Minari
The Minari is a variant of the iconic Marshall Shredmaster, maintaining the character of the original while incorporating thoughtful modern enhancements. Inspired by the tones of Brand New and Radiohead, particularly Jonny Greenwood’s use of the Shredmaster, this pedal bridges the gap between vintage warmth and contemporary versatility. The original Shredmaster, despite being marketed for metal, found its true identity in alternative rock, where its ability to produce aggressive yet articulate distortion made it a favorite among players seeking a raw, solid-state-inspired sound. The Minari builds upon this legacy with improved functionality and tonal flexibility.
A closer look at the schematic reveals the core Shredmaster architecture, including multiple gain stages centered around op-amp-based distortion, clipping diode networks, and an active tone-shaping circuit. The input stage features a high-pass filter to shape the low-end response before hitting the first gain stage, which helps drive the signal into clipping. The clipping network, now enhanced with a three-position clipping selector, allows players to toggle between LED clipping for dynamic, open tones, traditional silicon diode clipping for an authentic Shredmaster sound, and a compressed silicon option for tighter, saturated distortion. This dramatically expands the pedal’s tonal range beyond the stock circuit.
Another key enhancement is the bright cap modification, which refines the high-frequency response. This ensures that the pedal retains clarity and presence, particularly useful for cutting through dense mixes at higher gain settings. Additionally, the soft-touch relay bypass system replaces the traditional mechanical switch, allowing for silent and reliable operation—ideal for live and studio applications.
The tone control stage, an integral part of the Shredmaster’s unique character, remains intact but has been slightly optimized for better frequency balance across different clipping modes. The final output buffer stage ensures a strong, noise-free signal, preserving the pedal’s tonal integrity even in complex signal chains.
The Minari stays true to the essence of the original while incorporating a few updates. It works well as a primary distortion source or as a boost into an overdriven amp, offering a range of tones that can suit different playing styles. The added flexibility makes it a useful option for guitarists looking to explore the Shredmaster’s sound with some modern refinements.