Flattley Pedals has officially announced the release of The Joker, a boutique valve-tone simulator designed to bridge the gap between clean boosting and raw, tube-driven saturation. Born from a quest to add “controlled distortion” to a standard booster circuit, The Joker has evolved into a versatile powerhouse capable of mimicking everything from a smoky jazz combo to a dimed-out rock stack.
Currently available for pre-order at £259.00, this pedal isn’t just a utility—it’s a visual and sonic centerpiece for any pedalboard.
From “Small Amp” Warmth to High-Gain Filth
The heart of The Joker lies in its FET-based 12AX7 valve simulation. By replicating the harmonic characteristics of a single valve combo, Flattley has created a pedal that responds dynamically to a player’s touch.
While originally intended as a “dirt” box for classic tones, testing revealed a much broader spectrum of use:
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Dirt Mode: Covers the “warm boost” to “flat-out tweed” range. It’s the sweet spot for Jazz and Blues players seeking that elusive edge-of-breakup grit.
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Filth Mode: A secondary gain stage designed specifically for rock enthusiasts, pushing the FET circuit into heavy distortion territory.
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Harmonic Booster: Even for players with high-gain amps, The Joker acts as a sophisticated pre-amp shaper, adding complex harmonic content before the amplifier’s front end.
Built for the Stage: Form Meets Function
Flattley Pedals is known for aesthetic flair, and The Joker is no exception. This edition features a stunning green burst finish with holographic chrome metal flake and UV-printed graphics.
However, the design serves a practical purpose for the touring musician:
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The Halo Light Ring: A diffused green LED ring ensures you can locate the pedal on a dark stage without being blinded by a piercing standard LED.
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Custom Foot Topper: A green anodized aluminium topper provides a larger surface area for precise switching during fast-paced performances.
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Premium Hardware: 20mm custom-etched knobs allow for tactile, accurate adjustments on the fly.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
| Circuitry | FET-based 12AX7 Valve Simulation |
| Modes | Dirt (Clean to Crunch) & Filth (Crunch to Distortion) |
| Power | 9v DC (Standard negative center) – No Battery |
| Dimensions | 119 x 64 x 40mm (125B Enclosure) |
| Controls | Volume, Gain, Tone, Toggle Switch |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What exactly is “Valve Tone” simulation?
It means the pedal uses Field Effect Transistors (FETs) to mimic the clipping and compression characteristics of a real 12AX7 vacuum tube, giving you a more “organic” feel than standard digital or diode-clipping pedals.
Can I use this as an “Always On” pedal?
Absolutely. In “Dirt” mode with lower gain settings, it functions as a tone enhancer, adding warmth and harmonic depth to your clean base signal.
Does it come with a power supply?
No, it requires a standard 9v DC power brick or wall adapter. To keep the enclosure compact, there is no internal battery compartment.
What does the Tone knob do specifically?
Unlike simple filters, this tone stack is versatile: fully anti-clockwise boosts bass, the middle position provides a mid-range lift, and fully clockwise acts as a treble boost.
Guitar Bomb Verdict
The Joker by Flattley Pedals is more than just a distortion stompbox; it is a meticulously crafted pre-amp and boost hybrid. Whether you are looking to turn a sterile solid-state amp into a boutique tweed combo or you want to add “filth” to your rock leads, The Joker delivers with premium UK-built quality and show-stopping aesthetics.
Be sure to read our interview with Paul Flattley, the man behind Flattley Pedals, here.
More Information
#Flattley Pedals #The Joker
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