Serf
OverviewThe Serf is a hand-wired valve (tube) boost pedal, utilizing a 12ax7 tube running at high voltage.
A 12ax7 tube contains two gain stages. In the Serf the first gain stage is a voltage amplifier and boosts the guitar's signal, while the second stage is wired as a DC coupled cathode follower, providing a low impedance output.
Suitable for general boosting duities, the Serf also excells at pushing amps and OD pedals into higher gain. The Serf Boost is a clean boost - it does not clip easily itself (as opposed to the Kingsley Page Tube Boost for example, which breaks up on it's own as the Gain control is raised). The Serf is also our smallest vacuum tube pedal.
Applications for the Serf include:
A full range volume or solo boost (typically placed after any gain pedals);
A bright boost - to liven a dark sounding amp, or even for use as a very simple preamp;
A boost for pushing OD pedals and amp's harder, providing increased overdrive/saturation;
A valve buffer and tonal enhancer (when the pedal is turned on).
As with our other tube pedals, an internal DC to DC converter power supply provides the Serf's Tungsol re-issue 12ax7 with the appropriate high voltage for optimum performance, while a 6VDC output powers the tube's heaters.
FeaturesThe Serf couldn't be easier to operate. A single Volume control sets the amount of boost, while a 3-way Mode switch gives options for:
Mode 1 - full range boost
Mode 2 - bright boost
Mode 3 - added output with a low end roll-off
For those who are familiar with the Kingsley Jester's boost, the Serf is quite similar. However, Mode 2 on the Serf is brighter and Mode 3 is just a touch leaner, making it excellent for pushing pedals and amps harder, while retaining low end definition. The Jester Boost also does not have the cathode follower output stage.
Measurements: 3 1/4" wide x 4" deep x 2.56" tall
Power requirements: 9VDC @ 500mA, center negative, 2.1mm jack