Tone Caps, Bright Caps, Input Impedance & Other Nerding With Simon Jarrett - That Pedal Show

Nerd warning! This show is probably not for first-time viewers, nor anyone looking for quick and simple answers. This stuff is deep, fundamental… and yet all grounded (pun entirely intended) in basic electronics!
We are delighted to once again welcome Simon Jarrett to the studio. Simon is the man behind Kingsley Amplifiers (and pedals), based in Maple Ridge, Canada.
Dan and I have been consistently blown away with Kingsley’s range of pedals and preamps, partly because of their meticulous design and build quality and partly because they are imbued with Simon’s own personal musical connection with tremendous guitar tone.
We attempt to unravel some of that in this show, talking about guitar electronics basics such as input impedance, capacitance in guitar controls (low pass filter) and amp/pedal input stages (coupling capacitor/high pass filter), gain stage biasing and all those interrelated factors that have a fundamental effect on your guitar sound… long before you get into to worrying about which of the 487 Tube Screamer clones to buy.
It will be well over the heads of anyone looking for quick fixes or simple answers and advice… but absolutely fascinating for anyone who has been playing and tweaking for years and not quite connecting the dots of what’s actually happening (like me, Mick here).
Massive thanks to Simon and his wife Christine for taking time out of their vacation to spend time nerding at That Pedal Show.
Enjoy the episode. If you dare!
Please subscribe to our channel and visit our store www.thatpedalshowstore.com
Life too short for long KZbin videos? Please see the ‘Interesting bits and go-to sections’ information below.
Pedals & stuff in this episode…
• TheGigRig Three2One
www.thegigrig.com/three2one
• TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Mini
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2jKaukT
Australia: bit.ly/2vn6b6N
USA: imp.i114863.net/rd93Q
• Kingsley Serf Prototype
Not out (yet?)
• Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer Keeley Mod
No longer made
• Kingsley Architecht Prototype
Not out (yet?)
• Kingsley Squire EF86
kingsleyamplifiers.com/product...
• Kingsley Constable V2
kingsleyamplifiers.com/product...
• Electro-Harmonix Memory Man Deluxe 1100-TT
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2WbQLhG
USA: imp.i114863.net/qdQq5
• Catalinbread Topanga Reverb
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2mj3leK
Australia: bit.ly/2qVOTyJ
USA: bit.ly/3GK9Izx
• TheGigRig G2
www.thegigrig.com/g2
* Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
- Intro playing: 0:00
- Simon lives in Canada and makes amps and pedals: 2:45
- What are we doing today? 6:50
- Resonant peak? 8:20
- Fundamentals, harmonics and their relationship with guitar tone: 9:45
- …and clipping: 12:48
- Capacitance, inductance, resistance in pickups, reactance and pots: 14:30
- Capacitors on tone pots in guitars: 17:50
- Back to resonant peak: 19:00
- Rolling down a 0.022uF cap in a Stratocaster: 20:50 (23:15)
- 0.0022uF and 0.022uF caps compared: 24:30
- Input impedance and why it matters: 29:10
- Guitar pickups are high impedance devices: 30:30
- Les Paul/Constable/input impedance: 34:43 (35:53)
- Coupling caps & bottom end: 37:14 (38:30)
- …and input impedance: 39:05
- A treble booster is attenuated bottom and top: 39:40
- Oh WOW, so THAT’S what a treble booster does. Sort of: 41:20
- The effect of the volume control and treble bleeds: 44:40 (48:20)
- Mick’s massive generalisation: 55:27
- Considerations for the first gain stage of the amp: 57:05
- Bias in preamp valves: 58:50 (1:03:30)
- Simon plays us out (1:11:37)
Guitars in this episode:
• Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster - Mick’s video at bit.ly/2cQv3yT
• Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul Standard - watch Dan’s video at bit.ly/2dbwbvS
• Gibson Memphis 1958 ES-335 - no video yet
Amps in this episode
• Two Rock Classic Reverb Signature with 212 cabinet / TR65B speakers
• Fryette Power Station with Two Rock 112 cabinet / WGS12L speaker
We hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to our channel.
You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts www.thatpedalshowstore.com
We are on Patreon - crowdfunding for creatives
/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop www.thatpedalshop.com/

[@d.j.ashley]

Hands down, Simon's episode are the most intriguing. Glad he's in the industry. In another time he would've made a hell of a Sherlock Holmes villain.

[@W4rpth0rn]

I believe you are referring to The Adventure of the Missing Architect, in which the roguish Colonel Jarret absconds with the only known example of the world's greatest guitar pedal.

[@TheWhollymoly]

@@W4rpth0rn Don't forget Colonel Jarret's lovely assistant, Page.

[@mattgilbert7347]

I wonder if he's related to John Jarrett...that guy is terrifying.

[@banjobones4190]

I phoned Kingsley two years ago to place an order for a Page DS (fantastic pedal, by the way!). To my surprise, Simon answered the phone. I told him I was a huge fan of not only his pedals but of his playing as well. He was humble and lovely to speak with and was very patient while I geeked out on the phone with him. I called another time and got his wife Christine on the phone (who also manages much of the email correspondence), she too is lovely and helpful, and patient. Long story long, I had a situation that required an expedited delivery and they were wonderful to work with and accommodating. With Kingsley I know I am paying a bit more for boutique, high quality pedals, but I am also impressed with the very personal customer service, something you don't really get with mass manufacturers.

[@GGRetroRally]

what a clever clever guy Simon is; and not only that his ability to articulate what he knows in a simple way is commendable.

[@Bullittbl]

There is no way to digest all this in one viewing. Simon is such a vast wealth of knowledge it requires multiple viewings. Fascinating subject.

[@chrisegg7936]

Brian Landreth this is definitely one of those episodes that i finish and immediately add to my “watch later” playlist

[@profssrfink8073]

this is the nerdiest show I have seen so far. I love it. I learned so much. thank you so much Simon and TPS for making this possible.

[@BrazenNL]

Simon Jarrett, that's an upvote without even watching.

[@123scruffydog]

Playing nigh on 40yrs and it only took 11 minutes for me to learn something new. Bravo chaps

[@LEgoiste]

Now that’s how you coax a hollow body! This episode is a masterclass, such a knowledgeable and interesting guest. Thanks to you all.

[@andreweasombentley4703]

It’s not hard putting trust in a pedal builder when they can play like that.....

[@davedavem]

I read that as "thrust" and I think the point still stands.

[@pedalgazer7109]

I'd put trust in a pedal builder who clearly knows so much about electronics, circuits etc. He's not just copying a vintage pedal design and adding a cool graphic...

[@andreweasombentley4703]

pedal gazer couldn’t agree more

[@frankieconcepcion7860]

@@pedalgazer7109 AND he can play for real

[@erajad]

There are some wonderful tracks of the band Simon Jarrett is playing in on Soundcloud; great tunes, and amazing (and so musical!) playing: soundcloud.com/user-171472096

[@bernardosilva7306]

When someone can explain something complex very simply and understandable, that person just proved that he knows A LOT about the subject. Simon is just amazing!

[@nicholascivitano608]

Far and away I want to buy pedals way more when the person behind them (Jeorgg, Way Huge // Mike-Analogman // Zach - Mythos // Scotty - Pro analog // Josh - Jhs // Simon - Kingsley // Brian - Wampler , etc etc) has this much knowledge and enthusiasm for what they do. I like buying into a brand AND to a sound or tone rather than just purely because of a pedal functions a certain way regardless of manufacturer -- what a time to be alive to buy pedals!

[@AriesUmbra]

i know you've put 'etc' but i also haveee to name robert keeley and jamie stillman of EarthQuaker devices to add to this list :)

[@igordemoraeslenzi]

I keep coming back to Simon’s episodes. The amount of information in each of his sentences and his playing… what an artist!

[@danielconrad764]

Check out his licks tips and tricks sessions on his KZbin channel. You could literally spend weeks just trying to learn his 2 minute intro noodles (which he probably records off the cuff!). Simon gets so much across with so few words / notes. True genius.

[@kelvinburn7743]

Guitar Yoda! I've never learned more about anything before, in such a short space of time. I'm buying a notebook and re-watching. Probably a lot. Cheers Kelvin

[@ErikFritz]

46:20 "Don't want to get bogged down in too many technical details..." Love it! Serious nerdery, and it was wonderful.

[@kelvmuller2055]

This is such an important message, music is all about relationships. Instrument, player, gear, venue, mood, listener... It is so not about accurate digital representation. With no experience I have started building valve amps, it has increased my understanding of tone no end and not that hard to get your head around. If a bushy from Aus can do it, anyone can. Thanks to all at TPS. PS The Architect would be a great tool!

[@cantiguitar]

arguably one of the most “stop and rewind”video that I have seen in years,amazing!!

[@lukecurtis7975]

I have 1000x more confidence in a product when a designer/builder can explain how things work like that. Thanks Simon, please send all the Kingsleys to Australia.

[@Millo1868]

The Kingsley D32C is still a dream amp for me. An amazing guitar player. This guy is a genius.

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Simon is a wonderfully interesting and intriguing man that could talk about any subject and hold you captivated endlessly. Nerd doesn't do him justice.

[@Payne2view]

The science part of my brain really enjoyed Simon's explanations. It was great to hear a bloke who so clearly knew what he was talking about - and the sweet tones. I appreciate you all giving the audience the respect of going deep into why things work the way they do. Long live the intelligent islands of KZbin.

[@MrSlimfinger]

Wow, I'm incredibly impressed by this man. Very eloquent and straight forward way of presenting information, I've had several light bulb moments in just the 15 minutes I've watched so far!

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

A little late to the party here but this is BLOODY BRILLIANT. Tiny mind blown on so many levels!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Cheers Chris. Especially relevant to your style and touch I reckon...

[@tonypersson9998]

So much good information, I learned a LOT from this episode! What a fascinating man, and what a great guitar player! Thank you all! 🙏🎶🎸😊

[@theguitarelectric5218]

Architect yes...... Simon is amazing, I really hope he makes this an available product. Great episode gentleman. Simon is a player no doubt.

[@jxjz8416]

Apart from the pedal aspects, what a stupendous tasteful player, glorious! Those licks are to die for!

[@russhicksart]

This episode is the perfect blend of art and science.

[@andertons]

Simon... Magic fingers...

[@kodykindhart8230]

Mr architect 🤘🤘🤘

[@SteveSanchez0]

@@j.vaughan7539 where’s the videos of your playing..? Typical troll..

[@cjgsicknote]

I think Simon is from the same gene pool as Guthrie Govan, amazing technical and theoretical abilities and wonderfully eloquent. Many thanks guys.

[@rugbynut]

That opening was other worldly. And that’s in light of the caliber of players you’ve had on recently, god damn 🙌🏼

[@samwisegrangee]

I listened to this show twice on a road trip, and watched it once. This where I am in my tone. I bought a bunch of eqs, compressors, and drives. But now I’ve found that a new nut and bridge, pickups and pots, and the right pick and strings will change your tone more than a pedal. Also more than an amp. We often talk about “pedal platform” amps, but your guitar’s tone is the platform every pedal builds upon. Not the other way around.

[@Javerrari]

Simon is a better person than he is a player, and boy is he one hell of a player. Amazing episode, I’ve learned so many things just in this episode alone that I honestly haven’t been able to see much anywhere else. Thank you guys for continuing to bring the stellar content and not turning into a “$2.17 PEDAL VS. $2000 PEDAL???!?” Channel.

[@thomasmcgowan420]

Simon is so knowledgeable yet down to earth. the way he imparts his knowledge with no snobbery or pretense is very refreshing, and very kind. #thankyou #teachme #thatpedaldad

[@cowboytwang]

I've been watching TPS from the start, every single show, I think this was my favorite episode ever.

[@BV_Beve]

Fascinating! as Mick writes in his great video description Great to have Simon back, knowledgeable, articulate and super interesting episode !

[@scottakam]

A master class in pedal an guitar electronics. Awesome!

[@ChristopherMobbs]

Simon Jarrett should have he's own series of Christmas Lectures, with what he knows!

[@arkenstone]

I would listen to him reading Christmas stories. Such a pleasant voice.

[@ChristopherMobbs]

@@arkenstone at least some bedtime stories 😂

[@GiantPinhead]

Great! One of my favorites yet. How you continue to field continuously more interesting shows is beyond me. More like this please!

[@lexist7]

This is probably the most important episode of the show by far

[@BrandonIveyATL]

This is one of those one's that I'm going to have to watch multiple times to really get it all. So much knowledge dropped.

[@kurtisr2339]

Having one of those "it's a miracle to be alive in this day and age" moments. Stunning, everything that comes together to magic me--random enthusiast in the American midwest--into a fly on the wall for this conversation. Realizing now, in the same moment: this feeling resonates while watching TPS always. Many thanks, Dan and Mick and all your guests, for the gifts you share with the rest of us.

[@williamsanderson9279]

The Fundamentals of Tone! A great and very enlightening episode. Thanks for bringing Simon to us.

[@JayKughan]

Great episode guys. I always end up learning something new here. And the room finally looks complete. Really happy for you guys. It looks great 🤘

[@christopherlaack6186]

I love how much more there always is to learn about things I think I understand. Brilliant episode.

[@thomasstonehewer7037]

My favouritist of guests...both times 👍🎸

[@elonmush4793]

This was like the most interesting physics lesson. I'm not complaining at all.

[@carpediem4413]

Favorite pedal show ever! Simon needs his own show 👍 Awesome 👏

[@motorboot2822]

Oh geez. My weekend-brain is not able to handle this. Will try again on monday!

[@timchalmers1700]

I just found this episode and am so glad it's still here. I've gone thru it twice and think I need to see it at least once more.

[@jonathankrieger9121]

Bring that guy back!! I would love to see another Episode with Simon. Did you notice that his playing completely reflects the way he speaks? Very sophisticated and gentle and yet down to earth.

[@cesareberta1291]

Very happy to see and hear Simon again on the show. For me one of your best episodes, with my favorite pedal's builder involved and something new to know. Thank you guys!!!

[@skullheadwater9839]

i am a valve guy and i know much of what simon was referring too. but where i actually learned something today was regarding a rangemaster clone i just built a few days ago for fun because i have a handful of germaniums laying around for a while. i didnt much care for it, thing sounded nasal, cocked wah sounding. and i was hoping for more of a gain/treble boost. with tubes we always add a impedance/earth reference(usually 1 meg) to ground at input to make the input match the high impedance guitar signal. i just built the famous rangemaster as is because its the famous start of it all type thing. well just now i added a 1 meg high impedance resistor to ground before the high pass input cap and boy if fattened it right up nicely. thanks gents especially simon.

Another great guest explaining in a simple layman's terms harmonics, the relationship of the guitar ( flat signal ) and how we, the guitarist, create that sound into a amplifier! Thank you Simon for sharing! Thank you Dan & Mick!

[@scottw9732]

Wonderful, informative show, thank you. Thanks to Simon, as well, such a great player and great teacher, too. I learn so much watching TPS.

[@MattMarriott]

Quite possibly the greatest episode of TPS to date! I've re-watched the previous episode with Simon countless times and I will do the same with this one. Fabulous educational value coupled with Simon's sumptuous playing - thank you kindly!

[@denismguitar1552]

Soooooo good to have Simon share his experience and knowledge with us! And what a stunning guitarist! Maybe the best ever TPS! Just awesome. I’ll watch it again. New room look is better for sure.

[@jwhouwers]

37.000 views so far. That’s probably 12.000 people who have watched this episode three times. Great stuff, thank you.

[@tclaybaugh]

This is 100% the best episode you have ever done. I've been searching for clips of the effects of all these things for SO LONG. Now they are all in one place. THANK YOU!

[@jakobjorgweyde9031]

Incredible , I’ve learned so much ,I can’t thank these guys enough this episode has left my mind blown and now I will rebuild it with this knowledge ❤️

[@southpaw335]

That was awesome, Simon (and you lads) explained capacitance, impedence, resonant peak etc so well that i almost understood it. I love this show. Cheers Lads.

[@samuelxavier2473]

What a wealth of knowledge... and a cracking player. Great episode, lads.

[@jesseyasaitis9036]

Great video as always gentleman! This video is going into my saved list to watch about a dozen times more because there is so much useful information to be had! Love the nerdy stuff!

[@t3golf]

I work early mornings (3-10am) & every Friday & Monday morning I throw my headphones in to listen to TPS playing in the background. Highlight of my day for the beginning & ending of my week.

[@wadeadkins4927]

I have learned so much watching your channel, I never miss a show, and this one is packed with useful basic info laid out in an understandable fashion. Mr. Simon Jarrett certainly knows what he is talking about. Thanks as always for another great show!

[@creeker90]

Best episode ever! Great insights, humble guy and awesome player! 🤩

[@philiphopper4885]

I had NO idea!!! I knew Simon was a great player and an even better pedal builder but the intro he just played nearly made me weep!!! That transcends professional playing, that was magnificent and I dont think any one piece of playing has inspired me on this show more than that just did. Im blown away....

[@larryhirschman3652]

I’ve had the pleasure of doing gigs with Simon. The man is a guitar master and a gentleman.

[@mrc2662]

Blimey. Respect!

[@nitchbassman]

I've had the honor of playing a few gigs with Simon here in Vancouver, and he has such an understanding of feel, tone, and chord structure that i'd almost forget what I was playing as I was just taken away from listening to him. Such a humble guy too, that you'd never know his greatness from just chatting with him. Great show guys!

[@AaronAnderson323]

This is fantastic. I'm a tone newb and this really helped to expand my perspective of the signal chain. Huge props for the enlightening information and superb people behind TPS.

[@wilfried5418]

I might have to look at this episode several times and take notes. Amazing how much there’s still to learn: it’s humbling and motivating at the same time! Thank you so much, guys!

[@sharbono]

this is INCREDIBLE. simon is a legend.

[@weaslemusic]

Awesome show guys. Simon is such an incredibly intelligent guy, but knows how to explain things that the average person can understand. And wow, what a player. Love it when you get guys like Simon on the show. Keep it coming!

[@michaela9817]

Simon Jarrett - Patent that pedal before someone steals your idea. It's a game-changer!

[@pr0_gabby656]

I love every single moment of this episode!

[@KozmykJ]

Fascinating stuff. Simon puts things so clearly. He's completely on the ball. I kept up with almost All of it. The tronics not the playing, that was way over my pay grade. Mind you I do have some electronics background ... One day my Maiden D, Page DS & Boost order will materialise and I will be a happy bunny ....

[@JonNewquist]

Simon seems to really enjoy talking about how the electrical relationship between components works. I wonder if he has more joy creating and testing circuits, or sharing them? Super captivating episode.

[@johnnymurray100]

Love my Kingsley Deluxe 30and Simon is the most helpful guy you could meet! The amount of information here is incredibly useful...thanks guys

[@ThePanchomack]

Great Episode! Simon is just brilliant. It´s not everyday that you get the coherences between the guitar and the amp so well explained ... great help to all of us on their own journey cheers

[@luispato9335]

really great episode! Worth watching a couple of times! Thanks guys! :)

[@OriginalBlueFrankie]

Hey guys. The set looks super today. The camera pulled back and extra lighting really makes the room look bright and spacious. Simon was fantastic. I learned a ton.

[@oysterpig]

This episode is AWESOME! Over my head in many ways, but super enlightening!

[@casenowie]

Wow, so much info in this episode, the 'interesting bits and go-to sections' is really very useful here (thanks Mick!) Gonna have to watch this multiple times to let it all sink in, but what an interesting episode and what a great guest. Thanks!

[@kmdracer]

Brilliant. Possibly my fav show (so far)

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

90% of this episode went over my head, but I watched the whole thing anyway, and I enjoyed it. You could record a full hour (or more) of Simon’s playing and I would thoroughly enjoy that.

[@theflotrain]

This is the grey area that I've always wondered about. Really glad you documented these topics. Thanks fellas.

[@chrissherman01]

Great video, really appreciated the information on more technical aspects of gear. Simon’s playing is great as well!

[@tomgerman1484]

I’ve come to grips with the fact that I don’t have the musical chops I could have had, but I do have the capacity to understand the science of tone, and I’m glad that you believe your audience has the intelligence to learn things of this level. You never condescend to a least common denominator.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks Tom. We try not to. And we pay for it with our very low views compared to the dumb down brigade. :0)

[@tomgerman1484]

That Pedal Show Be careful what you wish for ;) Maybe you could collaborate with my other favorite KZbinr, Bob Clagett at ‘I like to make stuff.’ He’s done some music projects. I’d be all in for a DIY pedal or interesting pick-up wiring configuration (selectable pot or cap values?). Building is a great way to learn a lot of what you’re demonstrating (as if you didn’t know this). I learned a TON in my attempts to create an over the top Brian May Super Strat. ...maybe not in your wheelhouse, but I think some of Bob’s 2 million subscribers would appreciate your show like I do.

[@dekleinebozewolf]

Every week it's getting better and better, amazing show again!

[@fabianericson5454]

Watching this for the 4th or 5th time and the fog is starting to clear. Starting. Quarantine and covid affected brain doesnt help but Simon Jarret is the teacher of teachers. What a treasure vault this channel is. Thank you Dan. Thank you Mick. Thank you Simon.

[@JonNewquist]

That was absolutely educational. I need to watch it a few more times and take notes. Thank you!

[@stevereid7526]

For any synth guys , the harmonics explanation is the best explanation of FM synthesis I’ve heard so far . Think sine wave operators in a Yamaha DX

[@scottmorgan9123]

Another top notch episode that I'll return to many times I'm sure. Thanks again guys. More! More! MORE!

[@rickya3877]

Nice to see Simon on again...the Harlot is my main overdrive pedal...just fantastic!

[@ap7498]

Great show!! Thanks for the education and great playing!

[@rugbynut]

This is on par with Jonny Kinkead's episode - absolute masterclass!

[@tommyv365]

This video is amazing! Also, said so simplistically its putting all I have been learning about Impedance, Reactance, Capacitance and Resistance into real life perspective! Very nice.

[@kdakan]

This guy near the end of the show effectively built a classic fuzz using other pedals and the bias control on his preamp, really good stuff.

[@joeboonmusic4004]

Such a wonderful musician and a true gentleman, we need more people on the planet like Simon!

[@jonathanduffett8374]

“You learn a lot coming here, Dan.” ....Mick Taylor 2019. Spot on! Rewatching to catch all the geek nuggets!

[@ampoll88]

Wow. So much to unpack in this episode. It definitely brings up things that I haven’t really considered before and what a difference those things make. I certainly didn’t understand everything in this video, but blimey I could listen to Simon all day. Cheers to a great video!

[@citternboy]

Great at explaining stuff in layman's terms and what a great player. Clever and interesting chap. Hats off Mr Jarrett