Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

jps wrote:Volume pedals don't boost, they cut, but if one has the "normal" setting pulled back a bit, then I guess pushing the pedal to the metal will offer a boost, of sorts.

I find this works best if you are looking for minimal tone coloration. Boost pedals always seem to add something. When I want that something, I like the MI Audio Boost N Buff. But the best lead boost tone I have found lately is the volume cut pedal with just the amp.

When I think of boost pedals I think of something that is going to push the input of an amp, to get more drive from the preamp stage. A clean boost is a great concept but for most that is not what they are seeking with a boost pedal.

jps wrote:I think Morgan is looking for a clean boost, Jake.

I'm not sure, is a clean boost for the clean channel only? I need something that will cut through the band when I'm taking a solo using the distortion channel in addition to the clean channel, and that won't change the sound of the amp. Maybe the MXR Micro Amp is it. I bought an EH LPB-1 but apparently that wasn't the right toy, since it worked for the clean channel but not the distortion channel.

Ok this explains the EH pedal...

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2YBWMBZPV ... &linkCode=

Works if you have enough headroom, doesnt if you dont., October 22, 2011
By Metal-SteveAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Electro-Harmonix LPB-1 Linear Power Booster Preamp Pedal (Electronics)
I tested this pedal on a Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier and 4x12 cab setup.

This pedal works great if you are boosting on a clean channel or lightly distorted channel where you have alot of headroom for a gain increase.

However if you are already in a high gain metal distortion situation stepping on this pedal doesnt have any volume effect, as you have no more headroom to boost into. This is not the pedals fault, but it is important to remember if the pedal doesnt appear to boost volume, you are simply out of headroom and your amp's preamp is going into compression. (atleast thats how it works with tube amps, couldnt say about solid state)

This pedal does seem to boost your low end frequency quite a bit, which can be good or bad depending on your style, but I like my boost transparent and to have no effect on my tone, so i did return this to amazon. If you want a pedal that gives a boost without changing the tone, look for something else because this does boost your low to low mid range freq. Aside from that it is quiet (In regards to feedback and hum) and functional. Doesnt effect tone when bypassed.

No; as I see it, a boost should be something that increases volume without any other artifacts added, so that whatever you have going on will just get louder.

Here is a volume pedal to consider.

[url][/url][url][/url]Provided the headroom is there. This is the reason I use the reverse thinking volume cut method these days. My new homebuilt amp has zero to none at gigging volume. Very high gain.
Cool volume pedal Jeff

I use one of these now.

bitzerguy wrote:[I use one of these now.

I have all the parts to build one of those special pedals!, hmm

Hands down... Xotic RC Booster is my fave clean boost pedal.

http://www.xotic.us/effects/rc_booster/

jps wrote:

bitzerguy wrote:[I use one of these now.

I have all the parts to build one of those special pedals!, hmm

Now that I remember, I already made one of those, just minus the footswitch.

Does anyone use their Guitars' Volume Knob and/or Tone switch?

Glenn

larsongs wrote:Does anyone use their Guitars' Volume Knob and/or Tone switch?

Glenn

Yes. It's especially useful on a Gretsch. I use the master volume knob. I suppose one could use the fifth knob on a Rick for the same purpose.
JimK

Zvex Box of Rock. It has a boost and distortion in the one unit. http://zvex.com/boxofrock.html Steve Wynn used one on his recent Australian tour and it sounded absolutely massive. Personally, I use a Boss OD-1 or a TS-9 Tube Screamer as a "clean" boost for my leads.

If you want to cut through a band to be heard, a volume boost isn't necessarily the best choice. Your guitar will probably still fail to cut through and you'll just add to the din. Find the frequencies that the bass player and the drummer aren't occupying. That's usually the mid-range. That's the reason pedals like the tubescreamer, with their mid-range hump, are so popular, they cut. If you have a tubescreamer type pedal, just turn the drive knob down and turn the level up for a cleanish boost. If that's still too dirty for you, try an EQ pedal and push the mids.

jps wrote:Here is a volume pedal to consider.

That's pretty cool, if its good enough for Larry Carlton it's good enough for me