JHS Lucky Cat/Pink Panther

In a world filled with outrageously overpowered and complicated delay pedals, it is easy to get spoiled by modern conveniences such as multiple delay engines and tap tempos. But what about the players that want a small footprint and simplicity, but also want to take advantages of a modern set of controls? The answer is the Lucky Cat (recently rebranded the Pink Panther Delay). This excellent delay machine is one of the best marriages of the simplistic world, and the modern trend of extreme variability and control. In a standard sized pedal housing you get two delay engines, each with 3 possible variations, the standard delay controls (mix, time, repeats), an onboard tap tempo, and a subdivisions knob to go with it. This pedal, although digital, feels analog. Its tonal capabilities are varied, and its modulation effects are lush and musical. If you are looking for an older style delay that will save you space but give you modern conveniences, the this is precisely the pedal you need.

External Control: TAP
Cost: $$

HornFX Review

Interface:  4/5
This pedal is truly simple to use. Each knob is very clearly labeled, and their functions are basic and easy to understand. Our absolute favorite feature is the tap tempo. To have the ability to easily match tempo is so important in many contexts, and to do it with such a small pedal is a wonderful bonus. There is one negative tempo issue to bring up. If you flip the modulation switch, the delay tempo will revert to the setting selected on the Time knob, not the tempo set by the tap. Luckily, when you do flip that switch the two modulation settings sound great. We truly appreciate that you can easily vary the delay sounds just by flicking a switch, and not having to mess around with a load of knobs to really dial it in. The only real challenge you will face with this pedal is the switch that changes the delay engine from digital to tape. The switch is located on the side, and can be challenging to find and flip, especially on a crowded pedal board.

Versatility: 2.5/5
Although this is a simple pedal, it has more sonic diversity than meets the eye. It contains two delay engines (digital and tape), each with two modulation effect options and an unaffected one. These 6 settings might not approach the sheer volume of other pedals' potential sounds, but each of the sounds in the Pink Panther/Lucky Cat are incredibly usable. In addition, the Dark knob provides a wide range of tonal options within each setting. The lack of presets is limiting, but its area of excellence more than make up for its shortcomings. 

Quality of effect: 4.5/5
This pedal simply sounds great. Both modulation effects sounds lush and warm, regardless of the delay engine being used. Its wide sweeping tonal control can take you from a dark and murky delay to a crystal clear reproduction of your sound. We truly love the analog feel of this digital pedal.

Live application: 4/5
This is among the most usable delay pedals of its size. In the current world of restrictive space on planes, and the expense of travel, it is increasingly important to factor size into your pedal board construction. Usually, decreasing the size of a pedal will limit your tonal and control options. The Pink Panther/Lucky Cat handles this common problem exceptionally. This pedal really is the perfect marriage of ease of use in a live scenario, and space saving consideration. With its beautiful sounds, ease of control, and badass pink or black finish, you will be hard pressed to find a better delay pedal with a similar footprint.

Audio

Trumpet examples 1 and 2 showcase two distinct approaches to using this delay. In the trumpet 1 example, the delay is used as a rhythmic and melodic device, creating harmonies, and rhythmic interplay. This is a great example of how useful the tap tempo can be when in need of matching tempo to the rest of the band. The trumpet 2 example is almost opposite of trumpet one. In this example, the delay is more of an environmental effect, giving the sound space and personality. The difference between these two examples clearly shows of the versatility of this pedal.

Both trombone examples are beautifully showcasing the tonal capabilities of the Pink Panther/Lucky Cat. Pay close attention to the warmth and lushness the echoed notes.

Other User Reviews

Joby, Trumpet - "I researched delay pedals for a month before I settled on the Pink Panther. I also tried the faux delay pedal by Wampler and the BOSS DD20 before deciding. I use it for every live gig I bring pedals to as well as in my home studio. I like that while the pedal is simple to operate, it has a built in and easily access-able tap tempo function as well as a myriad of delay options in such a small package. The beautiful design and glittery look helps too :). I have been using the Pink Panther with an octavider, envelope filter, and distortion (all Mu-FX pedals). Delay and trumpet pair fantastically well!"

Product Information

In 2007, we released our very first delay pedal, the *P!nk P@nther*. That pedal was instantly recognizable with it’s bright pink case and shiny silver knobs...but not every cat has 9 lives and we only produced about 100 units before a chip set was no longer available, forcing the pedal out of production.  It was also quirky and unreliable, as many early designs can be when you’re getting your feet off the ground.  So, we decided to revisit this now beloved delay and rebuild it from the ground up. We now present a simple digital delay/echo that has everything you need and nothing you don’t.  This may be your lucky day!

FEATURES & CONTROLS

The Lucky Cat delay has basic controls consisting of Time, Mix, Ratio, Repeats, Darken (EQ), and a Modulation toggle. Time is a manual control for the length of the repeats up to 1000ms. Mix controls the volume of the repeats, from fully clean signal to fully wet. Ratio controls the subdivision of the tap tempo with options of quarter note, dotted eighth note, eighth note, and triplets. Repeats controls the amount of repeats you will hear, from one repeat to infinite. The Lucky Cat will not do analog delay oscillation, but will do a musical digital oscillation when the repeats are maxed out and you play with the Time control. The Darken control works as an EQ for the repeats only. When fully clockwise the tone of the delay is the fully digital, unaffected sound. As you turn counter-clockwise the delay will darken in tone giving you an array of delay tones at your fingertips. The Modulation toggle has two modulation settings, Mod 1 and Mod 2, with the center setting disengaging the modulation. Mod 1 is a subtle modulation that gives the delay just the right amount of movement without being overwhelming. Mod 2 is a deeper modulation that gives you a seasick sound for those parts you want drenched in modulation.

SPECS

- 1000ms of classic digital delay.
- On board tap-tempo with ratio subdivision control.
- Two modulation settings.
- EQ control for the repeats.
- Tape/Digital modes.
- External tap jack.
- Diamond eyes.

Product info from the JHS website.