthetic of the show

[@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

[@christophergregory1205]

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

[@Apitome1]

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

[@vansheen9096]

Why is this show my favourite thing? Well because it’s like a great album: you find something you love and connect to, and then it just keeps getting better. The decision to leave in the A/B box part makes me happier than you will ever know. Thank you for producing something that I look forward to every week. Keep being weird buddy (I don’t think you really have a choice).

[@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.

[@Jacksonkellyfreak]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@dwright1880]

Brilliant episode. I look forward to this show more than any other pedal related offering. I was fairly indifferent at first, but his obvious humour and foot pedal nous has won me over. I might even try one of his pedals one day. You need to do this daily.

[@jamesw3056]

I have a blast watching you guys!! Thanks heaps for the greatest show on KZbin!!

[@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!" "

[@jas_bataille]

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

[@tukayo]

Kudos to Nick for the editing and production.

[@silvioschmidt5346]

After the first chord with the Juno chorus I immediately was like „no that’s just beautiful. Perfect. No knobs!“

[@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.👍

[@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.

[@simonpark843]

I ordered a TC 3RD Dimension chorus yesterday and I think that's why KZbin decided to show me this video (I was looking at several demo's). I'm pleased to see it again because it was, indeed, an enjoyable video.

[@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.

[@cmcp975]

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

[@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.

[@kevingreen3365]

Josh, never second guess your mods. You're amazing at what you do. Loved this episode as well as everything you put out Keep up the great work in all you do, brother!

[@jasoncarrasco7682]

I've been wanting someone to make a video like this! Thank you! And no, none of them need knobs. They're perfect!

[@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.

[@fuzzprobe]

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

[@Tomsdrawings]

Joe Munsinger haha nice one!

[@mgano7700]

Just found your channel. As a fellow guitar player and nerd (I have a very old Electronics and Computer Engineering degree), love it all. Rock on man!

[@KerryEgeler]

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

[@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

[@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

[@williammackay9201]

Every episode you do is great. This one, 6a.m ish coffee in hand is perfect entertainment. It will no doubt haunt the rest of my day. And as for the burning question, maybe knobs should be an optional extra???

[@dallon5]

Just simply needed this episode. Thanks y’all.

[@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.

[@jw112mail]

"Add a knob, save the world"

[@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!

[@andresmeder9333]

El episodio más hilarante y divertido que he visto en el canal!!! Excelente!!! Saludos desde Argentina.

[@IzaiahProductions]

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

[@gillisclarke3764]

He did play a green ringer tho, basically the same

[@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.

[@ydr4717]

Top notch video as always. Loved the sketches!

[@ejwatts25]

Loved the "Add a Knob, save the world" sequence. Fun, random subject video. Hope you get your VarioSpectra working at some point, would like to see a proper demo. Thanks again guys.

[@Austenstone118]

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

[@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

[@thecountertyrant9654]

Every JHS video makes me smile and instantly makes me feel better if I'm feeling down

[@theojmandude3995]

This channel always makes me laugh, I love it here!

[@bonedaddy6600]

Oprah says: You get a knob and YOU get a knob, everyone gets a knob! ;)

[@VodkaSelekta]

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

[@AndyPrickett]

Tracy Sands was my amp tech in the mid 90’s. Orange County, CA guy, consumate musican from the 60’s onward, and had a job at the Fender factory in ‘71 or so. He started producing these pedals around the time I saw him for amp repair. There is a tremolo that is pretty great. I believe he was working on getting the production outsourced at some point. He worked for BadCat amps for a moment as well, if I’m not mistaken. Truly a wealth of knowledge on all vintage music technology.

[@mattematrix]

That chrome/mirror telly is the winner of this episode!

[@TheVenusEagles]

oh right the question was about pedals...

[@eanroad]

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

[@mwicks1968]

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

[@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!

[@jamesberlyoung9640]

The best video you have done. Laughed for the first time in months.

[@mexidancer]

You're so very entertaining, and a great pedal creator 😁

[@sigurdbjohansson]

Josh, you do you, man! Keep on keepin' on.

[@brianvankley3529]

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

[@yogimarkmac]

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

[@xb5883]

Josh, this episode is hilarious! I just bought an Angry Charlie to support JHS, out of appreciation for all the great knowledge you continually share. Now make a version of your analog delay that is more basic and lower cost, just because we know you can! What if it had no knobs?

[@Remnant8891]

This may have been my favorite video from you guys ever

[@equalsequalsofficial]

This really cheered me up. Thanks dude

[@sharonherzog7884]

Josh ,,,, You and your team are funny as hell.. I must watch daily to be able to deal with the strangeness that is my life. So Thank you so very much for each and everyone of your shows ! Oh and I just bought my very first JHS petal .. The Kodiak will be hear in a day or two. thanks again

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

HOLY CRAP that Orange Sunshine sounded awesome

[@MediHusky]

A/B knob is just volume of A and B channel. Cmon Josh.

[@MiguelBaptista1981]

That TC chorus sounded amazing.

[@yerbigbeanoyeah]

Josh- another great episode. It hit me just right on a very iffy day..Absolutely 12 year olds in the bedroom discussing a world that they don't understand - cool. This is so far in the weeds of pedal weirdness that it the video itself needs a knob. Maybe one that goes from 8 years old boy to 14 year old almost a man. Thank you. By the bye most of the pedals featured maybe with the except of the orange sunshine don't need a knob they need a dumpster with 1 cubic ft of empty space. I love your show- don't quit (like you could).

[@jas_bataille]

That June-60 chorus is a thing of beauty.

[@blacksalamann]

Man I was ROFL with the AB Box review!!! GREAT CONTENT!!

[@sonofboar13]

This is the best pedal themed channel on KZbin.

[@michaelinglis8516]

Ive put an extra knob on 95% of the pedals i own that i didnt build myself, its a compulsion that cant be stopped. None of my pedals are safe from mods. The klon i built is the only one thats still stock....for now....."You know what happens when you start modding/tinkering? You brake stuff." Josh, truer words were never spoken.

[@davidfabella1]

This episode was crazy fantastic!

[@bruiserbrawler8054]

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

[@Yupppi]

Loved it. Variospectra looked really cool and weird and was unfortunate it didn't work. The Brian May treble booster apparently doesn't need knobs.

[@fiveanddime3994]

Hi Josh I was looking at real tube overdrives and would love to see your take and perspective on them. Maybe it's just me but the info seems very convoluted and wishy Joshy Any way I love to see a video from you on real tube drives and are they worth it and what are the benifits Please keep up the great work and your humor in your videos is so refreshing Keep up the great work From Canada

[@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.

[@CouchEconomyTX]

this vid and the expensive vs cheap clone comparison vid are my favorite JHS videos

[@jiggersotoole7823]

haha i got that dod ab box, it used to belong to a band from Leeds called The Parachute Men. I've also got their old dod FX10 boost which is brilliant. Have a nice day.