The Gokko SPANISHFLY GK-32 is a preamplifier and DI box for acoustic guitars, made by Gokko. A DI box (short for direct injection) takes the signal from a piezo pickup or an onboard preamp and conditions it for a PA or an audio interface, and a preamp stage shapes the tone along the way. The Spanishfly combines both jobs in one compact pedal, which is why it sits on the board of players who plug an acoustic into a PA and want some control before the signal leaves the stage. Gokko describes it as a "DI Box for Acoustic Guitars" and a "preamplifier and D.I. Box for acoustic guitars" on its product page1.
It is a small unit: Gokko lists its size as 11.9 x 9.4 x 3.8 cm and its weight as 0.35 kg1. The model number is GK-321.
Controls and how to use them
The Spanishfly's controls are aimed at the two problems that plague a plugged-in acoustic on stage: an overloaded input and feedback. Gokko's own instructions for the pedal lay out three moves1:
- INPUT knob. Gokko's manual says that when using this DI box, you must use the INPUT knob in order to avoid overloading your acoustic guitar's EQ, and that if overload occurs, the volume should be reduced. In practice this is the gain staging step: it sets how hard the signal from the pickup pushes the circuit.
- ANTI FEEDBACK footswitch and knob. According to Gokko, the ANTI FEEDBACK footswitch is turned on and the ANTI FEEDBACK knob adjusted to avoid volume feedback. This is the control for situations where the stage volume climbs and the body of the guitar starts to ring.
- TREBLE BOOST footswitch. Gokko states that turning on the TREBLE BOOST footswitch increases the brightness of the tone. Piezo pickups often read dull through a PA, and this is the pedal's answer to that.
Gokko's instructions stress that the INPUT knob is not optional: "When using this D.I. Box, you must use the INPUT knob of this D.I. Box in order to avoid overloading your acoustic guitar." Setting input level first, then adding anti-feedback or treble boost as the room demands, is the order the maker describes1.
Where it comes from
Gokko states on the product page that the Spanishfly's design and engineering are done in Italy1. The brand is GOKKO, which lists the GK-32 as part of its range of pedals for acoustic players1. For other acoustic preamp and DI options on this site, see the Acoustic Pedals type page, or compare with units such as the Boss AD-2 Acoustic Preamp, the Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre or the LR Baggs Session DI.
The manual
Gokko's product page carries a QR code for the GK-32 manual: "Please scan QR code for item GK-32 manual"1. Scanning that code with a phone is the route the maker gives for the documentation, so the manual travels with the product page rather than as a separate printed sheet.
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Questions
Where is the Gokko Spanishfly GK-32 designed?
Gokko's product page for the GK-32 states that the unit's design and engineering are done in Italy. The brand behind it is GOKKO, which lists the Spanishfly as a preamplifier and DI box made specifically for acoustic guitars.
How much does the Gokko GK-32 weigh?
The GK-32 weighs 0.35 kg according to the specifications on Gokko's product page. That is light enough to sit on a pedalboard without adding much load, and it fits alongside other compact acoustic preamp and DI pedals.
How big is the Gokko Spanishfly GK-32?
Gokko lists the GK-32's size as 11.9 x 9.4 x 3.8 cm. That is a compact footprint by pedal standards, so it takes up little room on a board and is easy to carry to a gig in a bag pocket.
Where can I find the Gokko GK-32 manual?
Gokko's product page for the GK-32 says to scan the QR code shown there for the item GK-32 manual. The manual is therefore available digitally through that code rather than as a separate download listed on the page.
Sources (1)
- SPANISHFLY, gokkoaudio.com
