The JAM Pedals Rattler Bass B-Stock is a bass distortion pedal, sold as a B-stock unit: a pedal that did not pass the maker's cosmetic quality check but is otherwise brand new, in 100% working order, and carries the same life-time warranty as a regular unit1. It is the B-stock version of the JAM Pedals Rattler Bass, a bass distortion design built around a clean blend so the low end survives heavy gain.
What B-stock means
JAM Pedals describes these as "pedals that didn't make our cosmetic quality check. Otherwise Brand New and in 100% working order with original packaging and life-time warranty"1. Functionally, a B-stock Rattler Bass is the same pedal as a standard one; the discount reflects appearance only. If you order a limited artwork version, note that every limited artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece and can differ in detail from the photos shown1.
Shipping to the UK is DDP: 20% UK VAT and all duties are included, with no extra charges on delivery1. JAM Pedals also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with a refund, no questions asked1.
Controls
The Rattler Bass has four controls1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets output |
| Gain | Controls saturation |
| Tone | Shapes the response |
| Mix | Blends clean and distorted signals |
The Mix control is the feature that sets a bass distortion apart from a guitar one. JAM Pedals says it "sets the ratio of clean and distorted signals, retaining low-end impact and note definition at heavier" gain settings1. Blending clean signal back in under distortion is the standard approach for keeping a bass tone full, and having that blend on the pedal itself means you can dial in as much dirt as you want without losing the fundamental.
Circuit and saved states
The circuit uses a custom discrete op-amp. JAM Pedals describes it as "a proprietary discrete-component design preserves the open, dynamic and tube-amp-like response associated with the discontinued" LM308 chip1. The LM308 was the op-amp in the original Rat distortion, and its discontinuation is why builders design discrete replacements for it.
The pedal can also remember how you want it to start up: effect and high-gain startup states can be saved independently by reconnecting power while holding the corresponding footswitch1.
Power and setup
The Rattler Bass runs on 9V DC, center-negative, and draws 40 mA1. That is within reach of most pedalboard supplies, but it is worth checking what a daisy-chain output can supply before sharing power with several pedals.
Related JAM Pedals bass pedals
JAM Pedals makes a range of bass-oriented pedals, including the JAM Pedals Dyna-ssoR Bass compressor, the JAM Pedals LucyDreamer Bass overdrive, the JAM Pedals Red Muck Bass fuzz, the JAM Pedals Ripple Bass and JAM Pedals Ripply Fall Bass phasers, and the JAM Pedals Wahcko Bass wah. There is also an updated Jam Pedals Bass Rattler MKII and a JAM Pedals "Relic" Rattler Bass artwork version1.
Questions
What does B-stock mean for the JAM Pedals Rattler Bass?
B-stock pedals are units that did not pass JAM Pedals' cosmetic quality check, meaning they have some visual flaw. The maker describes them as otherwise brand new and in 100% working order, shipped in original packaging with the full life-time warranty. Limited artwork versions are one-of-a-kind hand-painted pieces that can differ in detail from the photos shown.
Is the JAM Rattler Bass true bypass?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the Rattler Bass with true bypass, so when the pedal is off your signal passes through without the circuit loading it.
What power supply does the Rattler Bass need?
The Rattler Bass runs on 9V DC, centre-negative, and draws 40 mA. A standard centre-negative supply handles it, though a low-output daisy chain may not have the headroom for the draw.
Does the Rattler Bass keep low end at high gain?
JAM Pedals says the Mix control sets the ratio of clean and distorted signals, retaining low-end impact and note definition at heavier gain settings. Blending in clean signal is the usual way bass players keep the low end intact under distortion.
What is the warranty on the JAM Rattler Bass?
JAM Pedals gives the Rattler Bass a life-time warranty, and that applies to B-stock units as well, which the maker describes as otherwise brand new and in 100% working order. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee with a refund, no questions asked.
Sources (1)
- Rattler Bass B-Stock, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
