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Topic: Sarno FreeLoader |
Lee Baucum
From:
McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier
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Posted 14 Jul 2013 9:54 am |
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I just have to brag about this wonderful device that Brand Sarno developed. I've been using one for about four years now.
Back in 2009 someone was questioning the difference between the Goodrich SteelDriver III and the Sarno FreeLoader.
Here is a comment from Brad:
"The FreeLoader is also quite similar in that it too is an impedance matching device and provides all the very same benefits. What makes the FreeLoader unique is that it offers a very effective tone control using the method of "variable impedance loading", hence "freeLOADer". Variable loading actually uses the pickup's coil itself to take part in the tone circuit. There are a number of advantages with this method. Every pickup has it's own unique resonant peak, and the FreeLoader naturally finds that peak and lets you control how "tall and sharp" or "low and mellow" that peak sounds. Some call it a twang control or a harshness control. It's proven by many to be one of the most useful tone knobs a steel guitar can have, and instant access to it can really help dial in the perfect amount of bite from song to song and depending on how loud and brash the band is playing. Also it's an ideal tool for balancing the tone of C6 and E9 necks. The FreeLoader does NOT have a distortion effect built in."
I set my FreeLoader on 8 and then adjust the amp tone controls. Set on 8, it allows me to turn up the treble on the amp just a hair more. It gives a little more crispness to the wound strings; but, the voodoo magic that Brad puts in the device tames any shrillness or harsh treble tones in the unwound strings.
I've got no idea how it works....but it works...really well.
_________________
Lee, from South Texas - Down On The Rio Grande
There are only two options as I see it.
Either I'm right, or there is a sinister conspiracy to conceal the fact that I'm right.
Williams Keyless S-10, BMI S-10, Evans FET-500LV, Fender Steel King, 2 Roland Cube 80XL's,
Sarno FreeLoader, Goodrich Passive Volume Pedals, Vintage ACE Pack-A-Seat |
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Morton Kellas
From:
Chazy, NY, USA 1
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Posted 15 Jul 2013 10:04 am
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| I sure love mine, I have had it for a few years and don't play without it. And you are right, it does tame a harsh high end. |
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Dave Mudgett
From:
Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee
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Posted 15 Jul 2013 7:45 pm
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| +1. I've had one for 2-3 years now, and I don't ever leave home without it. It's simple but perfect - lots of clean headroom and the variable Z is incredibly useful. I adjust it between songs, or sometimes in the middle of a song if I want to, for example, cut the strident treble while playing backup or bring the Z up to emphasize the high end very subtly. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 16 Jul 2013 1:49 am
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Has anyone AB'd one with the Izzy?
I know I prefer the Izzy to the Goodrich (For solid state: into the Twin, I have two wahrs and 120)
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Jerry Van Hoose
From:
Wears Valley, Tennessee
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Posted 16 Jul 2013 4:38 am
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 I purchased one of Brad's "Freeloaders" about 6 mos. ago. It allows you to finely adjust your tone, smooth & sweeten the unwound strings, while either playing through an amp or recording direct in the studio. Now, I couldn't imagine ever playing without it. |
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Lee Baucum
From:
McAllen, Texas (Extreme South) The Final Frontier
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Posted 20 Jul 2013 11:29 am
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I agree with you, Jerry. I've had several impedance matching devices over the years. This is my favorite. I really wouldn't enjoy playing without it.
Lee |
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