Bardic Audio Devices Arcane Distorter – Serial #5 (Black Print) - 2021 – Traynor TS-120B Style Bass/Guitar Drive

Handmade in Michigan by Bardic Audio Devices Arcane Distorter, signed by Tim Nowak, Serial #5, black print graphics. Newer versions are silver and purple.

Based on the Traynor TS-120B preamp circuit made famous by Steve Albini / Shellac and David Wm. Sims of The Jesus Lizard. The internal voltage of the circuit is bumped to ±15 V, which gives it decent headroom.

Designed as a compact drive/preamp that works well on both bass and guitar.

Controls:

• Gain
• Level
• Low (cut only)
• Mid (cut only)
• Hi (boost)
• Pad switch (−15 dB input attenuation)

Top-mounted jacks, true bypass, 9 V center-negative power only.

In use it delivers a solid, rounded TS-style grind with good headroom. At lower gain settings it provides subtle grit and compression; at higher settings the character becomes fuller and more rounded. The EQ is very interactive — the Hi control adds some mid content that can be balanced with the Mid cut; the bass response is very solid.

Pedal is in excellent condition with only light signs of use. Original box and sticker. Powered and tested thoroughly.

Will ship carefully packed from the EU. Please reach out for an exact shipping quote — prices have been fluctuating significantly in the past several months. I always use the cheapest option among GLS, FedEx, and UPS.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Btw. the linked video is the only one I was able to find, and it doesn't do justice to the pedal, please take it with a grain of salt.