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Meet the Uni-Vibe

Slow. Swooshy. Rich. That's the sound of the Uni-Vibe. This effect, first introduced in the 1960's by the Univox company, was designed to electronically emulate the "Doppler sound" of a Leslie rotating organ speaker.

In actual fact, the Uni-Vibe really doesn't sound all that much like a Leslie. But thanks to artists such as Robin Trower and Jimi Hendrix, the Uni-Vibe is firmly entrenched in rock 'n roll history as a superb effect in its own right. While no longer made by Univox, you can still obtain this incredible sound from effects made by other manufacturers.

The Uni-Vibe is an under-used item in the guitar player's arsenal. It'll make your rhythm chops come alive and add an extra dimension to your solos. It'll also spice up your recordings!

A selected Uni-Vibe discography:


Jimi Hendrix: Machine Gun
Jimi Hendrix: The Star Spangled Banner (opening)



Robin Trower: Bridge of Sighs
Robin Trower: Day of the Eagle
Robin Trower: Too Rolling Stoned (slow, phasey end solo)


Grand Funk: Locomotion (guitar solo)



Tips for Uni-Vibe users

Tip 1: Since the effect relies on opto-electronics, use an AC adapter whenever possible. The light source that is the heart of the Uni-Vibe sound will wear down batteries fairly quickly.

Tip 2: Open (i.e., first position) chords sound particularly nice on the slow setting.

Tip 3: The modern versions of the Uni-Vibe are often offered with a stereo option. This allows you to run the signal to separate amplifiers, one placed at each end of the stage, for a truly s-p-a-c-i-o-u-s sound.

Tip 4: This is an effect that can actually become part of your everyday sound. Remember Robin Trower's Bridge of Sighs and In City Dreams albums? The Uni-Vibe was prominently featured on virtually every song. Did you get tired of the effect? No, you actually came to expect it.

Tip 5: The Uni-Vibe, like other modulation effects, often sounds best when used at the end of your signal chain. Use it after compression, fuzz, overdrive, etc.

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Fulltone MDV2 Mini-Deja'Vibe 2 Guitar Effects Pedal Cream
Fulltone MDV2 Mini-Deja'Vibe 2 Guitar Effects Pedal

Lovepedal Pickle Vibe Guitar Effects Pedal
Lovepedal Pickle Vibe Guitar Effects Pedal

Carl Martin Trem o Vibe Pedal
Carl Martin Trem o Vibe Pedal

Voodoo Lab Micro Vibe Pedal
Voodoo Lab Micro Vibe Pedal

Fulltone MDV Mini DejaVibe Vibe/Chorus Pedal
Fulltone MDV Mini DejaVibe Vibe/Chorus Pedal

Danelectro Cool Cat Series CV-1 Vibe Guitar Effects Pedal
Danelectro Cool Cat Series CV-1 Vibe Guitar Effects Pedal


Discontinued Univibe Clones:
Dunlop Uni-Vibe Effect Pedal
Dunlop Uni-Vibe Effect Pedal

NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Boss PW-10 V-Wah Pedal
Boss PW-10 V-Wah Pedal

(contains a setting that emulates the original Uni-Vibe)
NO LONGER AVAILABLE

T-Rex Viper Vibe Guitar Pedal
T-Rex Viper Vibe Guitar Pedal

NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Rocktron Vertigo Vibe Stomp Box
Rocktron Vertigo Vibe Stomp Box

NO LONGER AVAILABLE


Other Hendrix Items:
Levy's Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Gig Bag
Levy's Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Gig Bag

Levy's Jimi Hendrix Design Guitar Strap Haight Street
Levy's Jimi Hendrix Design Guitar Strap


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