Catalinbread Topanga review

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The most genuine Catalinbread Topanga review there is; The Topanga Reverb Pedal is the real deal to the original outboard spring reverb unit. Catalinbread has maintained all the authentic sounds and nostalgic feeling for your best performance. If you have any experience with the original tank unit, you will easily find your way through this. The Topanga also comes with a detailed instruction manual, which is easy to follow for everyone.

The Catalinbread Topanga is an honest replica of the legendary Fender 6G15. The Fender 6G15 had only 3 controls but here you get a bonus control knob. Yippie! If you are a fan of the 60s surf reverb, this Catalinbread Topanga review is about to blow your mind! Considering its power packed features, this Topanga is very much affordable.

Overview of the pedal

The ultimate surf rock reverb pedal is presented by Catalinbread. It has a done a great job by replicating the original and authentic rock sound effects of the 60s; the flutter, the cluck and clang and the drippy splash to be specific. The reverb pedal is not only attractive in its appearance but has a realistic tube-driven spring tank to it.

Features and controls

The Catalinbread Topanga features a classic three knob control – the Dwell knob, Tone knob and the Mix knob.  The Dwell knob controls how hard the springs are getting hit by the guitar signals. It brings more impact to the “spring”. Dwell affects the depth of the reverb feel, from a muted signal when it is at minimum to a subtle sense of extra body in your sound, when it is at the maximum.  The Tone knob is responsible for the reverb sound and the Mix knob where you can get a 100% wet signal. You just need to turn it fully clockwise. Mix takes you from a bold, direct signal at minimum to an extreme wetness that makes your guitar sound like you’re hearing it through a wave of suspended animation. Apart from this, the controls are pretty simple to handle.

A bonus Volume Knob is also built, which allows the player to be discrete, if you want.  It is a clean boost. This add-on feature is a wonderful addition to the Topanga. This shapes up the sound according to your taste. If Fender G615 had to be made better, this feature has definitely done a very good job.
It is also powered with gear heads with focus on different musical versions, like overdrive, delay/reverb, fuzz/distortion or tremolo/modulation pedals.

  • ·         The Topanga can be powered by a 9V-18V center negative DC power supply and provides power of 64 Ma to 100mA.
  • ·         Digital feature.
  • ·         It has an internal bypass mode switch.
  • ·         Also a true bypass switchable to “trail” mode.
  • ·         Input 1 x ¼ “
  • ·         Output of 1 x ¼ “
  • ·         Shape is small and easy to carry around.
  • ·         Height approximately 1.96 ”
  • ·         Width approximately 2.36 “
  • ·         Depth approximately 4.33 “
  • ·         Weight around 0.40 lbs.



 Tone and performance

For the tone, you have the Tone control, which is simply a filter which gets rid of harsh high end sounds. It gives just the perfect amount from your wet signals. Roll the knob counter clockwise and you can get dry sound effects.  In other words, simply brilliant sounds!

The Catalinbread Topanga is a high powered performance pack; all metal chassis and high quality true-bypass footswitch.  It is especially suited for guitarists who are interested or already play surf style. It truly lives up to its name. When you get all the settings right, this Topanga is bound to blow your mind! But the Topanga is more than its surf style. It is unique mix catering to your exact needs.

Tone Report Magazine calls it the “surf guitarist’s wet dream”.


Pros and Cons of Catalinbread Topanga Reverb Pedal

Pros:
·         One of the best reverb pedals in the market now.
·         Has many sort of sound effects, not only surf style.
·         When you turn the knobs all the way, it produces a wash sound.
·         The bonus Volume knob adds a special feature.
·         Good quality built.

Cons:
·         It requires a separate on-off switch.
·         It has a hidden modulation mode.
·         Doesn’t do well with a higher gain pick-up.
·     A/B-ing the Topanga with’63 Fender Reverb produces different sounds than expected.

Final Take on the Catalinbread Topanga Review

Although not perfect, this is by far the best that Catalinbread has come up with. It is a rave among the musicians and guitarists.  It gives a total value for money and worth every penny.