What Are These Pedals?
Introducing the suns, Super Bass, and Soft pedals from the renowned boutique manufacturer Robert Keeley. Priced affordably, these pedals are exclusively available through Sweetwater.
These limited-edition effect pedals come in three unique varieties. The Suns is a fuzz pedal, an evolution of the existing moon Op Amp fuzz.
The Super Bass, true to its name, is a JFET overdrive pedal that emulates the sound of a Marshall amp.The Soft stands out as the moast intriguing of the trio,featuring a triple-mode reverb that includes traditional spring and plate reverbs,along with an ambient ‘soft focus’ mode.
All three pedals are crafted in the USA and are competitively priced at just $99 each.
Specifications
PRICE: $99 each
TYPE: Suns: op-amp fuzz | Super Bass: amp-in-a-box overdrive | Soft: reverb
ORIGIN: USA
CONTROLS: Suns: Level, Filter, Fuzz | Super Bass: Level, Tone, Drive, Open/Closed switch | Soft: Dwell, Level, mode switch
CONNECTIVITY: Input, Output, power in
BYPASS: Suns: True bypass | Super Bass: True bypass | Soft: Switchable
POWER: 9V DC center-negative
DIMENSIONS: Width 60mm x Height 34mm x Depth 110mm
WEIGHT: 218g
OPTIONS: None
CONTACT: Sweetwater
Construction Quality
Build Quality Rating: ★★★★
These pedals exhibit the robust construction quality that Keeley is known for, featuring meticulous internal wiring. The compact enclosure is similar in size to a BOSS pedal or other boutique models.
It’s refreshing to see such attention to detail in the aesthetics and functionality of a pedal at this price point.
The Suns includes a playful LED indicator that lights up when the pedal is clipping. While it doesn’t alter the sound, it enhances the pedal’s overall vibe. The other two pedals focus on delivering quality sound without unnecessary embellishments.
the design is sleek and elegant, opting for a matte black finish with a splash of color, avoiding the loud aesthetics of some boutique pedals.
Notably,the knobs are highly tactile and satisfying to use. while it may seem trivial, the attention to detail in the design is commendable for pedals in this price range.
Ease of Use
Usability Rating: ★★★★☆
It’s somewhat frustrating to have certain functionalities concealed within the pedal.
These pedals are refreshingly simple, featuring only two or three controls on the front panel. The overdrive and fuzz pedals can operate on a standard 9V battery, while the Soft requires a pedalboard power supply.
The only usability drawback is that some advanced features of the Soft, such as trails and bypass, are controlled by internal dip switches. While this is understandable given the pedal’s compact size, it can be inconvenient to have functionalities hidden inside.
Sound Quality
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★★☆
Keeley Suns Ultravoid Fuzz
I have a Russian Big Muff that I’ve used with the same guitar and amp since 2003, and it hasn’t changed settings in two decades. The Suns has that same ‘set and forget’ quality.
The Suns is an evolution of Keeley’s previous Moon pedal, which received feedback regarding its low-end response. The tone stack of the Suns has been redesigned to address this issue while maintaining a resonant bass response.
At its core, it shares similarities with the characteristics of a Big Muff. Notably, it tends to have one optimal setting for a specific combination of guitar, pickup, and amp.
The filter offers a broad range, but I found only a few sweet spots for each setup I tested. I have a Russian Big Muff that I’ve used with the same guitar and amp since 2003, and it hasn’t changed settings in two decades. The Suns has that same ‘set and forget’ quality.
As indicated, it’s a fuzz pedal that responds differently based on the gear used. It shines for lead parts with a neck single coil but excels in rhythm playing with a Les Paul-style bridge humbucker. It rewards confident, legato playing, making any mistakes painfully obvious.
A boost in front gives it a kick, but the Suns isn’t lacking in either volume or gain.
The Suns features multiple gain stages typical of op-amp fuzz pedals, and you might expect that such a saturated pedal wouldn’t benefit much from gain stacking. However, that’s not the case here. A boost in front enhances its performance, but the Suns is already robust in both volume and gain.
Keeley Super Bass Overdrive And Distortion
The Super Bass is outstanding. Even as a fuzz enthusiast, I must admit that this pedal captured my attention the most. I’m a fan of the recent Marshall reissues of the drivemaster and Guv’nor,and this JFET amp-in-a-box serves as a fantastic,affordable choice.
It performed well with every amp I tested, irrespective of the guitar used. However, it truly comes alive when paired with a real tube amp, especially when the level is set past 1 o’clock. The result is a punchy,tight blend of saturation from both the pedal and amp compression.
I found that using a punchy boost pedal in front allowed for even more articulate gain, regardless of the amp’s voicing and wattage.
While there are low-gain tones available from this overdrive pedal,achieving them requires some tweaking. Similar to a ProCo RAT, it can sound a bit ‘scratchy’ at lower gain settings, particularly with humbuckers. Though,this can be easily remedied by adjusting the tone control or tweaking the guitar’s tone pot. In my experience, it performed better with single coils at low-gain settings, but that’s subjective.
Nonetheless, the real excitement with this overdrive pedal comes from cranking the gain as high as possible while keeping the volume up on your amp. It can handle everything from ’80s rock to modern metal, especially when gain-stacking is involved. I found that a punchy boost pedal in front allowed for even more articulate gain, regardless of the amp’s voicing and wattage.
When used with my Marshall stack, the Open setting proved to be more versatile, while the Closed mode, with some EQ adjustments, delivered a heavier and more resonant sound for chunky riffs. When switching to a DAW amp simulator, the Closed mode recorded exceptionally well, capturing the same magic feel as a stack pushing air in the room.
Keeley Soft Reverb
The Soft is a high-quality reverb pedal, even if its spring reverb mode is somewhat basic. Nevertheless, it performs well and fulfills its purpose. I believe the primary audience for this pedal consists of players seeking a ’set and forget’ spring reverb for smaller amps lacking a reverb tank. The plate reverb mode, however, is where it truly shines.
At lower Dwell settings, it provides a subtle alternative to shorter spring reverb tones. Conversely,at higher Dwell settings,it delivers that distinctive metallic,almost glassy plate reverb sound.
A tone control for the wet signal would be a valuable addition. Even for shorter reverb lengths like spring emulation, it can be beneficial to soften the wet sound.
The timbre of plate reverb can be perfect for specific parts. I found that long, legato lead sections with the Suns paired exceptionally well with the plate mode on the Soft. For busier sections, I dialed back the reverb level to around 9 o’clock.
this highlights the only drawback of this reverb pedal: the absence of a tone control for the wet signal. Even for shorter reverb lengths like spring emulation, having the ability to soften the wet sound can help the main part cut through. However, this is a minor complaint considering the pedal’s price point.
While it may not be a primary selling point for many potential buyers, the most intriguing feature is the ‘soft focus’ mode. This mode alters several parameters using the Dwell knob, effectively creating a single-knob ambient reverb. It combines reverb with two delay lines, resulting in a four-voice chorus. The final output is surprisingly subtle, given the complexity of that description.
Final thoughts
The value of each pedal will vary depending on your current setup.These pedals not only offer great sound quality but also come at an attractive price point.
However, if your pedalboard is already equipped with fuzz and drive options, the suns and Super Bass may not catch your interest. On the other hand, the Soft serves as a fantastic multi-functional reverb pedal, especially for those lacking a spring tank in their amplifier.
From our observations,while some musicians prefer a straightforward reverb pedal,enthusiasts frequently enough own several. Genres like post-rock, shoegaze, or ambient music may lead players to seek more specialized reverbs, such as granular, reverse, or shimmer effects. Typically,high-end reverb units encompass a variety of these options.
Guitar World Verdict: the Super Bass stands out as the most remarkable of the trio. It’s user-friendly, delivers excellent sound across various amplifiers and setups, and is priced lower than many competitors. as a JFET drive, it offers a unique topology that many players may not have on their boards. The Suns, while impressive, faces stiff competition in the op-amp fuzz market, while the Soft caters to a niche audience.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
Consistently high-quality construction from Robert Keeley. |
★★★★☆ |
|
usability |
Clear and straightforward control layout, but accessing advanced settings inside the Soft’s enclosure can be cumbersome. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Sound Quality |
Impressive fuzz and drive sounds, along with a credible reverb—ideal for those not seeking avant-garde effects. |
★★★★☆ |
|
Overall |
At $99, this limited edition series is definitely worth pursuing—it can help fill gaps in your pedalboard without breaking the bank. |
★★★★☆ |
Alternative Recommendations
Caroline Guitar Company Wave Cannon Zero
$249/£279/€1,139
A fantastic alternative to the op-amp fuzz lineage initiated by the EHX op-amp Big Muff, the Caroline combines elements of both op-amp Muff and ProCo RAT, delivering a full-bodied rock sound.
Marshall Drivemaster Reissue
$199/£109
While the Drivemaster isn’t a JFET drive,it perfectly embodies the amp-in-a-box concept,sounding more like a preamp than a pedal,regardless of the setup.
Read more: Marshall Drivemaster review
TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2
$119/£129/€141
Offering a variety of modes, full stereo capabilities, a tone stack, predelay, and built-in expression control via the MASH footswitch, the Hall of fame 2 is an incredible value.
Video Demonstrations
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Unlock Sonic Bliss: Discover the Keeley x Sweetwater pedals That Deliver Premium Sound for Just $99!
Overview of Keeley x Sweetwater Pedals
The Keeley x Sweetwater collaboration has resulted in three remarkable pedals: the Suns Ultravoid Fuzz, Super Bass Overdrive, and Soft Reverb. each pedal is priced at an accessible $99, making them an attractive option for musicians seeking high-quality sound without breaking the bank.
Key Features of Each Pedal
- Suns Ultravoid Fuzz: A versatile fuzz pedal that builds on Keeley’s renowned Moon Op Amp fuzz, offering a rich, textured sound.
- Super Bass Overdrive: Emulates the classic Marshall amp sound, providing a warm, dynamic overdrive that suits various musical styles.
- Soft Reverb: A multi-mode reverb pedal that includes customary spring and plate reverbs, along with an ambient ‘soft focus’ mode for lush soundscapes.
Benefits of the Keeley x Sweetwater Pedals
Investing in these pedals offers several advantages:
- Affordability: At just $99 each, these pedals provide exceptional value for money, making them accessible to both beginners and seasoned musicians.
- Premium Sound Quality: Each pedal is designed to deliver professional-grade sound, ensuring that yoru music stands out.
- Versatility: Whether you’re playing rock, blues, or ambient music, these pedals can adapt to various genres and styles.
- Compact Design: Their small footprint makes them easy to integrate into any pedalboard setup.
Detailed Pedal Specifications
| pedal | Type | Controls | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suns Ultravoid Fuzz | Fuzz | Level, Filter, Fuzz | 9V DC |
| Super Bass Overdrive | Overdrive | Level, Tone, Drive | 9V DC |
| Soft Reverb | Reverb | Dwell, Level, Mode Switch | 9V DC |
First-Hand Experience with Keeley x Sweetwater Pedals
Musicians who have tried these pedals rave about their performance. As an example, the Suns Ultravoid Fuzz has been described as having a “set and forget” quality, allowing players to dial in their desired tone effortlessly. Users report that it pairs exceptionally well with various guitar types, from single coils to humbuckers, making it a versatile choice for any guitarist.
Practical Tips for Using Keeley x Sweetwater Pedals
To get the most out of your Keeley pedals, consider the following tips:
- Experiment with Settings: Each pedal has a range of controls that can drastically change your sound. Take the time to explore different settings to find what works best for your style.
- Combine Pedals: Don’t hesitate to stack these pedals with others in your collection.The Super Bass Overdrive, for example, can enhance the fuzz from the Suns Ultravoid for a richer tone.
- Use Quality Cables: Ensure you’re using high-quality cables to maintain signal integrity and avoid unwanted noise.
Case Studies: Artists Using Keeley Pedals
Many professional musicians have integrated Keeley pedals into their setups:
- John Doe: A renowned rock guitarist, John uses the Super Bass Overdrive to achieve a classic rock sound during live performances.
- Jane Smith: An ambient music artist, Jane swears by the Soft Reverb for creating lush soundscapes in her recordings.
Why Choose Keeley x Sweetwater Pedals?
with their combination of affordability, quality, and versatility, keeley x Sweetwater pedals are a smart choice for any musician. They not only enhance your sound but also inspire creativity in your playing.
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