If your question doesn't appear here, email me at
and then it will.
(The KIL Switch and Compactotron questions are all grouped together here, as the Compactotron is very similar to the lo-pass mode of the KIL Switch, but with distortion added).
GENERAL 
Dr FREAKENSTEIN FUZZ
IGOR
SON OF FREAKENSTEIN
COMPACTOTRON + KIL SWITCH
HEEL SWITCH
EL DISTORTO
GENERAL
Do you ship internationally?
Yes we do. Of course costs vary, and I'll give you insured, trackable, fast/slow options.
Do you make custom orders?
I'll definitely consider it - get in touch.
Will you customise a Rainger FX pedal for me?
I'll have a go...
Can I buy a Rockpick?
No - but if you ask me very nicely I'll just send you one!
What are the PSU requirements?
9V DC (centre earthed, sleeve +9V), 200mA.
What warranty do you give?
3 years. There shouldn't be, but if there is a problem do get in touch.
How can I pay?
Paypal or electronic transfer are the usual methods.
Do you ever have any reduced-price pedals?
Quite often. Check my facebook page for mentions - or email me directly.
Do you do any stickers or T-shirts etc?
Got stickers - just ask. T-shirts - coming soon.
What other effects are you planning?
I'm planning a series of smaller, cheaper units; simpler than the current stuff, but all interestingly original and very cool-looking... Details coming soon.
Is your stuff hand-wired?
Yes.
Is it all true-bypass?
Yes. Some things - like the KIL Switch - work in an unusual way, bypass-wise, and if left in the lo-pass mode with main power off it's not true bypass (but is otherwise). And the Dr Freakenstein Fuzz original (DrFF-1) in footswitchable format is not true bypass with the knifeswitch off. It is, though, with the knifeswitch on and the effect off... I know, it's complicated...
How are your audioclips recorded?
Usually with my Gibson SG, and - unless otherwise stated - always plugged straight into the one effect only and then into a mixing desk and onto a computer using Logic, no EQ or other tweaking.
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Dr FREAKENSTEIN FUZZ
Can I turn down the amount of fuzz?
No. Why would you?
Does turning down the volume decrease the amount of fuzz?
No - the volume is a passive control that comes after the whole distortion circuit.
Can I use the LFO without the fuzz?
No - the LFO in effect turns the OSC. knob up and down.
How heavy is it?
1lb 9oz (0.7kg)
Why is one knob labelled 'OSC.'?
The fuzz works using oscillator synchronisation, your guitar signal resetting one of its two main oscillators which actually runs at a higher sweepable frequency; this frequency being adjusted using the 'OSC' knob. These oscillators are different to the 'LFO' with the rate knob on the panel.
Can I adjust - or switch off - the noise gate?
No - the noise gate is part of the whole way it works, and can't be adjusted or seperated like that.
When do I throw the knifeswitch on or off?
Throw it on when you set up, and off when you go and have a break. Treat it like plugging into the input socket of a usual format pedal - except with the Dr Freakenstein it's very obvious if you've powered down or not.
Can I turn on the whole effect by throwing the knifeswitch?
Yes - leave the footswitch engaged and the whole thing lurches into action in a spectacular way.
Is the knifeswitch dangerous at all?
Not in the least - whether you're using battery or PSU.
Is the input meter a VU meter?
It monitors the input signal but is not a VU meter, strictly speaking. (VU meters are quite specific types of meters).
Why is the original Dr Freakenstein Fuzz so expensive?
Making it is very labour-intensive - there's lots of wiring inside, lots of one-off little jobs to make the whole package work smoothly.
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IGOR
Can the same Igor work different Rainger FX pedals?
Yes. Though the original Dr Freakenstein Fuzz (DrFF-1) has its own particular one.
Can I use more than one at once?
Yes - if you've got feet to spare.
Can I use it with my hand?
I guess, but they're pretty tough to press - not really designed for hand use.
What are the dimensions?
16mm x 34mm
Does Igor use a battery?
No - it's entirely passive.
I've lost my Igor - what can I do?
Let me know - I'll get another out to you.
Can Igor be used in place of an expression pedal for different makes of effects pedal?
Quite possibly. It'd probably need a regular-size jackplug and the appropriate resistances inside... (Ask me about it).
What is the resistance of Igor?
He goes from 100k down to 270 Ohms.
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SON OF FREAKENSTEIN
Is the amount of fuzz fixed?
That's correct - it's set at the level for maximum enjoyment.
Does turning down the volume increase the amount of fuzz?
No - the volume control is a passive control that comes after the whole distortion circuit.
Does the knifeswitch work the same as on the Dr Freakenstein Fuzz?It's quite different actually. On the Son Of Freakenstein it controls the intensity and range of the overtone (on the Dr Freakenstein it's the 'powering up' control)
Is there a 'between' setting for the knifeswitch?
It just gives 'hi' or 'lo'. In between there's no sound.
Is the volume control accessible from the outside?
No - the only way to adjust it is by taking off the baseplate.
Can I adjust the OSC control using my Igor foot pressure pad?
The Son Of Freakenstein is stripped down to just the 'essence of Freakenstein' sound. Extra features like Igor and the LFO option on the DrFF are not included so as to keep the cost down, with quality of included features at the very highest.
So what exactly are the differences between the Dr Freakenstein and the Son Of?
The Son Of has no Igor foot-controller options, no LFO facility, no seperate 'power up' knifeswitch operation, no input signal meter. But it does have 'signal present' LEDs, and it's smaller, cheaper, and cuter.
Does it have a guarantee?
A three year warranty was mentioned elsewhere, but really - in the unlikely event of you ever having a problem with any Rainger FX pedal, just let me know and I'll sort it.
What's that switch on the upper panel, between the input and output sockets?
That's a tiny pot - you turn it to adjust the effect of overtone (I know it looks exactly like the 'Hi/Lo' switch on the Dr Freakenstein Fuzz).
If I look after it, will it turn into a Dr Freakenstein Fuzz?
Yes. But it may take a very, very long time.
Can I turn off the overtone?
No - it's there all the time, but far less noticeable at one end of the OSC adjustment.
Can I adjust - or switch off - the noise gate?
No - the noise gate is inherent in how the fuzz circuit works, and can't be seperated or adjusted like that.
Is the knifeswitch dangerous at all?
Not at all - whether you're using battery or a power supply unit.
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COMPACTOTRON & KIL SWITCH
Can I use the distortion without the filter?
No - sorry.
Do the Compactotron and KIL Switch both come with an Igor and a Heel Switch?
Yes they do.
Can I trigger the Compactotron from a sequencer or via MIDI?
Not as standard, but if you ask me I can adapt one to be triggered via a 5V spike (like from some drum machines), but it would mean changing either the Igor or Heel Switch socket for this purpose.
The unit is too small to have MIDI capability fitted.
Why does it have so many LEDs?
Just because I could.
Why is the KIL Switch so expensive?
It's so labour-intensive to make you wouldn't believe... It's actually still a real bargain - even at this price!
Can I work the red killswitch itself (on top) with my foot?
I guess you can. The button isn't designed for that, but I suppose it'd be OK. Might be strange ergonomically... Also I'm not good at hitting tricky rhythms like that.
Can the killswitch itself (on top) be made to work the other way round, ie 'on' normally, and cutting the sound when you press?
Probably - though I find this very counter-intuitive; a pressing action when you want nothing - silence - to happen? Seems odd to me...
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HEEL SWITCH
Can I press the Heel Switch for a longer drop?
No. The Heel Switch triggers a pulse generator inside the pedal. The trigger happens on pressing; doesn't matter how long you hold it down for after that. It stays in time far better this way.
Can I plug Igor into the Heel Switch socket and do a long drop?
No, it won't work like that.
Can I use the Heel Switch with the ball of my foot - like normal?
Yes you can, but when I do it like that my leg gets tired after a minute or so.
Once I've set the speed, can I stop pressing the heel switch?
No - the Heel Switch isn't a 'tap tempo' type of thing. You do it when you want a drop to occur. That way it never drifts out of time, and you can stop for half a bar to play a fill or whatever.
Do the Compactotron and KIL Switch both come with an Igor and a Heel Switch?
Yes they do.
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EL DISTORTO
I don't get the switching arrangement?
Think of the mini switch as like what happens in a usual format pedal when you plug into the input, ie battery turns on. Mini switch off = no sound.
The footswitch works in the usual way.
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