Buying a filter without trying = insane? Source Audio Content

Jim C · #1 03-20-2011, 07:32 AM

Still looking for a stocking Source Audio dealer in Maryland / DC / VA area. So far Victor Litz is the dealer but he only carries the distortion box. Crazy to buy the BEF without trying?

Local guys: can I pay you a few bucks for a 5 minute trial?

Floyd Eye · #2 03-20-2011, 07:38 AM

When I wanted one, I went into a local music store ( NOT a GC) and asked them to look into ordering one for me, which they did. They also ordered a bunch of other SA pedals for their stock and they are now distributors. I went in there yesterday for a daisy chain and I asked them how the pedals were selling. They said they were selling pretty well.

Talk your favorite local store into contacting SA for a distributorship.

I ordered mine after reviews here and watching demos on YT. I am definitely not disappointed. You could just buck up and order one, I don't think you will be disappointed either.

RNV · #3 03-20-2011, 08:13 AM

I'd just get one. The resale around here is pretty high.

Bassist30 · #4 03-20-2011, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim C

Still looking for a stocking Source Audio dealer in Maryland / DC / VA area. So far Victor Litz is the dealer but he only carries the distortion box. Crazy to buy the BEF without trying?

Local guys: can I pay you a few bucks for a 5 minute trial?

I have it and I love it. Can't believe the price of these pedals.
I am one who also believes that you should try it before you but it. But.... This pedal is sooooo good and well under-priced. But don't tell the company I said so. They have it going. I think the company is very reasonable in price for the products they produce. So in this case i say buy it from somewhere that you can send it back for a refund - if you don't like it. But I am confident you will like it. I got my eye on there bass distortion and especially they wireless hot hand and the midi controller pedal. I believe this company has what it takes in the bass community. Check out there web site. For a young company they are working hard to develop new and very interesting pedals and gadgets for bass.

Smallequestrian · #5 03-20-2011, 09:35 AM

There is a major effects dealer that has a nice return policy. If you didn't like it, all you'd be out is shipping.

FilterFunk · #6 03-20-2011, 11:44 AM

I tried it after listening to Bryan R. Tyler's clips. I loved it right away, but I foolishly convinced myself that I probably wouldn't use all of those cool and unique sounds, so I returned it (returns are fast and easy with Select Sounds). I tried a few conventional-type filters, and realized my Qballs and Spit Wah already cover the classic Mu-Tron III tones. So I bought the SA BEF again, and got the free Hot Hand with it. I'll never part with it again! I also have the Multiwave Distortion. Definitely try the BEF; if you don't like it, you only lose the return shipping cost. Source Audio is clearly committed to making pedals with sounds that are unique AND usable, and you get serious bang for the buck. Sorry for sounding like a commercial for SA, but their pedals are THAT good.

FilterFunk · #7 03-20-2011, 11:48 AM

Also, The SA BEF can do the Mu-Tron III tones quite well. Not as well as some other filters, IMO, but pretty well. I love it for the unique presets, and the virtually infinite variety of tones within each preset.

itswac · #8 03-21-2011, 07:35 AM

Washington Music Center in Wheaton, MD has the BEF...you should be able to go in there and take it for a test drive!

cybersnyder · #9 03-21-2011, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itswac

Washington Music Center in Wheaton, MD has the BEF...you should be able to go in there and take it for a test drive!

Cool! I didn't know that Chuck's was a dealer. I'll have to stop by there next weekend.

Jim C · #10 03-21-2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itswac

Washington Music Center in Wheaton, MD has the BEF...you should be able to go in there and take it for a test drive!

Thanks; didn't see them on the dealer list; stupid of me for not calling since they are 5 miles from home

cybersnyder · #11 03-21-2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim C

Thanks; didn't see them on the dealer list; stupid of me for not calling since they are 5 miles from home

Then you definitely know about El Pollo Rico. ;-)

Chuck's runs always include chicken.

caeman · #12 04-12-2011, 06:43 PM

I don't think it is crazy to buy without trying. I am have little chance to get out to the stores, so I depend on word-of-mouth reviews from places like this forum, in additional copious YouTube videos. I will keep watching them until I hear someone demoing it in a way that might represent my playing.

Thus far, I've never been disappointed with a purchase.

Robertron · #13 04-12-2011, 09:10 PM

Go for it!

For $120 you're going to get an extremely versatile tool. There are a lot of sound clips to be heard on youtube

I also intend to finally finish my BEF review with extensive sound clips before the BEF Pro is eventually released, so any motivation to record clips for the curious is welcomed.

Edit: And FWIW, the two filters I've bought without trying, the SA: BEf and 3Leaf GR ended up being keepers. I got to try out the MXR BEF and EHX Enigma at a shop but didn't take them home.