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Custom Cool Question

PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 1:37 pm
by steam-powered
The new Custom Cool looks like it could be my next pedal, but had a few questions before ordering one.

Can this pedal offer the same perfectly transparent tones found in the Barber LTD SR? Is the Custom Cool is simply an "upgraded" version of the highly regarded Barber LTD SR, offering everything that the SR delivered but with even more tonal options?

Re: Custom Cool Question

PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 2:22 pm
by David Barber
steam-powered wrote:The new Custom Cool looks like it could be my next pedal, but had a few questions before ordering one.

Can this pedal offer the same perfectly transparent tones found in the Barber LTD SR? Is the Custom Cool is simply an "upgraded" version of the highly regarded Barber LTD SR, offering everything that the SR delivered but with even more tonal options?


The Custom Cool is actually two of our pedal concepts combined for a variety of new and old sounds. The Cool can produce the nice flat response of the LTD SR with the addition of a dynamics control to allow you to decide how much the pedal "pushes back" when you dig-in. The Cool also has switchable EQ and a nice push/pull "chunky" mode that gives you a response closer to a Hot Cake or OCD pedal rather than the smoother sound expected from most Barber pedals. The Cool adds in a bunch of trim pots for the truly adventurous player.

Later this year there will be a product that replaces the LTD, LTD SR, MOD PCB and unLimiTeD all in one. We will make a decision later if we keep the Cool in our line-up or discontinue the Custom Cool and only have the one low gain product. I am trying to remove as much overlap as possible in our line and have as few products to build as possible. We have been trying to downsize Barber Electronics so I can spend more time in other fields of interest.

Re: Custom Cool Question

PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 8:35 pm
by steam-powered
Thanks for the info, Dave.

As a "pedal minimalist" (one wah, one fuzz, one vibe, and two overdrives), I'm very picky about the pedals I purchase. Been looking for a "two in one" type of non-ts od pedal over the past week, something that has more "bells and whistles" than my trusty LTD. Tested about a dozen at my local shops but couldn't find anything that sounded better than my LTD. Finally thought I found one I that liked at a local shop but, after taking it home and doing an A/B with the LTD, I returned it the next day. Wasn't even close to sounding as nice as my LTD. Wanted something that could fatten up my tone when needed, provide a flat eq when needed, be smooth or crunchy as needed, and that would preserve the tone of my guitars and amp. Another factor is ease of use: I don't buy pedals with more than four knobs. One toggle is ok, but simplicity of use is crucial to me.

Figured I'd break my "only two overdrives" rule and just buy the LTD SR, only to find it was discontinued. Today at work, while searching thegearpage, I read about the Cool Custom, which really made my day! The youtube video by roknfnrol sealed the deal.

Edited to add: Decisions, decisions: I just read the description of the Barber Low Gain US Dual (1/2 gainer) which ALSO would meet my needs of a "two in one" pedal. You offer too many nice pedals, Dave!

Re: Custom Cool Question

PostPosted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 11:34 pm
by David Barber
steam-powered wrote: You offer too many nice pedals, Dave!


Indeed! :D

By the end of the year customers should have an easier time selecting from our pedal line. I think the biggest problem will be keeping up with orders once I am done reorganizing the line. I'm pretty excited about the changes!

Re: Custom Cool Question

PostPosted: Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:55 pm
by steam-powered
After calling over a dozen shops, I finally found a new Half Gainer at Morgan Music. Should arrive at my home in a couple days. With all those tones available on the Custom Cool, I'm afraid I'd spend more time trying out the various tonal options than practicing.

Just sold my LTD since I now have BOTH the LTD and LTD SR in one pedal. I also like having the two channels so I don't need to buy a booster for solos! And, after selling the LTD, I spent less than I would have were I to have found a new LTD SR. Can't wait to plug and play!