JHS Pedals 424 Gain Stage

Does this recreation of an iconic multi-track recorder's channel strip in a pedal capture the Mk.gee sound? It does that - and more

- MATT OWEN

IF YOU'VE BEEN paying attention to the contemporary guitar scene over the past 24 months, chances are you've heard of Mk.gee, everyone's favorite fast-rising guitar hero who has ushered in a tonal revolution thanks to his mysteriously archaic setup. For a refresher, just work your way back to page 62.

He doesn't run through an amp — tube, solid state or otherwise — nor is he plugging into an amp modeler or pedal amp. In fact, he doesn't plug into any form of “amp" at all, and instead injects his modded Jaguar directly into a 424 MK1 multi-track recorder. Original examples of which are now on an upward trajectory in price on the vintage market.