Short Description:

A Wonderful Uni-Vibe/Vibrato Pedal by JHS!

What We Think:

The JHS Unicorn V2 is a beautifully authentic Uni-Vibe and vibrato pedal that captures the swirling, hypnotic motion of the original photocell-driven designs players still chase today. Its fully analog, bulb-based circuit delivers organic throb, chewy pulse, and rich movement that feels alive under your fingers. Tap tempo, rhythmic ratio control, and expression support make it surprisingly flexible without losing vintage character. Whether set for subtle shimmer or deep, psychedelic swirl, the Unicorn V2 feels musical, inspiring, and thoughtfully built—a timeless modulation tool and a smart long-term investment for players who value feel, nuance, and true analog motion.

Manufacturer Description:

In 2015 we brought you the Unicorn V1, the world's first bulb-driven photocell modulator with tap tempo, the JHS Uni-Vibe. As of Spring 2018, we are proud to bring you the Unicorn V2!

Pink Floyd’s “Breathe,” Jimi Hendrix’s live Woodstock performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and Robin Trower’s “Bridge of Sighs” cemented the sound of a photocell-based vibe effect as an electric guitar standard. The JHS Pedals Unicorn is our version of this heralded effect, continuing the inspiring modulation/phasing/rotary sounds that never fail to push musical boundaries. And just like the originals, we included a toggle for choosing between a Uni-Vibe* effect and a traditional vibrato setting. What sets Unicorn apart from all other vibe-style circuits is that it is the first-ever fully analog, photocell-based vibe with tap tempo as well as ratio, external tap control, and external rate control via expression pedal (optional). And the Unicorn does it all with only four knobs and a mini-toggle switch. In a day and age when everything has been seen and done, we bring you the first-ever, 100% analog vibe photocell modulator with onboard tap tempo. You’re welcome.

SOUNDS AS GOOD AS YOU REMEMBER

The Unicorn is bursting with all the lush and washy pulsations that changed what the electric guitar could sound like in the 1960s. And this is no digital emulation. The Unicorn sports the real-deal, analog photocell topology of the original units.

- Sounds like the original because it’s built like the original

- All-analog signal path delivers a warm, touch-sensitive tone

- Dry/Wet toggle selects between a Uni-Vibe* and vibrato effect

IN-DEPTH TEMPO CONTROL

There are other analog vibe pedals and there are pedals with tap-tempo control, but-- if you’ll indulge us in a brief humble brag --the JHS Unicorn is the first to put ‘em together. Add optional external speed control and a ratio knob that determines the rhythmic subdivisions (or as we like to say, how much fairy dust enters into the flux capacitor of the Unicorn) and you have one of the most versatile vibe pedals on the market.

- Control the rate of the effect with the Speed knob or onboard tap-tempo footswitch

- Want quarter note, dotted eighth, or triplet rhythms? They’re all found on the Ratio knob

- LED indicator notifies you of the effect’s tempo, even when disengaged

EXTERNAL TEMPO AND EXPRESSION CONTROL

But wait, there’s more! One of the things that makes the vintage Shin-ei* Uni-Vibes* so desirable is your ability to control the effect’s rate in real time with an external expression pedal. How could we not include that!? And to go one step further, you can slave the pedal to other tap-controlled pedals for rhythmic consistency across all your effects.

- Internal Tap/Expression mini switch controls the side-mounted Tap/Exp TRS jack

- Expression pedal control of the Unicorn’s rate in the Exp setting

- Use an external source to control the rate in the Tap Out setting (which coincidentally works great with our Panther Cub Delay and Emperor Chorus pedals)

COULDN’T BE EASIER TO USE

One of the things we’re most proud of with the Unicorn Uni-vibe* Photocell Modulator is how easy it is to dial up the exact pulse of a mystical Unicorn running across a field of 4-leaf clovers…but only if you dare.

- Four knobs and a mini toggle are all you need for a world of syrupy, modulated tones

- Left two controls are your tone, right two controls are your speed, toggle is your effect. It’s that simple.

Specifications:

Product Type: Uni-Vibe / Vibrato Modulation Pedal

Model: JHS Pedals Unicorn V2

Circuit Type: 100% Analog

Modulation Topology: Photocell-Based (Bulb-Driven)

Effects:

Uni-Vibe

Vibrato

Effect Switching:

Mini Toggle (Dry/Wet toggle selecting Uni-Vibe or Vibrato)

Controls:

Four Knobs

Two Tone Controls (left side)

Two Speed Controls (right side)

Mini Toggle Switch (effect selection)

Tempo Control:

Speed Knob

Onboard Tap-Tempo Footswitch

Ratio Control:

Ratio Knob for rhythmic subdivisions

Quarter Notes

Dotted Eighths

Triplets

External Control:

External Expression Pedal Support (Rate Control)

External Tap Tempo Support

Tap / Expression Features:

Internal Tap/Expression Mini Switch

Side-Mounted Tap/Exp TRS Jack

Tap Out Mode for syncing to other tap-tempo pedals

Tempo Indicator:

LED Indicator (Active Even When Effect Is Disengaged)

Signal Path:

Fully Analog

No Digital Emulation

THIS PEDAL REQUIRES STANDARD 9V DC CENTER NEGATIVE POWER, CONSUMES 100MA, AND MEASURES 2.2” X 4.8" X 1.6".