The JAM Pedals "Achenbach" WaterFall Bass is a limited-edition version of the JAM Pedals WaterFall Bass, a chorus and vibrato pedal built for bass. It uses an analog BBD (bucket-brigade device) circuit, the classic approach to time-based modulation, and JAM Pedals says it adds movement and width while keeping the bass's core character intact1.
The "Achenbach" part of the name is the artwork: each one is hand-painted by John Achenbach, an artist known for his work on The Simpsons, and every limited artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind piece2. The sound is identical to the standard WaterFall Bass3.
Analog chorus and vibrato for bass
The WaterFall Bass is a two-voice modulation pedal: it produces chorus, which layers a slightly delayed and modulated copy of your signal against the dry sound, or vibrato, which modulates the pitch of the whole signal. A C/V toggle on the pedal selects which of the two you hear1.
The circuit is analog BBD, the bucket-brigade chip design behind most classic chorus and vibrato pedals. JAM Pedals describes the result as "warm, fluid movement with depth and space while retaining the bass's core character"1. That last point is the reason a dedicated bass version exists: chorus circuits can thin out low end, and a pedal voiced for bass is built to avoid it.
Bassist Jonathan Maron is quoted on the product page calling it "a fantastic chorus pedal for bass," and saying he uses it either on its own or as a way of adding texture to other effects1.
The controls
The control set is small: two knobs, Depth and Speed, two toggles, a C/V toggle that selects chorus or vibrato and a +/- toggle that selects subtle or more pronounced modulation, and one internal trimmer that adjusts the maximum modulation speed1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed | Sets the rate of the modulation1 |
| Depth | Sets the intensity of the modulation1 |
| C/V toggle | Selects chorus or vibrato1 |
| +/- toggle | Selects subtle or more pronounced modulation1 |
| Internal trimmer | Adjusts the maximum modulation speed1 |
The +/- toggle is the range switch: it chooses between a subtler and a more pronounced modulation range, so the same Depth knob setting behaves differently depending on which side you pick1. The internal trimmer sets how fast the Speed knob can go at its maximum, useful if you want either a gentler ceiling or a faster sweep than the stock setting1.
At the extremes, the pedal moves into speaker-simulation territory. JAM Pedals says maximum settings produce rotary-speaker-style movement1, and on the standard WaterFall the company describes high Depth and Speed settings as creating Leslie-style rotary effects2. So while this is not a dedicated rotary pedal, a fast, deep setting gets you into that territory.
Artwork and the standard WaterFall
The "Achenbach" WaterFall Bass is one of JAM Pedals' limited artwork pedals. The company describes it as the WaterFall reimagined through the artwork of The Simpsons artist John Achenbach2, and every limited artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, so the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photos shown2.
Because each Achenbach WaterFall Bass is hand-painted individually, no two look alike. The finish on the pedal you receive will not match the product photos exactly1.
In sound and function it is the same pedal as the standard WaterFall Bass: same circuit, same controls, same specifications, including the 47 mA current draw and true bypass13. JAM Pedals also offers the same Achenbach artwork treatment on other bass pedals in its line, including the Achenbach Lucydreamer Bass, the Achenbach Red Muck Bass and the Achenbach Rattler Bass mk.2, and a "Relic" WaterFall Bass with a different finish4.
The pedal ships free, DDP, with 20% UK VAT and all duties included, and JAM Pedals offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked1.
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Chris Kollias
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Questions
Is the JAM Achenbach WaterFall Bass different in sound from the standard WaterFall?
No. JAM Pedals describes the Achenbach WaterFall Bass as the same sound with different artwork. It is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, so the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photos, but the circuit and sound match the standard WaterFall Bass.
Is the WaterFall Bass analog?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the circuit as analog BBD, a bucket-brigade device design. The company says the analog BBD circuit creates warm, fluid movement with depth and space while retaining the bass's core character.
How much current does the JAM WaterFall Bass draw?
The WaterFall Bass draws 47 mA, according to JAM Pedals' product page. It runs on 9V DC with a center-negative plug, the same supply arrangement as most compact effects pedals.
Can the WaterFall Bass do a rotary speaker effect?
JAM Pedals says maximum settings on the pedal produce rotary-speaker-style movement. On the standard WaterFall, the company describes high Depth and Speed settings as creating Leslie-style rotary effects.
Is the JAM WaterFall Bass true bypass?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the bypass as true bypass, so with the pedal off your signal passes through without active buffering.
What does the internal trimmer do?
An internal trimmer adjusts the maximum modulation speed. If you want the pedal to sweep faster or slower at the top of the Speed knob's range, that trimmer is the control to set.
Sources (4)
- “Achenbach” WaterFall Bass, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- “Achenbach” WaterFall, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- WaterFall Bass, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- “Stalagmite Prince” WaterFall, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
