Model H

[coldfingaz]

Been waiting for a while for one from Custom Sounds (they estimated 2 months, it's already been nearly 5), but I recently heard there may be a V2 in the works. Am curious to know more & which I might be getting based on where I sit in the cue. If anyone can provide any insight, I'd appreciate it.

[cajone5]

Yes... I've been playing the waiting game as well...

[bsic]

Been waiting for a while for one from Custom Sounds (they estimated 2 months, it's already been nearly 5), but I recently heard there may be a V2 in the works. Am curious to know more & which I might be getting based on where I sit in the cue. If anyone can provide any insight, I'd appreciate it.

Hey man great to see ya over here!

There is definitely a V2. I have #70 which I believe is the first one, and I think all from this point forward will be V2. I had compared it side by side with one of the grey "V1" ones, and against one of a few made partway to V2. Not sure how many others, if any, are out there right now.

The V2 sounds crisper, less low mids, and has a more aggressive feel to it, while retaining that Model H signature growl and grind. It just sounds more refined and focused. I loved the v1.. but it sounded much darker with my amp at the time, a Budda... one of those pedals that sounded great but didnt quite hold its own in a mix with my setup. The v1 had one of those signatures that you just cant mistake for any other pedal, you can hear this on any of the demos online. A really nice chime when it cleaned up- and just a great aggressive thump to it. I say its #2 on the list behind the HBOD for touch responsiveness.

That said, the V2 was a much better match for my setup- it retained all the things I liked about V1 but just fit better. A little more polished sounding, slightly more bite... And now I have a Mesa Electradyne (6L6, much brighter than the Budda), and it also sits well with this amp. I really like it.

Now, remember as with the SYOD reviews you can read in the stickied thread-- two versions of one pedal could pass for two completely separate designs when Bjorn touches them. Either one, the Model H is a killer pedal. If you want the V1, you may want to ask Custom Sounds if you can request this.

[bsic]

There is definitely a V2. I have #70 which I believe is the first one, and I think all from this point forward will be V2. I had compared it side by side with one of the grey "V1" ones, and against one of a few made partway to V2. Not sure how many others, if any, are out there right now.

so those black ones with serial numbers in the high 60s are still v1
not v2?

Depends, what serial # u r talking about.

[Donner]

They are all black
But just remember the H is still in research mode even tho there are lots of them ...
And yes there will be one more round of concerted research coming up with white stripe customshop boxes et al ....

[cajone5]

Donner that's great news!

Count me in - the SYOD research went so well I would gladly participate in the MH research if I get the chance! More impatient waiting ahead... story of my life

[bsic]

so those black ones with serial numbers in the high 60s are still v1
not v2?

also the v2 must have started at least as early as 67 not 70
ebenezer has a pic of his on another site & the box is labeled
model h v2
& his is listed here as 67

If you knew the answer then why did you ask

Yep I saw hiz pic on TGP. Those are "partway to V2". They have the V2 paint, and part of the circuit modifications. I used to own #68 and that one for a fact was not a V2. #67-#69 were of the same batch. #68 sounded more like a V1 to me more than a V2. Some difference, just not a lot to my ears or my setup. I sold it to SteveA who said he noticed more of a difference on his rig with it.

[coldfingaz]

So.....

V2 is probably what you get if you ordered one a few months ago (or is it?)....

& V3 development is already underway?


I'm sure I'll love whatever I get, but it's sort of odd that I'm on the hook for one of these & am still not even sure what I'm getting.

[bsic]

I would think yours is going to be a V2. According to the thread in the library, all from #70 on are V2, which would include yours.

[coldfingaz]

I would think yours is going to be a V2. According to the thread in the library, all from #70 on are V2, which would include yours.

Thank you, as always! Makes sense.

I'd gotten some vague info about this on TGP. Since then I've been curious to know what the heck is going on since there seems to be quite a bit of love for V1 out there. Guess it's time to go read up on the differences now.... though I'm also curious to know why Bjorn's already thinking of Model H V3 changes & what they might entail.

If anyone feels like linking any threads to that compare V1 & V2 (&/or contain any info on V3), that would be great. I'll start digging around a little bit now...