The Supercool Pedals Zig-Zag Analog Chorus-Vibrato is an analog chorus and vibrato pedal from Supercool Pedals, a builder based in Peterborough, Ontario. Released in March 2024, it is the company's first modulation effect, and its chorus side is modeled on the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone circuit, the design favored by Kurt Cobain12.
What it does
The Zig-Zag is a pitch modulation effect covering both chorus and vibrato. A two-position toggle switches between a CHORUS mode, where the signal is doubled for the chorus effect, and a VIBRATO mode, where only the modulated signal is heard1. Premier Guitar's reviewer summed up the layout as "just two knobs and a switch to flip between chorus and vibrato wave forms"2. The Depth knob controls the intensity of the pitch modulation1.
Pedal of the Day described the range of sounds as "lush slow waves of rich chorus, dissonant and textural pulses, subtle vinyl-like wow-and-flutter, and full-on spiraling modulation madness"1.
The Small Clone connection
Builder Jamie Muir modeled the pedal's chorus effect on the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone circuit2, and Pedal of the Day likewise called it "based off of the legendary Small Clone circuit"1. The Zig-Zag updates that design with new features and settings in a more compact form factor than the circuit it is based on1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's reviewer placed the Zig-Zag among the clearest and fullest interpretations of the Small Clone effect he had heard, and compared it directly with a better-known modern chorus2:
"It edged out my Walrus Julia in terms of fidelity and transparency; where the Julia's transmissions are watery and hazy."
Pedal of the Day's reviewer concluded that the pedal checks all of the boxes he requires of a modulation unit, with a wide range of sounds from subtle to seasick and swirly, calling it "perfect for any rig or pedalboard"1.
The pedal's build also drew praise. Premier Guitar described the 1590B housing as cheekily decorated and "built to stand up to harsh treatment for decades"2.
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Questions
What is the Supercool Pedals Zig-Zag based on?
The Zig-Zag's chorus effect is modeled on the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone circuit, the same design favored by Kurt Cobain. Premier Guitar's reviewer noted builder Jamie Muir modeled the pedal's chorus on that circuit, while Pedal of the Day described the pedal as based off the legendary Small Clone circuit, updated with new features and a more compact form factor.
Who designed the Supercool Pedals Zig-Zag?
The Zig-Zag was built by Jamie Muir of Supercool Pedals, a builder based in Peterborough, Ontario. Premier Guitar identified it as the first modulation effect from the company, released in March 2024.
Does the Zig-Zag do both chorus and vibrato?
Yes. A two-position toggle switches between a CHORUS mode, which doubles the signal for the chorus effect, and a VIBRATO mode, where only the modulated signal is heard. Premier Guitar described it as a switch to flip between chorus and vibrato wave forms.
What size enclosure does the Zig-Zag use?
The Zig-Zag is housed in a 1590B enclosure. Premier Guitar's reviewer described the housing as cheekily decorated and built to stand up to harsh treatment for decades, and noted it is more compact than the original circuit it draws from.
How does the Zig-Zag compare to the Walrus Julia?
Premier Guitar's reviewer found the Zig-Zag among the clearest and fullest interpretations of the Small Clone effect he had heard, and wrote that it edged out his Walrus Julia in fidelity and transparency, describing the Julia's sound as watery and hazy by comparison.
Is the Zig-Zag an analog pedal?
Yes. Pedal of the Day reported that the Zig-Zag uses a rare true analog bucket brigade chip, the kind of delay line chip at the heart of classic analog modulation circuits.
Sources (2)
- Supercool Pedals Zig-Zag Analog Chorus-Vibrato, Pedal of the Day, 2024-03-19
- Supercool Pedals Zig-Zag Guitar Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2024-06-24
