the NOCTURNE Brain Pre*amp

new for 2012 THE UBANGI STOMP

2012-01-01T16:10:00.000-08:00

((The UBANGI STOMP))
a
"gritch'stortion" pedal
for those who like surf AND turf
with their gretsch'o'billy

This one is simple.. take an early 80s R*t pedal
& tweak its values and components so
when you turn up your old fullerton era
amp or vintage brit plexi, you can
keep the inherent twang and jangle of
your hollowbody gretsch but
harness that grindy tube clip at decent volume.

I like what this thing does
when the amp is up, the pedal vol is up and its gain is low.
a badass gritschy grind with a *gretsch!
Thats my focus, I'm not
trying to be true to the white label purist.
grindy raunch with jangle makes me happy.
I dont mind sand in my surfwax.

the Ubangi Stomp has:
an internal trimmer for controlling gain on the low end,
socketed vintage LM308AH opamp (the cool looking metal can),
and socketed Diodes too, so you can flip em around
for symmetrical or asymmetrical clipping.
Or take them out for a much lower gain, raunchy overdrive.
heck try LEDs too! This makes it fun to me.
Plus I'm using tantalum caps and carbon comp resistors,
as well as good metal film
components in the audio path.

I'm putting out 10 in army helmet green.
We'll go from there.
Introductory price of $149! first ten will have the
nos LM308AH metal can op-amp. If I find more
I'll try to keep from the usual LM308 plastic chip
as long as possible. Does the metal can sound any
better? maybe. sure looks rad.

PLEASE ORDER IN THE DROP DOWN MENU!

last minute shoppin' in BLue Christmas metallic?

2011-12-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

Just a note about the Blue Xmas.. we ran out of the Blue Xmas 59' impala metallic blue and the manufacturer has now sent out a deeper metallic blue that is really close to our Tiki Nights blue sparkle.. To me this newer "blue Xmas" metallic blue Dynobrain is 67' pontiac GTO Fathom blue.. at least its comes real close.
(all orders placed after 12-11-11 will be in the newer BLUE XMAS..I got 3 avail for anyone
that wants a last minute xmas splurge)

I'm still working till 3 am trying to get stuff out as fast as I can before christmas, but I
am gonna take the week of christmas slower (at least the day after Xmas off)

merry Xmas and Happy Chanukah!

NAILHEAD TREMOLO Limited. run for the holidays in an irridescent Sno-Globe sparkle.

2011-11-19T01:44:00.000-08:00

The NAILHEAD (((TREMOLO)))

named after my 54' Buick's 322 Nailhead V-8 engine
this tremelo, with its well known unique transistor circuit
has been revamped & optimized for the guitars
I love to play.. Gretsch.
Sounds nice for sure with all the usual suspects but
I built this to bubble and throb
nicely with tvjones filtertrons
(Gretsch and tvjones are mentioned only for demonstration of the guitars I used
in the R&D of my product. I am not affiliated with gretsch, marc rutters or tvjones)

Your guitar is never lost in the effect and the throb is smooth and even across all 6 strings.
Dig in hard and push the transistors to clip a little for some grease, back off and chords strums are full with throbbing vintage bounce. Just like
my Buick V-8 Nailhead does when I fire her up for a drive.

simple controls; Speed Knob on the left & Depth knob on the right,
"Speed" stomp switch turn on/off the effect and its LED indicator
when on pulses to the speed of the tremelo.
The "Need" stomp switch when on,
lets you hit the brake & cut to its slowest pulse.
a feature I like for a quick leslie like transition
(there is an internal trimmer for micro adjusting the need mode too)

I've also included an internal Volume/Boost control for unity gain.
I set it slightly higher than the TRUE BYPASS signal but
a simple adjustment will boost it further (or cut if you like that)

Limited. run for the holidays in an irridescent Sno-Globe sparkle.

the fuzz tweaker special THE NOCTURNE FUZZ BRAIN

2011-11-03T23:06:00.000-07:00

the NOCTURNE FUZZ BRAIN
- big nasty garage fuzz

This utilizes the basic platform vintage 60s silicon fuzz
circuit as the Fuzz Ray but I've tweaked a bit
to have a tad more velcro buzz in the upper mids to grab the vibe of the Biker Soundtrack
fuzz sound, or how that sort of fuzz sound lays into modern surf music sounds.
the graphics are an intentional knod to some sick Crampy camp!

*This has a treble tone cut pot as well as output control pot.. (mini switch for tone pot bypass, yields more presence to the guitar strings)
This is a fat nasty fuzz that never loses the sound of a Gretsch guitar
(or even my tele with dynasonics).
The strat and tele guys have all the fuzzes in the world, This one is for
our guitars.

*This Fuzz also has selectable Gain via the transistor sockets internally.

*comes with 3 sets of NPN silicon transistors in
**2N4401- 2N222- BC109** Low Gain, Medium, and High gain cans
this allows you to choose how much of a fuzzed signal you want. A tweaker delight!

I find the
4401 to be more musical in this fuzz and the BC109-B108 combo to be the gnarliest.
since this Fuzz platform is an NPN silicon design you can mix or match!

*vintage NOS Motorola "john e. fast"film cap on the tone pot for the first fifteen orders.
I scored these at vintage electronics store, so when these are gone. they are gone
and will be replaced by good metal film caps. I know there isnt too much
difference between the NOS and the new metal film caps but they sure are cool.

baked Powder coated box is Stardust sparkle with a vinyl graphics top that give knod
to the coolest lady gretsch slinger ever . green LED.

$169 BUY IT NOW above

(flat rate priority ship to USA is $15.00
..add an additional $23 for
international express shipping via USPS )

Back to a single stomper BILLY BRAIN w/ a mini switch STANG mode

2011-10-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

NOCTURNE 'BILLY BRAIN
in chevy small block Orange

($195)
back to a "keep it simple" version this is the redesigned single stomp
version and we still incorporated the "Stange" w/ a mini switch.
When Stang mode is employed most fender
and vox style amps will quickly go into a crunchy twang with this preamp.
Its definitely a texas psychobilly freakout.

This is 100% a preamplifier in a pedal, not an overdrive
but will take your tube guitar
amp into clipping territory while never losing
one bit of your guitars original tone and dynamics, but
rather enhancing your finger tone.
I use full size alpha pots, neutrik & switchcraft jacks, 22 gauge copper strand wiring,
sprague electrolytics,metal film & silver mica caps, xicon metal film resistors & Nos carbon comp resistors
& a socketed burr brown hifi opamp in the Billy Brain.
Built like a boutique amplifier, built to last! man made in america

NOCTURNE (((FUZZ-RAY)) vintage garage fuzz

2011-09-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

the NOCTURNE (((FUZZ-RAY)) vintage garage fuzz

taking a co-op leap here by mixing the art of Vince Ray
and my need for fat sexy smooth fuzz to make a pedal Filtertron'd
Gretsch guitars can enjoy. Plenty of fuzz pedals out there that favor single coils..
but a Gretsch with filters has one now, or for the time being I'm making these.

Is this a unique ground breaking effect, no..
has its design been replicated a bazzilion times all over the internet, yes.

but, I have a Fuzz pedal now that I like for my tvjones pkups.

it is creamy fat garage fuzz that is based off an early 60s british design fuzz with a twist of course. uses BC108&bc109 silicon trannies and metal film caps. High grade full size alpha pots, switchcraft jacks, metal film resistors,etc for good measure.
Granted this is a noisy ass fuzz but my gretsch guitar and tele sez it rocks.
As the volume is turned up so does the grind of the fuzz and its snarl, it can get extremely loud so you dont have to worry about being lost in the mix. It also has a "smoove" switch for taming the upper mids to get darker and smoother textures.
This is also a great switch to employ with single coils especially if you have dynasonics on your gretsch..
it'll put a nice leash on the single coils bite and keep the sound Fat fuzzy and Round. Just remember I wanted a fuzz for MY filtertron'd gretsch and while I dont know if I'm in the fuzz pedal biz just yet, this is a cool mash up of Vince Ray's Art and my ear for tone toys. Vince got #1. :)

stardust sparkle w/ white graphics.

order to the right of the page's drop down menus (also for international)

Rocktober is here.. so is the new color atomic brain in monster purple

2011-09-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

New limited color run once again on my site for the month of Rocktober !!
.. its **Monster Purple**!! Order now at the right of this page!

http://www.thenocturnebrain.com/products.html

2011-08-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

avail. as a custom color upgrade:
candy vintage lime over light metal flake w/ black and silver graphics. Cool clear chicken head knobs too. Our base model Dynobrain is gloss black with lime hotrod scallops and white radio knobs. These are made to honor Setzer's new lime sparkle hotrod he's on tour with right now (we are not affiliated with Setzer or Gretsch)

LiMe SpArkLe ATOMIC BRAIN

DynoBrain in BLACK w/ riot lime hotrod graphics

btw.. check out the comparison video I did with the new Billy Brain Dual mode preamp for guitar and electric bass..

Billy Brain dual mode preamp is also available now!

New dual Mode BILLY BRAIN in Rattlebomb Relic for guitar and bass!

2011-06-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Need to have your Nocturne Preamp more Psychobilly meets Honky Tonk??
then you might need the

NOCTURNE 'BILLY BRAIN

aggressive and full tilt version of our Atomic Brain's "abby mode" this
uses a more modern opamp with a dual mode switch for guitar and bass. Most fender
and vox style amps will quickly go into a crunchy twang with this preamp at 3 oclock.
Its definitely a texas psychobilly freakout.
The new "Stang" mode is over the top for solos and taking your guitar into
stinging twang crunch ( I love this for my strat to get an srv gritch goin).
This is 100% a preamplifier in a pedal, not an overdrive but will take your tube guitar
amp into clipping territory while never losing
one bit of your guitars original tone and dynamics, but
rather enhancing your finger tone.

Switch over to "BIG IRON" Bass mode and
your electric bass will come alive with massive punch and growl.
Brings the Brown Note to an Upright bass that already has a piezo preamp amp.
Got a baritone guitar and need that huge bakersfield twang, this is perfect.

While this comes with a shoe leather worn "Rattlebomb Relic paint job" & stick on decals that
will continue to age and relic (Polished Primer relic finish), I can assure you the heart of this preamp
is still top quality components. (metal film resistors in the audo path,vishay-sprague electrolytics, neutrik jacks, alpha pots, socketed opamp and heavy duty true bypass stompers and switch). 9v DC adaptor jack (- tip boss style).
gotta love the Gorilla's glowing Red LED stink eyes!
Avail in a limited run of 10

now $245

Secrets of Great Tone: Gretsch, TV Jones, Fender and the Atomic Brain

2011-06-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

click the link below for the scoop!

my buddy Buzz Campbell is doing a column for Guitarworld.com check it out: Secrets of Great Tone: Gretsch, TV Jones, Fender and the Atomic Brain

limited run of 7, LUCHADOR LEMON SPARKLE ATOMIC BRAIN

2011-05-15T18:58:00.000-07:00

This month I decided I wanted to make something I dig, wrestling masks and old 50s Lead Sleds with metal flake roofs! I found 2 unique metal flakes from Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, mixed them and shot a thick dusting several layers thick over a powder coated metallic gold base. Then I applied some lime pinstripe graphics, 2 crimson red glowing LED's and voila.. Luchador Lemon Sparkle ATOMIC BRAIN preamp!! Normally custom metal flake paint jobs are an upgrade but I did a limited run of 7 to keep cost/setup/supplies down.

These are available for $255 (flat rate priority ship to USA is $12.95..add an additional $23 for international express shipping via USPS )

What do the extremes settings of our preamps sound like?

2011-03-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Made a little video demo through my blondeshell amp with a gretsch spectra sonic

new for 2011 the 'BILLY Brain small box & ATOMIC Brain in Raw Metal

2011-01-05T19:38:00.000-08:00

The Atomic Brain

The Atomic Brain has an even newer look for 2011 & standard logo and color. A knod to the munsters dragula in Gold metallic (powder coated over 100% recycled heavy duty alum a box w/ a cool Vince Ray designed Brain in a Jar. Even transparent chicken head knobs that catch the glow of the Violet LEDs.

now at $245
9v DC adaptor jack (- tip boss style) only power supply avail at a nominal
charge (u get it for what I get it for $10)
<>------------<>

Need to have your Nocturne Preamp more Psychobilly meets Honky Tonk??

then you might need the

NOCTURNE 'BILLY BRAIN

aggressive and full tilt version of our Atomic Brain's "abby mode" this

uses a more modern opamp with preset bass cut. Most fender and vox style

amps will quickly go into a crunchy twang with this preamp at 3 oclock.

Its definitely a texas psychobilly freakout.

while this economical stripped down box is a half size hammond style enclosure with quick shot paint job in GRAPE'ZILLA with decals, I can assure you the heart of this preamp is still top quality components.

(metal film resistors in the audo path, xicon eletrolytics, switchcraft jacks, alpha pots, socketedopamp and heavy duty true bypass stomp switch). 9v DC adaptor jack (- tip boss style) and battery clip included.
((( gotta love the Gorilla's glowing Red LED stink eye! )))

$155 (current color: flatblack satin) shipped USPS priority ($13 stateside only, international shipping avail separately for $35)

both are avail. for purchase to the right on the drop down menu list!

If you would like the low down on the difference between the Dyno Brain, The Atomic Brain and the
'Billy Brain here is my explanation:

the Atomic Brain is a "live" pedal for those that keep their Dyno Brain on and would like a Boost mode or dual settings on the fly for soloing or to jump out of the mix with a band. the Atomic Brain is one preamp with a dual function, so there are not 2 eq circuits playin tag team elbow slams( my explanation of my brain seltzer and billy brain on at the same time).

The Billy Brain is based off the ABBY side of the Atomic but redefined EQ (I had to set Bass cut "on" since there is only a gain control) and the chip in the Billy Brain is different. Yes a full functioning RE301 Space echo is using a dual opamp (JRC4558) but my preamp is only using half of that or a single function and a low power one to boot so that I can goose the hellouta it.. if it gets tooo over the top then more definition needs to come into play and more treble isnt the answer in the Billy so I changed the chip.. it turns this vox 112 into a smoldering crunch box when dimed with filtertrons and crazy twang with 50s style fender pkups (ala tele and strat). The T'armond bridge is my favorite tele pkup because it is twangy but goes crunch crunch with the Atomic Brain and a bit more so with this Billy Brain

Nocturne Atomic Brain w/ Strymon El Capistan and rutters telemaster jr.

2010-11-30T12:42:00.000-08:00

The ATOMIC BRAIN DynoBrain Preamp is now avail./shootin snoGlobe!

2010-11-15T12:56:00.000-08:00

Our high Roller Finishes are a powdercoat metallic baked on base finish with vinyl graphics and urethane gloss clear coat.

Cola sparkle with creme pinstripe graphics!
Lime Squeezer metal flake with white pinstripe graphics

Free Vince Ray ghoul green logo shirt w/ ATOMIC BRIAN purchase!!

avail for purchase too!!! on the right side of this page!!

2010-10-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

Christmas is just around the Corner.. We've got a brand new Dual version
of the Dyno Brain called the

ATOMIC BRAINS PEDAL avail late November (pre-orders avail now) in a limited edition holiday Edition (picture shown is prototype version and predrilled boxes)Sno-Globe iridescent finish.
The Holiday limited colors Dyno Brain will be avail in Champagne Pink Sparkle and Winter Glitter Green and will come with a free holiday ornament.

Lmt. Ed. Glitter'Billy finish DYNO BRAIN.. run of 9 only!!

2010-08-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

below are some custom silver sparkle we did called(still avail as a custom order only):
Nocturne Glitter'Billy Dyno Brain PHOTO's

Its been a year! New Website

2010-06-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.thenocturnebrain.com

Take a look at our slick new website by clicking the link above, you can order direct
from our website now too.

BEAUTY & The BEAST our RAT ROD & COLA SPARKLE finishes!

2009-11-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

available.. VINCE-RAY Nocturne Tshirt!! $17 shipped U.S.

Buzz Campbell now gigging and recording w/ the nocturne

watch the demo:

Want to hear my Nocturne vs. a real vintage RE-301?

*
ORDER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PAGE >

PAUL PIGAT of COUSIN HARLEY is rockin' the Cola Sparkle on his
pedalboard!
check his finger style chicanery out here:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1176387302564
you can find out more about his music here:
http://paulpigat.com/

Interviews n Videos

2009-08-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

^ The one above is a kustom Kandy Tangerine Sparkle for ^
Reknown Artist and Rockabilly musician:
Vince Ray
(check out Vince's Epic art and music here) :
http://www.vinceray.com http://www.vincentrazorbacks.com

A complete Blog interview about the NOCTURNE PEDAL is now @ GUITARWORLD.COM, pretty exciting for us:
http://5th-fret.blogspot.com/2009/09/brain-seltzer-nocturne.html

also..Please check out a great review of this pedal at gretschpages.com by Ruger9 when you get a chance:
http://gretschpages.com/forum/other-equipment/nocturne-re-301-preamp-pedal-arrives/24287/page1/

Patrick Matera, lead guitarist of Katy Perry Band ( i kissed a girl)

is touring with his Nocturne Pedal. Check out that gretsch billy bo he uses! WOW.

you can read a short interview about him here:

http://www.abigbiglove.com/post/295418058/im-just-the-guitar-player

photography by jacquelyn dady

WALT of the PSYCHODEVILLES

demos the nocturne with a White falcon and fender deville amps

2009-08-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

(All preamps are labeled Dyno Brain now)

Above are the "Stock" colors:
RATROD is either the Sinner in black w/ blood red pinstripe graphics
or
Ghoul'daddy in black w/lime green pinstripe graphics
$175.
steppin it up a notch we have

COLA SPARKLE, as our Hi-Roller color!! This color is
a deep cola with subtle but shiny orange and green 60's sparkle $185.

(all are pinstriped on the sides and top)
This whole project is a communal american artist project and when you buy this pedal you arent just getting a pedal, you are supporting 3 american business owners/artistes. Buy american!

shipped to the continental USA
u.s.p.s priority free

((note:These Colors are spray with automotive industry clear coat, care must be taken like you would with your car))

I accept paypal payments for its safety and great shipping communications for you! The Buy now button is at the very top of the page. (IF you are not in the continental USA you will have to pay the additional ship charges as I'm only set up for USA paypal on this site.
be sure to add the USPS express insured postage charge in the check out section)