The Ji Si is a hand-wired distortion pedal from Gervana Pedals, announced in November 2018 with a boost channel alongside its main distortion circuit1. It carries a street price of $1491.
Modes and EQ
The Ji Si features two distortion modes, modern and vintage, both modeled after a traditional British gain structure1. The vintage distortion, according to the maker, has the sound of an old tube amplifier that has the master controls cranked up to sound more like power-tube overdrive1.
The main channel carries a 3-band EQ1. With common EQ controls (bass, mid, treble) and a dedicated gain control, the maker says you can shape the tone to fit your mood1.
Designer endorsement
The pedal carries the name of Bjorn Juhl, described in the launch announcement as a renowned pedal designer and electronics guru1. Juhl said that the pedal is "musical and fun to play. You don't nor..."1.
Related pedals
Gervana also offers the Ji Wei, a high-gain distortion pedal announced in September 2018, and the Wuyin Multi-Muff Fuzz, a nine-combination fuzz covered in 2026. For other options in this category, see Distortion Pedals, Overdrive Pedals, and Fuzz Pedals.
Videos
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Questions
Can the Gervana Ji Si run on a battery?
Yes. The Ji Si runs on 9-volt operation with a standard DC input, and it also supports battery power, though a battery is not included with the pedal. Players who want to use one will need to supply their own 9-volt battery.
Is the Gervana Ji Si true bypass?
Yes. The Ji Si uses true-bypass circuitry, so when the pedal is switched off, the guitar's signal passes through without the pedal's circuitry loading it.
What are the modern and vintage modes on the Ji Si?
The Ji Si has two distortion modes, modern and vintage, both modeled after a traditional British gain structure. The vintage mode has the sound of an old tube amplifier with the master controls cranked up, sounding more like power-tube overdrive.
Who designed the Gervana Ji Si?
The pedal carries the endorsement of Bjorn Juhl, described in the launch announcement as a renowned pedal designer and electronics guru. Juhl said the pedal is musical and fun to play, with unusual performance.
Sources (1)
- Gervana Introduces the Ji Si Distortion Pedal, Premier Guitar, 2018-11-26
