NEW JHS “Punchline” - Flatwound Paradise? 🏖️

In this video, I take a look at the new Punchline pedal by JHS. This bass preamp is inspired by legendary sounds of the Wrecking Crew and 1960s analog recording. I share my honest opinion of this pedal and demo it for you.
The Punchline (affiliate link):
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[@lucdevries9058]

You have already convinced me to buy a Duesenberg Triton. Last month, you convinced me to get a JMJ Mustang. And now this. You're killing me Phillip.

[@philipconradmusic]

Sorry not sorry 😆

[@guitart]

@@philipconradmusic 🤣

[@NateTheMeh]

Have you spent any time practicing instead of buying more gear?

[@taxtless]

@@NateTheMeh When you're away from the bass physically, you think of buying more gear

[@TLONachoLibre]

That sounds like a personal problem buddy

[@jhspedals]

hey thanks for making "this video"! :) glad you are enjoying the pedal, even if its just a loaner!

[@philipconradmusic]

It’s a heck of a lot of fun to play. Really nice creation! ⚡️

[@tylergibson7652]

just give him the fucking pedal!

[@AlecBoyd]

I'm on the fence about returning mine. The circuit seems very noisy. I understand the circuits are cascading, but with nothing plugged in and running the XLR out, there's a high noise floor for a "studio" piece.

[@adrian_the_musician]

@@AlecBoyd did you end up returning it or were you able to get rid of the noise?

[@AlecBoyd]

@@adrian_the_musician I did take it back. The ground lift helped out, but I overall wasn’t impressed with the performance for the price. I bought an Ampeg PF20T, a tube head with a DI out. I’m much happier with that for $100 more.

[@jhspedals]

Thanks for the review, Philip!! 🖤🙌🏼🏖

[@bchnwgn]

Great video - really well done. I received the Punchline as a gift 2 months ago, and have been completely blown away with how USEFUL this pedal is. Like your experience, this pedal took me about 5 minutes to dial in - that's it. I've since done 3 gigs (both indoor and outdoor) for audiences ranging from 100 people to 4,000 people, and have not had to change my initial settings at all (I've only adjusted the EQ volume as needed.) My sound onstage is amazing, and the best it's ever been through the P.A. (no matter who's done the sound.) I'm playing Rics with flats with a pick, and utilizing ALL of the features including the D.I. Bravo!

[@Push_Start_Nova]

Just purchased mine! Thanks for the comprehensive review! Keep up the good work man!

[@zachkoelemeyer17]

The exact person I was hoping would upload a review on this pedal, I love mine and mainly play a jmj bass too!

[@philipconradmusic]

Bass buddies! Thanks for watching

[@olsonknight]

Philip - Thank you for being such an inspiration to me, I've recently begun learning Bass (in October 2023) and can't set the dang thing down. I'm playing around with recording myself right now - I recently discovered you have music on Spotify, and I am in LOVE with your "Tiny Songs 1" album! It absolutely bangs - I listen to it all the time, and it makes me very excited to try and make my own tunes. You are my all time favorite KZbin channel and bass professional! Keep up the great work!!

[@philipconradmusic]

Thank you for the kind words and for your support. It means a lot. Good luck on your bass journey! I hope you stick around ⚡️

[@tplank216]

Another great video Phillip. The prodution value, and care taken in the way you present topics really make this channel a joy to watch, and honestly one of my favorite bass-centric channels to watch. As a predominantly flats player this seems like a legitimate option for a simple solution thats pretty reasonably priced for what you get. Thanks man

[@philipconradmusic]

I appreciate that!

[@CedarNorthGuitars]

Philip does an incredible job with all important aspects of this video, the cinematography is great, the sound is excellent, I understand how the pedal works, and the playing is beautiful.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for the kind words! I need to give a shoutout to my wife who helps with a lot of the aesthetic and visual elements of this channel. I’m so glad to have you here. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesburke2311]

Mine arrived today and couldn't be happier

[@joeleo078]

The stars aligned! JHs puts out a “bass” pedal. I’m all about pbass w/ flatwounds a la 60’s sound. It was only right I went through your link to get myself a punchline. Keep up the awesome content.

[@bramvanmelle5130]

Awesome review Philip, really clear and nice audio and visual. Looks like a great product for those of us chasing that sound. The recordings of that era had to get the sound into small car radio speakers and low spec home stereos, and i really like the focused, warm and fat bass tone they did it with.

[@matthewwithanm]

Another great video! Love hearing about the stuff that inspires.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks so much for the support, and thanks for watching! ⚡️

[@thedoyleharcavy]

I bought it after this video. My jazz bass with flatwounds sounds amazing through this pedal.

[@philipconradmusic]

Enjoy!

[@BassClefCity]

Great insight! Agree with your assessment. Totally makes sense having all that big tube sound of yesteryear supporting the flat wound basses. Cheers!

[@boomerbutler7569]

Really cool visual effects in this video, and the sounds were pleasing. While I don't really have a use for this pedal, I think it sounds so good.

[@NoahShreve]

I just got mine in today. This thing gives me the tone I've been searching for for years. Immediately onto the board.

[@ChrisCronMusic]

It’s so good. I haven’t stopped playing through mine since I got it.

[@hamiltonrodrigues3386]

hey, philip. awesome video as always. one doubt: do you think this pedal is a good choice for a live situation or it is more like a studio/recording device?

[@tolisbass]

The font of this pedal is exactly the same as the font you use in your videos. Awesome!!

[@jamiegustkey2573]

I always loved the way the Brian’s bass or possibly Carol’s bass sound was ‘recorded’. It had a tone … but what I think sounded unique to my ears was the way it WAS recorded- … a bass sound, much like you have achieved with the demo of this pedal here, but then the, I guess not so ‘secret’ ingredient was close miking the pick sound, playing the strings… the popping and ticking sound blended with the underlying tone giving the two sounds together, the foundation- which usually had nice compression with it as the cherry on top. 👍🏻 fun fun fun...

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for sharing!

[@JGSandman38]

These are currently $375 on Sweetwater’s site. That’s a pretty insane deal considering just a Cali76 compressor is pretty much the same price

[@Boodoobrown]

Thank you thank you for playing the same passage while tweaking the pedal. I get so lost when reviewers ask us to hear differences in pedals while changing songs, styles, playing position, and techniques.

[@riogrande163]

"Babe, wake up, Philip Conrad just uploaded-"

[@philipconradmusic]

😆

[@michaeloberly6129]

Thanks for doing this review. I was interested in this pedal (long time fan of the Beach Boys sound, and the general era this is trying to model), ordered it based on your video, and just arrived today. I really like your sound on the outro jam. Really lovely.

[@philipconradmusic]

I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching ⚡️

[@JoshuaTSummers]

Great review! Can we talk about your settings with that JMJ? A screen grab of where you dialed it would be awesome. Love how it’s thick, but breaks up nicely on the higher parts. Well done 🎉

[@Roland7676-te2qc]

I just ordered mine. I play P basses with flatwounds 99% of the time, so your recommendation regarding this pedal with flats was the nail in the coffin for my bank account lol. For a great DI, a drive section, and a studio grade compressor this seems like a great deal. I’m also a Beach Boys fan, so that helps.

[@philipconradmusic]

Hope you dig it!

[@jasonclark8013]

I've been a fan of JHS for a while, but I've never bought any of their stuff (never really needed to)... until now. As a cover band bassist playing dad rock, '90s-'00s alternative, classic country, etc., I need a clean, simple, reliable, and flexible setup. My current setup is a nano+ board with a small tuner, the Fender Compugilist (compressor + distortion), and an MXR PolyBlue Octave running into a Rumble 800 combo amp. I run XLR out of the amp to the mixer for FOH. That's been working reasonably well, but I've never been thrilled with the OD sounds I'm getting from either the Compugilist or the amp's overdrive channel. I've also wondered about a different, possibly better compressor designed specifically with bass in mind. So, this piece of gear ticks all of my boxes: made by JHS (check), high-quality compressor (check), useable on/off OD with a clean blend! (check), and then the intriguing addition of an amp sim to run to the mixer (check), with a good, basic EQ section (didn't feel like I needed that, but check). After watching a few of the video reviews (yours, BTW, Bass Channel) and then seeing this thing drop in price... I had to give it a shot. My plan right now is to run the pedal's XLR to the mixer and the 1/4" into my amp's FX loop so I'm getting the same sound FOH and through the amp. (We run one sub speaker with my amp adding oompf on my side of the stage.) Of course, y'all didn't need to know all of that, but I'm excited, so...

[@nedvigbendeguz]

Nice! Just watched the JHS video about the recording. How do you think this device compares to the sgt-di? I loved the B15 sound in that. And the option to have it as a desktop practice tool, an on stage di/amp. Should I consider this as alternative? (Though I already have a nice compressor) As I understand mybe this more for studio work, but always liked jhs stuff and really liked the sound you produced with this! Any input is appreciated :)

[@philipconradmusic]

I think of these as different pedals with different goals. This doesn’t sound like a b15 to me, but more of a fender style tube amp. I think it just comes down to what sort of vibe you connect with more. Good luck!

[@rome8180]

That's the thickest pick I've ever seen. I've always used a thin pick because that's what a lot of my favorite bassists use and it feels more comfortable for me. You sound amazing though!

[@philipconradmusic]

Good eye. That pick is a bit unusual. It’s a leather ukulele pick. I’ve been messing around with it recently. I like that it bends and thumps more like fingers. It’s an interesting hybrid sound.

[@UXBen]

Felt picks are also dope and super thick.

[@mperk1896]

@@philipconradmusicwhere’d you get it?

[@bassedthechannel]

Killer video as always. Tonally this is pretty in line with what I enjoy! -Carson

[@philipconradmusic]

Thought you might dig this one Carson! Thanks for watching and thanks for what you guys do ⚡️

[@amoblahblah]

Great video - well done 👏👏👏

[@alexl.9917]

Great presentation, thank you 😊 Mostly impressed by the range and tonality of the EQ, compressor also great 👍

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@thewetterbass]

To be honest, had my doubts about this one, especially concerning the price. But you definitely changed my perspective. Thanks for the video man!

[@philipconradmusic]

I think it’s worth a try. Thanks for watching and being a part of the channel ⚡️

[@yigitcengil2465]

Can we take a moment to appreciate his phrasing please? He really puts the RAD in Conrad with his playing!

[@philipconradmusic]

🥲

[@RichardReneeRachel]

Great video - thank you… there are like none that dive into this pedal yet, so you did a good service here. Any chance you can upload a photo of your settings from that last jam as the video ends? I can’t quite make out the knobs and I’d love to see how you’ve got it dialed in for that sound. Thanks!

[@philipconradmusic]

I’ve since changed the settings, but if I recall, I had a bit of a bass boost maybe in the middle, subtle drive with a good bit of presence, and a ratio of around 4:1. Was using leather ukulele pick. Hope this helps ⚡️

[@migrantfamily]

I want one of these for my acoustic guitar rig.

[@dannybuoyuk]

I’m happy with the ToneHammer DI and/or Orange Terror Bass for flatwounds. You really need to try those if you haven’t! But now this is on my want-to-try list along with the SGT-DI and Bassrig ‘64 Black Panel.

[@philipconradmusic]

Some great options! Thanks for watching ⚡️

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Man, I've been holding out on exploring new gear... I have a few basses with flat wounds (recent acquisitions) and I'm enjoying them quite a bit. Great baseline o this demo, too.

[@seankent1807]

I didn’t even know this pedal existed…now I must have one!

[@davidlovellbass4761]

So grateful you did this demo. Hoping this is realised in a non limited edition as being outside America it’s not really cost effective to import one. Rotosound flats definitely have more bite and mids so can be a good gateway 😀

[@philipconradmusic]

Nice! Thanks for watching

[@sloisguitar]

I am an acoustic guitar player but DO I want this for the occasional bass lines I put on my songs, whoa!

[@philipconradmusic]

I bet it would be cool on acoustic too.

[@ethannotestine2335]

What is that pick you're using at the end?

[@WalterGalindo]

I think it would have more credibility if it was JHS in collaboration with Carol Caye, but the product looks and sounds great

[@DouglasJerome]

Yes I love Carol Kaye very much- but worth noting she was not the only bassist working on Pet Sounds and other Beach Boys records

[@corycooper2942]

Sounds so good! I just wish it had an effects loop

[@alexneudatchin]

well done. sounds like a real bass when listen via combo plugged to pc

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks! ⚡️

[@AaronTharpe]

Love it! Any chance you gave this thing a try on nickle rounds?

[@philipconradmusic]

I did! It didn’t make the video. You can get a lot of brightness with rounds. Thanks for watching!

[@NoBrakes23]

I'm not a bassist, (yet,) but if/when I do head in that direction, this seems like a great multi effects pedal to start with.

[@SnootiestTitan1]

Mate this thing sounds great. What flats are you using on the P bass?

[@philipconradmusic]

They have been on there so long I don’t remember 😅

[@1904style]

Sold. Take my money. Need that tone.

[@LVXLOTUS]

Is that Cab Sim -> Preamp, Poweramp and Cab IR and room reverb?

[@charlarge3555]

Do you think this pedal would work well with the Hx Stomp?

[@lastreagandemocrat]

You could get awesome Motown tone with this.

[@almostliterally593]

Try running this in parallel with a sansamp

[@Ri_Guy]

This sounds amazing! I have a question. My G string on my bass has like zero sustain when I fret anywhere on the neck, but open it has sustain. Can you help?

[@philipconradmusic]

Hmm hard to say without being there in person. If it’s buzzing out you may need to raise the saddle height, or you might have a fret that has popped up or needs to be filed. I would start with a subtle saddle height adjustment to see if it goes away. Just a half turn raising the height. Hope this helps ⚡️

[@Ri_Guy]

@@philipconradmusic yea I’ve raised the saddle and it seems to almost stay the same or get worse. I’m going to re string it with the same string after I clean it. Wish me luck.

[@philipconradmusic]

Good luck!

[@oldasrocks9121]

Could be a dead string--

[@vayabroder729]

Maybe a problematic saddle?

[@hardcorediaries]

Odd question, but could this work driven up for punk/metal

[@cyberprimate]

The first thing I would do with this is see how close I can emulate an Ampeg B-15 with the DI, amp sim and other knobs.

[@adamknutson5773]

Sounds awesome! You've got to check out the JHS Four Wheeler. It's an awesome bass fuzz

[@philipconradmusic]

Cool, thanks for the recommendation. Thanks for watching!

[@Push_Start_Nova]

Did you run this into an amp or into a DI?

[@philipconradmusic]

This can work as a DI. I used the xlr out to my recording interface. Thanks for watching!

[@Push_Start_Nova]

@@philipconradmusic thanks! I just got mine and I’m having fun exploring it! Keep up the good work!

[@MG-vo7is]

Awesome!

[@discobassgroove]

I hope it’s not too expensive I’m 15 seconds in and know I’m going to get one now

[@philipconradmusic]

I think for what all it has, it’s a pretty solid deal.

[@Rick-pi9zn]

I want the drive as a seperate pedal

[@danno94]

how does this compare to the CAPO/bassrig you have tried?

[@philipconradmusic]

Different vibes for different applications

[@genskylight2769]

I believe it would be the perfect pedal if it has a fx loop after the compressor or drive and a dry signal out

[@JonesHess]

If this had cab sim I would get one immediately

[@justinbeck3974]

Hey Philip, what is the width and length on this pedal? I can't find that info anywhere!

[@gigaha]

9.5” wide x 5.5” long x 2.25” tall

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks giga. I haven’t measured it but that sounds about right.

[@justinbeck3974]

@@philipconradmusic Can you share your settings on the dials that you are using currently?

[@polkatronixx]

How does this compare to the Fender Downtown Express pedal? I realise that doesn't have an amp sim, but I'm wondering if it's a decent (and cheaper) option - especially for those of us who can't shop at Sweetwater.

[@philipconradmusic]

I haven’t personally played that one so I can’t say unfortunately.

[@lastreagandemocrat]

Downtown Express is decent, and a good bit less money. Its drive circuit does not sound nearly as good as this pedal, though.

[@PaulIsbell]

Can you run the pedal with an electric gtr?

[@philipconradmusic]

I’m sure you could try it, but I don’t know how it would sound. I bet it would be cool!

[@thomasmccann8008]

I've started looking up the prices before clicking on these videos just so I can enjoy it and not worry about wanting to get one 🥴

[@philipconradmusic]

I do the same! Although I think this one is pretty affordable for the value. Thanks for watching!

[@PhonyTony]

Such a shame that these are a Sweetwater exclusive, meaning we can't get them in Europe...

[@vayabroder729]

Wow; so Brian Wilson might’ve been personally involved!

[@philipconradmusic]

That would be cool…

[@McDoinky]

Nope, He doesn't own the Beach Boys name Mike Love does Don't support Mike Love; he's a massive tool

[@tomcarl8021]

Brian has dementia. He's in bad shape.

[@dominiquecoladon8343]

Mr. Bee Man playing the bass

[@martinheath5947]

Would've been nice ?and useful) to see the back panel. Any XLR DI out? FX loop send/return? Is it mono jack in/mono out? Power rating 9 or 18v? Sounds pretty good though.

[@philipconradmusic]

1/4 in and out. Xlr out. Ground lift. Pretty standard. Standard power. Thanks for watching!

[@artwerkmedia8616]

What’s with the fade in fade out? Can barely hear anything

[@philipconradmusic]

That’s so you can hear what the pre and eq is doing as I turn up the pot ⚡️

[@jean-philippemorin1176]

A kind of sansamp for flats players... Sounds nice.

[@McDoinky]

I'd still get the Capo Nothing wrong with using more than one pedal

[@philipconradmusic]

Different vibes. Just depends on what you are looking for.

[@SpacemanIan]

insert Philip J. Fry "take my money" meme

[@philipconradmusic]

😆 in all seriousness, you would sound sick with this thing ⚡️

[@SpacemanIan]

@@philipconradmusic I'm gonna get one!

[@Shawn-co8uu]

I’m unclear on the connection to The Beach Boys, not seeing/hearing anything this does vs. a P bass and a tube amp would get you? Can’t think of any Beach Boys songs with distorted bass. Or even compressed bass, outside of general album mastering. Might be a fine combo pedal on its own of course.

[@saigonproducer]

It’s called marketing dude

[@MrGrsrrt]

I'm pretty sure it would sound great with roundwounds too....

[@philipconradmusic]

It does. Didn’t make the video, but I played my jazz bass with rounds and it was sick.

[@oliverkotalik3014]

you know what would sound really sick through this.....a custom, homemade Fenderbird

[@mr.champlinssciencechannel906]

I was very excited to see JHS had a bass multi-effects but a little disappointed it is going for such a specific sound. Don't get me wrong, sounds great for specific applications but not much use for me.

[@philipconradmusic]

Thanks for sharing. I agree this is not for everyone. Fingers crossed we see more bass-specific JHS products in the future… ⚡️

[@artbehrman7712]

JHS owes you money. I bought one 2/3 of the way through this video.

[@philipconradmusic]

😆

[@artbehrman7712]

Dammit.

[@4deuce31]

Beach Boys? Ehem, Carol Kaye.

[@marcogarciaphoto]

I assume using this with a proper amp defeats its purpose? This seems more of a DI rather than something to send into an amp.

[@crolodon8024]

You presume incorrectly.

[@marcogarciaphoto]

@@crolodon8024 well...enlighten us...we are all waiting.

[@crolodon8024]

@@marcogarciaphoto Enlighten you in regards to what? You stated that you assume that using this equipment with a proper amp defeats its purpose. I stated that you are incorrect.

[@marcogarciaphoto]

​@@crolodon8024 you didn't answer the question. you're making statements without evidence. please inform us why I am incorrect.

[@crolodon8024]

@@marcogarciaphoto It works great with an amp. What are you talking about, statements without evidence? It's a bass guitar pedal, you can plug it into an amp.

[@veerchasm1]

Let me guess the JHS price…$1000 😂

[@MichaelUhler]

Mud city

[@sgblues4238]

Oh it’s a BASS pedal! Thank god my wallet is safe!

[@kevmac1230]

It's not for me.I own far too many FX pedals, analog and everything else.