Guitarists are always on the lookout for new gear that provides unique tones, flexibility, and a dash of inspiration. Enter the JHS Violet Distortion Pedal — a collaboration between JHS Pedals and the talented Brazilian guitarist Lari Basilio. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting your musical journey, the Violet Distortion offers something special to your collection. This pedal combines the creativity of Lari’s playing style with JHS’s quality craftsmanship, providing rich tones, a versatile EQ, and flexibility that guitarists will love.

In this review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this pedal, its features, the artist behind it, and what makes the Violet stand out.

The Artist Behind the Violet – Lari Basilio

Lari Basilio is known for her expressive playing style and a distinct musical voice that connects deeply with her audience. She’s the kind of guitarist who can blend genres effortlessly, making her an ideal partner for a pedal that seeks to push sonic boundaries. This collaboration with JHS Pedals has resulted in an all-around distortion pedal, capable of producing everything from subtle overdrive to searing modern distortion, while maintaining a clarity that lets your guitar’s true tone shine through.

Lari’s playing is full of elegance and dynamics, and the JHS Violet Distortion Pedal reflects her approach, with an intuitive design that invites creativity and exploration. As Lari famously puts it: “Why would I need words when my guitar can speak for me?” This pedal aims to give guitarists that same expressive potential.

Key Features of the JHS Violet Distortion Pedal

1. A True Collaboration for Unique Distortion Tones

The JHS Violet Distortion Pedal isn’t just another drive pedal—it’s like adding a versatile distortion channel to your clean amplifier. The collaboration between Lari Basilio and Josh Scott at JHS has yielded a truly unique product. Designed with the intention of giving the guitarist absolute control, the Violet’s three-band EQ and placement of controls set it apart from other distortion pedals.

The standout feature? The Midrange control, which is located before the distortion circuit, acts as a powerful pre-amp distortion shaping tool. This placement allows for hundreds of tonal possibilities, from subtle overdrive all the way to more aggressive, modern distortion.

2. Unique Three-Band EQ for Total Tonal Control

The Violet’s three-band EQ is a game changer for guitarists who like to sculpt their sound precisely. Unlike many traditional distortion pedals, the Midrange control is located before the distortion stage. This gives guitarists the opportunity to pre-shape their tone, which significantly impacts how the distortion circuit reacts. Here’s how it works:

• Mid Freq and Middle Controls: These controls are located before the distortion circuit, allowing you to boost or scoop mids as a pre-distortion effect, which has a huge impact on the final tone.
• Treble and Bass Controls: These controls are located after the distortion stage, allowing you to adjust the post-distortion tone to perfection. The Treble and Bass controls are traditional but offer the familiar flexibility that JHS users are accustomed to.

This innovative control scheme makes the Violet more versatile, whether you’re looking for subtle harmonic richness or all-out modern distortion.

3. Drive and Volume Controls for Flexibility

The Violet has Drive and Volume controls that offer plenty of flexibility. With the Drive turned down, you can achieve a gritty, bluesy overdrive; push it higher, and you’re met with thick distortion tones that scream rock and roll. The Volume knob gives you the power to set the output level to match the rest of your rig, making the pedal equally at home as a standalone dirt box or when stacking it with other pedals.

4. Silent Switching and Buffered Bypass

Another feature that makes this pedal shine is its silent, soft-touch switching. It’s an often-overlooked feature but can be a lifesaver for those late-night jams or quiet studio sessions. The buffered bypass ensures that your signal remains strong throughout your chain, making sure you maintain clarity even with long cable runs.

5. Designed to Stack Well with Other Pedals

The Violet was designed to play well with other dirt pedals, whether they’re overdrives, distortions, or fuzzes. It serves perfectly as a second or primary distortion unit, allowing guitarists to experiment by stacking it with their favorite pedals. You can add overdrives for extra warmth or fuzz pedals for a saturated and textured distortion that cuts through the mix. The versatility in the JHS Violet Distortion Pedal makes it a must-have for any pedalboard.

The Tone Journey – What Makes the Violet Stand Out?

One of the standout features of the JHS Violet is its ability to sculpt mids before distortion is applied. Many users have compared this approach to a type of Morning Glory-style overdrive but with a lot more gain and more options for tonal shaping. The semi-parametric Mid Freq feature makes this pedal capable of achieving various classic tones, from gritty bluesy drive to all-out distortion reminiscent of ‘80s and ‘90s rock. It allows guitarists to effectively manage the tonal color and presence of the sound, making it a flexible addition to a pedalboard.

In a Reddit discussion, one of the community members noted, “The mids EQ being pre-distortion and the treble and bass after is pretty cool. It gives the pedal a different kind of touch response, and it’s a great tool for players who want a lot of control over how their distortion sounds.” This approach to tone stacking adds extra versatility and helps give the Violet its own sonic identity.

Another user commented, “It feels like having another channel on your amp.” This sentiment is echoed by many who find that the Violet adds a second layer of versatility to their amplifier, giving it the ability to become a dedicated gain channel when required.

Controls and How to Use Them Effectively

The Violet’s control layout is intuitive but also allows for some deep customization. Here’s a rundown of each control and how best to use it:

• Volume: Adjusts the overall output of the pedal. Set it to match your amp when switching the pedal on and off.
• Drive: Controls the amount of gain. Use less gain for overdrive sounds or crank it up for full-on distortion.
• Mid Freq and Middle: These two controls work together to sculpt your mids. You can either boost or cut frequencies depending on your style. It’s perfect for players who need to stand out in a mix.
• Bass: Adjusts the level of low frequencies. Adding more bass gives the sound body and warmth, while reducing it tightens up the response.
• Treble: Controls the high frequencies. Adding more treble gives the tone clarity, while cutting it makes the distortion sound smoother.

JHS Violet Distortion Pedal – Video Demo and Sound Test

To see the Violet in action, check out this fantastic demo video where Lari Basilio herself walks us through the pedal’s capabilities. You’ll get a feel for the dynamic range, from smooth overdrive to powerful, aggressive distortion. The video also highlights how easily you can integrate the Violet into your existing setup, whether you prefer clean amp tones or need something extra for solos.

Stacking and Use Cases

The JHS Violet Distortion Pedal excels in a variety of settings and styles. Guitarists have found that it’s a perfect match for amps set on a clean tone, effectively adding a new gain channel without overpowering the natural character of the amplifier. It’s also particularly well suited to players who want to add a modern distortion sound to their vintage amplifiers without sacrificing dynamics or tonal quality.

The Violet can be stacked with other drive pedals to achieve even more complex and saturated tones. Its ability to interact well with other effects makes it a great choice for guitarists who love experimenting with their sound and achieving a layered texture that feels just right. It’s especially effective when combined with fuzz pedals for those who like a gritty, textured sound.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The JHS Violet Distortion not only sounds fantastic but looks the part as well. Available in black and purple finishes, it offers guitarists some aesthetic choice when adding it to their pedalboard. The purple edition, in particular, has drawn a lot of attention, with fans of Lari Basilio admiring the unique color that pays tribute to her signature look. The flower icon design is elegant, and the pedal’s compact, rugged build ensures it can withstand the rigors of both studio and live use.

Is the JHS Violet Distortion Pedal Worth It?

Priced at $199, the JHS Violet Distortion is an accessible and worthwhile addition to any guitarist’s pedalboard. Whether you’re into blues, rock, or even heavier genres, the Violet provides a unique way to shape your tone. The pedal is particularly well-suited to those who want the option to move from overdrive to distortion in one box, with the flexibility to control every aspect of their sound.

If you’re a fan of Lari Basilio or simply looking for a versatile, high-quality distortion pedal, the Violet won’t disappoint. It brings you a combination of Lari’s artistry and JHS’s craftsmanship, resulting in a pedal that can help you find your own unique voice.

Final Thoughts – A Versatile Tool for Every Guitarist

The JHS Violet Distortion Pedal is a fresh addition to the market that brings versatility, tone-shaping control, and a unique artist’s signature touch. With its thoughtful design, robust build, and innovative EQ, the Violet allows guitarists to add an extra channel of gain to their rigs without losing the natural dynamics of their playing. It stands out because of its rich tone and flexibility, making it a valuable asset for players of all styles and skill levels.

So, whether you’re practicing at home, playing gigs, or recording in the studio, the JHS Violet can give your guitar a new voice. Check out the video, give it a try, and let us know how the Violet has shaped your tone!

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