TYPE: Vexter Series [V] | MODEL: SUPER HARD ON™
Congratulations! You’re the proud owner of a Vexter Series Z.Vex Eects Super Hard On!™
OVERVIEW:
This is the perfect preamp pedal. The “Crackle Okay” volume
knob is a negative-feedback control styled after classic 60’s
recording console inputs. (They crackled when adjusted too).
Most vintage guitars suer from steadily deteriorating magnets in their pickups, since permanent magnets aren’t really
forever. The Super Hard-On’s input impedance is so high
(>5 Meg) that it refuses any current ow from your pickup...
maintaining the most magnetic eld around each string, so
you can hear exactly what your pickup sounded like the day
it came o the winder.
The output level can exceed 8 volts peak, and when it nally
distorts, the wave is shaped like triode overload, not fuzz.
It’s so transparent no one will be able to tell you’re using a
pedal. Perfect for making the most of a classic amp and guitar, because it simply makes your guitar bigger and pushes
the amp harder, causing natural overload. This sound can
be the solution to the ‘disappearing guitar’ eect you get
sometimes on stage when you stomp on your distortion and
sound weaker. When cranked, it sounds much louder than a
fuzz or distortion under stage conditions.
OPERATION:
The Super Hard On™ circuit uses a very sensitive transistor,
with some early versions mounted in a socket. During 2000 I
installed a protection circuit to prolong the life of these transistors and I’ve seen no failures since. If you have a problem with
an older unit, feel free to contact me, or you may purchase
transistors inexpensively from 1-800-DIGIKEY where they
are sold as part number BS107P-ND. You must follow proper
static handling procedures to install the part… write to me for
instructions at zack@zvex.com and I’ll set you up.
BATTERY CHANGE & POWER SUPPLY:
The Super Hard On™ uses less than 20mA and can be powered with a 9V battery (remove the four screws on the bottom for
replacement) or any standard ltered/regulated musical 9VDC
power supply with a Boss-style connector (negative-tip barrel
connector). We recommend using an alkaline 9V battery but a
carbon-zinc battery (shipped with the unit) will work.
WARNING:
The very high input impedance of this pedal can cause
strange reactions (sometimes mildly pleasant and/or arousing)
when used with a vintage ‘junk’ (read ‘cool’) guitar. The solu-
tion is to simply lower the ‘crackle okay’ gain knob a little or
leave the guitar volume wide open. Any problems will only
occur at the highest gain settings with an unusual guitar.
WARRANTY:
Your Vexter Super Hard On™ is warranted for 1 year from
date of purchase, or 2 years if you send in your warranty
card. For hand-painted Z.Vex Eects warranty info and for
any repair questions, consult http://zvex.com/website/repairs.
htm for more information.
Enjoy!
On all new LED models, the SHO’s input jack contains the
battery switch. Please unplug from this jack to preserve battery
life. NOTE: After plugging in your pedal turn it on and o a few
times to equalize the voltages between your guitar, other pedals, your amp, and the SHO. Otherwise you may hear a “POP!”
when you turn on your SHO during a gig. If you adjust the
boost level, you may hear a “POP!” when switching too. It goes
away after a few switches.
Like all Z. Vex designs, this pedal is true-bypass, with current
ow very low in this circuit (about 2mA), enhancing battery life.
The box is hand-drilled using no petro lubricants. Knobs are
Harry Davies, made with the same molds they’ve used since
the fties.
P.O. Box 16078 | Minneapolis, MN 55416
www.zvex.com | zack@zvex.com | repairs@zvex.com
Last Updated: January 2012
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