Kingsley Bandit pedal - first play

It came to life even better than I imagined it. Perfect simplicity. I’m not even a pedal guy :) I haven’t gotten mine yet but I’m told it’s better than the Gjika gainmaster and way better than the pedal that was copied from.
 
Simon and Brent are 2 of the rare circumstances where I actually own a pedal. Have I told you I’m not a pedal guy before. Haha. If I could get them both making amps again. It would do awesome.
 
Well basically, I owned a pair of Gjika 10n amps with Gainmaster. I found the gainmaster was the shining star of that rig. Counter to Bobs beliefs the “preamp” worked with most everything. Some things even better than his amp. I did some deep dive research for a few years and learned the GM was a copy of a couple idea. First I thought it was only a copy of the Bk butler. It was extremely close with the OP amp etc. Then I realized after even further research. It was a copy of both the westbury that Shawn Lane used and the BK. Everyone knows that Shawn used the westbury. They are hard to come by because of that and pricey. However, not many people know that westbury was made by a Japanese company called guyatone. Guyatone only made the pedals in 100v. For many years I was stock piling guyantones. Again not being a pedal guy. I knew these were as special as Butlers that I’ve had for 35 years.

In talking with another member here who shares my enthusiasm of great stuff. He mentioned he wanted that sound. However, he said he didn’t like the idea of using a voltage converter. Ive worked with Simon on a few projects and suggested he talk to him about what we’d like. Simon did what was asked and made it even better. The Gjika Gainmaster nor the original Guyatone is selectable between tube and diode. Anyway, there’s a bit more to the story but that’s the meat of it. I’m not sure if this will be a released product or if it’s just limited to folks that know. The naming convention I loved because Simon even though he greatly improved it. Named it as how Bob Gjika should’ve done. Haha
 
Last edited:
Voodoosound said:
Well basically, I owned a pair of Gjika 10n amps with Gainmaster. I found the gainmaster was the shining star of that rig. Counter to Bobs beliefs the “preamp” worked with most everything. Some things even better than his amp. I did some deep dive research for a few years and learned the GM was a copy of a couple idea. First I thought it was only a copy of the Bk butler. It was extremely close with the OP amp etc. Then I realized after even further research. It was a copy of both the westbury that Shawn Lane used and the BK. Everyone knows that Shawn used the westbury. They are hard to come by because of that and pricey. However, not many people know that westbury was made by a Japanese company called guyatone. Guyatone only made the pedals in 100v. For many years I was stock piling guyantones. Again not being a pedal guy. I knew these were as special as Butlers that I’ve had for 35 years.

In talking with another member here who shares my enthusiasm of great stuff. He mentioned he wanted that sound. However, he said he didn’t like the idea of using a voltage converter. Ive worked with Simon on a few projects and suggested he talk to him about what we’d like. Simon did what was asked and made it even better. The Gjika Gainmaster nor the original Guyatone is selectable between tube and diode. Anyway, there’s a bit more to the story but that’s the meat of it. I’m not sure if this will be a released product or if it’s just limited to folks that know. The naming convention I loved because Simon even though he greatly improved it. Named it as how Bob Gjika should’ve done. Haha
Click to expand...
Amazing, thank you for all this info! I usually reach out to Simon directly when I’m interested in one of his custom builds - do you think that’d be okay for the Bandit?
 
Guys just to be clear. My involvement with this pedal, like everything else I get done was just an idea I wanted. I get nothing out of it. I’m just honored Simon was willing to build it and it has appeal to others. My involvement with all things I bring to you is born from pure enthusiasm and the experience to know what to ask for.
I pay the price just like everyone else does.

I’m sure I’ve told you many of you before. I rarely even play electric anymore. Flamenco is my thing. However, I am the constant seeker. I’m always coming up with new ideas and curiosities. I’m fortunate to have exceptional builders that are willing to listen and build many of them. Sometimes not. Haha
 
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