Boost pedal for solos – Stage 3 Booster or Super Tone TwEQ or other?

[Anonymous]

Evening all,

Looking to build a boost pedal for solos.  In a band with drums, keys, rhythm guitar, sax, 2 x singers, bass.  I’m more of a rhythm guitarist as well, but need to play a few leads and need to lift above the band.  I play a Fender, mostly on the custom shop bridge pickup through a Peavey Classic 50 410.  Got a few pedals as well – a mixture of Boss + Guitar PCB.  Style is variable (we mainly play covers at friends 50th birthday parties but also get a few associated 200-300 people functions).  We run our own PA so no level changes through the gig, but for larger gigs I mic up to avoid blasting the people in front of me.  What would you recommend?

Cheers,

Tom

[mybud]

There are a number of boost options, depending on how fuzzy you want to go. The Afterblaster gives you a simple foot switchable gain control but there are more complex ones available, where you have plenty of options. I built the Klon (MKC) awhile back and that gives you plenty of tonal choices with the mods. Though, as you say, the stage 3 or  Tone Tweq will also do the trick. I need to check to what extent the Tweq increases apparent volume from unity but as I understand it, this is designed more as an active tone control not specifically as a booster. Hopefully, the collective wisdom can help you find the most appropriate choice.

[Cybercow]

IMO, the Super Tone TwEQ will deliver the most flexibility and a good amount of level increase with the Bass, Mids and Treble pots turned up along with the volume. I like the added benefit of the Bass, Mids & Treble being “active” controls where above 12 o’clock they boost the level and below 12 o’clock they cut the levels for tone shaping while still being able to boost the level via the master volume control.

[Anonymous]

Either the TonetwEQ or the Super ToneTwEQ can provide additional boost.  In fact, the gain can be further increased by changing a single resistor value.

I suggest you also consider making the VOL pot a dual pot or concentric pot and use a 2KNOBJOB with it to provide a easy foot switch selection for solos.  This way you have a pedal in the final position that provides EQ, boost and solo level switching.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all – Wilkie I like that idea!

[Author]

Posts