The Rat, which debuted in the late 1970s and remains a popular and consistently featured pedal in the lineup, is a familiar sight to effects pedal enthusiasts. When the model first appeared, it featured a large enclosure known as the "Large Case" or "Big Box." For a short period in the early days of the model, instead of the Rat's now-famous "FILTER" tone control, it used a more conventional "TONE" control. Based on the dating of each part, this unit is believed to have been shipped around 1981. While there are some signs of use on the casing, considering its age, it is in remarkably good condition. The op-amp IC is the LM308N, which is the basic specification for the RAT, and is made by National Semiconductor, a characteristic of this era. The buffer circuit uses a Motorola 2N5458 FET. The "TONE" control works in reverse compared to the normal "FILTER" control. It's a pedal with a wide range, from piercing crunch tones to powerful, fuzz-flavored distortion, but compared to other models from this period, its appeal lies in its rich harmonics, full-bodied resonance, and smooth drive texture. Accessories: Box Heartman Vintage Guitars is a specialty store for vintage guitars and basses operated by Ikebe Musical Instruments.
