What Does The Little Izzy Do ?

Greg Sullivan · Post by **Greg Sullivan** » 6 Nov 2004 7:50 pm

Can anyone tell me the advantage of having a little Izzy? First off,what is the function and the difference in tone,volume etc.Is this strictly for pedal guitar? or can it improve the tone of a non pedal guitar as well.

I have a chance to buy one but would like to
know what this little thing does before I lay out the money. Anyone?

Andy Greatrix · Post by **Andy Greatrix** » 6 Nov 2004 8:19 pm

Hi Greg!
One of the problems with the Lil' Izzy is if anything goes wrong with it, it can't be fixed because the innerds are covered with a red colored melted plastic of some kind.
They don't want you to know how cheap it can be made.It does give you string separation but adds a lot of treble. I've got one that I never use.the Godrich Preamp is probably better.

Jim Bates · Post by **Jim Bates** » 7 Nov 2004 10:56 am

The Lil Izzy is device that changes high impedance to low impedance. The Izzy Plus also could give some signal gain (adjustable). I have used them ever since they came out (in the late 70's?). String separation is much better, but it does add some treble. You can back off the treble on your amp. I have used it on my Fender T-8, but it seems to work better on the higher impedance pedal steel pickups. Suggest you try before you buy if you can.

Thanx,
Jim

Brad Sarno · Post by **Brad Sarno** » 7 Nov 2004 2:00 pm

For the ultimate in impedance matching, check out:
www.steelguitarblackbox.com

Brad Sarno

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 7 Nov 2004 7:07 pm

Greg, Several years ago I bought the Izzy Plus and used it for a long time. They did have it covered with something so you could not see what was used to make it work. I will tell you after mine went bad I lost a lot and I still have found nothing that replaced the loss. I have not tried Brad's Black Box but it appears it is a great product. I guess I need to order one and see what everyone is talking about.

Greg Sullivan · Post by **Greg Sullivan** » 7 Nov 2004 8:28 pm

Hi,thanks for the info,but what do you mean by,,,,,,,,,,,,,.It does give you string separation but adds a lot of treble. I have a dual fender,It has much treble as it is,would this gizmo add more treble? and what
is string separation? I'm a trombonist and I am not familar with the buzz words such as string separation...anyone??

Per Berner · Post by **Per Berner** » 7 Nov 2004 10:53 pm

I bought an Izzy Plus (with adjustable level, otherwise the same) some twenty years ago and use it now and then. It adds some clarity, but can also sound a bit shrill.

Actually, I like it better with my Telecaster where the negative sides are not noticeable - it just adds some nice bite. (...as if a Tele needs more of that...)

I think it would be better to save the money for a Black Box, though. Way better!

Dave Van Allen · Post by **Dave Van Allen** » 8 Nov 2004 7:14 am

Greg- I believe "string separation" in this context is a phrase attempting to describe the perception of each string or note of a chord played being a distinct sound within the overall sound of the chord, not just a wall of sound.

with terms like this it's all so subjective.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 8 Nov 2004 2:25 pm

I think it is very comparable to Goodrich's Match Box. However, with the Match Box, you can adjust the gain and tone. I have used one for years.
Erv

Jim Bates · Post by **Jim Bates** » 8 Nov 2004 5:45 pm

So, Greg you can probably get an IZZY for ~$40-$50 or buy the ~$300 'black box'. Either way, try before you buy, if possible, or at least get a money back guarantee.

Good luck.

Thanx,
Jim

Gerald Menke · Post by **Gerald Menke** » 9 Nov 2004 8:23 am

I have a Little Izzy and a Little Izzy Plus, that I would be happy to trade somebody for some strings or something along those lines.

They both add a lot of bite, i.e. a boost in the 2K range, and seem to scoop things out a bit. This was helpful when I was playing an older Zumsteel through a volume pedal with a potentiometer. With either a Hilton or a Goodrich LDR, they aren't really necessary to my ears.

Greg Sullivan · Post by **Greg Sullivan** » 11 Nov 2004 8:13 pm

Thanks for all of your time and your comments. One more question. I play a dual 8 Fender and a Fender Twin Reverb.I have more treble than I know what to do with. Will this Izzy give my Fender a bit too much treble?

Last question and thanks in advance.You have been very nice to try to help me.

Greg Sullivan