The "Spookful" WaterFall is a chorus and vibrato pedal from JAM Pedals, built on an analog BBD circuit, the bucket-brigade delay chip design that classic modulation pedals use to shift a signal's pitch over time. JAM describes the all-analog BBD circuit as producing "a warm, fluid response with a strong sense of depth and space"1. It is one of several versions of the WaterFall design, alongside the standard WaterFall, the WaterFall Bass and other limited artwork editions such as the "Bewitched" WaterFall and "Relic" WaterFall.
The controls
The WaterFall keeps its front panel to two knobs and two toggles, with one trimmer inside1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Depth | Controls modulation intensity1 |
| Speed | Sets the rate of the modulation1 |
| C/V toggle | Selects chorus or vibrato1 |
| +/- toggle | Chooses a subtler or more pronounced modulation range1 |
| Internal trimmer | Adjusts the maximum modulation speed1 |
The C/V toggle is the core of the design: in chorus mode the modulated signal is blended with the dry signal for the familiar doubled sound, while vibrato mode gives you pitch movement on its own. The +/- toggle then narrows or widens how far the Depth and Speed controls can take the effect, and the internal trimmer sets the ceiling of the Speed sweep1.
Leslie-style rotary sounds
JAM Pedals notes that high Depth and Speed settings create Leslie-style rotary effects, the swirling sound of a rotating speaker cabinet1. Guitarist Greg Koch, who uses the pedal, said: "I have only used chorus effects in the past to replicate a leslie. The Waterfall chorus is a textural dynamo. I use it t"1. For players after a dedicated rotary effect, the vibrato and chorus categories cover the wider field, and JAM's own RetroVibe mk.4 pedals take a uni-vibe approach to similar territory.
Power, size and buying notes
The WaterFall runs on a 9V DC, center-negative supply and draws 47 mA, which any standard isolated pedalboard supply output can handle1. At 300 g / 0.66 lb and 2.9 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches including jacks and controls, it fits a normal pedalboard footprint1.
Every limited artwork pedal, including the "Spookful", is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, so the artwork on each unit differs1.
JAM Pedals lists the "Spookful" WaterFall at £239.00 and ships it DDP, with 20% UK VAT and all duties included and no extra charges on delivery1. The maker also offers a refund within 30 days of receiving the product, no questions asked1.
Sources (1)
- “Spookful” WaterFall, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
