The Fargen Pete Anderson Tumbleweed is a compressor and clean boost pedal in a single enclosure, built by Fargen Amplification as a signature pedal for Pete Anderson, the multi-platinum and GRAMMY Award-winning producer, artist and writer1. Vintage Guitar describes it plainly: "The Fargen Pete Anderson Tumbleweed is a compressor and clean boost pedal"2. It is made in the USA2.
What it does for your sound
The pedal puts two functions players often stack on a board, a compressor and a clean boost, into one box. The compressor side has controls for Level and sensitivity, while the clean boost side has a single Level control2. Separate bypass switches allow the two functions to be used together or as individual units, so the Tumbleweed can act as one pedal or two2.
Anderson himself described the intent behind his signature pedal: "My signature Tumbleweed brings clear sustain and clean gain, all in one pedal, just the way I like it"1.
From the Sonic Edge Tumbleweed to a Fargen design
The Tumbleweed name goes back further than the Fargen version. This pedal is based on the original Tumbleweed circuit released under the Sonic Edge brand3. Sonic Edge was launched by Ben Fargen, whose amplifier work Premier Guitar's reviewer described as amps "which range from plexi-inspired half-stacks to smaller-wattage combos" that "have garnered the favor of players"4. At the brand's launch, Ben Fargen said the company had "developed nine additional product designs, with many more in the works"5.
The Pete Anderson version carries a new design and is now made in the USA16.
The pedal was offered via preorder through authorized Fargen dealers, for delivery in July 201331. Players interested in one today would need to look at the used market.
Pete Anderson and the pedal
Pete Anderson used the Tumbleweed on tour in support of his album Birds Above Guitarland1. As the pedal's signature artist, his endorsement was central to its release: Guitar World announced it as the Pete Anderson Tumbleweed from Fargen Amplification1.
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Questions
Can you use the compressor and the boost at the same time on the Tumbleweed?
Yes. The pedal has separate bypass switches for the compressor side and the clean boost side, so the two functions can be used together or as individual units. That means you can run compression alone, boost alone, or both stacked in the same enclosure.
Where is the Fargen Pete Anderson Tumbleweed made?
It is made in the USA. Vintage Guitar reported that the pedal is made in the U.S., and Guitar World noted that it carries a new design and is now made in the U.S.A.
What does the Level control do on the boost side?
The clean boost side of the Tumbleweed has a single Level control, which sets how much volume the boost adds to your signal. The compressor side, by contrast, has controls for Level and sensitivity.
How is it different from the original Sonic Edge Tumbleweed?
The Pete Anderson Tumbleweed is based on the original Tumbleweed circuit that was released under the Sonic Edge brand, but it carries a new design and is made in the USA under Fargen Amplification.
Is the Fargen Tumbleweed a compressor or a boost?
Both. Vintage Guitar describes the Fargen Pete Anderson Tumbleweed as a compressor and clean boost pedal, with the two functions in one enclosure and separate bypass switches for each.
Sources (6)
- Fargen Amplification Releases the Pete Anderson Tumbleweed Guitar Effect Pedal, Guitar World, 2013-06-11
- Fargen Introduces PA Tumbleweed Pedal, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2014-03-06
- Fargen Releases the Pete Anderson Tumbleweed Pedal, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2013-06-06
- Sonic Edge Tumbleweed Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2010-11-16
- Ben Fargen Launches Sonic Edge With J&J Overdrive, Premier Guitar, 2010-03-19
- Fargen Offers Pete Anderson Tumbleweed Pedal, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2013-06-05