The Totally Wycked Audio Triskelion TK-1 is a Harmonic Energizer pedal: essentially a filter that can boost and modify specific frequencies1. It sits in the same family as filter pedals and the classic resonant boost circuits of the 1970s, and it is distributed by Godlyke1.
The circuit it draws on has a long pedigree. Premier Guitar's review describes the TK-1 as inspired in no small part by the Maestro Parametric Filter and the Systech Harmonic Energizer favored by Frank Zappa, and Godlyke's own product page says the Systech circuit "was used by many guitar greats to achieve that amazing 70s 'cocked-wah' sound/boost solos"12.
Controls and the expression input
The TK-1's front panel centers on two main controls:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Energy | Sets the level of harmonic boost1 |
| Variant Mass | Shapes the filter's character; can be controlled by an expression pedal1 |
The Variant Mass knob is where the pedal opens up. Premier Guitar's reviewer found that "attaching an expression pedal to control the Variant Mass knob enabled me to sweep between the two clean tones easily"1. For players already using an expression pedal, this turns the TK-1 from a set-and-forget filter into something you can play dynamically.
The trefoil logo on the enclosure doubles as an indicator: it changes color based on where the expression pedal or Variant Mass knob is set, which the reviewer called valuable visual feedback1.
What it sounds like
Premier Guitar's reviewer described the TK-1 as "remarkable for being able to offer something to each type of player. But it definitely favors those with more radical tastes" in overall character1. The pedal's cocked-wah tones were singled out as great for giving lead lines character and space in a heavy rock mix, including overdrive settings used with the expression pedal1. Players chasing that sound alongside a wah pedal or pushing an overdrive pedal or distortion pedal in front of it will find the same territory covered from a different angle.
The enclosure itself gets a mention: "The red sparkle finish would make a vintage speedboat owner envious," the reviewer wrote1.
Questions
What is the Systech Harmonic Energizer?
The Systech Harmonic Energizer is a filter circuit from the 1970s that boosts and modifies specific frequencies. According to Godlyke Distributing, the fabled circuit was used by many guitar greats to achieve that 70s cocked-wah sound, to boost solos, and more. The Triskelion TK-1 is inspired in no small part by it, alongside the Maestro Parametric Filter.
Can I control the Triskelion with an expression pedal?
Yes. Premier Guitar's reviewer found that attaching an expression pedal to control the Variant Mass knob enabled sweeping between two clean tones easily. The trefoil logo indicator also changes color based on where the expression pedal or Variant Mass knob is set, giving visual feedback on the current setting.
What does the trefoil logo light do?
The trefoil logo on the Triskelion TK-1 acts as an indicator that changes color based on where the expression pedal or Variant Mass knob is set. Premier Guitar's reviewer described this as valuable visual feedback, letting you see where the filter is sitting at a glance.
Who distributes the Totally Wycked Audio Triskelion?
The Triskelion TK-1 is distributed by Godlyke, which also sells Systech Harmonic Energizer related products through its own store. Premier Guitar's review notes the connection directly, and Godlyke's product pages carry the Systech Harmonic Energizer lineage the pedal draws on.
What kind of tones does the Triskelion produce?
Premier Guitar's reviewer found the TK-1 produces cocked-wah tones that are great for giving lead lines character and space in a heavy rock mix, and called it remarkable for offering something to both civilized and radical distortion players, while noting it definitely favors those with more radical tastes in overall character.
Sources (2)
- Totally Wycked Audio Triskelion TK-1 Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2011-04-19
- SYSTECH Harmonic Energizer (B-STOCK), Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
