JHS Packrat

The PackRat is the ultimate tribute to over 40 years of evolution of the RAT and its influence on guitar tone. Artists across all genres have used this iconic and discreet black box to craft their sounds, including Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Metallica, R.E.M., The Eagles, Jeff Beck, and Radiohead.

The PackRat employs the same unique digital routing system found in our other multi-mode pedals (Muffuletta and Bonsai) to direct the signal flow through 261 components via 40 individual switches. This means that selecting one of the nine legendary modes activates fully analog circuits that perfectly replicate that mode, even the oldest components.

• Multi-mode overdrive/distortion/fuzz
• Combines 9 selectable Proco RAT sound modes in one pedal (OG V1, White Face V3, Turbo V5, BRAT V6, Dirty V7, LA, Landgraff MO'D, Caroline, JHS Mode)
• Unique switching system combines fully analog circuitry for each mode with digital control
• Extremely accurate replica of individual models
• True Bypass
• Controls: Volume, Distortion, Filter
• 9-position mode selector switch
• Bypass button
• Status indicator LED
• Input: 6.3 mm jack
• Output: 6.3 mm jack
• Power connection
• Power consumption: < 100 mA
• Powered by an external 9V DC power supply
• Dimensions: 121 x 66 x 40 mm
• Weight: 350 g
• Made in USA

The modes of the PackRat.

1. The OG: The OG mode is a faithful recreation of the first RAT v1, known as Fringe Logo. This model features fringed typography and small knobs with silver caps, as well as a tone control instead of the typical filter found in later versions.

The OG mode precisely reproduces the circuit of the 1979 v1, including its tonal behavior. It is also clarified that the Bud Box RAT is not considered a separate mode because it is almost identical to the v1, except for an input buffer and some additional components.

2. White Face v3: In 1984, the RAT adopted a smaller enclosure and a new rectangular white logo, giving rise to the “White Face” model, highly valued today as a “holy grail.” In the context of the PackRat, this version was included not for circuit differences but for its nostalgic value, inverted filter control, and an expanded tonal range that offers a different playing experience.

3. Turbo v5: The RAT's sound originates from its symmetrical clipping with diodes. Until 1989, silicon diodes were used, producing faster and more saturated distortion. The Turbo RAT introduced LEDs, which require more signal to clip, resulting in a more responsive and less aggressive sound. It was also the first model with the distinctive slanted enclosure.

4. BRAT v6: In 1997, ProCo released the BRAT and Roadkill, budget versions of the RAT with a 90s aesthetic and identical circuits. They included an input buffer and soft clipping in addition to the traditional hard clipping, restored the inverted filter control, and modified capacitor values, changing the frequency response and distortion character.

5. Dirty v7: In 2002, ProCo launched the Deucetone, a pedal with two independent RAT circuits and new modes: Clean RAT and Dirty RAT. The success of the Dirty mode led to the You Dirty RAT pedal, which uses germanium diodes for a more saturated and aggressive clipping. It also altered capacitor values, giving a distinct distortion character and feel.

6. LA: In 1986, Ibanez introduced the Series 10, featuring three RAT-style pedals: Super Product, Fat Cat, and the notable LA Metal. The latter included an input buffer, modifications to capacitors for adjusted frequency response, and generated distortion by saturating the operational amplifier, without using clipping diodes.

7. Landgraff MO’D: Between 1999 and 2000, John Landgraff began crafting boutique pedals in Pensacola, with spiral paint and point-to-point construction. Their high quality made them a reference in boutique pedals, with the MO'D being an RAT-inspired version with a unique sound highly appreciated.

8. Caroline: Shortly after starting high school, the author bought a Wave Cannon, a distortion pedal created by Philippe Herndon in South Carolina. After discussing his passion for the RAT and his circuit approach with him, the author considered him the ideal collaborator when launching the PackRat project.

9. JHS Mode: In 2003, the author purchased a vintage Small Box RAT for $15, sparking his interest in pedal collecting. Years later, when modifying pedals starting in 2007, he transformed that pedal into the JHS All American and the popular PackRat mod, applied to thousands of RATs between 2008 and 2018. The JHS mode combines the original RAT character with its own enhancements.