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Electro-Harmonix Freeze Modifications
The EHX Freeze is a sound retainer guitar pedal. I’ve come up with several modifications for Freeze pedals, both standard and custom. Here on Stompbox Electronics you can find the following verified modifications for the EHX Freeze:
- Soft-Touch Switch Modification
- External Switch Modification
- Wet Output Modification
Soft-Touch Switch Modification
A fairly popular mod for the Freeze: the loud, clicky stock footswitch is replaced by a Soft-Touch Switch. Sometimes the stock switch can feel like it takes too much pressure to engage. The Soft-Touch Switch we use allows for relatively gentle tap to turn the Freeze on or off.
If you’d rather DIY, I’ve written an article on performing the Soft-Touch Switch mod that you can check out. Disclaimers apply.
External Switch Modification
The External Switch Mod adds a ¼” jack for the ability to operate the Freeze via a normally-open remote switch. This allows for the relocation of the Freeze without having to worry about accessing the stock footswitch. Just route the external switch to an accessible spot on your pedalboard and you’re good to go.
Some notable guitarists who use this modification in unique ways include Gilad Hekselman and Daniel Lanois. Gilad uses a keyboard footswitch (paid link to Amazon) in conjunction with the External Switch Mod, while Daniel utilizes a snap action switch (paid link to Amazon) mounted on the side of his pedal steel to trigger his effect.
If you’d rather DIY, I’ve written an article on the External Switch mod here. Disclaimers apply.
Wet Output Modification
The Freeze is known for its’ organ-like characteristic. Unfortunately, there is no way to kill the dry signal with the Freeze’s normal interface. The Wet Output Mod allows the wet signal to be accessible via an installed 1/4″ jack without having to worry about the dry signal ruining the vibe.
Note: the Wet Output signal is not affected by the stock Effect Level knob, so a volume knob is installed to adjust the volume level from the Wet Output jack.
Modifying a *New* Freeze Pedal
I do not sell pre-modified Freeze pedals. If you are looking to have a new Freeze pedal modified, you can order it and have it shipped directly to me in order to save on one leg of the shipping costs. You can find new and used Freeze pedals on Reverb, eBay, or your local distributor.
Common Accessories with EHX Freeze Mods
| Keyboard Sustain Pedal: | |
| Snap Action Switches: (for Pedal Steel thumb trigger) | |
| Normally Open Footswitch: |
Some customers usually purchase this alongside the Wet Output modification to simulate an Effects Loop with the wet signal. The Wet Output mod allows you to run two separate dry/wet chains when the Effect Level knob is set to zero. After processing the wet output, you can sum them together with an A/B/Y footswitch such as this one:
Got questions? I got answers!
Hopefully I covered everything above, but if you have any questions on the EHX Freeze mods above feel free to contact me using this contact form!
Demo Videos
1. Mimmotronics Freeze Mods Demo
Here is an older demo video I did under Mimmotronics showing off some of the offered modifications:
2. Gilad’s External Switch Modded Freeze
Premier Guitar conducted an interview with jazz guitarist Gilad Hekselman in which he discusses how he uses the External Switch modification.
3. External Switch + Wet Output Mod Demo
Here is a custom order I did some years ago where the external switch was to be mounted on the guitar itself. Super cool sonic opportunities with this one!
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