Keeley
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We should all be so lucky as to be identified by the sound of a single note. Some players are so well defined that their entire musical journey can be heard in a single note they play. Tone is in the fingers. Tone is in the mind. Effects can be a great way of expressing emotions or creating textures. The Dark Side is about creating sounds and adding new tones to your symphony. It’s the things you can’t create with your fingers or mind. It’s metasymphonic. The Dark Side provides all the textures that define an essence, in one pedal.
Atom
The individual pieces that make up the Dark Side workstation are Fuzz, Delay and Modulation. The Fuzz side of the Dark Side is a big fuzz style distortion based on a 1977 op-amp style. We used something similar in our Psi Fuzz. This one is completely and radically different. We made what seemed like endless changes to extract the nuances of earlier transistor based fuzzes. We gained it way to down to fit the time period and the style. This is a more transparent Big Fuzz. This one lets your guitar sing with sustain, yet retains the essence of you guitar whether single coil or humbucker based.
The next core element in the Dark Side pedal is the Delay and Modulation side. You can select between a multi-head tape delay effect or between a combination of 4 different modulation sounds. The Dark Side delay has 12 different syncopated delays. They are rhythmic and have the tonal quality of the old spinning drum tape delays. The Dark Side has many subtle filters to get the tape delay setting to have the feel and warmth of the original machines, yet gives you range of control to have modern features like expression pedal control for the number of repeats. You can use it for creating a feedback oscillation delay. Extremely subtle modulations in the delay make it very musical.
The next atom in this workstation is the modulation effect. There are four parts to this effect. Flanger, Rotary Speaker Cabinet, U-Vibe, and Phaser. You can blend between the “Electric Lady” Flanger and a Les-Rotary cabinet, creating new sounds. You can find that perfect blend between a vintage sounding opto-coupler based U-Vibe and the little orange phaser.
There is also an Expression Pedal port on the pedal. It is highly recommended to have an expression pedal handy. You can make many adjustments on the fly that just increase the fun and functionality of the pedal while you’re creating music. It has to be a TRS style expression pedal. We suggest something like the M-Audio or Moog expression pedals.
You spoke and we listened! Make America TRS-Free Again. Okay, we heard you, you can’t switch order on the fly during a gig. You never used the TRS cable to insert effects. You just tossed the cable aside. You all said YES when we said effect-order switch. New units have a simple push button switch to change the order! Mike Hermans did a new video with the effect-order switcher.
Mike Hermans Demo of the Dark Side – Effect Order Switch.
On older units there is a TRS Insert for adding effects in between the Fuzz and Modulation/Delay side of the pedal. This is handy if you have phaser or chorus pedal you might want to add if you want to use the Delay side of the Dark Side. That way you can have Fuzz>Phaser>Delay for example.
Heart
At the heart of the Dark Side is a hand built board that contains analog fuzz and a high quality 24-bit DSP engine. We studied and analyzed decades worth of gear and crafted our own sounds that give you not only the original tones, but an endless range of in-between sounds you can’t get elsewhere. Even if you have other Keeley effects or workstations, you don’t have these exact sounds. The Rotary is slightly different than the Monterey, it’s more chorus like. The Flanger is different than the hidden one on the Bubble Tron. The U-Vibe on this pedal is also deeper and throbs with more intensity. If you were lucky enough to get one of the Jimi Hazel Phase Delays or put the Bubble Tron into the hidden bank 2 mode; well then you have heard our 4 stage phaser. It’s dead on and a blast to play. Like the Monterey, this unit is completely hand built. Including the high-end DSP, everything is hand assembled and soldered by our technicians with decades of experience. Attention to detail and tone at every point.
Mother
What you get is a Mother Lode of effects and sounds. Necessity is the Mother of Invention. Someone needed to put all these epic sounds in one box. So we did. There’s no need to wish you were here, get out your Strat and we’ll see you on the Dark Side.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't see your question please reach out to us. We are available to answer any and all questions you may have about your order or a product you are interested in.
email: support@aeguitars.com
phone: (626) 258-0009
Q. I don't see the guitar body I want. Can you make it for me?
A. We do not do custom orders unfortunately. What we have available on our website is all that is available period.
Q. You don't have an item I want in stock. Can you call me when you get it?
A. Due to high demand and logistical reasons, we cannot hold certain items on backorder for you. The best option would be to sign up for our newsletter to be notified when new products are available.
Q. Where are your necks and bodies made?
A. Our necks and bodies are sourced overseas in China. Most luthiers know this based off the price of our items. If you can find a U.S. Made guitar neck or body for under $200 we suggest you snag it quick.
Q. Where are your cases manufactured?
A. Our cases are designed in California, but like our necks and bodies they are also sourced overseas. The price is indicative of this.
Q. Do you offer free shipping?
A. We offer free shipping in the domestic U.S. Shipping to Hawaii, Alaska or other US territories requires additional fees. International shipping is available, and shipping prices depend on your region.
Q. How do you handle customs and duties for International orders?
A. As the shipper we are not responsible for customs fees or import duties your region may require for your shipment to be delivered. This is done solely at the discretion of your region's import policies. If you have any issues with this, please contact the parcel carrier responsible for delivering your item for more instruction or guidance.
Q. Can I pick up my order in person?
A. Yes you can. We ask that you give us at least 1 business day to prepare your order for curbside pickup. We don't allow people into our offices, so your order will be brought out to you. We also ask that you wear a mask when picking up your order to protect our employees.
Q: An order I recently purchased is now listed for sale. Can you refund me the difference?
A. This is something we will do at our own discretion. If you placed an order within a day or two before the item went on sale, please email us so we can assist you.
Q. I tried to use a coupon and it didn't work. What should I do?
A. If you received a coupon code in the form of a digital code or physical thank you card that came with a previous order, that code has limitations. Promo Codes are only valid on Allen Eden®️ Guitars products. The promo code will not work if you are trying to apply them to any other products on our store.
Q: What is the warranty on my Allen Eden®️ Guitar?
A: Here is the Allen Eden®️ Guitars warranty
Warranty Time Period: The warranty provided herein is a limited lifetime warranty.
Warranty Coverage: Allen Eden®️ Guitars (AEG) are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase to the original owner when purchased from an authorized Allen Eden®️ Guitars or direct from an authorized Allen Eden®️ Guitars dealer. Allen Eden®️ Guitars will repair or replace, at its option, any AEG instrument or part thereof which is found by AEG to be defective. AEG reserves the right to use materials regularly utilized at the time of repair in the event that original materials are no longer available. Warranty service requires a copy of the original sales receipt to be presented at the time of service request.
This warranty does NOT cover:
1. Any instrument modified after original shipment from AEG factory.
2. Any instrument that has been altered or modified in any way or upon which the serial number has been tampered with or altered.
3. Any instrument that has been damaged due to misuse, neglect or accident.
4. Any instrument that has been subjected to extreme humidity or temperature conditions.
5. The subjective issue of tonal characteristics.
6. Any instrument that has been serviced by unauthorized persons.
7. Shipping damages of any kind.
8. Normal wear and tear (i.e., worn frets, worn machine heads, worn plating, string replacement, scratched pickguards, damage from accessories [straps, etc.], or damages to or discoloration of the instrument finish for any reason).
9. Freight charges to and from the factory or authorized dealer for customer-owned goods.
10. Claims by anyone other than the registered owner.
How to Obtain Warranty Service: In the event of malfunction of your AEG, you should notify your nearest authorized AEG dealer. The dealer will contact AEG for information and authorization to return the instrument to company headquarters. The dealer or owner must ship the instrument freight and insurance prepaid. No instrument may be returned to AEG without prior return authorization. Refusing a delivery from our parcel carrier will also result in a deduction of the original shipping costs as well as a 15% restocking fee. Service performed by unauthorized persons will void this warranty. When returning an instrument, a copy of the sales receipt establishing proof and time of purchase must be sent with the instrument.
Warranty Limitations and Disclaimers: AEG’s sole and exclusive responsibility shall be as provided under this warranty and UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, SHALL AEG BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND IS MADE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. No person, whether or not an agent, is authorized to make or assume any obligations other than those stated in this warranty. AE Guitars SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY EXPENSES, CLAIMS, OR SUITS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING.
Shipping Policy
Free Shipping
All orders placed in the contiguous United States comes with free shipping regardless of the amount spent. If you want to request a shipping quote from Alaska, Hawaii or other US territories please contact us directly.
Expedited Shipping
If you require expedited shipping, please let us know ahead of placing your order so we can quote you accurately.
Refunds for expedited shipping charges are not accepted.
International Shipping & Customs
We are pleased to offer international shipping to our customers worldwide. We understand that our customers come from different parts of the world and we strive to make our products and services available to as many people as possible. To ensure a seamless experience, we have developed an international shipping policy that outlines our shipping terms and conditions.
Shipping Rates and Delivery Times
International shipping rates and delivery times will vary depending on the destination country and the shipping method chosen at checkout. Shipping rates will be calculated automatically at checkout, and delivery times will be estimated based on the shipping method selected.
Please note that the estimated delivery times are provided for informational purposes only, and they may vary due to circumstances beyond our control, such as customs delays or postal service disruptions. We do not guarantee delivery times, and we are not responsible for any delays or additional fees incurred due to customs or local delivery services.
Customs and Import Taxes
When ordering from AE Guitars, customers are responsible for ensuring that the products they are ordering comply with the laws and regulations of their country. Customers are also responsible for paying any applicable customs and import taxes, which may vary depending on the destination country.
Customs and import taxes are not included in the product price or shipping cost, and customers are responsible for paying them directly to the customs authorities of their country. If the customer refuses to pay these fees and the package is returned to us, we will refund the order amount minus the shipping cost and any additional fees incurred.
Restricted Items
Certain products may be restricted or prohibited from entering certain countries due to local laws and regulations. Customers are responsible for verifying whether the products they are ordering are allowed in their country and comply with local laws and regulations. We do not guarantee that all products are allowed in all countries, and we reserve the right to cancel orders or refuse service to customers in certain countries.
Lost or Damaged Packages
We take great care in ensuring that our packages are delivered to our customers in good condition. However, we cannot be held responsible for lost or damaged packages once they leave our warehouse. If a package is lost or damaged during transit, we will do our best to assist customers in filing a claim with the shipping carrier or postal service.
Returns and Refunds
We do not accept returns or issue refunds for international orders unless the product is defective or damaged upon arrival. Customers are responsible for paying any return shipping costs and any additional fees incurred. We reserve the right to refuse returns or refunds at our discretion.
By placing an order with AE Guitars, customers agree to these terms and conditions.
Shipping Cut-Off Times
Each order placed before 10:00 a.m. Pacific will likely go out that same business day. Orders placed thereafter will ship the following business day. We ship Monday through Friday excluding Holidays.
Local Curbside Pickup
We allow local curbside pickup for most products we sell. Please contact us directly after placing your order to schedule a pickup time. We don't allow same-day pickup. Most products can be picked up the following business day your order was placed.
To protect the health of our workers we don't allow anyone into our office. Your order will be brought out to you while you wait outside.
Wholesale Pricing
Returns Policy
Returns Policy
You may return most new, unopened items within 14 days of your original purchase date for a full refund. A 10% restocking fee may apply depending on the situation. Shipping costs for international orders are non-refundable. It is also the buyer's responsibility to pay return shipping costs if you are intending to return an item. Products marked as "Final Sale" are non-returnable.
Returns that may fall under the category of buyer remorse include but are not limited to: Color or weight discrepancies, specification issues with your parts, a case not fitting with your instrument, and simply changing your mind about your order. This will require the buyer to pay for return shipping and may still incur a 10% restocking fee. Modifying or changing the product in any way will automatically void your return.
In order to process your return request, please email support@aeguitars.com and provide us with the following information:
- Order number
- Product name and details (and at our request, photos of the product)
- Reason for return
Once we have this information, we will do our best to process your request in a timely manner. If a return is approved and a return label is sent to you, you will have up to 14 days to return the item before the label becomes automatically voided and the return closed. The return label must match the original shipping address of the order on file. We will not create return labels for addresses outside of the original order address.
Our return address is:
AE Guitars Returns Department
3022 Durfee Ave
Suite D
El Monte, CA 91732
All returns must be shipped to this address. Shipping your return to the wrong address will result in a closed return as we cannot retrieve the order from a different address.
Parts Compatibility
Specifications on our bodies and necks may have a 1-2 mm tolerance. It is your responsibility to make sure your parts will work with this body before purchasing. If your parts do not fit, you can either source compatible parts or you can request a return but return shipping will be your responsibility if this is the reason. A restocking fee will apply in this situation as well.
Send us a message before buying if you have any questions about compatible parts and we'll do all we can to assist.
All returned product must be in "as received" condition and unaltered in any way. Do not bolt together, install screws, sand, drill, rout, paint, file, take the protective plastic off pick-guards or alter the product in any way until you have thoroughly inspected it for accuracy and have checked the fit. Products that has been damaged or altered in any way will not be accepted for return. If any signs of installation are found including impressions from screws or test fitting tuners, the item will not be eligible for return. Returns are not granted for factory second or blowout items under any circumstances.
Damaged Items
If you are returning an item damaged in transit, please contact us via e-mail with clear photos of the damage. We will approve most damage returns after opening a UPS/USPS claim. If a damage return is received and no damage is found, your refund will be released minus the return shipping costs and a restocking fee.
Custom Orders
There are no returns or cancellations accepted on custom order products. Due to the nature of how they are produced, we cannot honor cancellations after we have submitted your order for production as they are made-to-order products. Each and every custom order product will go into production within 48 hours of the order being placed. Each custom order will be inspected by our in-house luthier before being shipped to you to ensure our high quality standards. Please keep this return policy in mind before making your purchase.
Refunds
You should expect to receive your refund within 2 weeks of the package arriving at our offices, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 7 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it, and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request.