The Wilson Effects Sparkling Blue is a hand made overdrive and distortion pedal from Wilson Effects, built around the vintage Marshall Guv'nor circuit. The maker describes it as capturing "the raw, amp-like crunch of the classic Marshall Guv'nor, but with a unique tonal character," covering everything from crunchy overdrive to a flat out mid-scooped distortion1. If you know the original pedal, our Marshall Guv'Nor page covers it in detail; the Sparkling Blue is Wilson Effects' take on that design, with an added clipping switch the original never had2.
What it does to your sound
Wilson Effects positions the Sparkling Blue as a Guv'nor-style dirt pedal with range: "Whether you like crunchy overdrive, a flat out mid scooped distortion or just a little dirt and more EQ," the maker says the pedal covers it2. The four-band EQ, unusual on a pedal at this size, is the main tool for shaping that: treble, mids and bass controls sit alongside gain, so you can dial in anything from a mild crunch to a scooped heavy sound2.
The clipping toggle is the pedal's distinguishing feature. It selects between the original clipping of the Guv'nor circuit and an added, alternate clipping mode, which Wilson Effects describes as giving "a slightly punchier fuller sound"2. On the maker's main product page the same switch is described as a way to "Switch between classic and enhanced clipping for more tonal flexibility"1.
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Controls the amount of overdrive/distortion1 |
| Treble | Self explanatory treble control2 |
| Mids | Self explanatory mids control2 |
| Bass | Self explanatory bass control2 |
| Level | Controls the overall level of the effect2 |
| Clipping toggle | Toggles between the original clipping of the circuit and an added clipping feature2 |
Power and practical details
The Sparkling Blue runs on a 9VDC 2.1mm center negative power supply or a 9 volt battery12. Wilson Effects ships all items via USPS Priority Mail2.
Returns are accepted within 7 days of receiving the pedal. Shipping costs are not refunded with the original purchase, and return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility2.
Where it sits in the Wilson Effects range
Wilson Effects builds a number of drive pedals alongside the Sparkling Blue, including the Lusus Naturae organic overdrive, the This is the Art overdrive/distortion aimed at scooped 1980s thrash tones, and the Capstone transparent overdrive with a Germanium clipping Mod switch. For a wider view of the category, see our pages on Overdrive Pedals and Distortion Pedals.
Videos
Wilson Effects
Brett Kingman
JetCityMusic
Questions
Is the Wilson Effects Sparkling Blue true bypass?
Yes. Wilson Effects states on the product page that the Sparkling Blue is true bypass, meaning the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal path entirely when it is switched off, so your guitar's signal reaches the amp unaltered when the effect is not in use.
What does the clipping switch on the Sparkling Blue do?
The clipping toggle switch selects between the original clipping of the Guv'nor circuit and an added, alternate clipping mode. Wilson Effects describes the alternate mode as giving a slightly punchier, fuller sound, and positions the switch as a way to get more tonal flexibility from the same pedal.
What circuit is the Wilson Effects Sparkling Blue based on?
Wilson Effects says the Sparkling Blue is based on the vintage Marshall Guv'nor circuit. The maker describes it as emulating that vintage pedal while adding a little color of its own, capturing the raw, amp-like crunch of the original with a unique tonal character.
What warranty does Wilson Effects give on the Sparkling Blue?
Wilson Effects covers the Sparkling Blue with a one year bumper to bumper warranty. The pedal is hand made with what the maker describes as only the finest parts available, and returns are accepted within 7 days of receiving the pedal, with shipping costs not refunded and return shipping at the customer's responsibility.
Sources (2)
- Sparkling Blue, Wilson Effects
- Sparkling Blue, Wilson Effects
