Vongon is a brand founded with a fondness for unique retro effects (and a knack for making them, too!).
The Oakland, California-based operation is run by Ryan McGill, a real modern-day effect wiz with some tricks up his sleeve. Whether revisiting classic sounds or blazing new trails, Vongon is a name that dials in on unique effect experiences unlike any other. Since being founded in 2020, the Vongon name has been emblazoned across some of the modern effect market's most celebrated pieces.
Close Encounters
There's a certain vision to the Vongon design that permeates across the entire line. Inspired by mid-century effects and synthesizers with their matte black aluminum faceplates and walnut block construction, Vongon effects certainly catch your eye under glass. Among the effects in the Vongon line, you'll find models like the Ultrasheer and Polyphrase. The Ultrasheer is a stereo vibrato and reverb effect that hearkens to the earliest days of digital studio effect processing. The 1970s, a decade of particular fascination to Vongon, informs many of the brand's eccentric designs. Vongon's Ultrasheer utilizes 16-bit digital processing to achieve its awesomely lush vibrato and reverb effects as it follows in a '70s example. This example continues with a pedal like the Polyphrase as it takes cues from the Lexicon Prime Time digital rackmount delay unit. Vongon makes effects for any and every studio situation – whether that studio be a physical room or on a pedalboard.
As Vongon carried on with their effect pedals, their scope only grew grander with the introduction of their very own debut synthesizer, the Replay. The six-voice virtual analog synthesizer came together with a combination of bold and blissful simplicity, musical muscle, and digital refinement to access both classic and unclaimed synthesizing fronts. Legendary synthesizers like the Roland Juno and Korg Polysix served as the basis for the Replay as it came to be for the players of today. As a veritably modern and retro synthesizer, the Replay is a refined addition to the Vongon line and hopefully a sign of new things to come.
Laidback and familiar yet effortlessly groundbreaking and exciting, Vongon's approach to crafting new sounds is inspiring for players to take up and make music. Explore the classic pillars of '70s effects and synthesis with Vongon in bold, new ways – it's a musical trip you won't regret.
