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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is California Valveworks?
A: We are a small, newly founded company dedicated to making high quality clones of vintage and classic guitar effects. We are
located in the south Silicon Valley in sunny California, just inside the San Jose city limits.
Q: I've never heard of California Valveworks. Why would I choose to spend my hard earned money on one of your effects?
A: The better question is why would you choose to spend your money on any pedal? If you are looking for a great classic tone, there
is no substitute for the character of a hand wired original built around vintage components. We have made it our mission to create
high quality pedals and offer them at a great price. We make efforts to stay true to design using NOS for all key components. In
many cases we add modern touches to compliment the vintage circuitry. We use industry standard switches, jacks and pots. Our
custom graphics capture the feel and look of their vintage predecessors. Furthermore our enclosures are done in a durable powder
coat finish. In addition to being more durable than even the best paint finishes, powder coating is solvent and aerosol free and
environmentally friendly. I personally guarantee you will find these pedals to be of the highest quality and value. If not, send them
back in good condition and I will refund your money.
Q: How can you offer high quality pedals at bargain pedal prices?
A: With years of experience in product development and multiple patents under my belt, I understand how to efficiently manufacture a
product while maintaining a high quality standard. Our specific process makes maximum use of time and resources. Efficiency on our
end allows us to use the best parts yet keep our costs to a minimum. That way you get a great price, and there is no compromise in
quality.
Q: I hear a lot about NOS Germanium transistors in forums. What kind of transistors do you use and how do yours compare to the
true vintage ones?
A: The Mullard OC44 was the standard transistor used in the original Dallas Rangemaster. It produces an often imitated never
duplicated tone that brings your signal to life with punch and sparkle. These transistors are highly sought after and difficult to get a
hold of. Nonetheless by going to lengths bordering on extreme I am able to keep a steady supply. A Mullard OC44 is a true piece of
Rock and Roll vintage and is the symbol of our commitment to bringing you the best most authentic vintage-stye effects available
anywhere. Our Bone Tenders are typically using NOS GE germaniums but occasionally a Mullard will get slipped in to set the bias just
right. All of our transistors are high quality, pre-sorted and pretested new old stock.
Q: Are your pedals better than "What's his name's"?
A: Building and designing effects is an art, and the value of art lies greatly in the eye of the beholder. So what's better or worse really
depends on what you are looking for. Personally, I am blown away by the quality and creativity of some of the pedals being built by
regular guys like me. That said, you will never hear me putting down others in the business. We believe that our pedals have a quality
and value that speaks for itself. We would prefer to pay tribute to other pedals and builders. This is the industry that we are in and we
respect it.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept credit card payments and e-checks through PayPal. We are PayPay verified. Our easy-to-use shopping cart makes
checkout a snap. It accepts multiple payment methods even if you don't have a Paypal account.
Q: You convinced me to buy one of your pedals. I just plugged it in and am ready to rock. What should I do?
A: Step on it!
Derek D.
A: We are a small, newly founded company dedicated to making high quality clones of vintage and classic guitar effects. We are
located in the south Silicon Valley in sunny California, just inside the San Jose city limits.
Q: I've never heard of California Valveworks. Why would I choose to spend my hard earned money on one of your effects?
A: The better question is why would you choose to spend your money on any pedal? If you are looking for a great classic tone, there
is no substitute for the character of a hand wired original built around vintage components. We have made it our mission to create
high quality pedals and offer them at a great price. We make efforts to stay true to design using NOS for all key components. In
many cases we add modern touches to compliment the vintage circuitry. We use industry standard switches, jacks and pots. Our
custom graphics capture the feel and look of their vintage predecessors. Furthermore our enclosures are done in a durable powder
coat finish. In addition to being more durable than even the best paint finishes, powder coating is solvent and aerosol free and
environmentally friendly. I personally guarantee you will find these pedals to be of the highest quality and value. If not, send them
back in good condition and I will refund your money.
Q: How can you offer high quality pedals at bargain pedal prices?
A: With years of experience in product development and multiple patents under my belt, I understand how to efficiently manufacture a
product while maintaining a high quality standard. Our specific process makes maximum use of time and resources. Efficiency on our
end allows us to use the best parts yet keep our costs to a minimum. That way you get a great price, and there is no compromise in
quality.
Q: I hear a lot about NOS Germanium transistors in forums. What kind of transistors do you use and how do yours compare to the
true vintage ones?
A: The Mullard OC44 was the standard transistor used in the original Dallas Rangemaster. It produces an often imitated never
duplicated tone that brings your signal to life with punch and sparkle. These transistors are highly sought after and difficult to get a
hold of. Nonetheless by going to lengths bordering on extreme I am able to keep a steady supply. A Mullard OC44 is a true piece of
Rock and Roll vintage and is the symbol of our commitment to bringing you the best most authentic vintage-stye effects available
anywhere. Our Bone Tenders are typically using NOS GE germaniums but occasionally a Mullard will get slipped in to set the bias just
right. All of our transistors are high quality, pre-sorted and pretested new old stock.
Q: Are your pedals better than "What's his name's"?
A: Building and designing effects is an art, and the value of art lies greatly in the eye of the beholder. So what's better or worse really
depends on what you are looking for. Personally, I am blown away by the quality and creativity of some of the pedals being built by
regular guys like me. That said, you will never hear me putting down others in the business. We believe that our pedals have a quality
and value that speaks for itself. We would prefer to pay tribute to other pedals and builders. This is the industry that we are in and we
respect it.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept credit card payments and e-checks through PayPal. We are PayPay verified. Our easy-to-use shopping cart makes
checkout a snap. It accepts multiple payment methods even if you don't have a Paypal account.
Q: You convinced me to buy one of your pedals. I just plugged it in and am ready to rock. What should I do?
A: Step on it!
Derek D.