Model Description:
Japanese brand Ibanez and its production partner Maxon manufactured the AD9 Analog Delay pedal for a short period between 1982 and 1984 as part of its ‘9’ series pedals. The AD9 replaced the now rare and desirable Ibanez AD80 (‘0’ series, 1980‑1981). While digital may be taking over, guitarists have an enduring attachment to analogue delays (a.k.a. echo pedals). Solid state effects took over from the temperamental, high‑maintenance tape‑based units that were available up to the late 1970s, such as the Roland Space Echo or the WEM Watkins Copicat. By the early 1980s, there was a fair amount of competition for compact echo pedals from the likes of the Electro‑Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man (my all‑time favourite) and the BOSS DM‑2. Like its competitors, the AD9 uses the MN3205 ‘bucket brigade integrated circuit and its companion MN3102 clock drive chip; a classic combination. Echo/delay pedals were complicated devices that were pricy when new, and this tendency is reflected in vintage market values, with some examples now reaching scarily high prices for mint collector‑grade items. Ibanez reissued the AD9 in 2005 for those looking to imitate much of the original’s charms.
Pedal Description:
This shocking pink AD9 Analog Delay is typical of Ibanez ‘9’series pedals from the period. Don’t expect very long echo times because the AD9’s delay range is only 10ms to 300ms, and there are no modern conveniences such as ‘tap tempo’, presets or delay modes. This example dates to 1982, based on the model, serial number and the silver ‘Made in Japan’ label. I admit that I am biased – echo pedals are my favourite effects, especially when sensitively combined with others to create swirling, other‑worldly aural textures or complex rhythmic grooves. It’s also great for those rock ‘n’ roll‑tinged short/sharp slapback reverb‑y echoes. This is a good example of the breed, exhibiting the warm, organic, dynamic echo repeats you would expect, and the simple controls make it relatively easy to achieve the sound you want. It isn’t possible to send the effect into self‑oscillation, like the best of the competition. Unlike many well‑worn examples out there, this one is in very good all‑original condition with only the usual signs of use. This is a one‑owner pedal from new and comes with the bonus of its original cardboard box and instruction manual. In my opinion, a great original vintage analogue echo pedal is worth every penny. In my opinion, stomp boxes like this Ibanez AD9 can’t be beaten and, when used properly, are SO, cool, cool, cool, cool, cool…
Features:
- Made in Japan by Maxon in 1982
- The ‘Delay Time’ knob controls the interval between the original note and the delayed note
- The ‘Repeat’ knob controls the number of echoes, from a single echo to overloaded feedback
- The ‘Delay Level’ knob controls the volume of the delayed note compared to the original note
- Red LED indicator light to show when the effect is in use
- Ibanez treadle FET Q‑1 footswitch turns the effect on and off
- Standard ¼” single input and dual output (stereo ‘dry’ and ‘out’) jack sockets
- 9V DC power supply input or 9V battery
- Silver ‘Made in Japan’ label on the base of the pedal
- ‘Maxon’ battery compartment cover
- Complete with original box and instruction manual
- Dimensions: 74mm (w) x 124mm (d) x 53mm (h)
- Weight: 580g
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