Up for sale, a 2001 Lovetone Doppelganger in near-mint condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original box and paperwork. Handbuilt in the UK, Lovetone has enjoyed true if-you-know-you-know status amongst gear aficionados since their introduction in 1995, and the long list of artists and producers who have used Lovetone pedals includes Radiohead, Beastie Boys, Oasis, Sonic Youth, and Stereolab, to name just a few. Lovetones doors closed in 2001, but their legacy has endured: this Doppelganger was produced shortly prior to the end of the brands run.

The Doppelganger is, in essence, a twin oscillator phaser/vibrato unit, but as with most Lovetone pedals, there are a huge range of sounds available via the comprehensive controls that are virtually unachievable through any other unit. The phaser is split into low and high frequencies, each of which is treated as its own separate entity, with independent Span (depth) controls. The two can be driven together by the LFOs, either both on LFO 1 or separately by LFO 1 and LFO 2 (low and high, respectively) for further variation. There are also two inputs for expression/volume pedals to control one or both of the onboard LFOs. The Doppelganger can easily be toggled between Phaser and Vibrato via the third footswitch.

Tonally, the Doppelganger is exceptionally pure and transparent: with the settings reigned in, it works perfectly as an always-on, atmosphere-building textural pedal, ideal for studio usage, or dial things up for full-on, super-rich depth and modulation. One of the most unique features of the Doppelganger is the input for a light-sensitive reactor, which can effectively be used like a theremin for a further layer of dynamic playability and musicality. Further tonal control is achieved via the two-position Sine/Inverted rotary switch, which toggles the LF and HF between in-phase and inverted (HF 180 out of phase with LF); the True/Spectral rotary switch, which changes the bypass (Spectral has a scooped bypass signal reminiscent of a Univibe sound); and the Colour (HF) and Blend knobs.

There are just a couple faint marks on the enclosure, the graphics are pristine, and the original knob set and large rubber grip pad on the bottom are present. In the easy-access battery compartment, the inspection sticker is dated 27/6/01.

The original box and paperwork/manual are included.