The "Relic" Ripple is a one-knob phaser from JAM Pedals. Its single Speed knob sets the modulation rate, from slow movement to animated, quirky pulses1. It is a compact pedal, measuring 11.1 x 7 x 4.8 cm (4.3 x 2.7 x 1.8 in) including jacks and controls and weighing 215 g (0.47 lb)1. It belongs to the wider family of phaser pedals.
A two-stage circuit
The Ripple's single control keeps operation simple: the Speed knob sets the modulation rate, from slow movement to animated, quirky pulses1. The pedal is listed at £264.00 GBP as a regular price, tax included1. It ships to the UK DDP, with 20% UK VAT and all duties included and no extra charges on delivery, and JAM offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with a refund, no questions asked1.
There is a single control:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed | Sets the modulation rate, from slow movement to animated, quirky pulses1 |
Dweezil Zappa is named by JAM as a guitar player using the Ripple1.
Placement and power
JAM says the Ripple "performs well before or after overdrive pedals, offering different levels of integration and prominence"1. Before an overdrive pedal, the sweep stays clean and the drive shapes what follows; after it, the phase movement colors the distorted tone more directly. Either way the pedal is easy on a power supply: 9 mA at 9V DC center-negative, with a 9V battery also supported1.
The bass version
JAM also builds a Ripple Bass, which the maker calls "an homage to 2-stage phasing". The bass version is recalibrated so the modulation's focus provides rich, wet textures for the bass frequency range, rather than the guitar voicing2. It is covered on the site's bass pedals page.
Limited artwork versions
The "Relic" finish is one of JAM's limited artwork editions. Every limited artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, and JAM notes that the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photographs12. The artwork names in the Ripple family include "Blue Dragon", "Concentric", "Moon Soup" and "Achenbach", and JAM is explicit that these share the circuit: "Same sound, different artwork"1. Each has its own page on the site: "Blue Dragon", "Concentric", "Moon Soup" and "Achenbach", alongside the standard Ripple and Custom Ripple. A limited artwork version of the Ripple Bass is also listed3.
Because each limited artwork pedal is hand-painted one of a kind, the piece you receive will differ in detail from the product photographs12.
JAM's product page lists a 30-day money-back guarantee with a refund, no questions asked, and DDP shipping to the UK with 20% UK VAT and all duties included1.
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Questions
Is the JAM Pedals Relic Ripple true bypass?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the "Relic" Ripple as true bypass, so when the pedal is off your guitar's signal passes straight through without loading. It runs on a 9V battery or a 9V DC centre-negative supply and draws 9 mA, which is light enough for almost any pedalboard power supply.
How much current does the Relic Ripple draw?
JAM Pedals specifies a current draw of 9 mA at 9V DC, centre-negative. A 9V battery is also supported. That draw is low enough that the pedal can share a daisy-chained supply output with other low-draw pedals on most boards.
Is there a bass version of the Relic Ripple?
Yes. JAM Pedals makes a Ripple Bass, also available in limited artwork form. The bass version is recalibrated so the modulation's focus provides rich, wet textures suited to the bass frequency range, rather than the guitar-focused voicing of the standard Ripple.
Does the Relic Ripple sound different from the standard Ripple?
No. JAM Pedals describes the limited artwork versions, including "Blue Dragon", "Concentric", "Moon Soup" and "Achenbach", as "Same sound, different artwork". The Relic finish changes the look of the pedal, not the circuit or the voice.
Should a phaser go before or after overdrive?
JAM Pedals says the Ripple performs well in either position, before or after overdrive pedals, with each placement offering different levels of integration and prominence. Running it first keeps the sweep clean under distortion; placing it after lets the phase movement colour the distorted tone more prominently.
Sources (3)
- “Relic” Ripple, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- “Relic” Ripple Bass, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- Ripple Bass Limited Artwork, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
