The Germanium TUMNUS from Wampler - Limited Edition

In this video, we talk about our newest pedal - the Limited Edition Germanium Tumnus. If you're a fan of our standard tumnus or other "klone" based circuits, you'll love it!
www.wamplerpedals.com/product...
The Germanium Tumnus is our tribute to classic pedal designs, but with a unique twist. We're diving into the world of germanium diodes, which has often been called the "key" to the original Klon circuitry's distinctive sound. These components are no longer in production, making them quite rare, and they lend the Germanium Tumnus a unique character.
We've put a lot of effort into ensuring that the Germanium Tumnus captures the essence of what makes a great overdrive pedal. From its subtle nuances to its robust build, it's been designed with the discerning guitarist in mind.
But here's something important to keep in mind: the Germanium Tumnus is a limited edition pedal. The scarcity of the germanium diodes we're using means we won't be able to produce them indefinitely. So if this pedal piques your interest, now is the time to grab yourself one.
Join me in the video as we explore the Germanium Tumnus in detail. We'll test its range in detail, with a variety of guitars and amps.
Grab one at your local retailer or direct from us here:
www.wamplerpedals.com/product...
Timestamps:
00:00 start
00:03 Some Klon History
01:28 Telecaster / Bravado amp (Fender Black Panel style), amp set to clean
02:15 Les Paul / Bravado amp (Fender Black Panel style), amp set to clean
02:52 Telecaster / Bravado amp (Fender Black Panel style), amp breaking up
03:19 Les Paul / / Bravado amp (Fender Black Panel style), amp breaking up
03:45 Telecaster / Plexi style amp circuit by Shaw, amp set to clean-ish
04:26 Les Paul / Plexi style amp circuit by Shaw, amp set to clean
05:03 Telecaster / Plexi style amp circuit by Shaw, amp set to “10”
05:27 Les Paul / Plexi style amp circuit by Shaw, amp set to “10”
06:05 Circuit talk
07:02 How does this compare to our standard Tumnus?
08:24 Strat / Bravado amp (Fender Black Panel style), amp set to clean
10:22 Strat / Plexi style amp circuit by Shaw, amp set to clean-ish
12:59 Strat / Dumble style amp (Ceriatone OTS mini 20), set to clean
15:59 Why this pedal?
Other Official Links:
Wampler Guitar Pedal Courses: www.guitarpedalcourse.com
Wampler Shirts and Merch: modyourownpedal.com/collectio...

[@Deatg-ek8rf]

Brian Wamplers drive pedals are criminally underrated! He literally gives us boutique quality drives for just a tad above Boss prices. Brain is an unsung hero.

[@1EddieDennis]

I came here to say the same thing :D

[@rowbags3017]

Hi Brian, amidst all the understandable focus on the Germanium Tumnus, I want to give due credit to your playing! Your controlled bends and vibrato are superb! 😎

[@wampler_pedals]

Thanks so much! That means a lot to me 😊

[@christopherdonahue6345]

I’d agree. However I enjoyed most Brian’s strat beck toss a decade ago with Travis. Serious note, Brian can chicken pick and does have some really nice bending on point. 👍🏻

[@onewireman]

I love it. Please try the circuit with 9V zener diodes. You'll be amazed..

[@christopherdonahue6345]

Still love my plextortion from 2010 by the way! The longest standing pedal on my board.

[@4vinylsound]

Wampler pedals are the best quality. Brian wampler, one of the best pedal makers out there.

[@ThePhaseShifters]

The master of klon circuits does it again. If I see a deluxe I’m buying it so fast.

[@rowbags3017]

Hi Brian. Fantastic! I've been wanting to get a Tumnus for quite a while, and you've announced this just as I was set to buy one! It was almost like it was meant to be. I placed my order straight away. 😎

[@danielferrera8773]

Probably the best mid gain sound I have heard from a pedal!! Brian you are truly a master

[@timndel]

I have the original Tumnus mini on my board, and it's always on, and always great sounding. I now have a Germanium on it's way from Sweetwater, as I was fortunate enough to order one as soon as Anderton's vid dropped in the wee hours of the morning. Great stuff, Brian, always love seeing what you come up with next.

[@Berndaddie]

Brian it sounds wonderful. I heard R.J. this morning too. Great all around. Thanks for doing what you're doing.

[@SS-gx7tg]

Ohhh Santa came early this year! What a treat, I've never ordered anything so fast in my life! Also that red and silver color combination with the metal knobs looks amazing. Can't wait!

[@phillamoore157]

Such a kick-ass pedal, Brian. I'm not sure I hear a difference though. Maybe if I heard them on the same amp, right next to each other. I just know that the original Tumnus is the ONLY OD-esq pedal on my board. These days the less I have on my pedal board the better. I just want to plug-in and play. Amps today are made so well, that this pedal is all I need to accomplish the tones I love. You've not only nailed the original Klon tones, or made them better (IMO) but made it affordable. You did the same with the Ratsbane (which I'll use periodically, as well). Made both pedals more applicable to todays amps which are more refined than ever. Such a joy to use your gear. It's easy to use, and you were genuine enough to price it to where us mere mortals can purchase one. We're all grateful for that. Now I'm looking for something to replace my Collider reverb/delay, which sounds phenomenal, but I spend more time f**king around with buttons and software than I do playing. Got a solution for that!? Thanks for sharing, looks like a fantastic pedal. If I can find a video showing a significant difference from my original I'll definitely pick one up.

[@gsbguitarsgsb679]

Yet another overdrive I gotta have. I have to say your channel is in my top three. Because you play the things I love to hear. Not necessarily the same things I play, but things that are played really good. Of course your explanations of circuits are top notch. You have helped me and I’m sure countless other players make informed decisions about what to buy or build or use on our rigs. Awesome channel, can’t get enough. Thank you, happy holidays…

[@wampler_pedals]

Thanks so much, that's very kind of you! 😊

[@Cryanoutloud]

I bought my tumnus years ago and never even felt the urge to buy another klone because it sounds great… as soon as i heard the news I decided to get myself an early xmas present- cant wait 🤘

[@danmayes4657]

Those Germaniums really got their act together ! :) Nice presentation. Been sold on the TUMNUS for years.

[@zachmiller4575]

Nobody does overdrives better than wampler you guys continue to nail it awesome pedal!

[@kevinarbogast9309]

Truth!

[@recklesstoboggan]

Ordered. This pedal sounds great! I had an early Tumnus Deluxe (the OG graphic with the Tumnus standing under the lamp post) and it was one of my favorite pedals, but I gave it to a friend as a gift to help them get started with playing guitar. And I've regretted it ever since. And my friend does NOT want to give it back. 😂 So I'm very happy you've done this one. I've been waiting for a long long while to get another Tumnus, and this is the one.

[@JuanTorres-ti1qm]

Eres un gran amigo! Eso es lo que cuenta.

[@GuitarML]

Sounds fantastic! Great work and playing as always

[@hughscully]

Nice going Brian! I've never considered myself a Klon guy but that sounds great. Good demo too. Looking forward to snugging it right up next to my Belle which is my favorite OD now.

[@eddiegeorge4047]

Brilliant ! Love the end with the Strt-HENDRIX!

[@kevinarbogast9309]

Just got it in the mail! Spent an hour with it! It’s hilariously awesome!!

[@jeffreyshoevlin8783]

Very good Brian! Can’t wait to get one.

[@chipsterb4946]

I need to add a comment. I got an email this afternoon as a subscriber to the Wampler Pedals newsletter. It started with an apology from Brian. Apparently the Anderton’s video on this pedal came out early and demand was far beyond what Brian expected. Therefore, newsletter subscribers didn’t get an early shot at getting the pedal. By the time I watched this video, they were all gone. Brian - thank you! Whether I wanted one of these or not, your email demonstrated your professional integrity and your dedication to loyal customers. 👏 Do I love every Wampler pedal I have purchased? To be honest - no. Will I always consider the Wampler lineup when looking for another pedal? YES

[@jwmcmillenii]

This is such a great demo. Not using enough of the immense volume on tap to alter the sound of the amp. You hear all-pedal and the amp without the output driving the amp into something else. Super cool.

[@chrisbardolph264]

Talk about a pet peeve. Some gear demos are like ok, here's the "clean" sound, and it's an amp breaking up. Well great, thanks for demoing what a boost sounds like, basically.

[@jonathantaylor3435]

Got mine today and it really is very very nice thanks Brian

[@jeffsorkow6249]

Brian! Your playing with the strat was killer!! 🤙🏼 very inspiring

[@wampler_pedals]

Thanks so much!

[@zafira976]

Incredible tone and response

[@jeffamichaels3216]

Nice sounding pedal, extends the existing drive. Nice job

[@DYFLProductions]

Eugh, just sounds gorgeous. Pushing and controlling a good tube amp's natural gain is so much better. A good Klone pedal now like this is just as good as any Klon. Wish I'd got the Germanium when it was released now, but I guess the regular Tumnus is close enough! I notice people often don't realize that these pedals react differently through different amplifiers. A good tube amp will show off the circuit's capabilities a lot better than a solid state or something.

[@79fuckoff]

Just ordered, super stoked! The cherry on top would be the Martinsville flavored black goop😮 fingers crossed 🤞

[@michaelgregory2231]

Have had a Tumnus on my board for 5 years now and use it for the Eric Johnson tunes in our set among other things, so I just purchased the germanium Tumnus and am looking forward to field testing it.

[@chrismillett]

Congrats. This is a sick release!

[@brandonleespitler]

This is sick! I love it! Must have.

[@joereddy3146]

Hey thanks for the email This version of your Tumnus is truly outstanding 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@jeremeydonovan8286]

Been watching and waiting for this all month

[@jeremeydonovan8286]

You rock Brian!

[@mutantboy8888]

I always wanted a Tumnus, and now with the Germanium version, i pulled the trigger! It plays well with my HX Stomp... The sound is warm and smooth... Beefier than a Klon horsie... Sustain is infinite... I use it going into an 808 in the HX...It has gain out the wazooo...

[@Nickcantle]

How do you use it with your Helix? Are you modelling in the Helix or just using the effects? 😃

[@paulberak4030]

That sounds really good! Thanks

[@szabowabo91]

The non-Ge Tumnus was my favorite drive pedal I’ve ever used. This one is even better!! It’s never leaving my board. And an unexpected bonus…the two Tumnuses (Tumni?) pair/stack surprisingly well! 🤘🏻

[@TheJstewart2010]

Honestly, if there is anyone I could choose to find that last batch of germanium diodes, you are the one. The pedal sounds fantastic and I was blown away when I checked the price. You could have sold them for 10 X the price and they would have sold out just as quickly. The fact that you priced them at a point where normal guitar players can easily afford them is fantastic. You are a good dude.

[@PrinceWesterburg]

Yehudi Menuhin said that you shoudl play every note as if it was the most important note you will ever play. Thats how I play and over the decades I've got to where I can't get a bad sound out of the instrument, I'm not alone, its just practice and listening as much as playing. Its so fine to see someone from a different musical background play, your country chops are killer good and influence everything else you play, everything has that warm happy overtone!

[@wampler_pedals]

Thank you, that’s very kind of you! 😊

[@bytencoded]

This is about to be my first Wampler pedal.

[@andrews2772]

The Tumnus is the only pedal that myself and my other guitarist both use, it is best in class. Thanks for all you do Brian! We both use them as an always on pedal.

[@randyberglund6474]

Got one amazing! It is different than my tumnus deluxe. Both are great

[@chipsterb4946]

This pedal sounds simply awesome. Brian’s demo is excellent too. That said, I’ve had a Tumnus Deluxe for a couple years and really appreciate the onboard TMB EQ. Now I need to go play through the damned thing again… not that I play anything like Brian does.

[@willwysowski5319]

Rocking playing, Brian! I want to hear you play through a univibe with that strat!

[@dude_crush_]

I pulled the trigger. I was going to buy a Tumnus anyway for a mini pedalboard with mini pedals. I figured I might as well buy this one. It sounds killer!!!

[@bigdonband4064]

I'll take it! Of course you had me at Wampler pedal lol!

[@evan2757]

Ordered, can't wait :)

[@NoBrakes23]

Damnit, Brian! I thought I was done buying pedals this year. That thing looks so good in silver with the ano red knobs.

[@user-lo9te4ps1v]

Well, that ended quickly. :-(. Congrats! The world can’t seem to get enough of Klon Klone’s … and I’m with them. Lol 😂

[@jaminjimlp]

Sounds AWESOME!!! 👍🏻

[@concernedcitizen939]

Is Brian a guitar player that makes great pedals, or a great pedal maker that plays guitar? Glaser Strat? Rare indeed. A man of refined taste.

[@wampler_pedals]

That’s very kind of you! The Strat is a parts strat, but I love it! It is indeed rare though- originally owned by Brent Mason.

[@PedalPoopers]

Ordered, love every Wampler pedal I have and I have a few lol Moxie, Paisley Deluxe, Gearbox and others. Can't wait for this to get here!

[@Greg-rd8qr]

Pedal sounds great!

[@robertgreen9675]

Yesssss. Finally got my first Wampler pedal. The Limited Edition Germanium Tumnus. :^)

[@kilgoretrout321]

Man I usuaslly pay attention to new pedal releases but this one came and went before I had a chance to even think about buying it.

[@clydewilliams7061]

First off this Tumnus is amazing! SECONDLY though, Kevin builds such amazing amps as well as being just amazing human being!

[@ChaddSullivan]

Saw the Andertons video and got my order in at Sweetwater first thing this morning

[@travisj.tritten5304]

Love the germanium transistor T-shirt

[@stratking78]

Awesome, Brian 🎸✨️👍🎵☮️🤘🏻🍀🎅

[@sorencin11]

Pedal sounds fantastic

[@frankenstein4106]

Just got mine today. I have compared it against an original mini Tumnus, a Klon KTR and a Mythos Mjolnir. The germanium Tumnus has more presence overall. I was running the gain at 1 o'clock or higher. I played it on a Supro Black Magick, a Z Wreck Jr. and a PRS HDRX 20. I really like it on the HDRX 20, which is a darker amp than the others. I was only using humbuckers, so I need to try some P-90's and single coils with it.

[@grimper35]

oooh. This pedal sounds terrific! Congrats to Wampler on another great product! Didn’t TC Electronic do something similar with their Zeus pedal? they found 2000 germanium diodes and built them into the first 1000 units (each unit required two diodes). When they ran out of germanium, they started building with non-germanium diodes. Not sure if the story is true… but fun to talk about.

[@albertplaysguitar]

Hmmm... I have the zues (non germanium), but still prefer the mxr sugar drive.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

You the man. Keep on keepin on bro

[@g-love6507]

What's up Brian, heard the new and old Tumnus comparison to the Klon on "The Anderton's" KZbin podcast and you couldn't hear the difference between your pedals and the much sought after Klon Centuar ! You should be proud !!!

[@bartvschuylenburg]

Sounds really awesome and a little more open than the original klon. I dig it. Have you tried those magical diodes in other circuits (what does it do to a rat, a DS1 or a TS9? Or modified a tumnus to soft clipping? Would be interesting to hear.

[@billybudd45]

Your peddle sounds awesome.

[@mattsmitchger259]

Just finally pulled the trigger on a J Rockett Archer. Awesome. But is now for sale.😆 Not a year goes by where I don't end up saying "should've waited".

[@BipityBopity93]

The amount of information the internet on how circuits work and how they can be replicated, you would think people would wake up and realize an original Klon vs all the amazing pedals out today replicating it sound extremely close (arguably can’t tell the difference) and equally amazing, but people still pay thousands of dollars and argue on forums about how the original Klon is better and sounds night and day different from the replicas. Such a bummer! On a positive note, guys like Brian and Josh from JHS are giving us amazing options with their awesome pedals of all types. Thanks y’all! 🙏🏻❤️

[@barriem5318]

Tasty. Love those teles!

[@albertplaysguitar]

I've been messing more with the MXR Sugar Drive, so yeah, I'm digging this video!

[@EdwardYasko]

Damn dude, that sounds killer.

[@ryanrizzi703]

So as soon as I seen this video, I went straight to your website…and seen the “sold out” on it. Went to Sweetwater…never even got there…lol checked reverb and seen what people are trying to sell them for ($699.95 + shipping). I love the sound, but dang…you’d almost think John Mayer played one for that price. I hope you make these again in larger quantities.

[@wampler_pedals]

I wish we could. Those diodes are incredibly hard to find and we got lucky with this large batch we found.

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

I use the original Tumnus with the gain cranked all the way and I love how it can get heavy and still cut through.

[@phunkyjunkee]

I ordered from Guitar Center on 12/7 like the minute they went on sale and got confirmation, then they cancelled my order today. I am super bummed. I really hope you can make some more, Brian, I was really stoked to get one before they were sold out. I wonder how many people got screwed by GC

[@williamsmith1708]

Yep. Guitar Center cancelled mine too. 👍 😡 If I were Wampler, I’d be pretty pissed at GCs negligence with this. I’m sure Wampler was clear with vendors about how many theyd receive .. and I’m sure they fulfilled their end. I wouldn’t be surprised if GC put them straight on the used market and flipped them.

[@phunkyjunkee]

@@williamsmith1708man if I find out something like that is true I’d boycott them for eternity.

[@musicmotorskate7540]

The same thing happened to me except I ordered through Musician's Friend. I was really bummed because AMS had it in stock and when I checked back they were gone. All of this took place the morning it was released.

[@jkyto]

Do you know what gives me great joy, Bri?

[@cliftongardner4367]

This video has been up for 38 minutes and Sweetwater is already reporting that it’s no longer available. Goodness.

[@moroboshidan7960]

The great question here is: where did you find the germanium diodes?

[@sparella]

It might be fun to make a super nerdy video about the mythical diodes and the story of you tracking down a type with similar characteristics. A "What makes this diode great?" episode, if you will.

[@nevesnow]

hi Brian, I ordered one the same day the guys from Andertons uploaded the video, so as I live in Germany, I ordered it from Thomann. I was very happy about that, because I was really hoping for something like that, which convinced me. Despite being on Thomann's list, they canceled my order saying that the seller couldn't deliver the amount they ordered in advance. I was really upset or rather annoyed, but hey, that's the way it is ... maybe if 1000000 youtubers didn't have one to review, I might have one now 😆 btw I'm on your email list and saw your email as well. This episode really opened my eyes ... do we all really need a "klon style" pedal and at the end to sound all the same? well aynway, if I could have one of those I would anyway😂 Cheers

[@victorbeebe8372]

Aloha and yes!

[@mykalgambullmusic5520]

41 seconds in, I'm $old! You had me at Germaniun!

[@robb4340]

This Sounds Goooood.Dang, Sold Out.

[@billybobhouse9559]

Yes please!

[@millineryindustrialaccomplice]

I'm psyched to have picked one up, thanks for your dedication to the casue Brian. BTW who's the maker of the guitar?

[@The_Weeezard]

The original Tumnus is a dream I'll realize someday. It's the coolest pedal I've seen/heard but it's so expensive where I live that it would be easier to find the Wardrobe and go search for the guy.

[@janjahnke6432]

The difference between the regular and germanium version is audible. Now I'm sad that I'm too late 😅. What a great sounding pedal. If I compare it to a speaker for me it's like greenback VS V30.

[@waskerbasket9601]

This is the pedal David Gilmour used on Nevermind the Bollocks

[@ISpinsir]

Ugh, so bummed I missed out on this!

[@kicsisziszi]

The first two something minutes wrre also a great example for the difference between humbuckers and single coils.

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

I dig the palm muted sound. I need to work on that technique.

[@MatzeMaulwurf]

Great! But already on backorder. Will there be a deluxe version? I love the EQ on mine.

[@onevoiceinc]

Germanium is where it's at, or so my ears are telling me. I personally think this sounds smoother than the original Tumnus. May have to grab this one.

[@ericleary5075]

All I know is I bought the Duel Pantheon and it’s replaced most all other drive pedals! I play in a twice to three times a month band and that things is solid!!!! I’m sure this one is too 😎

[@user-qd9mm5mt4i]

The new colors are awesome.

[@diegoespinoza9274]

Just got one 😎

[@bartboop]

Damn you Brian!❤

[@kodymartens8201]

Well... looks like I'll have two tumnus pedals now

[@strongarm65]

Are you going to be making more of these? It's sold out everywhere. If so, how can I get on the pre-order list?

[@UncleYoshi]

I'm hoping there's another batch, but he did say he bought up the germanium diodes. So I think they are sold out. No more pedal for us. Wish I knew about this. Just found out now.

[@ericleary5075]

Ok…. Sold out! Dude, good on you! How do I even order one??!!?

[@corybettison8361]

I’ve had an idea for a simple yet effective pedal. It’s basically a volume pedal that has two input jacks for two signal chains and one mono output jack or stereo if there’s the need. The idea is I can have a chain of let’s say distortion and reverb. And on chain two clean with echo and reverb with chorus. And sweeping through the volume pedal you would get a smooth transition between sounds. I’ve not seen it done but it would be a nice addition to a complexed board. Could you build one. Or show the masses how to please. Thanks

[@andrewabb1519]

Love the PNP Germanium Transistor Symbol t-shirt.