We’ve got another classic pedal reproduction for you all today, and one that unequivocally and faithfully reproduces the sound, feel and vibe (pun intended) of the original units, with all the modern amenities we’re all always seeking out. The Vibe-Bro from Shin-Ei is an updated version of the classic Uni-Vibe machine, made famous for forty years by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, Robin Trower and countless others. This new version combines the old look and feel of the classic units with some modern updates and incredible design and build features.
The two main modes of the Vibe-Bro are Chorus and Vibrato, and can be selected via a rare and original NOS Red/White Miyama switch. These two modes offer versatile sounds and tones harkening back to analog wonders of decades past, without denigrating the tone and personality of the original circuit. Each mode is assisted by Volume, Intensity and Speed controls, exactly what you need to coax a gorgeous myriad of sounds from this Vintage Black or Machine Gun Gray beast.
On the back of the unit is a small switch that really shows off the modernness of the Vibe-Bro. You get to choose whether the Vibe-Bro runs in True Bypass mode, or Vintage Preamp mode. While lots of players today love the clean sounds of true bypass when their effects are off, Shin-Ei has made it possible to also run your signal path to include the original preamp circuit when the Vibe-Bro is off, adding in a special flavor of tone unavailable in other units of this type. Both modes sound great here, and produce the unmistakeable deep, luscious warmth and pulsating bottom end that the Uni-Vibes have been known for all these years.
If you’re so inclined, you have the option to get a customized foot pedal to go along with the unit (why wouldn’t you?), which controls the overall Speed with ease. These quality-crafted pedals are built like tanks, engineered to the original specs of the first year Honey Uni-Vibe “Double Rubber” series pedals. Not only does the foot pedal control the speed, but when rocked back will go into “Cancel Mode”, disabling the effect but still allowing the Preamp section to shine through. Available in two different models (Vibe-Bro version or Vintage Shin-Ei “Honey Series”), you’ll have loads of control over your sound in a live setting, and the same when nailing those lead tones in the studio.
Each one of these units are painstakingly built by hand, the result of years of planning and experimentation, to bring you the finest Uni-Vibe pedal available today. The Vibe-Bro isn’t a cheap pedal, by any means, but cost is no matter for those of us who want only the best sounds and great quality gear, and since these aren’t mass produced, you know that each one has been specially tweaked for maximum goodness by a team who really cares about quality. We can’t thank Bob Feldman and the Shin-Ei team enough for letting us check out this powerful and awe-inspiring pedal, and we hope they’ve got more tricks up their sleeve for future projects as well. Head over to the Shin-Ei website for more details, and to see how to get your own Vibe-Bro today!
Specs:
VIBE-BRO DIMENSIONS – 8.5″ X 5.5″ X 2.5″ (21.59cm X 13.97cm X 6.35cm)
VIBE-BRO WEIGHT – 3 lbs. 10 oz. (1.6 Kgm)
VIBE-BRO SPEED CONTROL FOOT PEDAL DIMENSIONS – 9.5″ X 3.8″ (widest point) X 1.5″ (tallest point) (24.13cm X 9.65 cm X 2.54cm)
VIBE-BRO SPEED CONTROL FOOT PEDAL WEIGHT – 1 lbs. 12 oz. (.80 Kgm)
VIBE-BRO SPEED CONTROL FOOT PEDAL WEIGHT WITH CHROME TOP – 2 lbs. 4 oz. (1.02 Kgm)
VIBE-BRO ELECTRONICS – Vibe-Bro runs on 120 Volts, the standard current in North America. A removable IEC wall cable is provided with each unit manufactured for use in North America. We do offer international versions in 100 Volts, 220 Volts and 240 Volts.
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August 4, 2016
Is this hard wired or circuit board printed? Also, what did they use in place of the original photocell? I Know the original cell is now banned due to the chemicals needed to manufacture it.
I’m sure these are questions all Uni-Vibe aficionados want answered.
Regards,
Adam
August 7, 2016
I asked Bob Feldman, who runs Shin-Ei, about your questions, and here’s what he said:
“Our boards are hand wired. There are no surface mount parts. Each component is soldered by our own hands. Every resistor is NOS as well as some other key parts. I’m not familiar with the legal standing of the older photocells. There is no source on the planet for original NOS cells regardless. Ours are custom made and work perfectly for their intended application. The proof is in the sound!”
Hope that answers things for you – cheers!