Sabbadius Funky Vibe ST 1968

After extensive research that included vintage documentation, consultations with experts, and analysis of multiple original Uni-Vibe units from 1968 to 1974, Sabbadius Electronics discovered several component differences among those units—ranging from capacitors and resistors to light bulbs and photoresistors (LDRs). These subtle variations helped shape the iconic sound of different versions.
As a result, SABBADIUS now offers 3 meticulously crafted versions of the Funky-Vibe ST:
VERSIONS AVAILABLE SABBADIUS 1968 Funky-Vibe ST: Based on the original 1968 Honey UNICORD Uni-Vibe, this version is the most popular and widely associated with Jimi Hendrix. It offers a higher maximum speed than later models, delivering a deeper, more responsive modulation effect.
SABBADIUS 1969 Funky-Vibe ST: Modeled after the 1969 Shin-ei Companion version, which took over production after Honey UNICORD went bankrupt. While retaining the Uni-Vibe’s essence, it includes internal component changes that give it a slightly different tonal character, reminiscent of tones used by David Gilmour, Robin Trower, and late-period Hendrix.
SABBADIUS FILLMORE EAST Funky-Vibe ST: According to some Uni-Vibe experts, this Uni-Vibe version is possibly the one Jimi Hendrix used in 1969 and 1970, whereas others said that Jimi used a 1968 Uni-Vibe in the United States and a 1969 version in Europe. The thing is that if you pay attention to the sound from the same song played in the U.S.A and compare it to the one played in Europe, including England, you will notice that the Throb of the Vibe and the effect’s “wave sound” do not evoke the same “Chewy” sound we might find in Jimi’s performances. Now I found that the SABBADIUS FILLMORE EAST Funky-Vibe version captures that “CHEWY” SOUND similar to the 69 & 70 Uni-Vibe version.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
· – Transistors: Matsushita 2SC828 for the signal path and 2SC539-type for the preamp stage, as in the original Uni-Vibe.
– Custom-made 7 mm LDRs (CdS cells) built exclusively for SABBADIUS Electronics.
– 100% hand-wired and hand-soldered circuitry
– Fully analog circuit
– NEW: The current PCB layout now matches the physical size of the original Uni-Vibe circuit from the late ’60s and early ’70s. After building and comparing more compact versions up to serial number #1999—which used the exact same circuit but in a smaller PCB footprint—we discovered that the larger, original-style layout imparts a unique tonal “mojo” to the sound. This subtle but noticeable sonic enhancement has been validated through direct comparison with an original Uni-Vibe unit owned by SABBADIUS.
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS:
· VOLUME: Sets the overall output level.
· SPEED: Adjusts the modulation rate.
· INTENSITY: Controls the depth of the modulation.
· CHORUS/VIBRATO Rocker Switch:
o RED DOWN: CHORUS Mode
o WHITE DOWN: VIBRATO Mode
· CANCEL Footswitch: Deactivates the internal lamp and disables the modulation effect, allowing the unit to act as a high-impedance preamp—just like the original Uni-Vibe when its foot controller’s tact switch was used.
· TRUE BYPASS Footswitch: Premium 3PDT switch for bypassing the effect.
· LED Indicator: Pulses in sync with the internal lamp, showing the modulation speed.
· POWER SWITCH ON/OFF: Turns the unit on or off.
· Fuse Socket: Protects the circuit from voltage surges. Includes an internal fuse and an extra spare.
· EXPRESSION PEDAL JACK (6.5 mm / 1/4” Amphenol): Allows real-time control of modulation speed.
IMPORTANT: Only use a specially built expression pedal. A detailed SHEET MANUAL is included (EXPRESSION PEDAL NOT INCLUDED).
CONNECTIONS
· INSTRUMENT IN: 1/4” (6.5 mm) Neutrik input jack for instruments.
· OUTPUT: 1/4” (6.5 mm) Neutrik output jack to amp or other effects.
· EXP PEDAL: Amphenol 1/4” jack for dedicated expression pedal.
· POWER INPUT: 18V DC / 200mA, center-negative. Use a high-quality regulated power supply.
ENCLOSURE AND BUILD
· Enclosure: Aluminum housing with stainless steel base.
· Finish: Powder Coating Paint.
· Dimensions: 180 mm (L) x 130 mm (W) x 78 mm (H)
· Weight: Approximately 800 grams
INCLUDED IN THE BOX
· Funky-Vibe ST (Standard)
· User Manual with Detailed Expression Pedal Guide.
· Spare Fuse
Spare 2sC828 Backup Transistors for the LFO (Can be easy replaced in the transistors sockets if the LFO transistors were in short cut.

Since all Sabbadius products are completely manufactured and assembled by hand, they may have one or another scratch or chip on the paint, keep this in mind as some enclosures may have these small damages to the paint or cabinet, this does not mean that the product is broken or damaged since if the product leaves the Sabbadius laboratory it is because it works perfectly 100%, claims of this nature are not valid. Thank you very much for understanding.