About
I was mixing and automating effects in ProTools, when it dawned on me that I would not be able to replicate the sounds that I was creating in a live setting - at least not with my collection of analog pedals. That's where I had my "Ah ha" moment. What would it take to mix in some Chorus or Delay? How could I blend between Overdrive and Fuzz? The concept for FLEXeFX hit me at that very moment and I've tinkered with the idea for 3 years. I've sketched dozens of drawings, made a few prototypes and finally feel that the time is right to unleash my design.
These pedals were conceptualized to help me (and all musicians) manipulate their pedal parameters in real-time with their feet. And it's not just for guitar players; keyboardists, bassists and any electronic musician can use these tools to expand their palette of tonal colors.
I also designed the pedals to have the smallest footprint possible, while maintaining their functionality. As a gigging musician, I know that pedalboard real estate is of the utmost importance. I also know that there are pedals which are much smaller than mine. However, if you'd like to attach an expression pedal to any of your effects, the footprint becomes huge. Also, feet are clumsy and lack the dexterity of hands. My pedals are large enough so as not to topple-over but small enough to find a home on the pedalboard of the average player. As a point of reference, FLEXeFX pedals are about the size of a Stratocaster's rear tremolo cover. FLEXeFX pedals measure 3.75" x 5.5" and are 3" tall. I made them tall so that you wouldn't kick adjacent pedals inadvertently.
I intend on releasing a small lineup of pedals for starters and have visions for growth and expansion. The pedals that I'd like to introduce first are a Mixer, Analog Delay, Reverb, Tremolo, and Dual Expression with Tap-tempo. In the future, I envision a Compressor, Phaser, Rotary Simulator, Fixed Wah / Boost, Flanger, Octave Up & Down, Envelope Filter... The list is long and may even include Overdrive, Distortion and Fuzz. I am very ambitious.
The prototypes that you see are made of plastic but the finished product will be metal. The fancy paint jobs that you see are prohibitively expensive so my first production run will be powder coated. I have secured a provisional patent, I own all of the designs and I am ready to go into production. Thank you for taking the time to read about my vision and please look deep in your heart and support this project.
The Pedals:
The EXP+TT has dual expression wheels with tap-tempo and is designed to control other pedals that have expression or tap-tempo inputs. No longer do you need a separate (and very large) volume pedals and separate tap-tempo footswitch. Here, they are all combined into one unit. The LED light is synced up to the Tap switch which gives you a visual indicator for your tempo.
The FLEXeFX Tremolo Pedal allows the player to control the Speed with the left wheel and the Depth or Level with the right wheel. A volume knob on the rear to compensates for any perceived volume loss. The sound will take you back to the early 1960's and the ability to speed up or slow down the Tremolo will put a smile on your face.
The FLEXeFX Mixer is truly an innovative pedal. My need for this pedal is what initially sparked the idea for the wheels. The Mixer has 2 mono effects loops, A & B. The left wheel mixes the effects loops in parallel while the right wheel mixes the wet (effects) and dry signal (amplifier). This enables you to blend and mix tones in a way that has never before been available with analog pedals. Of course, it will allow you to blend digital effects as well. The mini toggle switch determines whether you mix the sends, the returns, or one of each. The FLEXeFX Mixer is going to be an integral component of tone arsenals around the globe!
The Analog Delay Pedal pictured above, and as seen in the video, contains the guts of an old Ibanez AD9. The FLEXeFX pedal will also be also be analog, have 600ms of delay time, a Tap-Tempo switch (where the LED light is), Feedback on the left wheel and Mix on the right wheel. Manipulating delay parameters is the only way to go.
Check out the Mechanical Stops inside of the wheels:
This video shows how to set your high and low thresholds, which is yet another awesome feature.
Risks and challenges
I have tried to mitigate the risks involved with this project through slow, methodic thoughtfulness and attention to every tiny detail. I have sourced several potential manufacturing firms, all with sterling reputations but companies go out of business and people fall ill. Luckily, my health is excellent, my FLEXeFX pedal has a patent and I've retained an attorney who specializes in musical instrument intellectual property. Of course I can not foresee the future and anything could happen but I am a prominent member of my community and I have a long history in and around the music industry. Throughout my entire life, I've surrounded myself with excellent mentors and role models and my impeccable reputation as an ethical businessman is of the utmost importance to me. If one of my manufacturers should go out of business, I'll simply move to the next one as I own all of the designs.
Thank you for looking and thank you for your trust in me. Please share this with your friends!
Sincerely,
William Gadol
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