The Gervana Pedals Ji Si is a hand-wired distortion pedal with a boost channel, announced in November 2018. It offers two distortion modes, modern and vintage, both modeled after a traditional British gain structure, and Gervana says it "offers incredible versatility over your distorted guitar tone."1
Controls and sound
The main channel carries a common set of EQ controls, bass, mid and treble, along with a dedicated gain control. Gervana's announcement puts it plainly: "With common EQ controls (bass, mid, treble) and a dedicated gain control you can shape the tone to fit your mood."1
The two modes take different approaches to that British gain structure. Gervana describes the vintage distortion as having "the sound of an old tube amplifier that has the master controls cranked up to sound more like" power-tube overdrive.1
Designer
The pedal carries the name of Bjorn Juhl, described in the launch announcement as a "renowned pedal designer and electronics guru." Juhl endorsed the pedal, saying that it is "musical and fun to play. You don't nor" [the quote is cut off in the announcement].1
Power and bypass
The Ji Si runs on 9 volts, with a standard DC input or battery power supported, though no battery is included in the box. It uses true-bypass circuitry, so the pedal is out of the signal path when switched off.1
The Ji Si was announced in November 2018 at a street price of $149.1
For where a distortion like this sits on a board, see Distortion Pedals, Overdrive Pedals and Boost Pedals.
Videos
Tesi Switch
Questions
Is the Gervana Ji Si true bypass?
Yes. Gervana describes the Ji Si as having true-bypass circuitry, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without going through the distortion circuit. That matters on a pedalboard where several pedals in a row can each load down the signal.
Does the Gervana Ji Si run on a battery?
It can. The pedal runs on 9 volts through a standard DC input, and it also supports battery power, though a battery is not included with the pedal. You can use either power option.
Is the Gervana Ji Si hand-wired?
Yes. When Gervana Pedals announced the Ji Si in November 2018, the company described it as its new hand-wired distortion pedal.
Who designed the Gervana Ji Si?
Bjorn Juhl, described in the launch announcement as a renowned pedal designer and electronics guru, is the endorsing designer quoted on the pedal. He said the pedal is musical and fun to play.
What does the Gervana Ji Si sound like?
It has two distortion modes, modern and vintage, both modeled after a traditional British gain structure. Gervana describes the vintage mode as having the sound of an old tube amplifier with the master controls cranked up, more like power-tube overdrive.
Sources (1)
- Gervana Introduces the Ji Si Distortion Pedal, Premier Guitar, 2018-11-26