The Danelectro Billionaire Filthy Rich Tremolo is a tremolo pedal from the Billionaire lineup, priced at £79 in the UK1. It runs on a 9V mains supply, which is not included, and measures 135 x 58 x 76mm1.
Controls, power and build
The pedal carries a Speed knob, two depth knobs, a hard/soft mini switch and a bypass footswitch, according to Guitar.com's review of the Billionaire range3. Pedal of the Day explains what the knobs do: they control the Speed, or Rate, and the Depth, or Intensity, of the tremolo effect2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed knob | Sets the Speed, or Rate, of the tremolo effect32 |
| Depth knobs (two) | Set the Depth, or Intensity, of the tremolo effect32 |
| Hard/soft mini switch | Chooses between Soft and Hard modes32 |
| Bypass footswitch | Turns the effect on and off3 |
The lone toggle lets you choose between the smoother, more relaxing Soft mode, and the tougher, biting, choppy aspects of the Hard mode, in Pedal of the Day's description2.
There is no external volume control. Guitar.com notes that Danelectro has got you covered with a trim pot inside the pedal to give the volume a cheeky bump, so raising the level means opening the pedal up rather than reaching for a knob3.
The Filthy Rich runs on a 9V mains supply only, and the supply is not included, so a battery will not power it3.
Guitar.com lists the pedal at £79 in the UK at the time of its March 2018 review, with true bypass and die-cast construction across the Billionaire range3. The pedal measures 135 x 58 x 76mm3.
Danelectro's 1940s amp tremolo, and what reviewers heard
The circuit's story is the selling point. Pedal of the Day describes the pedal as based on a thick, deep amplifier tremolo from the 1940s, which was invented by Danelectro, and says the Filthy Rich seeks to replicate and bring back that technology2. The reviewer's verdict: "the Filthy Rich lives up to its name…in tone, at least"2.
Guitar.com's reviewer, Michael Watts, was positive on both modes:
"What really sets the Filthy Rich Tremolo apart is the quality of sound in both soft and hard settings..."
For other tremolos in Danelectro's range, see the Danelectro Filthy Rich Tremolo, the Danelectro BT-1 Filthy Rich Tremolo, the Danelectro CT-1 Cool Cat Tremolo and the Danelectro DJ-5C Tuna Melt Tremolo Mini, or browse all tremolo pedals.
Videos
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Questions
Does the Danelectro Filthy Rich Tremolo take a battery?
No. Guitar.com's review lists the pedal as running on a 9V mains supply only, and notes that the supply is not included with the pedal. Plan to have a 9V DC adapter on hand, since the pedal will not run from a battery.
Does the Filthy Rich Tremolo have a depth knob?
Yes. Guitar.com's review lists two depth knobs alongside the Speed knob, and Pedal of the Day explains that the knobs control the Speed, or Rate, and the Depth, or Intensity, of the tremolo effect.
How do you turn up the volume on the Filthy Rich Tremolo?
There is no external volume knob. According to Guitar.com's review, Danelectro fitted an internal trim pot inside the pedal to give the volume a bump if you need it, so you would open the pedal up to adjust the level.
Where is the Danelectro Billionaire Filthy Rich made?
Guitar.com's review of the Billionaire range lists the Filthy Rich Tremolo as made in China.
Sources (3)
- Danelectro Unveils New Line Of Pedals Called BILLIONAIRE, Delicious Audio, 2017-10-10
- Billionaire by Danelectro Filthy Rich Tremolo, Pedal of the Day, 2018-12-27
- Danelectro Billionaire Pedals, Guitar.com, 2018-03-21
