Telonics and Hilton Comparison

Jeff Valentine · From: Colorado Springs, USA

Hi everyone,

I had been interested in the new Telonics Pedal ever since I heard about it about six months ago. I've been using Hilton Pedals for quite a while, and have always been very happy with them. While I was at the Dallas show recently I met Dave Beaty, who insisted I take a Telonics Pedal back to my hotel room to give it a test drive. I spent a few hours comparing the two pedals, and just had to take the Teloncs Pedal home with me.
Since I've been home I've been recording basic chords, swells, harmonics, and other things to test the difference between the two pedals. I also had other musicians and audio engineers loan me their ears as I did some of the A/B comparisons. Here are some of the things I found to be true given the gear I'm playing through.
First of all, here's the gear I tested it with.

Zum D-10, Revelation Tube Preap, Fractal Axe-FX, (Webb 614E and in ear system)

I wish I were an engineer so I could understand why we all heard what we heard. I'll have to explain it in terms of how it sounded.
The major difference we found is that the Telonics Pedal makes each string in the chord easier to hear. I also noticed that the Telonics Pedal is capable of a fatter low register on the C6, and clearer harmonics. I've always been very satisfied with my Hilton Pedals, but believe the Telonics Pedal sound better with my gear.
I'm not sure if everyone knows this, but you can use the Telonics Pedal without a right leg! I tried out the remote sensor and was pretty amazed how easy it was to work. Talk about a thoughtful option. With all the taper options you can pick whichever taper you like, which is an amazing option all by itself. It's true that it's a pricey pedal, but you get more than you pay for with this one. Dave Beaty at Telonics is constantly working to improve his products. The customer service I've seen so far from Telonics is second to none. They stand behind their product, and I can't wait to see what they come up with next. By no means is this a slam on Hilton Pedals. I still have two, and won't be getting rid of them. I merely wanted to let everyone know what I discovered after recording the two pedals over a period of time. If you ever have a chance to try out a Telonics Pedal, you won't regret it.

-Jeff

john widgren · From: Wilton CT

The Telonics volume pedal has really opened up my eyes to the importance of this element of the signal chain (for the better). Playing the Telonics has somehow made my use of the VP a much more "musical" experience.

I really love it, and believe it to be the best.

I offer "test drives" of the Telonics FP-100 to anyone who can get to me in CT. Come for a test drive and I'll do a lube service on your guitar for free, if you bring your guitar. (Or just use one of mine)

Contact me for great pricing on this amazing piece of equipment.
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CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

After having used a Hilton for a few years & being quite happy w: it, i ended up getting a Telonics
it is indeed a great piece of gear
Like John, i find it has improved my use of the vp & my playing
Granted it's a pricey pedal but heck you get 4 VPs in 1 !
imo, it's worth it Winking

Eric Philippsen · From: Central Florida USA

The thing that scares players about the Telonics is the price. And there's no question it costs a lot.

I was fortunate to be able to get one. I think it is the greatest. I can say this. If it were somehow lost or stolen I would immediately get another. If I didn't have the funds I'd sell some stuff to get it.

I recommend interested players withhold judgement until they try one out.

john lemay · From: Ainsworth NE

Contact me, John LeMay for a good price on the Telonics pedal. Email lemaniac@aol.com

It includes a 110 volt supply. Black finish is standard, clear is $20 extra. Colors are too expensive to produce so we have dropped that feature. A case made by D2F is available for $29.

Best Regards,
John LeMay

P.S. add 3.5% for Paypal if used

Stu Schulman · From: Ulster Park New Yawk (deceased)

The Telonics pedal is like nothing else I've ever used,it almost has liquid feel to it,and I actually forget it's there while I'm using it, I become one with it,I know that's a corny thing to say but I never think about it,I use the #4 setting.I also have a Hilton pedal which is a very good one. Winking

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Bill Lowe · From: Connecticut

Telonics......set it and forget it Winking

Dan Tyack · From: Olympia, WA USA

I never thought I would ever care about a volume pedal, but the Telonics is one of the best engineered music products I've ever used.

Some might say over-engineered, but I say it's the last volume pedal I'll ever use.

Dave and company did a great job on this.

Hook Moore · From: South Charleston,West Virginia

I would not have thought anything could beat the Goodrich LDR2 pedals I have used for so long but this Telonics pedal does. John Widgren put me in the drivers seat a few months ago, thanks John.
Hook
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Billy Easton · From: Nashville, TN USA

I had used a Hilton pedal for several years, but when I got the Telonics, it was a revelation to my ears! This is not to slam Hilton, I have known Keith for a number of years and love his pedal. However, since I got the Telonics, the Hilton has been on the shelf!! Sometimes quality performance supercedes price. Dave and Stacey, at Telonics, are top notch guys!

Billy Easton
Las Vegas,NV

Paddy Long · From: Christchurch, New Zealand

I'm with Hook on this one, I had Goodrich LDR2's and had the good fortune to try out a Telonics last september when Ivan Posa came for a visit.
So when I went to Dallas this year it was already on my list of goodies to buy ! Dave Beaty had a variety of colours available so I ended up buying 2 of the chrome ones ... man they are so damn good, I just love the clarity and the quality of the build.... but most of all Dave Beaty provides outstanding support for his product.
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David Wright · From: Pilot Point ,Tx USA.

I never leave home with out it!!!!

Lynn Stafford · From: Ridgefield, WA USA

I've had the pleasure of using both Hilton and Telonics pedals. Keith makes a fine pedal but after seeing the features and quality of the telonics, I quickly decided to make the switch. Telonics equipment is all very well engineered and their pedal is built like a Mack truck! It's like playing through a completly "transparent" pedal. I like having the different taper choices and I use the tuner out to feed my Peterson Stroboflip. It also has a variable Z circuit with an adjustable pot that's very similar to Brad Sarno's Freeloader. There are even more features than these!! Take a hard look at these pedals, as well as all the other items this company makes...you will be very impressed! This Audio Equipment Divison is only a part of what they do. Their service is also second to none. I had the pleasure of meeting Dave Beaty at the Dallas Show. Very well informed, knowledgeable and really aims to please! I even had the opportunity to do a little set-up work on his very nice, rosewood '69 Emmons PP while I was there.
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