sales@effectrode.com

  • About Us
  • Knowledge Base
    • Tubes
    • Pedals
    • Science of Tone
    • Binson Echorec
    • Audio History
    • Quality
  • News
  • Press
  • Vacancies
  • Contact
  • My Account
  • Login
logo
  • Store
  • Stockists
  • Artists
  • FAQ
  • | Newsletter
  • Store
    • Accessories
    • Pedals
    • Vacuum Tubes
  • Knowledge Base
  • Stockists
  • Artists
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • About
  • News
  • Press
  • Newsletter
  • 0

    Shopping cart

    0
    Cart is Empty

Who is Phil Taylor?

  1. HomeKnowledge BaseWho is Phil Taylor?

Who is Phil Taylor?

Very Serious About Engineering

For as long as I can remember I’ve always held a deep fascination for science, space and all kinds of strange and wonderful gadgetry. Now, the chances of becoming an astronaut were not good, but chemistry sets and electronics kits were a doorway into another possible, interesting future, a future where I went on to study ONC and HNC qualifications in electronics, a branch of physics that deals with the emission, behaviour, and effects of electrons (as in electron tubes and transistors) and with electronic devices. And, with the guidance of some quite brilliant and inspiring teachers, I soon began a career that spanned working for several companies in audio electronic design, as an acoustic consultant and even as a university research associate. This is my story, of how all this good stuff led to me becoming a tube effects pedal wizard…

phil_ribble_house_mullard_blackburn2
We’re inside Mullard! Photograph of Phil taken in Ribble House, Mullard, Blackburn, Lancashire on June 21st 2014

During the early 1990s I worked as a production engineer at BSS Audio, an innovative maker of professional audio signal processing gear for studios and live venues all over the world. Three years later I moved on to work in acoustics advising on reverberation control and sound insulation in theatres, halls, studios and derelict office buildings that were being converted into housing. Much of the work was based in central London and it was an extraordinary opportunity to see the underside of London—the dark and dismal places that had been long forgotten.

After six years I moved on again, this time to work as a research associate at Cardiff University designing the electronics for marine instruments for collecting water samples and precise measurements of temperatures from the deepest parts of the ocean—a “proper” engineering job. These instruments were deployed on the mid-Atlantic ridge and in the Arctic Ocean—as you can imagine the electronics had to be super-reliable as any failures would be very costly. I feel fortunate to have been involved such fascinating work and met some nice people along the way. I left Cardiff with a doctorate in Electrical Engineering and Communication in 2008.

And Even More Serious About Tone

Whilst all this was going on I was still a keen guitar player, always wanting to play and sound better but never being satisfied with my playing or tone. It always seemed my guitar was working against me and I was constantly learning scales, chords and changing gear—strings, cables, effects, you name it, in a quest to become comfortable with the instrument. A turning point came when a friend asked me if I’d have a go at repairing his old Rogers “Junior” EL84 monoblock amplifier—the Junior was a lovely little tube push-pull, hi-fi amp. Being a student of science and engineering, I remember being terribly sceptical about vacuum tubes at the time. How could this little under-powered amp built with such archaic devices possibly sound better than the latest, sleek solid-state transistor and MOSFET technology? But it did—this little amp had a beautifully rich and sweet musical tone full of presence and warmth. Maybe solid-state amps measure well in the lab, but they sounded flat, clinical and even harsh in use.

This difference in the tone quality became even more significant when playing an instrument in a live situation rather than just replaying music from a recorded source like tape or vinyl, that is when the sound source is a living, breathing musician, attempting to express something personal and meaningful in a guitar solo, picking or even just strumming chords. When the sound wasn’t “right” it was having a detrimental effect on my playing because I was getting annoyed and uptight about the sound—a downward spiral. I came to understand that although most of the tone is in the fingers and in the mind of the guitarist that there’s this delicate balance between a musician and instrument. Mess with that and everything falls apart and the magic disappears in a puff of frustration and despair.

A Better Kind of Effects Pedal

I realised that the unique tonal characteristics of tubes, that make such exceptional hi-fi and guitar amps, could also be applied to build some mightily impressive compressors, overdrive boxes and all kinds of other guitar effects pedals. Effects that were never built because the development of the transistor had quickly ushered in a new age of cheap, compact, low-power electronics. Now I had a real mission—to build a new and better kind of guitar effects pedal utilising vacuum tubes. I set about teaching myself everything I could about the physics of these magical glass bottles. At this time, in the pre-internet age, this arcane knowledge was only to be found in dusty 1950s & 60s texts, I uncovered from the darkest recesses of backrooms in small, second-hand bookshops. I read and learned and I began repairing, modifying and “hot-rodding” tube amps—Fender ‘Twin Reverb’ amplifiers were a specialty and a pleasure to work on. Other projects included rebuilding and modifying the original Watkins “Copicat” and Binson “Echorec” echo units, tube based 16mm film projectors and design of tube phono preamp stages. As my fascination and nostalgia with tubes grew, I began to come up with my own original tube effects pedal designs and in 1996 Effectrode became reality!

In This Section

  • Blackbird Bias Settings
  • Blackbird Sample Settings
  • Blackbird Sounds
  • Blackbird Switching Options
  • Blue Bottle Sounds
  • Custom Work
  • Delta-Trem Sounds
  • Delta-Trem Tremolo-Panner In-depth
  • Everything You Need To Know About Playing And Recording With The ‘Blackbird’ Vacuum Tube Preamp
  • Fire Bottle Sounds
  • Fuzz Pedal Placement
  • History of Vibrato
  • How to Use a Guitar Buffer Pedal
  • Mercury Fuzz Sounds
  • Mercury Rising: Making a Tube Fuzz
  • PC-2A Sounds
  • PC-2A Supplemental
  • Phaseomatic In-depth
  • Phaseomatic Sounds
  • Story Behind the Tube Drive
  • Swapping Tubes in the Blackbird
  • The Dream Machine: the Echorec 3°
  • The Effectrode Blackbird: A study in tube rolling
  • The PC-2A: A Studio Compressor in a Pedal
  • Tube Drive Sounds
  • Tube-Vibe Expression Pedal Options
  • Tube-Vibe Sounds
  • Vibe Pedal Placement
  • Who is Phil Taylor?
logo
+44 (0) 1782 372210 sales@effectrode.com
facebook instagram pinterest rss soundcloud
Newsletter

Useful Links

  • Shipping Policy
  • Refund Policy
  • WEEE Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Warranty Policy
  • Register Your Pedal

INSTAGRAM

The Phaseomatic creates true vibrato and subtle, s The Phaseomatic creates true vibrato and subtle, shimmering phase-chorused effects—pure tube signal processing operating at real amp plate voltages (300VDC!), just like in a vintage amp!#effectrode #phaseomatic #phaser #phaserpedal #vibrato #guitarsofinstagram #tubeeffects #guitarshop #guitarfx #effectspedals #guitar #pedalboard #guitareffects #guitargear #guitarist #knowyourtone #guitarpedal #stompbox #guitarplayer #geartalk #guitarshop #guitars #electricguitar #pedalboards #guitare #guitarra #chitarra
The Delta-Trem’s incredibly versatile LFO (Low F The Delta-Trem’s incredibly versatile LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) can generate anything from a subtle shimmer to deep amplitude modulation (AM) for some good old Louisiana swamp blues.#effectrode #pedaloftheday #tremolo #tubeeffects #guitarsofinstgram #guitarpedals #guitarfx #effectspedals #guitar #pedalboard #guitareffects #guitargear #guitarist #knowyourtone #guitarshop #stompbox #guitarplayer #geartalk #fxpedals #guitars #guitarlovers #electricguitar #pedalboards #guitare #guitarra #chitarra
The Atomic Isolated Power Supply was developed to The Atomic Isolated Power Supply was developed to meet the high power requirements of Effectrode tube effects pedals. Includes a unique ‘soft-start’ voltage capability, which eliminates tube heater filament flash and thus extends the life of the tubes.#effectrode #atomicpowersupply #power #pedaloftheday #tubeeffects #guitarpedals #guitarfx #effectspedals #guitar #pedalboard #guitareffects #guitargear #guitarist #knowyourtone #guitarpedal #stompbox #guitarplayer #geartalk #fxpedals #guitars #electricguitar #pedalboards #guitare #guitarra #chitarra
The PC-2A is not just for guitar! It works excelle The PC-2A is not just for guitar! It works excellently with bass too!#effectrode #PC-2A #compressor #compressorpedal #bassguitar #guitarsofinstagram #tubeeffects #guitarpedals #guitarfx #effectspedals #guitar #pedalboard #guitareffects #guitargear #guitarist #knowyourtone #guitarshop #stompbox #guitarplayer #geartalk #fxpedals #guitars #electricguitar #pedalboards #guitare #guitarra #chitarra
The Effectrode Tube Drive all tube overdrive is ba The Effectrode Tube Drive all tube overdrive is back in stock!
#effectrode #overdrive #highpower #pedaloftheday #tubeeffects #guitarpedals #guitarfx #effectspedals #guitar #pedalboard #guitareffects #guitargear #guitarist #knowyourtone #guitarsdaily #stompbox #guitarplayer #geartalk #fxpedals #guitars #electricguitar #guitarshop
The Leveling Amplifier was designed as a four knob The Leveling Amplifier was designed as a four knob version of the PC-2A Compressor#effectrode #studiocompressor #compressor #compressorpedal #tubeeffects #guitar #guitarpedalsofinstagram #guitarpedals #tubeamplifier #guitareffects #guitarfx
Follow on Instagram
Copyright © 1963 EFFECTRODE THERMIONIC. All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
_GRECAPTCHA5 months 27 daysThis cookie is set by Google. In addition to certain standard Google cookies, reCAPTCHA sets a necessary cookie (_GRECAPTCHA) when executed for the purpose of providing its risk analysis.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category .
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
JSESSIONIDCookie used to allow the Worldpay payment gateway on the website to function.
machineCookie used to allow the Worldpay payment gateway on the website to function.
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
wordpress_logged_in_Users are those people who have registered an account with the WordPress site. On login, WordPress uses the wordpress_[hash] cookie to store your authentication details. Its use is limited to the Administration Screen area, /wp-admin/ After login, WordPress sets the wordpress_logged_in_[hash] cookie, which indicates when you’re logged in, and who you are, for most interface use. WordPress also sets a few wp-settings-{time}-[UID] cookies. The number on the end is your individual user ID from the users database table. This is used to customize your view of admin interface, and possibly also the main site interface.
wordpress_sec_1 yearProvide protection against hackers, store account details.
wordpress_test_cookieTest to see if cookies are enabled.
wp-settings-1 yearWordPress also sets a few wp-settings-{time}-[UID] cookies. The number on the end is your individual user ID from the users database table. This is used to customize your view of admin interface, and possibly also the main site interface.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
CookieDurationDescription
_gat1 minuteThis cookie is installed by Google Universal Analytics to restrain request rate and thus limit the collection of data on high traffic sites.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
CookieDurationDescription
_ga2 yearsThe _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
_gid1 dayInstalled by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
CookieDurationDescription
mailchimp_landing_site1 monthThis cookie is used to keep track of newsletter sign ups and client emails at checkout, Mailchimp utilises cookies to store information captured from user input for remarketing purposes.
mailchimp_user_email1 monthThis cookie is used to keep track of newsletter sign ups and client emails at checkout, Mailchimp utilises cookies to store information captured from user input for remarketing purposes.
mailchimp_user_previous_email1 monthThis cookie is used to keep track of newsletter sign ups and client emails at checkout, Mailchimp utilises cookies to store information captured from user input for remarketing purposes.
mailchimp.cart.current_emailThis cookie is used to keep track of newsletter sign ups and client emails at checkout, Mailchimp utilises cookies to store information captured from user input for remarketing purposes.
mailchimp.cart.previous_emailThis cookie is used to keep track of newsletter sign ups and client emails at checkout, Mailchimp utilises cookies to store information captured from user input for remarketing purposes.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
CookieDurationDescription
woocommerce_recently_viewedsessionDescription unavailable.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Powered by CookieYes Logo