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Brian May Special
It is not for nothing that Brian May's legendary self-made guitar is known as the "Red Special". Its unusual combination of semi-solid body and series connected pickups produce unique resonant characteristics that are both acoustical and electrical in nature, and which are at the very core of Brian's distinctive sound. In fact, we found this guitar to be so special that we decided it warranted making a special version of the V-Stack - the V-Stack BHM.
In contrast to the V-Stack Classic model which is optimized for versatility, the BHM model is optimized to provide the most faithful reproduction of the Brian May sound when used in conjunction with a Red Special type guitar. If you are a Red Special replica owner/Brian May fan, this pedal was designed with you in mind!
Technical Features
Based on the same proprietary custom microchip as the Classic edition, the V-Stack BHM edition has a specially modified input stage which presents the same electrical loading characteristics to the Tri-Sonic pickups as a Brian May spec. treble booster, while the amp simulator stage is modeled after a Brian May spec. Vox AC30 normal channel. The degree to which the overall target response has been met is shown in figs 1 and 2, which compare the response of the V-Stack BHM with the target response of a Brian May treble booster feeding into a Brian May modified AC30 amp, for both single and double Tri-Sonic pickup combinations.
Simulation Results: Normalized Frequency Response Comparison
The V-Stack guitar pre-amp features an authentic sounding vintage valve amplifier simulator, seamlessly combined with a built-in classic treble booster.
The heart of the V-Stack pre-amp/simulator is an exclusive proprietary custom analog microchip, which allows a level of circuit complexity, performance, and power economy simply not possible using conventional discrete circuit approaches. The extra complexity afforded by this state-of-the-art semiconductor technology translates directly to a higher precision of the amplifier emulation circuitry.
The 100% analog circuitry of the V-Stack, like the venerable vintage amplifiers it is designed to simulate, comprises a pre-amp stage and an output stage coupled by a tone control network. These stages have been carefully designed, with the aid of extensive computer simulation, to produce the same harmonic and sweet overdrive characteristic normally associated with the valve amplification stages they emulate. This unique sound results from a combination of asymmetrical and symmetrical signal compression, produced by the pre-amp and output stages respectively.
Another key component of the V-Stack architecture is a state-of-the-art low noise/high performance integrated version of a classic treble booster. Together with the V-Stack's amp simulator capabilities, this feature makes the V-Stack a portable and self-contained vintage guitar tone solution. This also means that with the DRIVE control set at or near zero, the V-Stack can be used as a high performance treble booster.
A built-in speaker cabinet response simulator rounds out the signal-processing lineup, and provides a final touch of realism for D/I recording purposes. This produces a similar result to close-miking an amplifier stack in a soundproof environment, such as an anechoic chamber.
The V-Stack features a "universal" output, having a master level control to allow the V-Stack to interface to any type of input from mic level to above line level without compromising tonal quality or signal-to-noise ratio.
Self-contained and portable vintage guitar tone solution for recording, practice, or performance
Excellent for D/I recording
Overdrive range from "clean" to "infinite sustain"
Turns any type of audio amplifier (even a PC sound card) into a screaming lead stack
Can simulate heavily overdriven amplifier tones at practice sound levels or lower
State-of-the-art circuit design based on an exclusive proprietary analog custom microchip
Simple and intuituve controls based on "harmonic signature" amp modeling principle
Built-in classic treble booster featuring improved performance and lower noise
Triode valve (12AX7/ECC83 etc) pre-amp simulator
True-symmetric Class A - A/B (push-pull) power output stage simulator
pecial BASS and CUT amplifier bandwidth modeling controls
Guitar speaker cabinet response simulator
Universal output adjustable from mic level to above line level
"True Bypass" footswitch
Ultra low-power design extends battery life (500+ hours using an alkaline battery)
High reliability double-sided printed circuit board electrical assembly
Sleek, rugged construction featuring classic styling
Fits in a jacket pocket; weighs just 14 oz
Musictoyz.com Price $219.95
V-Stack Tweedy
The V-Stack Tweedy is based on the same custom chip and physical format as its two predecessors, but that's largely where the similarities end. Imagine an amplifier with the inherent sonic qualities of a Tweed Deluxe, but with enough additional preamp gain on-tap to send it deep into overdrive territory when you need it. Add to that a highly responsive bass control which gets you from a top-boost to a full-blooded full-range response, passing through Tubescreamer along the way (see Fig.1 below), and you have some idea of what the Tweedy is all about. Like the Classic and BHM models, the Tweedy has a built-in cab simulator, providing the same flexibility for both direct recording and for use in front of an amp.
Simulation Results: Normalized Frequency Response Comparison
Top of Page
It is not for nothing that Brian May's legendary self-made guitar is known as the "Red Special". Its unusual combination of semi-solid body and series connected pickups produce unique resonant characteristics that are both acoustical and electrical in nature, and which are at the very core of Brian's distinctive sound. In fact, we found this guitar to be so special that we decided it warranted making a special version of the V-Stack - the V-Stack BHM. 
= Target 
= V-Stack BHM 
The V-Stack guitar pre-amp features an authentic sounding vintage valve amplifier simulator, seamlessly combined with a built-in classic treble booster. 
