"Is my identity numeric or nominal? JHS Pedals hints at a significant release through a cryptic message, and certain equipment enthusiasts claim to have deciphered the mystery"
In a much-anticipated reveal on August 11, JHS Pedals unveiled the 424 Gain Stage. This new pedal is a historically accurate recreation of the preamp from the vintage Tascam Portastudio 424 MKI cassette multitrack recorder, capturing the iconic lo-fi, warm cassette preamp sound favored by artists like Mk.gee.
The release was preceded by cryptic riddles and clues, leading the community to speculate about a Tascam-inspired pedal. The presence of features such as an XLR jack and the pedal’s sonic signature suggested a direct-to-desk style gain stage, similar in concept to JHS’s earlier Colour Box pedal.
While some fans entertained theories about a Japanese-made palindrome pedal like the Ibanez Tube King TK999, the actual product aligns with the Tascam preamp idea. The riddle for the new product read: "Forward or back, I am still the same. 5 knobs to command 3 layers of gain. Born in Japan. Built for your play. Am I a number, or am I a name?"
The 424 Gain Stage offers a multi-track status in contemporary pop culture, potentially making it a instant hit for a Tascam-inspired pedal. Mk.gee, a guitar hero known for his lo-fi, retro-futuristic guitar tones, has made fans of notable figures like Eric Clapton.
JHS Pedals has a history of replicating direct-to-desk tones, as demonstrated by their popular Colour Box preamp/EQ/overdrive/distortion/fuzz/DI box which is based on a Neve studio console and partly inspired by Spoon. A clip on JHS's Instagram was soundtracked by Spoon's "They Never Got You," and the description reads "Imagine waking up after 30 years and seeing this."
Keep an eye on the JHS Instagram account for more teasers until the official unveiling. A post on JHS's Instagram captioned "POV: You're an unreleased pedal being built." implies that the as-yet-unreleased pedal will have an XLR jack.
JHS already has a Tube Screamer clone in its product line (the Bonsai). The POV clip on JHS's Instagram and the riddle for the new product suggest that the 424 Gain Stage is not a clone but a unique take on a classic preamp circuit.
The Tascam 424, a popular piece of equipment in contemporary pop culture, seems to fit the riddle for the new JHS product due to its palindromic nature and Japanese origin. Some fans have speculated that the new product could be an 808 overdrive pedal or a DOD clone, but the 424 Gain Stage offers a distinctively different sound.
Mk.gee's debut album was widely heralded as one of 2024's best records, and the 424 Gain Stage could be the perfect companion for guitarists looking to achieve similar lo-fi, warm tones. With its faithful recreation of the Tascam Portastudio 424 MKI preamp, the 424 Gain Stage is set to become a staple in any guitarist's pedalboard.
- The 424 Gain Stage, a new pedal from JHS Pedals, is a historically accurate recreation of the preamp from the vintage Tascam Portastudio 424 MKI cassette multitrack recorder, similar to Mk.gee's guitar tones.
- The 424 Gain Stage, with its XLR jack and direct-to-desk style gain stage, is a multi-track status in contemporary pop culture, potentially making it a hit for guitarists.
- JHS Pedals, known for replicating direct-to-desk tones, has released the 424 Gain Stage, a unique take on a classic preamp circuit, different from their Bonsai Tube Screamer clone.
- The riddle for the new JHS product, referencing a palindrome born in Japan, aligns with the Tascam 424, a popular piece of equipment and a distinctively different sound from other 808 overdrive pedals or DOD clones.
