FAQ

Q Why is there no sound at the “out” jack when I plug something into the “send” jack?

A The output jack is "normalled" to the send jack. This means that when you plug a cable into the send jack, it is disconnected from the output until you plug back into the “return” jack.

Q Can I use The Leech as a simple boost?

A Yes, The Leech can function like a clean or slightly dirt boost. For the most typical results, turn the Starve knob to full, put the bass switch on 3. Depending on your guitar's output impedance, the gain knob is unity at around 11 o’clock, so anything above this will be a boost. The signal will stay pretty clean until 1 o’clock or so, above that and it will start to clip a bit as well as get louder. The toggle switch will influence the low-end and "fullness" or the signal. Don't be afraid to use thinner sounding settings, especially in live band situations. The thinner sounding signals can really cut through and keep a live mix clear and tight.

Q Sometimes I see pictures of older Leech Pedals with text written on the sides of the pedal and the face paint looks textured. What's up with that?

A I used to hand print every pedal, as that was the only means I had originally. As the pedal has gotten more popular I've been able to improve the printing process and now the pedals are UV printed with the text on the face of the pedal. There are about 50 hand-printed pedals floating around in the world.

Q Why should I bother putting a pedal in the effects loop instead of just putting The Leech before my other pedal?

A There are a few good reasons to use The Leech’s effects loop. Firstly, it encourages you to treat the two pedals as one. The idea for The Leech is to marry it to other pedals so you can really explore the new tones available with the three new controls at the front end.

Secondly, by putting another pedal in the effects loop, they switch on and off instantaneously. That way it’s only one stomp to turn the pair on and off, rather than two.

Thirdly, The Leech is true bypass, so any pedal in its effects loop also becomes true bypass. Your boss or vintage buffered pedals become true bypass this way - which is the modern standard for good reason.

Lastly, I’ve snuck a bit of clipping circuitry after the effects loop. This clipping stage is only activated when plugging into the Return jack. In this way, The Leech is truly unique in that it surrounds your auxiliary pedal with circuitry. This is a quality that can not be accomplished by simply putting The Leech in line before your other pedal in the way that you mentioned.

Q My pedal just says 9v on the power jack. 9v what?

A The Leech needs 9v centre negative DC power - which is the most common guitar pedal power and made standard by Boss pedals. It’s too much to write that all on the side of the pedal, and like I said, it’s by far the most common pedal power specs so I thought it was ok to just write “9v”.

Q The red rubber cap on my bass switch fell off, I really liked how it looked but now it’s gone.
A If you love something, set it free.

Q There's a very faint "wooshing" noise while I turn the starve knob, is this normal?
A Yes that's a normal thing in this circuit and nothing to worry about.

Q Why do you only make one pedal?

A The Leech is a fresh and new pedal that I always wished existed, which I was finally able to bring into the world. Frankly, I’m not interested in making yet another overdrive or boost or delay or whatever else until I think there’s a legitimate need to be met. I have some ideas for future pedals that I'm exploring at the moment.