What is the Wampler Tumnus Deluxe?

It is an enhanced version of the Wampler Tumnus overdrive, which is based on the legendary transparent Klon circuit. It adds more controls including a full 3-band EQ and a gain boost switch.

What controls are available on the Tumnus Deluxe?

The pedal features knobs for Level, Gain, Bass, Mids, and Treble. It also includes a Normal/Hot toggle switch and an internal or side-mounted switch for bypass selection.

Does the Tumnus Deluxe have true bypass?

Yes, unlike the original mini Tumnus which was buffer-only, the Deluxe allows you to switch between a high-quality buffer and true bypass mode.

What does the Normal/Hot switch do?

The Normal setting delivers the classic transparent overdrive sound. The Hot setting increases the saturation and sustain, allowing for higher gain levels.

Is the Tumnus Deluxe suitable for use as a clean boost?

Yes, the pedal has high headroom, making it excellent for boosting an amp's input without adding excessive grit unless desired.

How does the EQ differ from the original Tumnus?

The original Tumnus has a single Treble control, whereas the Deluxe features independent Bass, Mids, and Treble controls for total tonal sculpting.

Can I use the Tumnus Deluxe as an 'always-on' pedal?

Many guitarists use it this way to take advantage of its buffer and subtle harmonic enhancement, which helps the guitar sit better in a mix.

What is the typical price for this pedal?

In the United Kingdom, the Tumnus Deluxe typically retails for approximately £189.

How durable is the Tumnus Deluxe?

The pedal is built in a durable metal chassis with high-quality components, designed to withstand professional touring and regular stage use.

Does this pedal require a specific power supply?

It uses standard 9V DC centre-negative power. It is designed to be compatible with most standard pedalboard power units.

How does it compare to a standard Tumnus?

The Deluxe is larger but offers significantly more versatility through its EQ and gain modes, whereas the standard Tumnus is preferred for its small footprint.

Will the Tumnus Deluxe work well with other pedals?

Yes, it is known for stacking well with other drives like the Big Muff or being placed before delays like the Boss DD-3T for a lead tone.

Gear article

Wampler Tumnus Deluxe Overdrive Pedal

The Wampler Tumnus Deluxe is a versatile overdrive pedal designed to replicate the transparent, high-headroom characteristics of the iconic Klon-style circuit. It expands upon the original Tumnus design by adding a three-band equaliser, a high-gain toggle, and selectable bypass modes.

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Overview

The Wampler Tumnus Deluxe is an evolution of the boutique 'transparent' overdrive concept. It is designed to provide the same string-to-string clarity and amp-like breakup that defined the original small-format Tumnus, but with significantly expanded control options. The pedal is housed in a durable chassis and functions effectively as a clean boost, a standalone overdrive, or an 'always-on' tonal enhancer.

Key Features and Circuitry

The Tumnus Deluxe introduces several technical upgrades over its predecessor. A primary addition is the active three-band EQ, which allows for precise boosting or cutting of bass, middle, and treble frequencies, moving beyond the simple 'treble' roll-off found on traditional designs.

A notable inclusion is the side-mounted switch that allows users to choose between the original's articulate buffer and a true bypass mode. The buffer is designed to maintain signal punch and clarity over long cable runs, while true bypass ensures total signal purity when the pedal is disengaged. Furthermore, a 'Normal/Hot' switch allows users to toggle between the classic low-gain response and a mode with increased saturation and sustain.

Sound and Character

The Tumnus Deluxe is characterised by its high-headroom output and touch-responsive breakup. It retains the fundamental character of the guitar and amplifier, adding a harmonic richness without masking the underlying tone. In 'Normal' mode, it provides the smooth, transparent gain associated with mid-forward boutique overdrives. In 'Hot' mode, it pushes further into lead territory with enhanced compression. The 3-band EQ allows users to dial out the 'mid-hump' typical of this circuit type if desired, or to add low-end girth that smaller pedals often lack.

Target Audience

This pedal suits guitarists who require a professional-grade overdrive that can adapt to different rigs. Because of its EQ flexibility, it is particularly useful for players who switch between single-coil and humbucking pickups. It also serves musicians who need a reliable buffer at the start of their signal chain but want the option to disable it for specific vintage-style setups.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the original Wampler Tumnus, the Deluxe offers significantly more tonal sculpting via its EQ and gain toggle. While other Klon-style pedals like the EHX Soul Food offer a simpler interface, the Tumnus Deluxe competes at a higher price point by offering premium components and greater versatility. For players seeking more extreme modulation or time-based effects, the Tumnus Deluxe is often paired with complementary units such as the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay or the Fender Hammertone Flanger to build a complete pedalboard.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Wampler Tumnus Deluxe?: It is an enhanced version of the Wampler Tumnus overdrive, which is based on the legendary transparent Klon circuit. It adds more controls including a full 3-band EQ and a gain boost switch.
What controls are available on the Tumnus Deluxe?: The pedal features knobs for Level, Gain, Bass, Mids, and Treble. It also includes a Normal/Hot toggle switch and an internal or side-mounted switch for bypass selection.
Does the Tumnus Deluxe have true bypass?: Yes, unlike the original mini Tumnus which was buffer-only, the Deluxe allows you to switch between a high-quality buffer and true bypass mode.
What does the Normal/Hot switch do?: The Normal setting delivers the classic transparent overdrive sound. The Hot setting increases the saturation and sustain, allowing for higher gain levels.
Is the Tumnus Deluxe suitable for use as a clean boost?: Yes, the pedal has high headroom, making it excellent for boosting an amp's input without adding excessive grit unless desired.
How does the EQ differ from the original Tumnus?: The original Tumnus has a single Treble control, whereas the Deluxe features independent Bass, Mids, and Treble controls for total tonal sculpting.
Can I use the Tumnus Deluxe as an 'always-on' pedal?: Many guitarists use it this way to take advantage of its buffer and subtle harmonic enhancement, which helps the guitar sit better in a mix.
What is the typical price for this pedal?: In the United Kingdom, the Tumnus Deluxe typically retails for approximately £189.
How durable is the Tumnus Deluxe?: The pedal is built in a durable metal chassis with high-quality components, designed to withstand professional touring and regular stage use.
Does this pedal require a specific power supply?: It uses standard 9V DC centre-negative power. It is designed to be compatible with most standard pedalboard power units.
How does it compare to a standard Tumnus?: The Deluxe is larger but offers significantly more versatility through its EQ and gain modes, whereas the standard Tumnus is preferred for its small footprint.
Will the Tumnus Deluxe work well with other pedals?: Yes, it is known for stacking well with other drives like the Big Muff or being placed before delays like the Boss DD-3T for a lead tone.