JHS Moonshine V2 Review

What is the JHS Moonshine?

The JHS Moonshine V2 is a versatile new take on JHS’s classic Tube Screamer. This model offers a couple new parameters that can help make amp break up and your leads scream with or without the familiar mid hump that the OG’s are known for. In a sturdy, simple die-cast hammond-style enclosure, the Moonshine V2 offers the usual three knob overdrive layout but adds a couple extra features. First is the headroom/saturation toggle switch that, when in the “down” position, allows for the maximum amount of saturation, and when it’s set to “up”, allows for more headroom, frequency response and amp response. The second feature is a “clean” knob that allows the unaffected signal to be blended in or out, effectively allowing for the clipping circuit to be bypassed. The volume and drive knobs act as expected and the tone knob allows for more or less of the familiar middle frequency exaggeration the Tube Screamer is known for. We ran one through its paces using a Telecaster, a Stratocaster, and a Les Paul into a silverface Fender amp. The Moonshine is a great take on a classic, allowing for the familiar boosted, mid-heavy sounds made famous by Vaughn and Mayer and also can double as a great transparent overdrive, clean boost, and ratty lead sound.

JHS Moonshine Layout & Design

Sturdy, simple, and modestly designed with a cartoonish moonshine bottle (marked XXX) on the front, the Moonshine V2 is a no frills (cosmetically at least) design. In classic JHS style, the enclosure and knobs feel sturdy and are designed for long use. And, in a world full of TS clones, the Moonshine stands out with its two extra features. The headroom switch is an interesting idea, perhaps nodding to the TS era of higher gain such as a Turbo, and does in fact give extra distortion. In practice, the “up” setting has more clarity, volume, and frequency response and feels the way a TS-style pedal should. Perhaps in a recording setting or in a signal chain with a boost behind it, the higher gain setting would be good, but overall, the “up” setting felt the most musical. The “clean” knob is a particularly interesting parameter as well. Starting with all knobs at noon, the pedal feels musical and responsive, allowing for a large tonal variation from the guitar’s volume knob. When taking the clean signal out, the distortion seems to become grittier, almost sounding like a RAT pedal. When cranked, the clean knob renders the pedal a clean boost. About half way seems to be its sweet spot. The tone knob seems to accentuate the miss in either direction, creating a mid cut to its left and a mid boost to its right. When cut all the way, the pedal allows for punchy and dynamic chordal work perfect for rhythm playing. Cranked, the tone knob makes for biting, nearly strident lead work. The gain knob seems to have a fairly limited range: 0-3 gets you to the edge of break up; 3-6 sounds like classic TS overdrive; And from 7-10 it feels only slightly dirtier – but when adding the headroom switch and clean knob it can get to be fairly filthy and certainly dirtier than your average TS. The circuit uses a charge pump to double the 9-volt power to 18 volts for more headroom, and headroom is where this pedal really excels. Slightly dirty and loud, this TS style pedal makes for a great lead boost, an always-on rhythm tool and can get mean and dirty if you need it to.

Who the JHS Moonshine is For?

In a world of TS clones and the originals fetching perhaps unreasonable levels, JHS offers a great option for those looking to incorporate a dynamic, non-transparent overdrive into their arsenal. Overall, the design allows for a couple extra tools in the TS bag but seems to do what its predecessor does best: edge of breakup to dynamic overdrive with a mid hump that cuts through a mix well. JHS claims the pedal plays well with others, which would make for a great post fuzz boost or a pre-drive goose. This is an excellent option for a player who likes the mid exaggeration and headroom of a TS. Priced in the lower mid range at $200 brand new, the Moonshine V2 is the perfect choice for the guitarist who is looking for a great TS-style pedal that is well made and with a few more features.