The Alexander Pedals History Lesson Vol II is an analog delay pedal with modulation built in. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as "a loving homage to the best echoes the past has to offer," and sums up its character as "majoring in Echo with a minor in Modulation"1. It belongs to the History Lesson line, a family of delay pedals that traces echo styles from the tape era through the digital age, and it sits between the original History Lesson and the later History Lesson Vol 3.
What it does
The Vol II takes the History Lesson concept and updates it. Alexander added stereo outputs, an improved mixer section, and a tone control "for maximum versatility"1. The circuit is analog, which shapes the kind of repeats it produces compared with a digital delay1.
The original History Lesson, reviewed by Pedal of the Day, laid out the line's approach with three modes: a 1963 mode that "sounds like your classic tape echo, warm and rich," a 1977 mode that "gives off an analog delay vibe, dark and saturated throughout," and a 1984 mode representing "the digital delay era, producing bright and crisp delay tones, slicing through the mix"2. That pedal's main panel carried Time, Feedback, Mix and Mod controls, and turning Time all the way down let it work as a chorus or vibrato pedal, which Pedal of the Day called "instantly transforming this pedal into basically a 3-In-1!"2. The Vol II carries the same idea forward with the added stereo outputs, mixer and tone control1.
Where it sits in the line
The History Lesson family has moved through several versions:
| Version | What changed |
|---|---|
| History Lesson (original) | Three delay modes covering tape, analog and digital eras; Time, Feedback, Mix and Mod controls2 |
| History Lesson Vol II | Stereo outputs, improved mixer section, tone control added1 |
| History Lesson Vol 3 | Delay modes increase from three to six; joins the Neo Series with presets, MIDI compatibility, expression pedal input and extra parameters3 |
Delicious Audio added the Vol 3 to its list of Best Compact Multi-Delays in 2021, and noted that a portion of sales is donated to charity3. In September 2023, Alexander introduced the Rewind as a new flagship stereo multi-mode delay, replacing the History Lesson in the company's lineup4.
With the Rewind taking over the flagship spot in the History Lesson's series, the Vol II is an earlier design in the line. Players comparing the two should note the Vol 3's Neo Series features, presets and MIDI are not part of the Vol II3.
Power and practical notes
The Vol II runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws 75mA1. That current draw is worth keeping in mind when planning a daisy chain or a small power supply on a pedalboard. An English manual is available from the maker for full operating details1.
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Sources (4)
- History Lesson Vol II by Alexander Pedals, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Alexander Pedals History Lesson Delay, Pedal of the Day, 2016-01-16
- Alexander Pedals History Lesson Vol 3 Delay, Delicious Audio, 2021-02-15
- Alexander Pedals Rewind Stereo Delay, Delicious Audio, 2023-09-18
