Radial Engineering Tonebone User manual

™
™
CLASSIC HOT BRITISH
•
Tube Distortion
Owner’s Manual
www.radialeng.com
1638 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 5W9
tel:[phone] fax: [phone] email:[email protected]
True to the Music
www.tonebone.com

1. Introduction:
Congratulations on your purchase of the Radial Tonebone™
Tonebone pedals bring forth a level of quality and performance
never before realized in a tube distortion pedal. Whether set for
tones commonly described as 'edge', 'crunch', 'metal' or just plain
'scream' the Tonebone gives you rich harmonics and deep bass
throughout a wide range of sounds.
This manual has been designed to show the user how to gain
access to those sounds and more. Once you have read through,
take time to experiment. You will find that the Tonebone is so well
designed; it is practically impossible to make it sound bad!
Most of all, enjoy. If it isn't fun, it isn't music!
www.tonebone.com
Index Page
1. Introduction ..............................................................1
2. Unpacking, powering & getting connected ..............2
3. Powering & getting connected .................................2
4. Using Tonebone – the starting point ........................2
5. Tonebone Classic function overview .......................3
6. Tonebone Hot British function overview ..................4
7. Changing the tube ...............................................5~6
8. Trouble shooting ......................................................6
Factory setups - Classic ....................................7~10
Factory setups - Hot British .............................11~14
User setting charts - Classic ...........................15~16
User setting charts - Hot British ......................17~18
Warranty ................................................. Back Cover
Owner’s Manual
1
™
Radial is a division of JP Cabletek Electronics Ltd. Specifications and appearence subject
to change without notice. Radial Tonebone™ manual V1.3 - 05-19-05
www.radialeng.com

2. Unpacking your Tonebone:
Your Radial Tonebone pedal has been thoroughly tested at the
factory, and comes with a 15VDC power supply and this owner’s
manual. We recommend that you keep the box and original receipt
in the unlikely event that you should need to send the unit back for
servicing.
3. Powering up and getting connected:
Before you start, turn your guitar amp volume down to zero.
Tonebone comes equipped with a special 15VAC power adapter
with enough power to drive the 12AX7 tube inside. When the power
suppy is connected, the Tonebone will be in standby mode. Like
all tube amps, for best tone let your Tonebone warm up for 5
minutes so that it achieves electrical and thermal stability. The LED
on the unit lights up when the foot switch is depressed to indicate it
is powered up and ready for use.
4. Using Tonebone – The starting point:
Start with all the controls at 12 o’clock and switches set to the off or
flat position. Turn your amp up to a comfortable listening level and
adjust the LEVEL output control for unity gain, i.e.: the level with
Tonebone on (LED is on) matches the level with it off (LED off).
Now start turning knobs!
You will find that most of the controls are intuitive and extremely
sensitive to changes. In other words, small control changes will
make big changes in the sound. Take your time and experiment.
It is important to note that both the Tonebone Classic and the
Tonebone Hot British are ultra-high gain devices that have been
designed to provide ‘over-compensation’ control on all functions.
What this means is that each control when set to maximum is able
to compensate for other controls that may be completely backed
off. For instance, you may have your LEVEL wide open and your
DRIVE almost fully off. This gives you maximum flexibility but also
opens the door to over-saturation, which could lead to uncontrol-
lable feedback. To safeguard against this, you should never drive
all functions to maximum.
At the back of this manual are a number of setups for popular
sounds for both Tonebone models. Note that you will have to
tweak the settings shown on the setup chart to match your specific
guitar and amp set up.
In addition to the factory sound charts, a number of blank user
setting charts are included at the back of this manual. Photocopy
these handy charts and use them to save your own ‘found sounds’.
Once you get a sound you like, chart the knob positions and guitar/
amp/pickup setting. These setup charts will aid in you in getting
familiar with the controls of your new Tonebone, and help in quickly
recreating your exact sounds in the studio.
Now Go Play!
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True to the Music

DRIVE control: Used to adjust overall amount of input gain &
distortion. For even more drive, use the GAIN switch.
GAIN switch: Used to boost the gain at preamp input. LOW = 0dB
MED = +9dB HIGH = +20dB. Hint: Start with GAIN in low position and
DRIVE at 9:00 o’clock and LEVEL at 3:00. Then add DRIVE.
FILTER control: Used to balance the high frequency ratio between
the amplifier and the ToneBone. Hint: start adjustments at the
full clockwise position and work backwards.
MID BOOST switch: Gives you +7dB & +12dB boost @ 360Hz.
Allows guitar to cut through the mix; especially useful for soloing.
LOW control: Active ‘post-distortion’ tone control. Boost or cut ±14.5
dB @ 100 Hz from 12 o’clock position.
TOP END switch: BRIGHT: +6dB @ 10KHz; FLAT is the
recommended position when the amp’s bright switch is on;
DARK: -6dB @ 3.3KHz, normally used with super bright inputs.
HIGH control: Active ‘post-distortion’ tone control. Boost or cut
±10dB @ 4.3KHz from 12 o’clock position.
LEVEL control: This is used to adjust the output level without alter-
ing any of the tonal characteristics.
FOOTSWITCH: Toggles between effect and True-Bypass. i.e.
when the Tonebone is off, the signal passes straight through without
any effect. An on/off status indicator LED is provided.
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5. Tonebone Classic Function Overview
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True to the Music
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DRIVE control: Used to adjust overall amount of input gain &
distortion.
MID BOOST switch: This gives you +7dB & +12dB @ 360Hz. This
allows the guitar to cut through the mix and is especially useful for
soloing.
CONTOUR control: Adjust balance of low & high frequencies in the
“NOTCH” & “FAT” VOICING mode. Hint: start at 12 o’clock position.
VOICING switch: NOTCH position: passive boost coloration of low’s &
high’s. FAT position: passive midrange tight filter.
LOW control: Active ‘post-distortion’ tone control. Boost or cut
±14.5dB @ 100 Hz from 12 o’clock position.
TOP END switch: BRIGHT: +6dB @ 10KHz; FLAT is the
recommended position when the amp’s bright switch is on;
DARK: -6dB @ 3.3KHz, normally used with super bright inputs.
HIGH control: Active ‘post-distortion’ tone control. Boost or cut
±10dB @ 4.3KHz from 12 o’clock position.
LEVEL control: This is used to adjust the output level without alter-
ing any of the tonal characteristics.
FOOTSWITCH: Toggles between effect and True-Bypass. i.e.
when the Tonebone is off, the signal passes straight through without
any effect. An on/off status indicator LED is provided.
6. Tonebone Hot British Function Overview
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True to the Music

7. Changing the tube:
Your Tonebone has been designed to provide years of performance
before changing the tube. In fact, it is unlikely that a tube change will be
necessary for two to three years or more, depending on use. Change the
tube only when a degradation of sound is noticeable.
Disassembly
1. Remove the rubber knobs by pulling them straight up. These
pressure fitted knobs should be removed with care to avoid damage.
2. Remove the nuts and washers securing the potentiometer,
foot switch, and input/output using an open ended wrench or socket.
Please use caution so as not to mar the exterior finish.
3. Remove the 4 bottom screws that hold the top and bottom chas-
sis halves together. Carefully separate them. Note that the chassis top
and bottom fit snugly so a little careful force may be needed to clear
the two side mounted ¼” input and output connectors. Watch you
don’t loose the nylon washer between the footswitch and the chassis
top!
4. Remove and replace the tube: Gently loosen the 12AX7 tube in
the socket by wiggling it back and forth.
Reassembly
1. Install the PC board to the Chassis top: Carefully align the
potentiometers, LED and footswitch with the holes in the chassis and
assemble through the top. Don’t forget the nylon footswitch washer!
2. Attach the pot and footswitch washers and nuts, just finger
tight for now, to allow alignment of the jacks when the bottom is
attached.
5
Ready to change the tube? Ok, lets
start here.
Knobs off, nuts & washers off, side jack
nuts & washers off, now removing screws.
Ready to wiggle tube out of the socket. 12AX7 tube replacement.
True to the Music
TM

3. Carefully push the chassis bottom on, spreading the sides slightly
so as not to stress the side mounted ¼” input and output jacks.
4. Attach the side ¼” jack washers and nuts: Do not over-tighten
the plastic (for isolation) jacks as they strip easily! Attach the 4 chassis
screws (don’t over-tighten). Now you can tighten up the potentiometer
shaft nuts.
5. Re-install the knobs... first rotate the potentiometer shafts fully coun-
ter-clockwise. Place the knobs over the shafts so they point to 7 o’clock
and push straight down.
6. Test the pedal to make sure it works… plug in the power. The LED
should light when you depress the footswitch and you will see the tube
filament light up through the side vents.
Spread chassis sides to clear input &
output jacks.
Press on knobs with shafts counter-
clockwise and pointers at 7 o’clock.
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8. Trouble shooting:
I am not getting any sound at all…
Start by connecting your guitar directly to your amplifier and checking
each cable to make sure they work. Then, make sure that these are
plugged in correctly.
I am getting sound but no distortion…
Make sure you have not connected the Tonebone backwards by revers-
ing the input and output. If connections are correct, check the tube. If the
problem persists, see your Tonebone dealer.
The LED does not go on…
Check the power adaptor to make sure it is plugged in. If the LED does
not light up, check the outlet with another device to make sure power is
present. If it still does not light up, check the power supply with a voltme-
ter or have your dealer check it.
The sound has changed, it sounds thin…
The tube may needs changing. Remove the tube and bring it to your
dealer to have him test it. If low, replace with a 12AX7.
I am getting radio signals though my amplifier…
Poor quality cables and bad grounding are usually the cause. Check
to make sure your amplifier is properly grounded with a 3-prong A/C
cord and that the wall receptacle is standard 3-prong duplex and wired
correctly. Make sure you are using high quality coaxial guitar cables with
proper shielding. Radial Tonebone pedals are engineered and tested to
ensure RF is eliminated as a source of noise.
TM
True to the Music

7
mud!
Slow Hand Bluze
Joe Sat Solo
Adams Apple
This sound was created using a Strat with a
Duncan Stack and used in the neck position.
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i
This sound was created using a Strat with a
Duncan Jeff Beck humbucker in the neck position.
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This sound was created using a Fender Strat in the
bridge position. Great for cutting through the mud.
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FILTER
True to the Music
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ZZ Texas Riff
Water Smoke
Chunky Rhythm
8
This sound was created using a Strat in the bridge
position. Tons of meat.
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i
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This sound was created using a Strat in the middle
position.
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This sound was created using a Strat with a Duncan
Jeff Beck in the neck position.
TM
True to the Music

9
Deep Lazy
Metalic Shrine
Dire Violin Singing Strat
This sound was created using a stock Strat with a
Twin using the middle pick-up. Move to the bridge
pickup for more cut.

i
This sound was created using a Les Paul in the neck
position. Used with a volume control for effect.
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This sound was created using a Strat in the bridge
position. Big sound with small pick-up!
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i
True to the Music
TM

Johnny B. Goodness
Clean Voodoo Child
Stone Age Sugar
10
This sound was created using a Strat and a Fender
Twin reverb amp. Great dynamics for rhythm.
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i
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This sound was created using a Strat in the neck
position. Change the volume on the guitar to get
maximum effect
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This sound was created using a Strat inthe bridge
position. Great for all kinds of rhythms when you
want extra edge.
TM
True to the Music

11
Acey Deacy Chunk
Stevie R Neck
Texas Tornado
This sound was created using a Strat with a Duncan
Stack in the bridge position. Try also single coil in the
middle position.
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i
This sound was created using a Strat in the neck
position. Try reducing the guitar volume and bring up
for solos.
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This sound was created using a Strat with a Duncan
in the bridge position. Adjust the DRIVE to taste. Very
chunky tone with lots of articulation.
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True to the Music
TM

12
Xtra Grind
Eric’s Buzz Solo
Early Zeppelin
This sound was created using a Les Paul in the
bridge position. Great vintage tone gives you tons of
personality!
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i
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This sound was created using a Les Paul in the neck
position.Try rolling off the tone and then bring up the
level to offset.
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This sound was created using a Strat with a Duncan
in the bridge position. Great for drop tuning and fast
muted playing. Adjust CONTURE to taste.
TM
True to the Music

13
Dark Solo
Big Mean Scoop
Jethro’s Snot
This sound was created using a Strat in the bridge
position. Great for metal where you want total control
over the stage... or the world for that matter.
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This sound was created using a Strat in the middle
and the bridge position. Lots of sustain and mid to
cut through without too many overtones.
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This sound was created using a Strat in the bridge
position. Great overtones and dynamics.

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True to the Music
TM

Crimson Solo
King Kong
Smokin’ China Grove
14
This sound was created using a Strat in the bridge
position. That big 80’s Marshall tone.
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This sound was created using a Strat in the bridge
position.
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Vintage Strat neck pickup with tone control for this
pickup rolled off.
TM
True to the Music

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User settings - Tonebone Classic
True to the Music
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User settings - Tonebone Classic
TM
True to the Music

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User settings - Tonebone Hot British
True to the Music
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User settings - Tonebone Hot British
TM
True to the Music

www.radialeng.com
www.tonebone.com
True to the Music
RADIAL LIMITED THREE YEAR WARRANTY
Radial Engineering - a division of JP Cabletek Electronics Ltd. war-
rants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship
to the original owner and will remedy any such defects free of charge
according to the terms of this warranty. Radial Engineering will repair
or replace at its option any defective component(s) of this product,
excluding the finish, the tube, the footswitch (tube and footswitch
are warranted for 90 days) and wear and tear from normal use, for
a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase. In the
event that a particular product is no longer available, Radial Engineer-
ing reserves the right to replace the product with a similar product of
equal or greater value. To make a request or claim under this limited
warranty, the product must be returned prepaid in the original shipping
container (or equivalent) to Radial Engineering or to an authorized
repair centre and you must assume the risk of loss or damage. A copy
of the original invoice showing date of purchase and the dealer name
must accompany any request for work to be performed under this
limited warranty. This limited warranty shall not apply if the product
has been damaged due to abuse, misuse, misapplication, accident or
as a result of service or modification by any other than an authorized
repair centre.
THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN
THOSE ON THE FACE HEREOF AND DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO
WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUD-
ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE RESPECTIVE WARRANTY PE-
RIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE OF ONE YEAR.
RADIAL ENGINEERING SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LI-
ABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OR LOSS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS PROD-
UCT. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS,
AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY
FROM STATE/PROVINCE TO STATE/PROVINCE.