What is it? The Tone Block is a compact, second-order resonant RLC filter with adjustable frequency and resonance, giving you the flexibility to shape the guitar pickup’s character on the fly.
www.youtube.com/@cycfiresear...
The Tone Block v3 is something else! While preparing the documentation, I started fiddling around with it for a demo and was pleasantly surprised by the results. You've got to see this!
The February 2025 production run for XR Spectra v3 is underway, with preorders open until March 7th and a lead time of 6 to 8 weeks. XR Spectra v3 supports the Nu-XR Spectra combo. It also features the redesigned Tone Block with continuously variable controls for frequency and resonance.
Nu Multi 18. Because Why Not?
The Thor Mark III features a complete neck redesign with an asymmetric trapezoidal profile for superior ergonomics and playability. Inspired by Rick Toone and Ola Strandberg, this design enhances comfort while retaining the ultra-thin taper of the original Thor Mk II.
Thor Mark III: Exploring the Asymmetric Trapezoidal Neck Design
Follow the link for more info:
www.cycfi.com/2025/02/thor...
... The second-order filter provides a 12dB/octave (40dB/decade) roll-off, which is exactly the response of a traditional high-impedance passive pickup that the Tone Block is meant to emulate.
... giving you the freedom to change each pickup’s character on the fly, from dark gothic metal to sunny surf rock. The Tone Block allows you to dial in the characteristics of virtually any pickup.
For those who tuned in late, the Tone Block is a compact (48 x 20 mm), second-order (two-pole) resonant RLC filter with variable frequency and Q (resonance). It is a general-purpose device that can be used with any pickup, both passive and active, including piezo...
Yeah! Nailed it in one shot. The crew was busy working on a project with a tight deadline. I didn’t want to disrupt their workflow. After simulating the circuit, I got bold and went straight to PCB prototyping—skipping the usual breadboard stage. It worked perfectly on the first try—flawless!
Look what we have here!
Introducing the XR-Spectra v3 coils: low-impedance, bobbin-less pickups designed for unmatched clarity and precision—now open for reservations, with production starting in February.
Follow the link for more info:
4. Infinity (Polyphonic Sustainer) Kit: Available after the Infinity Mark III upgrade is completed.
3. Infinity Mark III System: Shared by both Thor Mark III and Valkyrie Mark II, including the new e-whammy and increased output drive with overdrive.
2. Valkyrie Mark II: A turn-key solution for Infinity, crafted using standard guitar manufacturing techniques: An open invitation to gauge interest.
1. Thor Mark III: Limited production run of 10 guitars, featuring significant improvements over Mark II.
Countdown to Infinity
The journey to Infinity continues, and I’m excited to share the latest updates with you. Here’s what’s coming next:
The Tone Block allows you to dial in the characteristics of virtually any pickup. The second-order filter provides a 12dB/octave (40dB/decade) roll-off, which is exactly the response of a traditional high-impedance passive pickup that the Tone Block is meant to emulate.
It is a general-purpose device that can be used with any pickup, both passive and active, including piezo, giving you the freedom to change each pickup’s character on the fly, from dark gothic metal to sunny surf rock.
To those who are not familiar with the Tone Block, the Tone Block is a compact (48 x 20 mm), second-order (two-pole) resonant RLC filter with variable frequency and Q (resonance).
Introducing Tone Block v3: A Sneak Peek
The Tone Block is undergoing a complete overhaul. Tone Block v3 will sport continuously variable controls of frequency and resonance. You asked for it; you got it!
www.cycfi.com/2025/01/intr...
... However, this purpose is largely fulfilled by blogs. Perhaps I’m not yet fully accustomed to the concept of microblogging, which this site specifically caters to.
On one hand, social media is a way to reach out to people, and that requires some critical mass to get some traction. Engagement, is a metric. On the other hand, this can simply be a way to document events that eventually becomes a historical record. In this case, engagement becomes secondary.
What is your experience with Bluesky so far? Share your thoughts. To be honest, I am not sure if I want to keep it going.
A social experiment... I'm aware, or at least was told, that there's more engagement here than in FB (or X which I do not care about, really). But except for those with a huge following already, there's not much people here, and not much of those who I want to follow here. It's very... nascent...
XR Spectra v3 + Nu Multi Combo
Introducing XR Spectra v3 + Nu Multi Combo: Modular. Redesigned.
Follow the link for more information.
There's not a lot of guitar manufacturers on bluesky... Any recommendations?
Final touches on XR-Spectra v3. Almost there—announcement coming soon!
Cycfi has a private FB group of around 1000. It’s so frustrating that even with that small focused group, the “reach” for a typical post is only in the double digits: a small fraction of that small number.
Day two on Bluesky. I had a twitter account before, but I haven’t really gotten into microblogging. It would be nice to have more frequent updates here, compared to my main blog. I’m hoping this platform will have better engagement.
Tell me what you think!
