Today I’ll be taking a look at the Schaffer series of pedals made by Solodallas. Currently the line consists of the TSR, Storm and Solo-X. All of which do something different while still delivering classic Schaffer Vega characteristics.
Before I dive into my take on the pedals here is a quick summary of how they came to be for anyone unfamiliar with the line. “Solodallas”, was a YouTube channel founded around 2005. Dedicated to classic rock covers, but more specifically AC/DC. Fil, the channels content creator, set out to bring the most accurate covers to the table while shedding some light on what gear was actually used on those infamous records. His journey eventually led him to find the “Schaffer-Vega Diversity System”, the original wireless system. Used by many bands of the late 70s era, Fil managed to get in touch with Ken Schaffer, the unit’s inventor and buy his remaining wireless systems. From there Fil was able to build a talented team, clone the original circuit and go on to make new products derived from the system. These original wireless units had an onboard pre-amp that was intended to make up for any signal loss and degradation. Instead, guitarists like Angus Young, Ace Frehley, Eddie Van Halen, David Gilmour and many others used these units to further overdrive their amps live and in the studio. The result is on many of the greatest selling rock albums of all time…
Onto the review! Solodallas currently has 3 pedals in their line modeled after the Schaffer’s characteristics. The TSR, Storm and the recently released Solo-X. They all revolve around the original units core tone but are slightly different in sound, specs and price point.
First we have the TSR, it features 2 knobs, one control for “compression” the other for a very aggressive clean boost. Of the 3, this one to my ears has the most clean headroom, probably due to its 12v power source. It also seems to have the least amount of “gain” to my ears anyways, if you’re looking to retain more high end and note definition this probably the one for you! The TSR is in a larger more “square” looking box as well as being (+) positive on top of being 12v so keep this in mind if its going on a pedal board. The TSR is a great tool to have on hand and can be had for $299.
Next we have the Storm, arguably the most popular option in the line. The storm features slightly different circuitry from the TSR but was made to be more on the go friendly. It features 3 knobs that again control compression and boost but this time with an added “limiter” feature that allows the user to really wind up the compression or let more of the amps natural high end through. This pedal is a little more nasal sounding and aggressive than its predecessor the TSR, but with its 3 knob flexibility, “calming” it down is not a problem at all. Storm is 9v (-) in a standard size box and will slip in nicely to any board without any power fuss and can be had for $199.
LASTLY we have the brand new Solo-X boost. This one differs a little more drastically than the first two. It has had many features and some circuitry removed in order to make a sleek single knob MONSTER. The Solodallas team wanted something more simple, ergonomic and convenient while still delivering the rich and complex tones of prior units. Solo-X is again a pedal board friendly size and powered by 9v (-). Its single knob will take from crisp clean boost, to hot rodded Storm tones and beyond into absolute console distortion carnage territory. This pedal is perfect for those curious about the hype surrounding these products without making too much of an investment. Solodallas’ Solo-X Schaffer Boost can be had for $149.
In conclusion, I believe you will enjoy any one of these pedals. Whether you’re recreating classic album tones or blazing your own guitar destiny, they do not disappoint. When it comes to which to purchasing it’s hard to choose but I believe the Storm will get you the most bang for the buck with its 3 knob versatility. Solo-X is a close second with its no nonsense approach and incendiary compression abilities. The TSR comes in third but not because its bad, far from that, its a fantastic sounding pedal and I encourage you to look into all 3 as well. But, its power demands, bigger shape and price point place it behind the others for me.
I implore you to look into these products, they’re absolutely fantastic, well built and the people over at Solodallas are some of the most kind, dedicated and generous professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of these units or purchasing on, I will post a link to their website below.
I hope this article has helped you in some way, I really appreciate your time reading it. Until my next article, thank You!
–Nick The Gear Guy
Nick The Gear Guy 