1973 Maestro ME-1 Envelope Modifier, Super Rare Slow Gear Style of Effect

Less than 2000 of these were made by a small electronics company in New York then branded by Maestro in Chicago (see inside sticker).  Long before Boss's Slow Gear, there was the Maestro Envelope Modifier, a relatively interesting take on a synthesizer-styled envelope generator for guitar. The controls are straight forward (attack, decay, sustain, release) and are really fun to tweak. The switch along the top allows you to select PERC (short staccato envelope - kind of a reverse Slow Gear) or TRS BOW (to emulate string swells).

In the earlier days of pedals few manufacturers were as adventurous as Maestro. The Envelope Modifier sits alongside the coveted Maestro Sample & Hold, Ring Modulator, and Brassmaster as some of the most unique and advanced early designs for new sonic territory.  And, of course, they made the first phaser (the PH-1) and the first multi-effects unit (the G-1 and G-2)

This pedal is fully functional and is a blast to play - very addictive as you get the hang of how it works.  I have found that softer attack is better than strong, and the use of hand muting helps re-set the envelope between notes. It is in great shape for a nearly 50 year old effect.  Heavy duty stamped steel enclosure with those cool original witch-hat knobs.