Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the new model built "Point to Point" (PTP) like the very first Time Machine Boosts or does it use a "Printed Circuit Board" (PCB)? What's the difference in sound and tone between them?
The new model is built on a PCB as the last models have been as well for some time. The originals PTP models were costly to build and sell and were very labor intensive. However, that was really what we envisioned when building the TMB in the beginning so there is an interesting story about why things changed.
My partner Robert approached me and said, "Let's do a PCB - we can sell the TMB for less and save time on the build - it's good for us and our customers."
I was hesitant to do this to say the least. I thought it would be cheapened out to the point of a common mass-produced effect. I was wrong.
Robert insisted that the circuit board would be the best he can make and premium quality then said, "Let me build one - if you can hear a difference, THEN let's talk." I agreed.
So he built one and when I got it, he was right - I tried every combination of guitar/amp/settings and couldn't hear the difference. Much of that I believe is because we're dealing with low voltages and not high plate voltages like in amplifiers. In anycase, the final thing I did insist was that all mechanical parts would remain OFF the board and that the wiring around the board was to be just as meticulous as the original TMBs with silver solder and solid core teflon wire that is bent at perfect angles.
I've read all the above information, but can you build me a Point to Point model anyway?
Contact Keeley Electronics (see below) for the possibility and costs of having a PTP version made for you. There is 7 hours involved in the labor time alone on the build.
Why was the box of the new TMB updated from the original Hammond-type enclosure?
The new model is in a larger custom galvenized steel enclosure that enabled us to incorporate a slide-out battery tray like what is used in Pete Cornish effects. That was the "driver" for the change. I saw that battery tray and thought it was so cool, that we just had to incorporate that which required a new box design change.
While we were at it and because there was now some more room to work with, work began on the Warp Drive switch function.
Is everything else the same on the new model TMB other than the Warp Drive switch?
As far as the circuit itself and sonics, yes, except for the addition of the Warp Switch, the circuit is 100% identical. The rest is cosmetic on the new one between the aluminum knobs, screening, battery tray, screw-in rubber feet, etc. "little refinements" essentially.
What does the Warp Drive Switch do? How is it best used?
When the Warp Drive is OFF, the normal mode of the Modern channel is a very clean, pure boost. It really retains all the tonal characteristics and punchy signal of the guitar itself. Now imagine all those same characteristics, but when you turn the Warp Drive switch ON, you get some overdrive and about a 3 dB level jump as well.
This can be useful when running amps that may not still provide enough gain/distortion when being pushed or if you simply want a bit more drive. For example, some Fender amps will benefit greatly from use of the Warp Drive. I've found that Marshalls don't typically need it for my use.
What's the difference between the Lynch model and the standard TMB? Are ALL the channels and modes different?
Lynch's TMB is completely revoiced in the Vintage Channel. It has more gain/drive characteristics in the Vintage channel as well as more bottom end. George wanted added flexibility when using the TMB against various amps so the ability to get more drive and lows in his tone was very important to him.
The "Mr. Scary" switch is similar in function to the Warp Drive on the standard TMB, except George's has even more gain on tap when switching it on. The one section that is identical on both TMBs is when running the Modern channel in normal clean boost mode with the Mr. Scary/Warp Drive switches disengaged.
Got more questions? E-mail at (nospam)fx@rkfx.com. (NOTE: don't actually type in "no spam" - we put that in to avoid the spam bots that search websites). Or call 1-405-341-2025, or toll free 1-8668-go-rkfx 10AM to 1 PM CENTRAL TIME for phone calls. We are building your dream machines during the other hours!Thank you for your interest in the Time Machine Boost!