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Bought a new Cali76-TX Reissue

Spupilup

Spupilup

Jan 11, 2019
1,114
2,154
#1
Ok, here's the opportunity for a little scorn. I bought it on a whim because it was marked down. It's not the one with the upgraded transformer but, for what I paid, it was worth experimenting. I've never tried it and have limited experience with compressors but, I figured it would be hard to lose much on a purchase like this, so what the heck. Anyway, I'd appreciate any insight from owners about getting the most out of this pedal.
TIA
 
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#3
I guess it there are no pictures, it never happened. Here you go. I've had this thing for a few days and have a number of hours in on it. First, an 18v power supply is absolutely essential. Without it, it's a nice pedal. With it, a great one. I've used it on my bass, a G&L L1000 and Genzler 800/12-3, as well as my American Original Telecaster through a '68 Ampeg Reverbojet. It's pretty remarkable. I would venture to say it's even better with the guitar than bass but that may be because this pedal doesn't have the Lundahl transformer. Regardless, I think I got a good deal on a limited edition pedal that will probably always retain its value.
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#5
I never had a chance to A/B the two pedals. From what I’ve read, the Lundahl in supposed to be more linear and, perhaps a bit better for bass but, in all honesty, the version I have is pretty amazing. Maybe the standard iron transformer is why I thought the pedal was even more spectacular with my AO Tele and my 50 y/o Ampeg. I can’t say BUT I know every time I engage the pedal, whether with my guitar or bass, it results in a smile and a sense that, sonically there’s been a dramatic improvement.
 
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#6
Spupilup said:
Ok, here's the opportunity for a little scorn. I bought it on a whim because it was marked down. It's not the one with the upgraded transformer but, for what I paid, it was worth experimenting. I've never tried it and have limited experience with compressors but, I figured it would be hard to lose much on a purchase like this, so what the heck. Anyway, I'd appreciate any insight from owners about getting the most out of this pedal.
TIA
Click to expand...

Curious how it worked out for you. Not sure the TX-L is an upgrade (although its about 100 dollars more) when a guy like Pino Palladino favors his TX. I use the word warmer ( which is subjective) from the TX-L as what I heard. The TX may be more favorable to some. Have not A/B'd them but nothing wrong with a cali76. Let us know how you feel about it currently.
 
#7
Bassist30 said:
Curious how it worked out for you. Not sure the TX-L is an upgrade (although its about 100 dollars more) when a guy like Pino Palladino favors his TX. I use the word warmer ( which is subjective) from the TX-L as what I heard. The TX may be more favorable to some. Have not A/B'd them but nothing wrong with a cali76. Let us know how you feel about it currently.
Click to expand...

Is Pino back with using the TX? Last I saw (2019), he was using the CB. I’ve seen a picture where he’s using two CBs, but can’t find the picture right now.
 
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#8
Maybe so but on the origin site under artist you see a cali76 TX. on his pedalboard I did see online that he was using a cali76 TX but yes they are older sites from 2017. I am sure he can get them when he wants. Also the pedals like the CB version are a better choice on the pedalboard. Light and won't take up much room. I just ordered the cali76 TX. But Im not putting it on my pedalboard. I like a always on comp and at times I will not bring a pedalboard on some gigs. I also want it going straight into the direct box . I like the idea it has a transformer. Not saying its better than the CB just better for me.
 
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#9
I'm a very sick puppy. Not only did I purchase an Origin Effects RevivalDrive Custom for my guitar but I just bought another Cali76. This time I picked up one with the Lundahl transformer. I figured if one turned out to be significantly better than the other, I can always sell one and recoup most of my expenses, plus I will have had an opportunity to play with both of the best compressor pedals out there. And, of course I had the retailer throw the RevivalDrive footswitch in the box with the compressor to complete the RevivalDrive set up.

I'll post pictures when the compressor and footswitch arrive.


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#10
I lucked into a Cali76 G-P years ago. It's easily the most expensive pedal I've ever bought but I have zero regrets, it's amazing. The germanium circuit is a different tone goal than the TXes, but the subtle harmonic shimmer works perfectly for me.

Kind of off-topic; I'm just here to show love for the big box Cali comps.
 
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#11
Received my Cali76 TX today. So glad I bought it. Been buying compressor pedals for years and never really happy with them. This is compression the way I hear it. yes it a little large but I don't put a compressor on my pedalboard. Looking for a small padded carrying case as there are gigs I don't use pedals but I will carry this comp on all my gigs. Worth every penny.
 
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#13
Well, I just got a text from FedEx. Despite the pedals being on the truck "out for delivery," I won't be getting them until tomorrow. This is the second day of delays. No big deal. They'll get here when they get here. I get it that these carriers are being overwhelmed.
 
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#14
Spupilup said:
Well, I just got a text from FedEx. Despite the pedals being on the truck "out for delivery," I won't be getting them until tomorrow. This is the second day of delays. No big deal. They'll get here when they get here. I get it that these carriers are being overwhelmed.
Click to expand...


You are going to love this unit. A true 1176 in a smaller package. No EQ, No HPF or LPF.... Just a copy of a 1176. Enjoy it.
 
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#15
Bassist30 said:
You are going to love this unit. A true 1176 in a smaller package. No EQ, No HPF or LPF.... Just a copy of a 1176. Enjoy it.
Click to expand...

I've had the TX for a little over a year and found, when I used it on both my guitar and bass, that I actually preferred it on the guitar. As a result, I've had the nagging feeling I should have gone for the Lundahl transformer version given I'm more of a bass player. Anyway, I pulled the trigger on the TX-L and figured I'd also pickup the footswitch for the Revival Drive.

And, guess what...despite the update saying delivery had been rescheduled for tomorrow, I got a text a short while ago that the pedals were in fact at the local FedEx drop off center. I know the rule, pictures or it didn't happen so here are the two latest additions to my collection.

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#16
Yea maybe the TX-L is better for bass. I just so happy with the TX I may just stick with it. You work long enough you get it to where you like it. I heard on youtube. The standard ... The TX .... and the one where you have the transformer of the L but it has more bells and whistles, a boost and a wet dry knob. Its was a guitar and yes the TX sounded the best on guitar. The TX and L wasnt a world different but on bass maybe so.
 

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