The JAM Pedals "Relic" WaterFall is a limited artwork version of the JAM Pedals WaterFall, an analog chorus and vibrato pedal. JAM Pedals describes it as "a rich, three-dimensional analog BBD chorus and vibrato that adds movement without sacrificing the character" of your tone1. BBD stands for bucket-brigade device, the delay-line chip at the heart of classic analog chorus and vibrato circuits, and the maker says the all-analog BBD circuit "produces a warm, fluid response with a strong sense of depth and space"1.
The "Relic" part is the finish. Every limited artwork pedal from JAM Pedals is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, and the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photos shown1. The sound is the same as the standard WaterFall: same circuit, same controls, different artwork1.
What it does: analog BBD chorus and vibrato
The WaterFall covers two related modulation effects in one box. Chorus mixes a slightly delayed, modulated copy of your signal with the dry signal for a thickened, moving sound; vibrato modulates the pitch of the whole signal for a wobble. A C/V toggle on the pedal selects chorus or vibrato1.
JAM Pedals positions the pedal as moving between classic and more extreme territory: you "switch between Chorus and Vibrato, then choose the restrained or more pronounced intensity range to move from classic shimmer" onward1. The maker's own description of the sound is the warm, fluid BBD response quoted above; what it sounds like on your board is best judged from demos, since this page has not played one.
The controls
The front panel is deliberately simple, with two knobs and two toggles, plus one trimmer inside1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Depth | Controls modulation intensity1 |
| Speed | Sets rate; high Depth and Speed settings create Leslie-style rotary effects1 |
| C/V toggle | Selects chorus or vibrato1 |
| +/- toggle | Chooses a subtler or more pronounced modulation range1 |
| Internal trimmer | Adjusts the maximum modulation speed1 |
The internal range trimmer is worth knowing about before you buy: it sets how fast the Speed knob can go at its maximum, so a player who wants slower, subtler chorus or faster rotary-style movement can tailor the ceiling to taste without touching the knobs mid-gig1.
Relic versus standard WaterFall, and the other artwork versions
JAM Pedals sells the WaterFall in a range of custom artwork versions that share the same sound. Alongside the Relic, the line includes the "Bewitched" WaterFall and the "Stalagmite Prince" WaterFall, each a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece with the identical circuit1. The standard JAM Pedals WaterFall carries the regular finish.
The Relic WaterFall is listed as sold out, and other limited artwork versions such as the Bewitched and Stalagmite Prince WaterFalls are also sold out23. Because each is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted pedal, a given artwork version does not come back in exactly the same form.
The bass version
There is a bass counterpart, the JAM Pedals WaterFall Bass, a bass chorus/vibrato pedal with the same analog BBD circuit, true bypass, C/V toggle, +/- toggle and internal speed trimmer4. JAM Pedals says its analog BBD circuit creates "warm, fluid movement with depth and space while retaining the bass's core character"4. Like the guitar version, it comes in custom artwork editions with the same sound, such as the "Achenbach" WaterFall Bass4.
Noted player
Greg Koch is quoted by JAM Pedals on the WaterFall:
"I use it to create moist soundscapes that warble and flow at the same time. You step on it and the 'wow' factor is engaged."
Buying and returns
JAM Pedals offers a 30-day money-back guarantee: if within 30 days of receiving the product you are not satisfied, you can return it for a refund1. UK orders are shipped DDP with 20% UK VAT and all duties included, with no extra charges on delivery1.
Videos
Pete Thorn
JAM pedals
JetCityMusic
Questions
Is the JAM WaterFall true bypass?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the WaterFall as true bypass, so with the pedal disengaged your signal passes through without buffering. The WaterFall Bass shares the same true bypass switching.
What is the difference between the Relic WaterFall and the standard WaterFall?
The sound is identical. The Relic WaterFall is a limited artwork version of the standard WaterFall chorus/vibrato pedal: same analog BBD circuit, same controls, but each unit is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, so the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photos shown.
Can the WaterFall do a Leslie-style rotary sound?
JAM Pedals says high Depth and Speed settings create Leslie-style rotary effects. The C/V toggle set to vibrato with the intensity range on the more pronounced side, and both knobs turned up, gets you into rotary-speaker territory.
Is there a bass version of the JAM WaterFall?
Yes. The WaterFall Bass is a bass chorus/vibrato pedal with the same analog BBD circuit, true bypass, C/V toggle and internal speed trimmer, voiced to retain the bass's core character. It also comes in custom artwork versions such as the Achenbach WaterFall Bass.
Does Greg Koch use the JAM WaterFall?
Yes. JAM Pedals quotes Greg Koch on the WaterFall, saying he uses it to create soundscapes that warble and flow at the same time, and that stepping on it engages the wow factor.
Sources (4)
- “Relic” WaterFall, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- “Stalagmite Prince” WaterFall, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- “Bewitched” WaterFall, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- “Relic” WaterFall Bass, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
