JHS PackRat Distortion Pedal - White

PACKRAT

In 1978, one of the most versatile distortion pedals of all time was invented in Kalamazoo—the ProCo RAT. Scott Burnham and Steve Kiraly had the idea after playing, repairing, and modifying all distortion pedals on the market. They wanted something that didn’t exist yet at MXR, DOD, or BOSS—a pedal that could go from overdrive to distortion and all the way to fuzz. By 1979, Scott perfected the circuit in his rat-infested basement workshop. The rest is history.

The PackRat is the ultimate tribute to 40+ years of RAT evolution and its impact on guitar’s sound. Artists from every genre have used this iconic and unassuming black box to create their tones, including Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Metallica, REM, the Eagles, Jeff Beck, and Radiohead.

The PackRat uses the same unique digital runway system featured in our other multimode pedals (Muffuletta and Bonsai) to direct the paths of 261 components through 40 individual switches. This means when you choose one of the nine legendary modes, you are playing fully analog circuits that perfectly replicate that mode down to the aging components. If you purchased these nine hard-to-find pedals on the used market right now, you’d pay around $4k. The PackRat at $249 saves you thousands!

Controls

Using the PackRat is straightforward. Volume adjusts the overall volume of the pedal. Distortion lets you raise and lower the amount of gain or distortion. Filter allows you to brighten or darken the sound of the overall effect, acting as a simple low-pass filter. The Mode knob is a rotary switch that clicks between each of the nine legendary RAT versions. As you change the mode, the analog circuitry is rewired between different values of resistors, capacitors, diodes, and op-amps.

Research

I obtained over 100 different RAT specimens for study and interviewed former ProCo employees about the design, evolution, and production of the RAT. Many of the widely accepted “facts” about the differences in versions or sounds, including some of my own beliefs, were misinformed at best. Often, they were wrong. Reliable sites had inaccurate timelines with incorrect pictures of the respective models. Even ProCo’s own history was missing tons of details about changes made to the RAT over the past 40 years.

To find the facts and properly understand this circuit, we obtained and studied every RAT model ever made (including some prototypes) in great detail. We analyzed them using state-of-the-art audio precision equipment, measured components, built comparison charts, traced each circuit, and closely examined the branding, logos, and other changes as precisely as possible.

Vintage units are typically dated by reading manufacturer codes on potentiometers and knobs. Unfortunately, this is a flawed dating method. ProCo would have ordered thousands of potentiometers, and many pedals were made with parts that were at least two or three years older than the production date. This means you’ll see v1s, v2s, and v3s with overlapping dates. Combine this with decades of people “remembering” what RAT model sounds the best, and you’re in a historically inaccurate hot mess.

To properly build an accurate timeline and database of changes, I dated components when possible, interviewed people involved in the eras of production, referenced over 1,000 online sales photographs, and studied the prototypes and evolution of engineer design ideas. I did everything possible to build an airtight case for my work and not rely on any prior timelines. The results may not be perfect, but they’re pretty close.

The PackRat Modes

1. The OG v1 (79-83)
   The OG is a perfect recreation of the first line of RATs ever made. Early v1s are also known as the Fringe Logo and can be identified by the word RAT having a slight fringe graphic on the typeface. The v1 also has small silver-capped knobs and a Tone knob instead of the more familiar Filter label. From a circuitry standpoint, the v1 and v2 Big Box models are practically identical except that the v1 Tone control increases treble as you turn clockwise while the v2 Filter control decreases treble. In the OG mode, you are playing the exact circuitry of my 1979 v1 Fringe model, including accurate Tone control rotation and taper.

2. White Face v3 (84-86)
   In 1984, the RAT transitioned to a smaller square enclosure with a new white rectangle logo. The word RAT was in all black caps inside the white rectangle—hence the “White Face” nickname. This “White Face” model has become a holy grail RAT and even spawned a reissue in the nineties. The irony is that it’s the same exact circuit as the previous Big Box v2, the 1986 “Black Face,” and the 1989 RAT2. The update was purely cosmetic. Why include this version in the PackRat? Nostalgia is powerful, and the mode switches to a reverse orientation Filter control with a different feel, widening the sweet spot for classic RAT tones.

3. Turbo v5 (89)
   Every RAT until 1989 utilized silicon diodes, but the new Turbo RAT used LEDs. This was a first in pedals, offering a new RAT experience with more touch sensitivity and less extreme clipping of the waveform, creating a different distortion character.

4. BRAT v6 (97)
   In 1997, ProCo released the BRAT, introducing an input buffer and soft clipping. This led to changes in the distortion characteristics and frequency response, making it a unique evolution in RAT’s history.

5. Dirty v7 (04)
   Introduced in 2002, Dirty RAT uses germanium diodes for extreme saturation and waveform clip-off, making it one of the most intense distortion versions.

6. LA (86)
   The Ibanez LA Metal, a RAT-inspired circuit, produces distortion by overloading the op-amp, with no clipping diodes. It has its own unique sound, which might surprise you.

7. Landgraff MO’D (99)
   This boutique pedal, made by John Landgraff, is another standout in RAT-inspired designs. Hand-built with custom paint, it adds a special twist to RAT-style distortion.

8. Caroline (10)
   A modern take by Philippe Herndon, the Wave Cannon from Caroline Guitar Company adds a creative and unique take on the RAT circuit. Philippe's design is one of the PackRat's special modes.

9. JHS Mode
   My personal modification of the RAT circuit. Having bought a vintage RAT for $15 in 2003, this inspired years of mods and custom designs, culminating in this mode, which adds my own favorite tweaks to the classic RAT sound.