The RAIL is a full-range fuzz machine with something for everyone. RAIL boasts a simple but powerful set of controls allowing for a vast range of fuzzed out and distorted tones. The RAIL features a simple but powerful four knob control set: Level, Gain, Lows and Highs. Explore each in detail below along with our Pettyjohn Custom Shop options only available from Pettyjohn online.Product Description The first pedal in the new Pettyjohn Electronics CORE Serices, the RAIL is a true full range fuzz machine! In traditional Pettyjohn fashion, we have brought rigours engineering, creative design and a passion for tone shaping to craft a versitile fuzz for everyone at unmatched value. Explore all that RAIL has to offer below.GAINThe GAIN is set by a unique eight position rotary switch and provides an inordinate amount of tone shaping while being intuitive to use. This is due to the rotary switch providing an increased range of gain which can not be found in standard pots. With this extra gain the RAIL provides significantly improved processing on the high levels at each increment of gain.Step your way from low gain distortion (which cleans up nicely) all the way up to Infinity mode. Infinity mode simulates infinite gain and is by far our craziest fuzz setting we have ever engineered, complete with a light musical gating effect.The RAIL circuit takes a unique approach to generating fuzz which does not rely on clipping diodes or finicky vintage transistors. Instead, the pedal literally boosts the signal with extreme levels of gain into the voltage rails and hence the orgin of the name ‘RAIL’.This effect is made even more fun thanks to our dual power rail design, which can scale from +/-6v to +/-18v, with the internal supply mirroring whatever input voltage you apply via the external power supply. Lower the voltage, lower the headroom and increase the clipping amount. There is a sweet spot for everyone, so experiment to find your perfect fuzz tone.LEVELThe LEVEL control has been carefully placed in the circuit to control the overall level of the signal and help deal with the huge amount of gain. It is also fully buffered from the outside world and will not load or tone suck, making the RAIL one of the few fuzz pedals that actually likes being stacked. Be sure to adjust the LEVEL control for each gain step and for each operating voltage.LOWSThe LOWS control has been re-designed for the RAIL and offers a huge sweep range from sub 30Hz to beyond 1kHz, rolling off at a natural 6 db/octave. This control is located before the GAIN stage and greatly impacts how the fuzz engine overloads, so keep this in mind as you experiment with the control at the extremes and you’ll find a vast array of distortion and fuzz tones just by sweeping the LOWS control.HIGHSThe HIGHS control has been re-designed as well for the CORE series and is now fully buffered against any external loading making it more robust than ever. The RAIL generates a huge amount of high end harmonics and you can easily tame it or unleash the wrath with this wide range control that sweeps from 22kHz down to 1kHz.PowerThe CORE series is built with an updated dual rail internal power supply that mirrors whatever power you apply. It works great from 6v up to 18v, doubling whatever you put in. Since the RAIL works by essentially slamming the circuit into the power rails, the voltage you put in greatly affects the character of the distortion and fuzz as well as the output level.Quiet BypassThe RAIL features a big update first introduced in our flagship Foundry MKII line: our quiet bypass switching system. It is a true bypass, relay based system for minimum pop when engaging the effect. If you happen to use a true bypass looper and want state memory we offer the pedal with Hard Click True Bypass via our custom shop as a post-purchase mod or at time of purchase via our online shop.Features Versatile, full range fuzz and distortion circuit with tones for everyone. Unique 8-way rotary GAIN switch for higher gain. Unique INFINITY gain setting featuring a musical gating effect and our highest gain fuzz. Buffered Level control for no tone suck or loading with other pedals. Re-designed LOWS circuit that sweeps from 30Hz to 1kHz before the GAIN stage, which interacts with the fuzz. Re-designed sweepable HIGHS control, comes after the gain stage with a wide sweep from 22kHz down to 1 kHz, it can powerfully shape the harmonics content. High headroom with internal doubling from 6v-18v power input. Draws under 100mA. Quiet bypass relay based true-bypass system for quiet switching. Hard Click footswitch true-bypass available via custom shop or as a post purchase upgrade for True-bypass looper setups. Designed for guitars, bass and keys. Hand made in Oregon, USA. New enclosure by GORVA design. Rear mounted jacks. Custom Shop Mods * The RAIL comes standard with a combo of vintage and modern opamps and Wima high cut caps. We offer two mods on the RAIL: Vintage or Hi-Fi. The Vintage mod uses Orange Drop highs and vintage spec opamps for the warmest/smoothest voicing of this pedal. The Hi-Fi mod uses Modern highs and OPA opamps on all stages resulting in the cleanest, clearest, most hi-fi version of the pedal.Bypass Mod * Our Hard Click true bypass mod offers the standard 3PDT true bypass footswitch, may cause a pop on engagement but perfect for always on true-bypass looper rigs. We recommend our standard quiet bypass switching system for most applications.
