ThroBak OVERDRIVE BOOST User manual

Strange Master operating instructions.
We hope you enjoy the Throbak Strange Master. Below is a rundown of the features that we feel make the Strange Master one of the most versatile
Rangemaster Clones on the market. Every effort has been made in construction, transistor and component selection to keep noise to a minimum. That
being said the nature of a treble boost is to increase treble and along with this treble boost some of the higher frequency hiss inherent in any audio
circuit is also boosted.
Features:
1. Treble Boost knob, top left side. Rotating this knob clockwise increases treble boost while also driving the power tubes into distortion. Classic
treble boost distortion usually begins at 1 o’clock setting. Noise when turning knob is normal. Full clockwise rotation may increase the chances of
picking up radio interference. This depends upon the amp being used.
2. Treble boost/Full range boost switch, top right. When in the left position the effect is in the original treble boost mode. Putting the switch in the
right position gives a full range boost with increased bass boost. The tonal difference in positions is subtle and allows the user to fine tune the pedal
to his or her guitar amp rig. Noise when engaging switch is normal.
3. External bias adjustment trim knob, top right. This adjustment allows the user to fine tune the character of the treble boost. Rotating the knob
clockwise will tighten the bass response and general character of the boost. This feature lets the user recreate some of the inherent variation of the
vintage Rangemaster units to suite their own guitar and amp rig. This adjustment is particularly useful in fine tuning when switched to full range
mode. Rotating the knob counter clockwise will quickly loosen the character of the distortion to where the effect no longer operates at all. The bias
trim controls the Silicon and Germanium Transistor Bias Noise when turning knob is normal.
4. Germanium and Silicon transistors. Select the transistor with the S (Silicon) / G (Germanium) toggle switch on the top of the unit. Silicon will give
higher gain tones tone with more edge and germanium mode gives lower gain, rounder tones.
5. True bypass switching.
Tips:

Try full range mode to fatten up single coil pickups.
Best amp setting is usually with volume set to point where amp just begins to break up with pedal off.
Put in front of wah pedal if using one.
Use bias knob to experiment with both treble boost and full range boost modes. This has an effect on bass not response.
Do not use in an effects loop.
Experiment with both Hi and Lo inputs on your amp.
Try with amps with different power tubes.
About Batteries and power supplies:
The best sound and lowest noise operation will come from cheap dollar store 9 volt non alkaline batteries like the one included with the pedal. Many
feel Heavy Duty batteries sound better than alkaline batteries, Energizer etc.. The down side to these cheaper batteries is that they are more prone to
leakage when they get old. So one must make sure that old batteries are removed. When using batteries be aware that plugging in the right 1/4”
input jack powers up the pedal and begins to drain the battery whether or not the LED is on. So make sure the right input jack is
disconnected when not in use to preserve battery life. If this is done you will get many hours of use out of a single battery.
Any standard 9 volt negative center pedal power supply will also work with this pedal. When using an external power supply put a piece of tape
around the battery clip terminals to avoid the rare possibility of internal shorting. An external power supply may also make the pedal slightly noisier
due to power supply noise.
About transistors:
The Germanium and Silicon transistors in this pedal has been carefully chosen and auditioned for correct gain and low noise. The Germanium
transistor is socketed which allows me to be remove it to tune the pedal. USER REMOVAL OF THIS TRANSISTOR VOIDS THE WARRANTY.
The selection of this transistors is essential to proper operation so I cannot honor the warranty for those who wish to experiment with different
transistors.
Also Germanium transistors are temperature sensitive. Do not place the pedal on top of a hot amp like an AC-30 it may throw the bias setting off
temporarily.
5 year limited warranty terms:
Throbak Electronics will repair or replace any Strange Master effect that fails to operate due to defect in manufacturing within 5 years of original

purchase date. Damage due to battery leakage, neglect, abuse, normal wear or cosmetic damage is not covered under the terms of the warranty. User
replacement of transistors or replacement of other internal components voids the warranty. Because of factors beyond Throbak Electronics control we
cannot be responsible for any alleged or actual damage caused by Throbak Electronics products to buyers equipment.
Warranty applies only to products owned by the original purchaser.
Thanks again and check out the full line of ThroBak effects and guitar pickups.
www.throbak.com
Jon Gundry
Throbak Electronics is a division of Gundry Media Inc. Grand Rapids, MI 49503