Why You Need a Dedicated Buffer (TC Electronic Bona Fide Buffer/Gear Lesson)

I ran into some problems when I put together my Metro 16 pedalboard. There were signal loading and treble loss issues which would be rectified when I turned any of the other TC Electronic pedals on. I suspected signal loading and buffering issues, so I brought out the trusty Bona Fide Buffer, and it worked!

If you're serious about tone, a dedicated buffer is a worthwhile investment. Do yourself a favor, get a TC Bona Fide!

Link to an Amazon sales page (I'm not getting any endorsements for this):

Subscribe to my channel!

Hear my testimony!

Check out my Facebook page!

Check out my Weebly page!

[endlessfrogs]

When a pedal is turned on, it actually acts as a buffer. Tore mentioned that all their toneprint enabled pedals do have the option to be in either buffered or truebypass mode. The last in my chain is a TC HOF2 and starts with a TC Polytune 3. Both on buffered mode. I am covered. What I am saying is, if you had all your pedals off and it sounds dull then it comes back to life when you turn one on, that is a natural way of buffering your signal. But of course depending on your style, you do need to turn pedals on and off. So it is always better to have a dedicated buffer at the start and at the end of your chain. That way, even if you have all your pedals off, your signal stays strong and true.

[shredgd]

Hi, that giant step in volume you show at the beginning of your video is NOT a symptom of the lack of a buffer, but a symptom of something really wrong with one of your cables or connections. I'm a big fan of buffers in pedalboards, and did hundreds of comparisons in my life, but never experienced such big volume differences as the one you showed... except when I had some faulty cables (or even bypass switches)! Buffers can sometimes hide faulty connections because they can minimize the effect of an interposed resistance or capacitance between/in subsequent pedals, so this is what happened at he beginning of your video.

[matthewbetz]

I have the exact opposite problem. I have an Egnater Tweaker 15 (not sure if the amp model makes a difference) and it sounds great when I have no pedals engaged in the effects loop. As soon as I turn on the carbon copy delay or the boss Harmonist that I have in the effects loop, I lose a ton of volume and treble. Anyone have the same problem or have any advice?

[Jeff]

Looks like my granny's house shoes...lol NICE

[markkeefe]

Hey Justin, I love your tutorials. (and the slippers!). I have a Bona Fide on the way. I start my signal with a Fulltone Clyde Deluxe and from there an Xotic EP then drives/boosts of various makers. In your opinion, should I put the Bona Fide before te wah or after?
Many Thanks!

[dhchoi]

Hi Justin. thanks for the video. I am now thinking to buy a polytune3 But the problem is I am using 2 pedal boards that is now being splitted by DOD a/b switch. what I am thinking now is Guitar > polytune3 > dod ab swith > board A and B.
do you think iy works as a buffer ? thank you so much

[stallownedstallion]

Mom called.... she wants her slippers back.

[robertonadier]

Hi, Justin. May I ask where that komp is placed in your chain and if is it an aways on pedal? If it is in the beginning and always on, you shouldn't need a buffer in that place... Would be better to put it in the end... So says the common sense and also my results around here... That said, buffer placement doesn't seem to be a very accurate science (specially with wahs and fuzzes)... Regards from Brazil!

[venomjoe]

Hello friend ... a consultation, in which position you recommend hooking the pedal buffer ?? (my english is not good sorry)

[oscarteves]

Great demo !!!!
Should I place the buffer before or after wah pedal ? Thanks

[bigswingface]

Hi Justin,
I just need some simple info - - - I only use 2 pedals, a delay and a doubler. Where is the best place to put the buffer - - - in between the amp and the first pedal, or after the pedals, plugging the guitar cord into it?

Thanks!

[DK-mcyr]

Can't hear any difference...when you hit the delay or the reverb...are they turned off?

[rolando]

the white pedal with the telephone whats is the name

[dvmusic]

My guess is a Boss type buffered pedal at the start of or early in the chain would also fix this? It's not something I've encountered so perhaps I'm lucky!

[digitalsea]

Theres more buffers in your pedál than you Evan know..are you sure your not thinkingof a booster

[nasticanasta]

absolutely ridiculous, these pedals you claim have buffers and is boosting your sound have volume knobs... smh