FL-117

Classic flanger with an updated design

 

 

The GT FL-117 flanger rack effect module compares to the MXR 117 flanger.  The original MXR 117 used Reticon BBD delay chips that are no longer available.  We updated the design to use a vintage Panasonic MN3007 instead, resulting in a slightly cleaner tone that is still similar to the original.  It's a good flanger, but not a perfect match to the original.  Of course, the newer MXR 117 flangers don't use the Reticon chips either and they are good flangers...

 

Description

Yeah, we all know a certain Dutch guitarist named after Beethoven used the MXR 117 Flanger with his distinctive brown sound to create some of the most recognizable and sought-after guitar tone of all times.  But there are others that used the pedal to create their sounds.  Check out Siouxsie and the Banshees guitarist John McGeoch in "Night Shift" to hear another take on tone-sculpting with the MXR 117.  The FL-117 is an updated version of the original MXR-117.  The original used a now-rare and expensive Reticon BBD.  We change the delay section of the circuit to use the MN3007 BBD instead.  We think that flangers are more sensitive to changing the BBD than some other effects.  The FL-117 does sound a bit different from the original MXR-117s that used the Reticon chip.  It is a nice flanger, maybe a bit cleaner than the original.  There are 3 internal trimmers, and the sound changes with even small adjustments to them, allowing a considerable range of flanger tones you can select.  Other than the BBD change, the circuit is much like the original, with similar range of controls and similar tone-shaping.

 

Configurations

  • FL-117 - compares to MXR 117 Flanger

 

Options

  • Custom Op Amps - We use CA1458 op amps by default, as did the original circuit.  You can substitute any pin-compatible op amp you prefer.
  • Components - We use metal film resistors and a selection of capacitors that provide good tone and low noise. 

 

Front Panel

  • On/Off indicator LED
  • Speed
  • Regen
  • Width
  • Manual

 

Rear Panel

  • Audio In
  • Audio Out
  • On/Off Footswitch
  • On/Off Override
  • DC Power
  • DC Power LED

 

Module Width

  • 1.5" standard
  • 2" left wing and 1.5" right wing available

 

Power Consumption (aprox)

75 - 80mA

 

Base Configurations

Part # Description List Price
MOD-FL117 FL117 module $245

 

Options

Part # Description List Price
MOPT-FL117-OPA Change Op Amp $0 - TBD
MOPT-FL117-CC Component Changes $0 - TBD