The Cicognani Engineering WEMBLEY is a tube booster/overdrive pedal, described by the maker as the evolution of the Guru's "legendary" SEXIDRIVE circuit, which was lauded for its exceptional dynamics. It uses a 12AU7 tube as an input and output buffer, which Cicognani says offers a better match with guitar impedances and enriches the sound with harmonics, and it carries a 3-band EQ voiced at 110 Hz, 680 Hz and 4500 Hz. The maker describes its character as amp-like attack and dynamic response.1
This pedal has been discontinued by Cicognani Engineering. It was listed as a closeout item with no returns, with only one left in stock.1
What the tube does and how it is powered
The 12AU7 tube sits at the front and back of the circuit as an input and output buffer. Cicognani's stated purpose is twofold: a better match with the guitar's impedances, and a sound enriched with harmonics. That places the WEMBLEY among tube-buffered designs rather than the more common buffered or true-bypass solid-state pedals, and it is also why the bypass is described as Passive, Thru-Bypass switching rather than conventional true bypass.1
The tube also sets the power requirements, and they are unusual for a single pedal1:
| Power item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Supply type | Stabilized power supply1 |
| Maximum working voltage | 12VDC1 |
| Continuous current | 500mA1 |
| Tube preheating peak current | Can exceed 1A (1000mA)1 |
The peak current of the tube during preheating can exceed 1A (1000mA), so this pedal should not share a daisy-chain supply with other pedals.1
Circuit and voicing
The WEMBLEY's signal path and voicing, as the maker describes them:
- Input buffer: 12AU7 tube, for a better match with guitar impedances1
- Output buffer: 12AU7 tube, enriching the sound with harmonics1
- EQ: 3-band, voiced at 110 Hz, 680 Hz and 4500 Hz1
- Bypass: Passive, Thru-Bypass switching1
- Character: Amp-like attack and dynamic response1
Where it came from
Cicognani positions the WEMBLEY as the evolution of the Guru's SEXIDRIVE circuit, a design the maker says was lauded for its exceptional dynamics. For how a booster or overdrive like this sits on a board, see Boost Pedals and Overdrive Pedals.1
Price and availability
The pedal was listed at a regular price of £268.00 GBP. The price is given in pounds sterling as listed and has not been converted.1
Videos
Giampaolo Noto
Questions
Does the Cicognani Wembley use a real tube?
Yes. The WEMBLEY uses a 12AU7 tube, which Cicognani says works as an input and output buffer to better match guitar impedances and enrich the sound with harmonics. Because a real tube is in the circuit, the pedal needs a substantial power supply: a stabilized supply capable of a maximum working voltage of 12VDC with 500mA continuous, and the tube's preheating peak current can exceed 1A (1000mA).
Is the Cicognani Wembley discontinued?
Yes. According to the maker's product page, the pedal has been discontinued by Cicognani Engineering. It was being sold as a closeout item with no returns, and only one unit was left in stock as of the page's most recent listing. Anyone looking for the pedal now would need to find it secondhand or from remaining dealer stock.
Is the Cicognani Wembley true bypass?
Not in the conventional sense. The WEMBLEY uses what the maker calls Passive, Thru-Bypass switching rather than standard true bypass. Because the tube buffers the signal at the input and output, the pedal's bypass design differs from a simple mechanical true-bypass switch.
Can I run the Cicognani Wembley on a 9V supply?
The maker specifies a stabilized power supply capable of guaranteeing a maximum working voltage of 12VDC with 500mA continuous. The tube's preheating peak current can exceed 1A (1000mA), so a standard low-current 9V outlet or a shared daisy chain is not adequate. Use a dedicated supply that meets the maker's specification.
Sources (1)
- WEMBLEY tube booster/overdrive), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
