OK, so I have had some time with CJ, since I can't seem to stop playing. I have found that it definitely has it's own character when I'm not going for emulation of a certain sound. I like that character very much - I would describe it as big, with lots of frequency for shaping. There is something *weighty* about it that is hard to describe. It is particularly nice with my tele, or with my H-H strat with P-Rails. The P90 positions sound HUGE.
I have built and tested the Fuzz, the 18v boost, the 27v boost and the Mimosa. The octaver was missing some parts that I need to scrounge for and I still have the hard and soft clippers to build and test (note to forum members: I am a mod and got early versions of the kit. Your orders will not be missing parts!). I need to get the Ge boost and the Electra.
Some thoughts:
- The fuzz sounds really raunchy and thick, cleans up pretty well with the volume knob though it does have a tendency to sputter like this. I have adjusted the trim pot to where this is minimized, so that is not a problem. This module definitely gives you yet another flavor of dirt, and as a fuzz is fantastic.
- The 18v is like a Katana clone, I think. On my other board, I have a Katana that is always on because I like what it does to my tone. Same thing with the 18v, plus you can really push the dirt side of the CJ into some real gainy sounds. Terrific!
- The 27v is ... well ... clean and LOUD AS F**K. If you like your tone but want it louder (I mean LOUDER) this is the boost for you. In first position it can push the dirt side into ridiculous mode. In last position it will take the dirt side and make it LOUD AS F**K. My Trinity Tramp is famous for headroom even with a booster on the front end: it has met its match.
- Mimosa. Well, I have the Keeley Compressor Plus on this board so I wasn't that interested in the Mimosa and left it for a later build. You live and you learn, I guess. If the CJ gives you options for dirty tone, with the Mimosa on board you also have options for your clean tone. Whereas the Keeley is pristine and versatile and awesome sounding, the Mimosa is warmer, more organic sounding. It is a real pleasure to play, especially with my Tele on the bridge pup. In first position it pushes the mids in a very musical way and encourages natural feedback (not the bad whistley kind, the good 5th / 7th / octave kind). The same thing happens when I just use the Mimosa side to push the Ethos in drive mode. This is the module that will stay in the pedal I think. Gorgeous sounding and useful.
That's my 2 cents so far. When I get other modules, I will write them up as well.