univibe pedals
The Uni-Vibe was released in 1968 and became an immediate favorite of Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, and Robin Trower. It is actually a phase shifting effect, but what makes it groundbreaking is its use of an LFO (low frequency oscillator) to create the sweeping effect.
The Uni-Vibe used a photocell to control the speed of the sweeping effect. This was a small light bulb inside the unit that pulsed at whatever speed the rate knob was set to. The brighter the pulse of the bulb the more dramatic the effect.
The Uni-Vibe was conceived as a pedal alternative to a Leslie speaker. Jimi Hendrix used a Leslie rotating speaker, and therefore became one of the primary artists for the Uni-Vibe. Unlike most commercially-produced-phase-shifters, the Uni-Vibe doesn’t employ op-amps in its circuit, instead using discrete components in its design.
Dunlop Jimi Hendrix 70th Anniversary Tribute Series Univibe
To celebrate his legacy, Dunlop is set to release a limited edition line of four Jimi Hendrix 70th Anniversary Tribute Series effects. Each effect in the series was crucial to Jimis signal chain, both live and in the studio. They include the Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face, the Octavio, the Univibe and the Jimi Hendrix Signature Cry Baby.
Gamechanger Audio Third Man Records PLASMA Coil
The original model was a four-stage phaser. It had controls for intensity, output volume, and a mode switch for the color of the pedal.
The speed control was operated by a foot pedal, instead of a motor. This eliminated the mechanical limitations of a motor altering its speed. This enabled the Uni-Vibe to change speed more dramatically.
Originally designed by engineer Fumio Mieda, the first unit was manufactured and distributed by Univox in North America in 1968.
The original Uni-Vibe was available in two versions. The most common design included a foot pedal, to control the speed of the effects. The second option was a box with a potentiometer.
JHS Pedals Unicorn
The first design was distinguished with a grey power cord and ‘Uni-Vibe’ hand-painted the front. This model was the true Jimi Hendrix version. The later version had a silver logo stenciled on it. There has been many disputes over which unit was the true classic. Now, individual units differ greatly, with many variations. Some die-hard collectors will always be searching for vintage specimens, with the ‘perfect’ Uni-Vibe tone.
Shaky Jimi Vibrato Chorus
It’s important to know that the Uni-Vibe functions more as a phaser than a chorus. The Uni-Vibe effect modulates the guitar by knocking the signal in and out of phase. In reality, it’s not a phaser or a chorus. It’s Uni-Vibe, which is its own separate thing.
As opposed to a normal phasing effect with aligned phasing filters, the Uni-Vibe pedal uses a staggered series of filters that creates it’s unique sound qualities. Un-Vibe pedals sound best with the volume turned up, to produce that lovely, full sound.
Jimi Hendrix Fuzz Face
In chorus mode, the pedal blends a dry signal from the preamp, and a wet signal, to create its distinctive phased sound. In Vibrato mode, only the wet signal is heard, leading to a thinner and quieter effect. This also creates a much more pronounced pitch warble.
Jimi Hendrix ’68 Shrine Uni Vibe Chorus
The intensity control governs the depth of the sweep. Most clones and successors have this control, which is simply called ‘depth’. This function has a broad range, from subtle to extreme, when maxed out.
The volume control is a simple output attenuation potentiometer. The pedal also contains a transistor-based preamp circuit, causing the dry input signals to be colored and amplified.
Master the Uni-Vibe and pair it with a fuzz pedal for full Band Of Gypsys level madness… Jimi Hendrix style! Be sure to use the speed control in an expressive way to accentuate lead passages, and match the lead riff’s tempo and rhythm.
69′ Psych Series Band Of Gypsys
Cornerstone Music Gear Aquarium Vibe
To achieve a more subtle Hendrix-like tone, adjust the settings on a clean amp. Set the speed in a moderate position. This will allow more passages of arpeggios, chords and subtle leads to be delivered. The sound will be smoother, unlike the attack from the more extreme settings, which emphasize fuzz.
Recommended Uni-Vibe Pedals
Dunlop Uni-Vibe Chorus/Vibrato
Iconic chorus/Vibrato true to the classic late ’60s tone
Simple three-knob interface
True bypass
Guitar Mini Effects Pedal Vibe
Analog Rotary Speaker Effect Sound Processor Portable Accessory for Guitar and Bass
Walrus Audio Slotva
Save your favorite dreamscapes by simultaneously pressing and holding down on the bypass and sustain switches. Scroll through them by simultaneously pressing and releasing bypass and sustain.
TC Electronic VISCOUS VIBE
Awesome vibe pedal lets you recreate the legendary sound of the “Shin-Ei Uni-Vibe*” in a modern, compact piece of kit
Electro-Harmonix Good Vibes
The Good Vibes recaptures the iconic chorus/vibrato effect of the 1960s in an updated pedal with features designed to meet the needs of the modern player.
Keeley Dyno My Roto
The magic to the chorus sound in the Dyno My Roto is the three LFOs that give you lush modulations that truly sing out like a chorus of guitars.
Caroline Somersault
Gentle, lagging vibrato, 1980s style choruses, and even some doubling effects are possible…and then, turn up & go wild again.
It seems like Hendrix and Univibe pedals were in a sort of symbiosis where they made each other prosper. The Univibe pedals made Hendrix guitar playing famous and helped him sell records and Hendrix is the main reason why people are still mad about Univibe pedals.
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