MusicRadar Verdict
Most of the time the Gonkulator sounds like a bemused Dalek - whether that's a good thing or not is up to you...
Pros
- +
A well-made update.
Cons
- -
Won't be for all!
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The original 90s Gonkulator was a cult curio, partly down to its unappealingly named controls (Suck, Smear, Gunk, Heave) and its use by Incubus guitarist Mike Einziger, but mainly because it was a limited ring modulator.
The reissue ups its appeal by adding an adjustable carrier frequency, which allows you to tune the ring mod to your playing - keep it in key, and you can get some pretty usable clangs and bell-type tones.
A built-in distortion circuit makes everything infinitely more palatable, and makes for a pretty fine drive with freq and ring dialled out.
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