Sarno Freeloader vs built in Strobostomp buffer

Kirk Adolph · From: California, USA

Hi there,

I'm newer to pedal steel and I recently got a Strobostomp mini for my pedal steel instead of just using the Stroboclip and have obviously noticed a huge difference in tone due to the built in buffer. It's got me wondering now if something like the Sarno Freeloader would give me even better results? With the Strobostomp Mini input impedance being 5M ohm and the Freeloader being variable between 15k-1M Ohms I'm curious how much of a difference that would make. Thanks!

Eric Dahlhoff · From: Point Arena, California

The variable load on the Freeloader acts like a mellow tone control. As you increase the load that the pickup sees (lower impedance) it rolls the highs off in a very nice way.
Note that the pickup has to be plugged directly into the Freeloader in order to work.

If you're handy with a soldering iron you can achieve the same effect with you Strobo Stomp. Just make up a box with a pot in it and put that in between the pickup and the Strobo.
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Jon Jaffe · From: Austin, Texas

I use a Freeloader and a Stobostomp. I use the Strobostomp in Mute Mode in series with my volume pedal. There is a complete bypass when not in mute. I use the Freeloader for on-the-fly tone tweaking. The volume pedal and Strobostomp are in the effects loop.

Dave Stagner · From: Minnesota, USA

I run my Strobostomp from the tuner out on my Freeloader. I don't like playing without the Freeloader! And I don't need either the buffer or a bypass - if I want the steel to stop making noise, that's what the volume pedal is for.
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1990 OMI Dobro
Recording King lap steel with Certano benders

Brad Sarno · From: St. Louis, MO USA

The impedance affects the main treble peak of the pickup's tone. Basically it's a bright-mellow control, and maxed at 1 Meg Ohm, that's brighter than you'd probably ever want. So that 5 Megs of the tuner's buffer, just way too high (harsh, bright) for steel pickups, just fine for piezo acoustic pickups.

Brad

Kirk Adolph · From: California, USA

Thanks everyone.

Before I got the strobostomp I tried using my Polytune's bonafide buffer that also has a 1M ohm input. It didn't seem to make much of a difference with my 705 pickup like the Strobostomp has. But it could just be the quality of the Polytune's buffer or not being designed for pedal steel.

I really like the idea of having tone control similar to a tone pot on a guitar (and not have to reach down on the ground), so I will definitely plan to pick up a freeloader.

Jon Jaffe · From: Austin, Texas

Kirk, You do not have to deal with the Strobostomp buffer. There are three modes, and one is a complete bypass. Or you can use the tuner out on your volume pedal or the Freeloader. From the Stomp Mini Manual

Brandon Mills · From: Victoria, TX. USA

I also use the Strobostomp in full bypass mode, but with a Hilton volume pedal. The biggest difference that I have appreciated is using a volume pedal that does not affect tone - such as the Hilton. Prior to that I used an Ibanez digital delay whose buffer was a good match for the tone that I enjoy. Someone has an SGF signature that says “everything affects everything”, and that is certainly true so it depends on what else you have in the signal chain.

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