| Series | No |
|---|---|
| SKU | JHS-PACKRAT |
| warehouse_eta | No |
| Colour | Black |
| Warranty | Yes |
JHS Packrat Multi Mode Rat Style Distortion Overdrive Fuzz Pedal
Availability
6 Available in Newcastle Store
JHS Packrat Multi Mode Distortion Overdrive Fuzz Pedal
In 1978, the most versatile and influential distortion pedal of all time was invented in Kalamazoo, MI. Scott Burnham and Steve Kiraly first had the idea after playing, repairing and modifying all the available distortion pedals on the market. They wanted something that didn’t exist in the then mainstream throes of MXR, DOD and even BOSS’s product line; they wanted a pedal that could go from overdrive to distortion and then all the way to fuzz. By 1979 Scott had perfected the circuit in his RAT-infested basement workshop, and the rest is history.
The PackRat is the ultimate tribute to the 40+ years of rodent evolution and its impact on the guitar’s sound. Artists from every genre have used the iconic tones in this unassuming black box to create their sounds, including Nirvana, John Schofield, Pink Floyd, Metallica, REM, the Eagles, Jeff Beck and Radiohead.
Building on our Multi-Mode pedal series that includes the Muffuletta and Bonsai, the PackRat uses the same unique digital runway system to direct the paths of 261 components through 40 individual switches. This means that when you choose one of the nine legendary or rare modes, you are playing fully analog circuits that perfectly replicate that mode, even down to the aging components (also known as component drift). If you purchased these nine hard-to-find pedals on the used market right now, you would pay around $4,000.
THE PACKRAT MODES:
THE WORDS RAT, WHITE FACE, TURBO, BRAT, YOU DIRTY RAT, IBANEZ, LANDGRAFF, AND WAVE CANNON MAY BE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS. THE JHS PEDALS PACKRAT IS IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH OR ENDORSED BY PROCO, IBANEZ, OR LANDGRAFF.
1. THE OG (1979-83)
The OG mode is a perfect recreation of the first production RATs ever made. This era of roughly four years covers what is referred to historically as the V1 models.
Early V1s are also known as the Fringe Logo model and can be identified by the letters R-A-T being in all capital letters with a slight fringe graphic coming from the typeface. The V1 also has small silver capped knobs and a Tone knob instead of the more familiar and later produced V2 Filter control labeling. From a circuitry standpoint, the V1 and V2 Big Box models are practically identical except that the V1's Tone control increases treble as you turn clockwise while the V2's Filter control decreases treble in that direction.
When switching to the OG mode, you are activating the exact circuitry of my 1979 V1 Fringe Logo model, including the accurate Tone control rotation and taper.
Let me take a moment here to clarify: the V1 and V2 models are the exact same circuit, and simple adjustments to the Tone/Filter control can achieve identical sounds from each unit.
I know that the super nerds are going to ask why we didn’t include a Bud Box mode. Basically, I’d consider the Bud Box RAT to be a V1, because it is almost identical other than having an input buffer as well as a couple of extra parts.
2. WHITE FACE V3 (1984-1986)
In 1984, the RAT transitioned into a smaller square enclosure with a new white rectangle logo. The word RAT was in all black caps inside the white rectangle; this model gained the “White Face” RAT nickname due to this aesthetic. In 1986, this same model had a logo change that simply inverted the white and black colors, resulting in the more familiar white rectangle outline and font on the black enclosure.
This “White Face” model has gained a reputation as one of the holy grail RATs, and it even spawned a reissue in the nineties. The irony is that it is the same exact circuit as the previous Big Box V2 and the following “Black Face” 1986, as well as the 1989 RAT2. The “White Face” V3 update was a purely cosmetic change due to screen printing errors that needed to be solved. ProCo knew that the world wanted smaller pedals in the wake of brands like BOSS, DOD and Ibanez gaining more and more market share, and they wisely cashed in on the trend.
With this said, why would I put this particular version in my PackRat if it is not any different than the OG? For one, nostalgia is a powerful thing, and secondly, this mode will switch to the reverse orientation V2-V3 Filter control with an entirely different feel and experience. In many ways it widens what many consider the sweet spot for the most beloved RAT tones.
Like you, I want to believe in magic models of my favorite pedals, but sometimes the magic is just because we like the look or the user experience of one version over the other. It’s okay to admit that and move on.
3. TURBO V6 (1989)
The heart of the RAT’s tone comes from a design technique called symmetrical hard clipping. In this approach, a simple amplifier circuit amplifies the guitar’s signal and pushes it across a pair of clipping diodes. The result is that these diodes clip off the top of the waveform of the guitar and create a type of square wave distortion. Every RAT until 1989 utilized a typical silicon diode, just like the DOD 250 and BOSS DS-1, but the new TurboRAT used LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Yup, these are the same LEDs you see in flashlights, your car’s dashboard, DVD players and almost every other electronic device on earth. This technique was a first in pedals (the same clipping style was used in the Marshall Guv'nor) and offered a completely new RAT experience.
The silicon diodes in previous versions have a lower forward voltage, resulting in a faster and more extreme clipping of the waveform. You could say this type of diode creates a very saturated tone. The Turbo’s LEDs have a much higher forward voltage, so they don’t activate or clip the signal as fast or as hard. It takes more signal to reach the point where they will “cut off” the waveform, which causes the phenomenon we know as touch sensitivity. You can set the Distortion lower, and as you play lightly, you will have an overdrive tone; dig into your guitar and play hard, and hear more clipping/distortion.
It is also worth noting that this model was the first RAT that offered the sloped enclosure that we see today. It also featured the new on/off status LED that had made its debut one year earlier in the 1988 RAT2.
4. BRAT (1997)
In 1997 ProCo got into the budget pedal game by releasing the BRAT and the Guitar Center exclusive, Roadkill. These two identical circuits with different and very nineties grunge aesthetics have the most changes so far in the evolution of this legendary circuit.
This design added an input buffer circuit and soft clipping (inside the loop of the op amp) on top of the standard hard clipping of the previous RATs. We also see a return to the opposite taper/rotation Filter control and several capacitor value changes that alter the frequency response and characteristics of the distortion.
5. DIRTY (2004)
In 2002, ProCo released a 2-in-1 RAT pedal called the Deucetone. This pedal allowed you to have two completely separate RATs and activate them independently or stack them together. It also introduced two brand new sounds into the RAT topology: “Clean RAT” mode and “Dirty RAT.” Due to the popularity of the “Dirty RAT” mode, they released a single pedal called You Dirty RAT that featured that single setting in a standard sloped RAT enclosure. This circuit utilizes germanium diodes in the symmetrical hard clipping section of the circuit. This technique gives the most saturation and waveform clip-off of any version ever made.
In addition to the diode changes, this model has several different capacitor value changes resulting in a different distortion character and feel.
6. LA (1986)
In 1986, Ibanez released the 10 Series line of pedals that included three RAT style pedals. The Super Product and Fat Cat held the position of accurate and traditional RAT style pedals, while the quirkier LA Metal was, in my opinion, one of the best-modified RAT circuits of the eighties.
It includes a great input buffer, several key capacitor changes for frequency response, and no clipping diodes at all. The distortion is produced by overloading or “clipping the rails” of the op amp.
I don’t play LA Metal, and I’m guessing you don’t either, but I promise you will love this mode!
7. LANDGRAFF MO’D (1999)
Between 1999-2000, a man named John Landgraff started building pedals by hand in Pensacola, FL. Each one painted with a unique swirl paint job and wired point to point; John’s pedals were and still are the true definition of boutique and gained a reputation for sounding amazing. His most popular pedal was the Landgraff Dynamic Overdrive, a take on the Ibanez Tube Screamer, but my favorite was his distortion pedal that he called the “MO’D,” a distant cousin of the RAT and a really fantastic pedal in its own right.
8. CAROLINE (2010)
A few years after starting JHS, I purchased a fascinating distortion pedal from a brand new company out of South Carolina. I remember jumping on the phone and geeking out with the designer and head of the company Philippe Herndon. We talked about the circuit, his love for RATs and his clever take on the circuit. That pedal was called the Wave Cannon and when I started the PackRat project, it was obvious that Philippe was the friend I should bring along for the ride.
9. JHS MODE
In 2003 I managed a tiny guitar shop in Northwest Alabama. One day a man walked in with a vintage Small Box RAT and said he wanted to sell it. When the shop’s owner said he wasn’t interested, I said I was. I bought that RAT for $15, and this is most likely the single event that led me down the pedal collecting rabbit hole. That pedal stayed on my board for a decade, and when I started modifying and building pedals in 2007, I opened it up, learned the circuit and modded it to reflect a different kind of sound. Parts of that modification became the now discontinued JHS All American and the long-running JHS PackRat modification that we performed on thousands of RAT pedals from 2008-2018. The JHS Mode lets me keep what makes the RAT unique and add in a few of my personal favorite mods.
JHS Pedals at Musos Corner
Musos Corner is proud to stock JHS pedals at Musos Corner. Founded by Josh Heath Scott (JHS), this Kansas City based company has fast become a major producer of quality and innovative effect pedals. Scott produced the first JHS pedals, the Pulp and Peel, All American and the Morning Glory in 2008. Josh needing to fix the pedal on his Boss BD-2 opened up the pedal and was instantly facinated by the circuitry, leading him to begin modifying pedals for his friends. Boss pedals modified by Josh began to be sold by a local guitar shop and their popularity lead Josh into exploring his own ideas and concepts for guitar pedals. He begins his own DIY wesite and this promotes internet traffic to the brand providing a bost to his already growing local customer base. In 2009 Josh moves into his brother in law's backyard tool shed to produce pedals and the pink isolation sheets he instals to keep out the Missouri heat leads to the nick name of the pink palace. JHS generates a strong grassroots ethic both in terms of production and marketing and this pays off asd the brand grows through clever teaser releases and hip branding. Today JHS maintains it's quirky not too serious nature whilst becoming a market leader in the effect pedal market. Collaborations with established maunfacturers such Boss and Keeley have confirmed JHS's status as a respected player in this space.
Important Notice
Please allow a few extra days for delivery as our couriers & Australia Post are experiencing higher than normal parcel volumes due to COVID 19
Ordering
Is this product in stock?
We try our best to have everything in stock, but sometimes items sell out faster than we can update the website, as this is a manual process. If this is the case we will call or email you and let you know if your order cannot be fulfilled, and what your options are as soon as possible. We have multiple warehouses around the country so the "in stock" and "out of stock" is an indication of if the item is able to be shipped from one of them, our store, or one of our distributors. Most of the time there is no difference in turn around depending where it is shipped from but if there are any delays we will contact you immediately. We do also ask if you plan on picking up an item, please contact us so we make sure it is in our store ready for you.
I want a certain product but I don't see it on your site, Why don't you have it!!!?
We have a HUGE store here in Newcastle (which we would love to see you in) and not every product we stock is online & vice versa, but if you don't see what you are after, give us a call or email and we will chase it down for you!
Is everything on your website in stock?
We try our best to have everything in stock, but sometimes items sell out faster than we can update the website, as this is a manual process. If this is the case we will call or email you and let you know if your order cannot be fulfilled, and what your options are as soon as possible.
Do all the guitars come set up & with strings?
They sure do! All the guitars are set up at the factory & often once in the country as well! Every guitar we sell is ready to play (after a quick tune of course)
Price Match
Do you price match?
Yes we do! We will do our very best to match & beat any genuine Australian quote or advertised price!
Just email us a link to the cheaper product and we will match or beat it for you (Prices valid for 48 hours) The Musos Corner Price Match option only applies when comparing identical products in the same condition, where payment is made in full by cash, eftpos or credit card. It is subject to verification and does not apply to ebay, american or overseas sites (come on guys), global sounds, grey importers, bulk buy discounts or site licence prices apply or to prices of other sellers that are available for less than one week. Price Match does not apply if retailers are out of stock or if Musos Corner is out of stock of the product in question. Shipping is also generally not included with the Price Match, that said we will always endeavour to pass on the very best price we possibly can.
Payments
Pricing Policy
All of our prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) and include Australian GST (Goods and Services Tax). All transactions are processed in AUD.
In this industry our suppliers can often change their prices quickly and without notice. Sometimes the website or the store will not accurately represent these price changes and sometimes there may be genuine pricing errors due to either technical or human error. In these instances we are not bound by the information offered in error and may not be able to honor the incorrect price, but we will explain the error to you and do everything we can to pass on the best possible deal.
Do you guys Lay-by?
We certainly do in store, for an online lay-by each one is selected upon its own merrits with a 50% Deposit if approved. For in store Lay-bys: 20% Deposit, followed by weekly or fortnightly payments for 8 weeks. If cancelled, a 20% of RRP Fee will incurr.
Freight
How do I know if my item ships Free?
Many products we stock have free shipping to certain locations.
Please put in your address into the freight calculator and if there is no delivery charge your order may be eligible for free delivery. General exceptions include anything over 20kg or 105cm and areas as deemed remote by our delivery partners, including all of NT & WA.
Some Items on ZipMoney, ZipPay, or Studio19 Finance may not be eligable for free delivery. We will contact you if this is the case.
Some large/heavy items (over 20kg) , or items deemed not able to be delivered by our standard courier, Australia Post, may have an extra shipping charge.
Free Postage Details
Some items such as certain pedals and stomp boxes, accessories and effects may have free postage. This will go via the cheapest method. Courier/Express/Insurance/Registered Post would be extra. Please contact us for more information or check the "Free Freight" tab at the top of our website.
Express Post
Sometimes we can Express Post/Courier your items if necessary but additional charges may apply. Orders generally leave at 2:00pm daily so if you need an item ASAP, make sure it is ordered by 1pm (please call 1300 687 672) to ensure there is stock of the item and to get an estimated time of arrival. Express post is to capital / major cities only (for next day service). This service is for small items under 3KG only!
How can I track my order?
Check your email and you will have been sent a tracking number, input the number into either Fastway Couriers, Startrack or Australia Post's Track & Trace engine. If you have any problems, please call us and we will call the couriers on your behalf.
Do you take international orders?
Sorry, we do not take international orders, we only sell and ship around Mainland Australia & Tasmania. For remote & Island locations please contact us.
How much is shipping?
To work out a shipping cost, please go through the cart and our system will work out a freight price to your area.
If you think there may be an error, or want to clarify the price, you are welcome to contact us and we will work out the best shipping price for you.
There may be some exceptions for heavy or large items (over 25kg), remote locations or some regional areas. We will contact you if this problem arises prior to shipping the goods.
Do you offer freight insurance?
We certainly do, and highly recommend it as Australia is a big country. Insurance / Shipping protection is available and is only 1.5% of the value of the goods.
Can I pick my goods up in store?
Of course! Unlike some stores, we do not charge for you to pick up in store. We are open 7 days for your convenience, but please give us a date and time of pick up so we can make sure your goods are ready. Orders that are left for over 1 week and not picked up will be returned to stock, unless other arrangements have been made. Valid ID will be required for picking up goods that have been paid for online or over the phone.
What if I am not home for the delivery?
IF you are not home, the driver will leave a card in your mail box so you can pick-up from the local depot/post office or arrange a re-delivery.
We have found it to be much quicker & easier to have all items sent to a business address where someone will be present.
Can I ask for the courier to leave the goods at my door?
Whilst it Is possible, we highly recommend that you do not do it. All freight warranty & insurance will be void. Only do so at your own risk, if someone steals it, Musos Corner & The freight company will not be held accountable.
If you will not be able to take the delivery, it might be worth asking a friend or neighbour to take delivery of it for you.
What if it appears my goods have been freight damaged?
Please check all items before signing for them! This is very important. Do not sign for an item that appears damaged, to sign for them means "Signed for in good working order" and subsequently is out of the couriers hands, and voids insurance. If this was not possible, there can be a 24 Hour window to try and claim insurance, please contact us & the courier immediately. This only applies to orders that have paid for Insurance & are sent via courier.
Can the courier or delivery person call me prior to delivery?
Unfortunately as often as we request this, we get denied as many times. No courier or Australia post worker will call you prior to delivery despite any bribes we may try and offer.
If you select courier we will send you a tracking number which you can use to find out an estimated time of arrival for your goods, or alternatively have it sent to a business address.
Can I have my goods delivered on the weekend or after hours?
Unfortunately this is not possible at the current point in time, however you are welcome to pickup in store late night Thursday or on weekends from our Newcastle store. Please contact us to set a pickup time.
Send to a PO BOX?
We cannot ship guitars to a PO BOX under any circumstances. Australia Post will not accept deliveries over 105cm LCM, we cannot change their policy.
Products
Do i need to set up my product?
All guitars come fully set up ready to play (after a quick tuning). Banjos will need to be set up after delivery as they cannot be shipped set up unless they are bought with a case. Some products like piano stands require some basic assembly as they are flat packed for shipping. Digitial pianos and clavinovas may require some simple assembly.
Are all products brand new?
Yes! Everything we sell, unless clearly specified, is considered brand new with full warranty. Some items, especially guitars will have been taken out of their boxes for inspection, demonstration or quality assurance. This in no way effects your warranty supplied to you by Musos Corner or Australian consumer law.
Are the items individually photographed?
All images are for illustration purposes unless otherwise specified. While we wish we could take photos of every exact item, this is not always possible and we use the pictures supplied by either the a) Australian Supplier or b) Manufacturer.
If you require a specialty photo of your instrument prior to purchase, just contact us to see if this is available.
Does my item come with Australian warranty
All items we sell come with Australian Warranty, please read our returns policy fo rmore information. Some manufactuers provide aditional warranty over the 12 months once registering the product with them. This warranty is between you and the manufactuer, but we will be happy to help should any is needed.
Product Changes
All product descriptions and specifications listed online are subject to change without notice and all images are for illustration purpose only.
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Our mission is to have unparalleled service. Whether you need tech support, help finding the right product or just want some more information, we are here to assist you. Our sales team are all musicians, free from commissions, with no pressure to up-sell expensive product. We are here to help put right gear in your hands.
Price Match
We will endeavour to match or beat any genuine aussie price from any Australian authorised dealer. If you have seen a cheaper price, please contact us!
We are local
Musos Corner has been here in Newcastle for 50 years. You are welcome to try out any of our instruments in store or just pop in for a visit.
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