What: D*A*M (Differential*Audio*Manifestationz)
When: July 2008
Website/Contact Information: http://www.stompboxes.co.uk/ (warning music!) / email: stompboxes at blueyonder dot co dot uk
1- When did you get started with electronics?
With building pedals in 2002. I toyed around with electronics a little before in my youth but the idea of making noise makers is the thing that really got me hooked.
2- Where did the name of your company come from?
It was actually on a short list of names that we had for a band I was in. The guitar player pointed out that initials of the name “Differential Audio Manifestaionz” was the same initials as my name. I thought that was pretty cool and it must of stuck around in my head when I came to name the company. A little irrelevant info which may or may not be of interest: “Neutral Analog Device” AKA N.A.D was also on the short list when I was thinking of a name for my business but there was/still is? an amplifier company called NAD. I also made a pedal or two that used the name “Space Tractor 25″ That was a quite short lived until I settled on D*A*M.
3- What’s your favorite effect made by someone else?
Vintage : At the moment I’d have to say the Burns Buzzaround but I feel a certain loyalty to the Tone Bender Professional MKII as I’ve been so obsessed with it over the years. The Buzzaround is something else though! Totally wild but insanely usable with just about any set-up. Its saturates like hell but stays almost spookily controllable and focused.
Modern : Zvex Fuzz Factory. How can you not like this pedal! Its bliss for any fuzz loving junkie. I do prefer the older ones with the “spam can” Germs inside. They sound a little warmer to my ears and the controls seem to interact a little better than the modern models I’ve had. My favorite being a 1997 model I have.
4- What’s the favorite effect you make?
Ha-ha! Tough call. Depends on my mood really and what aspect of the pedal we are talking about. The Pro MKII because of the enjoyment of the build and as mentioned above because of my unhealthily obsession with it. Tonally, if I had to pick only one I have to say the the Meathead. I love the Meathead because its so simple and because of its uncontrollable nature. I really like its stupidity factor too, I think the whole one knob set-up is great.
4.5- Favorite Fuzz
Baldwin Burns Buzzaround.
5- What instruments do you play? Skill level at each?
Bass & guitar….and drum machines, do they count? I guess I’m pretty narrow minded in how I play but I enjoy it so I ain’t too bothered. With that in mind I’d say a 3.5 out of 5.
6- Is making effect pedals your primary gig? If not, what is?
Yup, full time since 2004. Don’t see that changing anytime soon.
7- Do you think about bass players before or after you prepare a circuit?
Before if I know the circuit will work with bass. For example the the 1966 don’t sound too hot on bass so I didn’t think about whether or not a bass player would want to use it…they wouldn’t.
8- How many pedals do you sell a month?
It varies lot due to the nature of how we build (slowly) but roughly between 30-60. Also depends on what I am are working on and how fast they get get built.
9- Triplet :
- E-bay: Savior or Curse?
Saviour, wouldn’t be in business otherwise.- Bassplayers: Foreground or Background?
Foreground, listen to Sabbath.- Color: Chartreuse or Magenta?
Chartreuse, though Magenta is pretty cool in the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
10- Any cool products in the pipeline you want to share?
New products yes, share no….haha sorry!
11- Anything else you want to add?
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
