JAM Pedals unveils the 2nd major iteration of its Rattler Distortion - now with additional Mid Boost and 2-way Clipping, alongside a proprietary custom OpAmp chip

Since JAM Pedals was first established in and around 2007, the Rattler was one of its earliest pedals - which materialised in and around 2009. Since then there have been a series of mostly artwork variations - per the following schedule.

• Rattler 1 - 2009-ish
• Rattler 2 - 2015
• Rattler 3 - 2019
• Rattler 4 - 2024

Where this brand new 2024 Edition is being classified as a MK2 version from a circuit and functionality perspective - in that it sees several significant additions and updates.

In essence there are 3 major changes, two externally visible, and one internal.

1. New Asymmetrical / Symmetrical Clipping Option Toggle-switch
2. New Mid Boost 2nd Footswitch
3. New Propriety Custom OpAmp

Of course various aspects of the circuit have been honed to deliver even more flavour!

Interestingly JAM Pedals now have their own Custom OpAmp Chip (presumable based on the LM308 schema) - for which they say :

"Our proprietary (OpAmp) design, featuring discrete components, preserves the open, dynamic, and tube-amp feel that made the original Rattler so revered."

The former Rattler edition was already one of the very best sounding representatives of this genre - full of flavour as is always the JAM Pedals way. I wrote a while back about my disappointment in missing out on a TPS variant, but it all ended well - and I acquired 2 versions back in 2019 - a standard Rattler, and a Custom Shop Rattler+ in intriguing contour-engraved enclosure. I always intended on getting the fantastic Turret-stye leather-bound Rattler LTD, while that has not happen quite yet!

As I mentioned, the standard Rattler - which is the more textured of my pair - is one of my very favourite Rat Distortions. This Rattler 2 will be my 37th pedal for that Rat circuit type!

Controls - Level, Gain, Tone, Clipping : Asymmetrical / Symmetrical, Mid Boost Footswitch, Bypass Footswitch.

Note that there are further internal controls for the Mid Boost, a switch which allows you cut or include the low-end (down for low-cut), and you have a Trim-pot to further adjust the intensity / output for the Mid Boost!

You also have some power-up options which allow you to set the 2 footswitches independently on or off by default.

The clipping options are very familiar and were recently included on the Octaurus Octafuzz too, while the Mid Boost will give you a whole load more punch to the output.

I have one of these on the way - and will do a more in-depth review then.

Suffice to say that I’m expecting great things here. The predecessor was already one of the very best - and this one’s going to be even better no doubt! Just beautifully balanced and richly harmonically textured! If you like the Rat Distortion genre - then surely you need one of these!

There is also a new Bass version - as pictured, which externally looks exactly the same as its predecessor, but has a number of internal circuit changes - including that new proprietary custom OpAmp chip!

The Rattler 2 is available for preorders from the JAM Pedals Webstore - where it goes for €239 / $249 / £205. And of course will be imminently appearing at International Dealers.