The TWA Triskelion TK-01 Harmonic Energizer is a distortion/overdrive pedal whose EQ section can be swept to a chosen frequency, with a Boost button that adds subtle octave harmonics for a more shimmery tone1. Its sound is inspired by the Maestro Parametric Filter MPF, a rare Bob Moog-designed 1970s effect used by hard rock bands2. The Amplitude control takes the distortion from a fizzy medium overdrive to, in the reviewer's words, "glass-shattering," with extreme "through-the-radio effects" and shredding thrash solos available2.
The controls
The Triskelion's control set splits the job between a distortion stage and a parametric EQ stage, with two buttons on top of the knobs2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Amplitude knob | Drives the distortion circuit, controlling the amount of distortion |
| Variant Mass knob | Sweeps the desired frequency of the EQ section |
| Energy knob | Shapes the Q, or severity, of the parametric boost |
| Engage button | Bypasses the distortion so the EQ can be used by itself |
| Boost button | Adds in subtle octave harmonics for a more shimmery tone |
All control descriptions per Delicious Audio's review2.
The Engage button is the key to the pedal's two-sided character: with the distortion bypassed, the Triskelion works as a parametric EQ and boost on its own, and pressing Engage brings the drive stage back in2.
Expression pedal and connections
Besides the standard input and output, the Triskelion has an insert jack for an expression pedal, which opens up the possibilities, including extreme wah-wah effects2. For players exploring filter sweeps under foot control, it sits alongside the pedal types covered on the expression pedal and wah-wah pages.
What reviewers said
Delicious Audio's reviewer found the Amplitude control takes the distortion from a fizzy medium overdrive to glass-shattering, with extreme "through-the-radio effects" and shredding thrash solos at the top of its range2.
"It has a highly sculpted and severe tone, which, medieval iconography aside, has a distinctly modern appeal."
The same review judged the pedal best suited to lead or solo tones2. The pedal is mounted in a sturdy and shiny metal casing, complete with a fully lit Triskelion symbol2.
At $349, De Gregorio noted the box runs close to what you might expect to pay for a vintage EQ pedal2.
Videos
Guitar World
Questions
What is the TWA Triskelion TK-01?
The Triskelion TK-01 is a pedal from TWA, cryptically described as a harmonic energizer modulation effect. In practice it operates more or less as a standard EQ boost/distortion pedal, combining a distortion/overdrive circuit with a unique filter EQ. Its sound is inspired by the Maestro Parametric Filter MPF, a rare Bob Moog-designed 1970s effect used by hard rock bands.
What does the Engage button do?
The Engage button bypasses the distortion circuit, so the EQ section can be used by itself. That means you can run the Triskelion as a filtered boost without the drive stage, or bring the distortion in when you want it.
Can you use an expression pedal with the Triskelion?
Yes. Besides the standard input and output, the Triskelion has an insert jack for an expression pedal, which Delicious Audio's review notes opens up the possibilities, including extreme wah-wah effects.
How much does the TWA Triskelion TK-01 cost?
At the time of Delicious Audio's December 2011 review, the Triskelion TK-01 listed at $349, a price the reviewer noted runs close to what you might expect to pay for a vintage EQ pedal.
Sources (2)
- Review: TWA Triskelion TK-01 Harmonic Energizer, Guitar World, 2011-07-14
- Pedal Review: TWA Triskelion TK-01, Delicious Audio, 2011-12-07
