The JAM Pedals "Lizard Cream" Rattler ltd is a limited-artwork version of the company's Rat-style distortion, described by the maker as an NOS distortion. Its core voice comes from an NOS LM308AH metal-can op-amp, supported by carbon-composition resistors, tropical-fish capacitors and point-to-point wiring, and it uses symmetrical clipping, which JAM Pedals says gives it a smoother, less hairy response than the standard model while retaining full-range authority1.
Controls and the gain toggle
The pedal carries three knobs. Level sets output, Tone shapes the response and Gain controls saturation1. A toggle switch selects between two gain ranges: high gain to the right and lower gain to the left. JAM Pedals describes the low-gain mode as more open, less compressed and closer to overdrive, which turns the same circuit into something usable as a lower-gain drive as well as a full distortion1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets output1 |
| Tone | Shapes the response1 |
| Gain | Controls saturation1 |
| Gain toggle | High gain to the right, lower gain to the left; low-gain mode is more open, less compressed and closer to overdrive1 |
Power and bypass
The Rattler ltd runs on a 9V battery or a 9V DC center-negative supply, the standard polarity for pedal power supplies, and draws 6 mA1. That is a light load, so it sits comfortably on a pedalboard supply. Bypass is true bypass, meaning the signal passes straight through when the pedal is off1.
The limited artwork versions
Every limited artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, and JAM Pedals notes that the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photos shown1. The Lizard Cream finish is one of several artwork versions of the Rattler ltd, and the maker is explicit that they are the same sound, different artwork1. Versions listed include the "Achenbach" Rattler ltd, the "GreenSkull" Rattler ltd, which is sold out, and the "Inspector Claws-o" Rattler ltd1.
Because each enclosure is hand-painted as a one-off, the pedal received will differ in detail from the product photos1.
How it sits in the Rattler range
The Rattler ltd is the limited-artwork, NOS-component take on the Rattler circuit. Compared with the standard model, JAM Pedals says the symmetrical clipping of the ltd gives a smoother, less hairy response while retaining full-range authority1. The company has since released the Rattler 2, a second major iteration of the circuit, so the ltd versions sit alongside both as distinct takes on the same Rat-inspired design1.
Questions
Is the JAM Pedals Lizard Cream Rattler true bypass?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the Lizard Cream Rattler ltd with true bypass, so when the pedal is off your guitar's signal passes straight through to the output without going through the circuit. Combined with its low 6 mA current draw, it is easy to place on any pedalboard without worrying about tone loss or power budget.
Does the Lizard Cream Rattler run on a battery?
It does. JAM Pedals specifies power from a 9V battery or a 9V DC centre-negative supply, so you can run it without a power supply if you prefer. At 6 mA of current draw it is also light enough to share a supply output with other low-draw pedals on a board.
How much current does the Lizard Cream Rattler draw?
JAM Pedals lists the current draw at 6 mA. That is a small figure by pedal standards, so the pedal puts very little demand on a 9V DC centre-negative supply or a 9V battery, and it is unlikely to strain even a shared power output on a pedalboard power supply.
Is every limited artwork Rattler hand-painted?
Yes. JAM Pedals states that every limited artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, and the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photos shown. The Lizard Cream finish is one of several artwork versions of the Rattler ltd, alongside Achenbach, GreenSkull and Inspector Claws-o.
Does the Lizard Cream Rattler sound different from other limited artwork Rattlers?
No. JAM Pedals describes the limited artwork versions of the Rattler ltd as same sound, different artwork. The Lizard Cream, Achenbach, GreenSkull and Inspector Claws-o versions share the same circuit, so the choice between them comes down to which hand-painted finish you want on the enclosure.
What does the gain toggle do on the Lizard Cream Rattler?
The toggle selects between two gain ranges: high gain to the right and lower gain to the left. JAM Pedals describes the low-gain mode as more open, less compressed and closer to overdrive, so the toggle lets one pedal cover both saturated distortion and a more dynamic, lower-gain voice.
Sources (1)
- “Lizard Cream” Rattler ltd, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
Duke Levine
