The Brighton Guitar Show & FX Expo takes place TOMORROW, 15th of July at Brighton Racecourse

www.zandercircuitry.co.uk | @zandercircuitry[IG]

It will be great to catch up with my good friend Alex again - it's certainly been a while, and I know he's been planning to re-vamp his range for a while - update and streamline some of those well-loved classics. I've really enjoyed seeing the Glyph Series of Pedals too - that would have solved the issue I had with the SiClone artwork - where otherwise I really love all those standard edition artworks - while the Glyph Series is pretty darn cool too! Alex and I have tried to connect recently but conflicting schedules kind of got in the way - so it never quite happened - it's often easier to make these connections in person anyway. 

www.rotosound.com | @rotosound_uk[IG]

I met and had a really decent chat with Jack at the Hoxton Pedal Expo show - he said he was trying to persuade the management of his company to make more Skinny Top / Heavy Bottom sets - as I exclusively use 9-46 sets currently, and am even considering 9-52 - which very few string companies do - and which RotoSound have still to add to their roster - so will be interesting to catch up on what the latest plans are! Of course you can buy those strings individually from RotoSound - but that soon becomes very complicated without some sort of app to guide you through the key most suitable choices!

www.stringsandthings.co.uk | @stringsandthingsltd[IG}

I'm familiar with the name, but beyond their being the main UK Distributor for Ernie Ball, Hercules Stands (I have several), and Mooer - I'm not so aware of their overall operation - will be nice to get acquainted at the show.

waterbear.org.uk | @waterbear_the_college_of_music[IG]

Apart from the Royal Academy and the Academy of Contemporary Music - Water Bear is the Music College I hear the most about these days - I guess partly as they are affiliated with several artists that I follow - while they definitely seem to be making all the right moves currently - and Brighton is a wonderful place to be a musician - it's probably the UK's very own Nashville!

audiostorm.uk | @audiostormeffects[IG]

I'm looking forward to seeing at least a final prototype of the Grand Classic Distortion - a project much delayed - where I was initially due to get my pedal last December - and I'm not sure it's going to be ready in July even! In any case I really look forward to hearing where we're at, and what the plans are for the new 5-knob version of the Quad Screamer too! And indeed we also have the Tone Lord 2 now to look forward to!

bispellaudio.com | @bispellaudio[IG]

You will have noted that I have had Thomas's Proxy and Saxon pedals on the board for the last few months. Thomas has supposedly made some further tweaks to the Saxon - while I really love mine as is. And most importantly he's externalised the Bias control in the latest version of the Gleam, and refined the second gain stage somewhat - which tended to be a touch overly aggressive in earlier editions - I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on that particular improved edition!

bleakdistrict.co.uk | @bleakdistrictelectric[IG]

Phil will be showcasing his brand new improved version of Tapescape - an ambient lo-fi modulated tape style echo device - which recently launched on the 22nd of this month. It's a magnificent update to an already great pedal - and it looks fantastic too - with just the right knob choices!

brightonion.co.uk | @brightonionpedals[IG]

I'm not sure I was on best form when I first met James at last year's Stourbridge FX Expo - so I will be looking to make amends this time around. James still makes some of the very best utility pedals out there - I've bought mini switches from him before - while he's master of all things switching and routing - including what I call Looper-Switchers (vs Recording Loopers), and of course Patchboxes and Patchbays too.

buzzingbugsfx.com | @buzzingbugsfx[IG]

Buzzing Bugs is entirely new to me - and I will be looking forward to making contact with Dan for the first time. He will be showcasing two new pedals in particular - the BB01 Fuzz Pre-Amp - which I'm particularly interested in, and the BB02 2-knob Harmonic Percolator.

demiurgeinstruments.bigcartel.com | @demiurge_instruments[IG]

I've not touched base with Joseph for a while - where I have several of his that I really rate - including his Black Mountain Signal Deluxe, Chroma Drive, Doomy-O))), and The Great Sea Lo-Fi Modulator. It will be great to catch up on what he has planned for the forthcoming months! It's probably about time I featured another one of his builds!

ALAS - Joseph has just informed me that he is unable to exhibit tomorrow - he was waiting for some bits to arrive - which just didn't arrive in time - he will be popping in briefly though as a visitor to the show - so I still hope to catch up with him one way to another!

www.emmergyfx.co.uk | @emmergyfx[IG]

I really seemed to connect with Michael at last year's Stourbridge FX Expo - yet for some reason neither of us really followed up on that encounter. Will be good to re-establish contact and see where we can work together in the near future. I really liked a version of the Blown A Wish Fuzz, and Ratbender last time around - so will be interesting to see what Michael brings to the show this time.

ALAS - Michael can't make the event - he will be at the Bristol Rough Trade Show though on October 1st.

flattleyguitarpedals.com/home/ | @flattleyguitarpedals[IG]

Flattley has kind of been a little like ships passing in the night for me - as I've come across them at various shows - but never managed to make a connection. I particularly like their multiple sparkling skulls artworks in their Platinum Range - but have yet to fully decode the individual merits of their pedals! They were one of the first to engrave legends into their knobs, and use either surround or bottom plate lighting to signify engaged state. Perhaps 2023 is the year for me at last to make a solid connection here!

funnylittleboxes.co.uk | @funny_little_boxes[IG]

I had intended to connect with Andy at the recent Birmingham / Cranmore Park Guitar Show - but he seemed to have been hidden away in some corner or nook or cranny which I never found. I of course have one of his 1991 Dual Overdrive / Distortion pedals - and had planned to ask him what the plan was for a follow-up - hopefully we will find out more on the day!

www.goliathfx.co.uk | @goliath_fx[IG]

I made a great connection with Matt at the recent Birmingham show - where we had failed to connect properly at last year's Stourbridge FX Expo - I think I kind of ran out of time or steam by the end of that day. In any case Matt's enclosures are really very impressive and appealing to look at (particularly the craquelure varieties) - while I think he needs to hone his pedal brand identity a little so that his pedals are rather more easily identifiable as being specifically by Goliath FX- because what he is making nowadays looks and sounds great - just needs to be more readily associated with that brand.

www.greateasternfx.com | @greateasternfx[IG]

I had a great catch-up with David at this year's Birmingham Guitar Show - where I sorted out my copy of the amazing Germanium Focus Fuzz. I actually still have his Dial-A-Drive to get - kind of odd that that hasn't happened yet, and I know that he has a new pedal in the works - or at least an iteration - to showcase at Brighton - so will be cool to see how that turned out!

guitarnerds.net | @guitarnerds[IG]

I've known Matt Knight for years and consider him an old friend by now - while I've yet to be properly acquainted with his other half of the Guitar Nerds Podcast - Joe Branton. I've seen him from afar at various guitar shows - but never been in the same exact place at the same time for some bizarre reason - hopefully a connection can finally be established at the Brighton show!

www.hamsteadsoundworks.com | @hamsteadhq[IG]

Hamstead are best known for their magnificent looking and sounding amps, and probably their Signature Tremolo pedal - which was the first ever pedal they made, now in a more recent iteration. While for me I've been onboard since their Odyssey Intergalactic Driver very first came out, and I was one of the lucky few to get the even better Subspace Mullard Germanium Diode limited edition - which is one of my favourite overdrives of all time - such amazing harmonics. I had meant to make contact with Peter at the Birmingham show - but for some reason could not find the right words to make an introduction - I will be more bold next time around for sure!

www.horrothia.com | @horrothia_effects[IG]

I feel Tom and I are old friends now - and I even subbed in on his stand at last year's Kempton Park London International Guitar Show. I have two of his finest to date - where his Berkeley Uni-Vibe is particularly magnificent - he got everything right on that one as far as I'm concerned - every little detail. There was talk of updating some of the earlier models - which has yet to happen; while we've recently had some special limited editions of the Triage Preamp - so will be good to catch up on recent developments and to find out where the path leads to next!

ALAS - Something unexpected has come up last minute, and Tom is unable to attend this year's event.

www.indifferentengine.com/tapeecho | @indifferentengine[IG}

It's been fascinating to watch the evolution of the Janky Tape Echo 3D-Print DIY Project. Where I had a really in-depth chat with engineer Tom Wilson at last year's Stourbridge FX Expo. You can actually buy this in semi kit-form nowadays so you don't even need to buy or have access to your own 3D Printer - while I believe you still need to buy in most of the parts and solder them together from the instructions provided. The site goes to great length to explain that no help will be provided for the assembly besides those guides and manuals that exist on the site. There's also a warning of eternal damnation for anyone who builds one of these and then sell it on! So really only for you nimble-fingered types I guess! Indifferent Engine will likely be demoing a prototype of their new rotary effect too - which looks equally intriguing!

www.intensivecareaudio.com | @intensivecareaudio[IG]

I made a decent connection with Rainger FX alumni Patrick at the recent Hoxton FX Expo where we talked of a possible collaboration / feature article. It hasn't happened yet and neither of us really followed up on it - so I will be looking to reconnect once more on the day. I've been particularly keen to get stuck into the Death Drive and the Vena Cava Filter Distortion - so we'll see where we get to on the day! Congratulations on Patrick getting stocked by Stefan Fast's Pedal Zone - Intensive Care Audio is definitely getting around these days!

www.latentlemon.co.uk | @latentlemon[IG]

I've been particularly aware of the Hurts Harmonic Percolator for a long while, and I rue the fact that I somehow missed it out when I last did a Harmonic Percolator category overview (albeit some long time ago now) - so I certainly have penance to pay for that. Justin also does a formidable take on the Brassmaster Fuzz. I will be looking to make amends on the day!

ALAS - something came up last minute and Justin is unable to attend this year's show.

makingwaves.io | @makingwavesfx[IG]

I really made a solid connection with Matt at the Birmingham Guitar Show after somewhat failing to properly connect at Kempton Park. Matt and James are really switched on and passionate about developing the Making Waves brands - and their debut Sunburn Dynamic Overdrive is an incredibly strong start to their journey. I'm really looking forward to catching up with the pair again!

www.stringsandthings.co.uk/mooer | @mooeraudio[IG]

I've been a long term fan of Mooer and have several of their pedals - of course mostly minis, and most famously my very first mini - the Blues Mood Blues Driver take of course with Phat Mod - still a favourite to this day! I recently posted an article on the new MKII and X2 versions of the Drummer and Looper pedals - Mini and Compact editions respectively - which article was up before the end of last month, and those 4 pedals will surely be a feature of the show - while I'm most impressed also with my Model X X2 Preamp. Those X2 pedals are all really great!

shop.nrgeffects.com | @nrgeffects[IG]

I've been patiently waiting in the wings for Neil to complete his initial series of 'Monochrome' edition pedals - where I was supposed to get involved when that roster was complete - to do a feature on all those 4 or 5 core circuits that were part of that series - supposedly both Mini and Compact varieties, and in some cases Deluxe versions also - covering Mauler, Poker, and Purrer varieties and at least one more variety still to be decided upon! So waiting for the dust to settle really - I will find out where we're at during the show and will feed back on when that article is likely to put in an appearance. I may also expand the scope of that article to a full range overview - depends on what Neil decides on the day really!

www.raingerfx.com | @raingerfx[IG]

I feel so well connected with David and his team - that at times it feels like I'm part of a sharing caring extended family - such a lovely group of people. Last time we all met up was at the Hoxton Pedal Expo - just after the launch of the Flanger-X Mini - which is quite superb and on the board a lot. David was also showcasing a couple of Eurorack prototypes - which had still to get the full RaingerFX styling treatment - so will be cool to witness that final evolution. I think David's Hangar Lane Studio is the closest to me and is where I'm most likely to do my first proper half-day Studio / Site visit - while there are plenty more of those being set up at the moment.

I of course ran into David and Martin at the recent Witney Pedal Party and both were on wonderful form - in fact David did one of the most impressive demo live sessions I've yet witnessed!

redbeardeffects.com | @redbeardeffects[IG]

I caught up with Mikey at the recent Birmingham Guitar Show where he surprise-launched his phenomenal Hairy Squid Colossal Fuzz. The Redbeard range of 4 effects is all killer - and I'm constantly surprised why it's not a household name yet - each one of those pedals is at the top of its game! You should really pick up all 4 like me - they're each really potent and incredibly versatile at the same time.

www.ritualdevices.co.uk | @rituadevices[IG]

It seems a very long time ago now since I reviewed the exceptional Fay Phase Filter / Vibe. I was due to do a full range review of the larger enclosure types - which have all been recently revamped - and include the EVOL Fuzz / Distortion, Grimalkin Fuzz, and Rainmaker Analog Vibrato / Tremolo. And I've still to do a feature on Wub's recent Grey sort of budget series. We'll find out on the day what's causing the delay - obviously Wub's health and wellbeing takes priority!

www.tatefx.co.uk | @tate_fx[IG]

I think I last had a chat with Stuart at last year's Kempton Park Show - where he spoke of how he was working on a dual footswitch upper octave take on his Raise The Dead Fuzz. As that has yet to materialise I can only assume that he's still working on perfecting and finessing that circuit. Will be great to catch up to see where he's at!

thorpyfx.com | @thorpyfx[IG]

Thorpy was my first and remains my most long-standing buddy in this industry - dating back to some guitar show many moons ago now back at the dawn of time. He should have launched his latest pedal by the time the show happens and it will be cool to see him showcase that - lots of people are going to love it. He's recently returned from a sunny holiday abroad so hopefully re-charged and reinvigorated for the year ahead. It's always wonderful to catch up in person - while I did meet up with Thorpy and David Rainger first at Doug Tolley's Witney Pedal Party back on July 1st! And look forward to the next reunion!

www.timber-tones.co.uk | @timbertones[IG]

I've been a huge fan of Timber Tones Jazz III size pickups for many years - and have them in pretty much all their materials besides felt! I look forward to meeting some of the team in person - Rob Wooller, Ron Kerr, and Giorgia Freddi and seeing if they have any cool new Jazz III's for my reference pick collection!

www.two-notes.com/en/ | @twonotesaudio[IG]

Two Notes for me have always been a leading brand of Load Boxes and Cab Simulators - with their celebrated Torpedo Series, while I've also been quite familiar with their large 'Le Tube Preamp Series' pedals - Le Clean, Le Crunch, Le Lead and Le Bass - which have recently been kinda sorta replaced by the two ReVolt Analog Amp Sim pedals - ReVolt Guitar and ReVolt Bass. All very impressive products for sure - which as yet I don't have any need for as I still play entirely through live amps as part of a stereo pedal platform - with currently 45 pedals in the chain! Will be nice to meet some of the key staff in person - to at least their UK dealer rep!