The JAM Pedals "Craboid" Delay Llama mk.3 is a custom artwork version of the Greek builder's Delay Llama mk.3, an all-analog bucket-brigade (BBD) delay pedal. JAM Pedals describes it simply: same sound, different artwork1. Under the hand-painted crab finish it is the same circuit as the standard pedal, built on BBD chips modeled after the Panasonic MN3205, which the maker says produce warm repeats that blend naturally with the dry signal1.
The mk.3 generation added the features players had been asking for on an analog delay: tap tempo with subdivisions, a HOLD self-oscillation mode, and switchable true or buffered bypass1. Maximum delay time is 600 ms12.
The controls
The front panel keeps the simple three-knob layout the Delay Llama line is known for, plus a subdivision toggle and two footswitches12.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Time | Sets the delay time, up to 600 ms12 |
| Repeats | Controls feedback1 |
| Level | Sets the repeats above the dry signal1 |
| Subdivision toggle | Selects eighth notes, quarter notes or dotted eighth notes1 |
| Left footswitch | Engages and bypasses the effect |
| Right footswitch (TAP) | Tap at least twice to set tempo; keep pressed to engage HOLD/self-oscillation for as long as the switch is held1 |
The HOLD function is worth knowing about: holding the TAP switch puts the pedal into self-oscillation, the runaway feedback effect analog delays are prized for, and it stops the moment you let go1. The subdivision toggle makes the tap tempo practical for rhythmic parts, with dotted eighth notes available for the classic "shimmer" echo pattern1.
Bypass, trails and internal trimmers
The pedal ships in true-bypass mode, but buffered trails can be selected instead, so repeats fade out naturally when you switch the effect off rather than cutting dead1. Delicious Audio's coverage of the mk.3 notes this choice of bypass mode as one of the pedal's features3.
To switch between the two modes:
- Disconnect power.
- Hold the TAP footswitch.
- Reconnect power.
- Release the switch after the LED blinks three times.
- Repeat the same process to return to true bypass; two blinks confirm the change2.
Inside the pedal there are two internal trimmers. One sets the maximum number of repeats, which lets a player cap how far the feedback can run before the pedal ever reaches self-oscillation. The second sets the trails fade-out time in buffered-bypass mode, controlling how long echoes ring out after you disengage the effect1.
Power: 9V, 120 mA
The Craboid runs on 9V DC with a center-negative plug and draws 120 mA1. Premier Guitar's review of the mk.3 confirms power comes via a standard center-negative 9V adaptor4.
At 120 mA, this pedal draws more current than many compact analog pedals, so plan a power supply output accordingly if you run a isolated supply1.
The Craboid and other custom artwork editions
JAM Pedals paints each custom artwork pedal by hand, so every Craboid is a one-of-a-kind piece, and the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photos shown1. The Craboid is one of several custom artwork versions of the Delay Llama mk.3, all with the same sound and different artwork1:
- "Lechuk's Chest" Delay Llama mk.3
- "Monterey" Delay Llama mk.3
- "Why?" Delay Llama mk.3
- "Achenbach" Delay Llama mk.3
- "Craboid" Delay Llama mk.3
- "Relic" Delay Llama mk.3
The same artwork treatment extends to the larger Delay Llama Xtreme line as well. If the artwork matters less than the price, the standard Delay Llama mk.3 carries the identical circuit.
What reviewers said about the Delay Llama mk.3
The mk.3's specifications include dimensions of 7.5 x 12 x 5.6 cm / 2.9 x 4.7 x 2.2 in including jacks and controls, and a weight of 280 g / 0.6 lb1. Its regular price is £334.001.
JAM Pedals offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the Delay Llama mk.3, with a refund no questions asked1.
The Delay Llama mk.3 carries a regular price of £334.00, measures 7.5 x 12 x 5.6 cm (2.9 x 4.7 x 2.2 in) including jacks and controls, weighs 280 g (0.6 lb), and is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked1.
Questions
Does the Craboid sound different from a standard Delay Llama mk.3?
No. JAM Pedals describes the Craboid as a Delay Llama mk.3 with custom artwork: same sound, different artwork. It uses the same all-analog BBD circuit, the same controls and the same specifications as the standard pedal. The only difference is the one-of-a-kind hand-painted finish.
What is the maximum delay time on the Delay Llama mk.3?
The maximum delay time is 600 ms. JAM Pedals positions that range as equally suited to subtle depth, classic slapback and spacious rhythmic echoes, with the Time knob setting the delay time anywhere up to that limit.
Does the Delay Llama mk.3 have tap tempo?
Yes. Tap the right footswitch at least twice to set the tempo, and use the subdivision toggle to select eighth notes, quarter notes or dotted eighth notes. Keep the footswitch pressed to engage HOLD, a self-oscillation mode that lasts as long as you hold the switch.
How do you switch the Delay Llama mk.3 to buffered trails?
The pedal ships in true-bypass mode. To select buffered trails, disconnect power, hold the TAP footswitch, reconnect power, and release it after the LED blinks three times. Repeat the same process to return to true bypass, with two blinks confirming the change.
What BBD chips does the Delay Llama mk.3 use?
The Delay Llama mk.3 is an all-analog BBD delay built on BBD chips modeled after the Panasonic MN3205. JAM Pedals says these produce warm repeats that blend naturally with the dry signal, adding organic repeats without obscuring the sound and touch of your instrument.
Sources (4)
- “Craboid” Delay Llama mk.3, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- Delay Llama, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- Jam Pedals Delay Llama Mk3, Delicious Audio, 2022-11-25
- Jam Pedals Delay Llama Mk3 Review, Premier Guitar, 2023-09-06
