Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal

***Led Zep Fan*** · 09-01-2009, 02:18 PM

There's many out there...

What's the best (In Your Opinion)???

Nigel Tufnel's tech · 09-01-2009, 02:21 PM

The RC or AC booster from Xotic.

***Led Zep Fan*** · 09-01-2009, 02:22 PM

It doesn't color the tone? What's the difference between the two?

Rich · 09-01-2009, 02:26 PM

I use an Analogman King of Tone set as a clean boost and it can be set pretty darned close to flat but, in my opinion, flat or transparent isn't always a good thing when it comes to boost pedals. Personally, I like a bit of a bump in the upper mids when driving an amp harder and it's also nice if using as a straight volume boost with a clean amp to help leads cut through the rest of the band.

Nigel Tufnel's tech · 09-01-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Led Zep Fan

It doesn't color the tone? What's the difference between the two?

They are probly the best pedal around at not colouring your sound, the RC booster it a clean boost with not much gain, It just beefs your sound a bit making it fuller, The AC is the same with more gain on tap.

monroe · 09-01-2009, 02:28 PM

Sparkle Drive is good on a budget.
Tim or Timmy
Klon

***Led Zep Fan*** · 09-01-2009, 02:30 PM

What about this one?

Hamtone · 09-01-2009, 02:32 PM

zvex super hard on

Monster · 09-01-2009, 03:46 PM

Tim

Liam · 09-01-2009, 04:27 PM

I really like the Keeley modded BD-2 for a transparent boost. I'll admit I haven't tried lots of transparent boosters, but the modded BD-2 really works well for me.

Beerdog80 · 09-01-2009, 05:07 PM

I've owned all of these except the MXR but since its supposed to be a direct Bradshaw design, it should rock, especially at the price they are asking for them.

In order of price under a bill to a couple of bills...
- BYOC Tri-Boost. Some assembly required.

- MXR CUSTOM AUDIO ELECTRONICS MC-401 Boost Line Driver
- Nick Greer Sonic Boom (my favorite as far as clean boosters only go before I built a Klon Clone for myself)
- Keeley Katana Boost

These two are the most versatile since they can both act as a clean boost or an overdrive.
- Fulltone Fulldrive2
- Voodoo LAB Sparkle Drive

***Led Zep Fan*** · 09-01-2009, 05:22 PM

BeerDog, where did you get your Klon clone kit?

Beerdog80 · 09-01-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Led Zep Fan

BeerDog, where did you get your Klon clone kit?

It wasn't a kit per se, it's only the board and you populate the board yourself. I don't have the info on my laptop but I have it on my home computer. I'll tap into it tomorrow and I'll let you know more.

***Led Zep Fan*** · 09-01-2009, 06:31 PM

Thanks man.

huw · 09-02-2009, 08:04 AM

Clean boost?

Doesn't getter any better than this:

Personally I'd go for the one with with tone controls:

***Led Zep Fan*** · 09-02-2009, 08:08 AM

WOW! They're expensive!

Nigel Tufnel's tech · 09-02-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huw

Clean boost?

Doesn't getter any better than this:

Personally I'd go for the one with with tone controls:

Is it your birthday again huw?

Pete Cornish pedals are amazing. I need an excuse to pay all that money for a few of them.

...Christmas is coming soon

hog000 · 09-02-2009, 09:29 AM

I have the MXR and love it. I rarely play without it on.

YouTube - MXR CAE MC-401 Boost Line Driver Pedal

***Led Zep Fan*** · 09-02-2009, 09:32 AM

I want one not to have on all the time, but to push a solo up a little louder every once in a while.

Hamtone · 09-02-2009, 01:36 PM

I am telling you super hardon...This thing rules

***Led Zep Fan*** · 09-02-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamtone

I am telling you super hardon...This thing rules

Looks really cool! But for $239.00 I can't help but think half that price goes toward paying for that hand painted box it comes in...

MaidenStrat02 · 09-02-2009, 02:45 PM

I'm surprised that no one seems to use the EH LPB-1. It's cheap, true bypass, and doesn't color your tone. So many players in the early days used them to push their Marshalls into distortion earlier. Same concept as MXR's Microamp. Run this as your first pedal and it slams your signal really hard. I run mine at the 3:00 position and it sings.

***Led Zep Fan*** · 09-02-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaidenStrat02

I'm surprised that no one seems to use the EH LPB-1. It's cheap, true bypass, and doesn't color your tone. So many players in the early days used them to push their Marshalls into distortion earlier.

I looked at this pedal. Is it true the more you turn it up the bass is added?

Beerdog80 · 09-02-2009, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Led Zep Fan

Looks really cool! But for $239.00 I can't help but think half that price goes toward paying for that hand painted box it comes in...

Most like 200 of that goes to the box. This is a VERY simple circuit that might run you 10 bucks for components. But it does look cool

Beerdog80 · 09-02-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaidenStrat02

I'm surprised that no one seems to use the EH LPB-1. It's cheap, true bypass, and doesn't color your tone. So many players in the early days used them to push their Marshalls into distortion earlier. Same concept as MXR's Microamp. Run this as your first pedal and it slams your signal really hard. I run mine at the 3:00 position and it sings.

It's actually not QUITE true bypass. A quick mod can take care of that though. For the price, it works as described but the two i've messed with added a hint of noise. I was using a LP with EMG's and my Fender Twin Reverb.

Boosters are really not all that complicated. Very simple designs.

Liam · 09-02-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaidenStrat02

I'm surprised that no one seems to use the EH LPB-1. It's cheap, true bypass, and doesn't color your tone. So many players in the early days used them to push their Marshalls into distortion earlier. Same concept as MXR's Microamp. Run this as your first pedal and it slams your signal really hard. I run mine at the 3:00 position and it sings.

I like the MXR microamp a LOT. Not complicated to make your own. But far from transparent.

Never tried an EH LPB-1.

Liam

MaidenStrat02 · 09-02-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Led Zep Fan

I looked at this pedal. Is it true the more you turn it up the bass is added?

I run this pedal right after my tuner. To be honest I've personally not noticed an increase in the bass. Of course after 25+ years of playing, shows and concerts my ears ain't what they used to be.

MaidenStrat02 · 09-02-2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beerdog80

It's actually not QUITE true bypass. A quick mod can take care of that though.

Are you sure? They have the 3PDT switch in them now. And from looking at the circuit everything looks correct. This is a new LPB, not one from the past.

Beerdog80 · 09-02-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaidenStrat02

Are you sure? They have the 3PDT switch in them now. And from looking at the circuit everything looks correct. This is a new LPB, not one from the past.

Positive. this can explain it better than I could.

AMZ-FX Guitar Effects Blog Blog Archive Modding the EH LPB-1 Nano

MaidenStrat02 · 09-02-2009, 04:35 PM

Thanks man. Look's like I'll be bustin' out the soldering iron tonight.

09-01-2009, 02:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
*Led Zep Fan* MLP Anchorman Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 19,692 Thanks: 458 Thanked 776 Times in 309 Posts	Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal There's many out there... What's the best (In Your Opinion)??? __________________

09-01-2009, 02:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Nigel Tufnel's tech Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: In good old England Posts: 3,292 Thanks: 6 Thanked 100 Times in 27 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal The RC or AC booster from Xotic. __________________ Nigel is always one louder than you.

09-01-2009, 02:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
*Led Zep Fan* MLP Anchorman Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 19,692 Thanks: 458 Thanked 776 Times in 309 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal It doesn't color the tone? What's the difference between the two? __________________

09-01-2009, 02:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rich Non sequitur Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New Jersey Posts: 16,698 Thanks: 675 Thanked 963 Times in 257 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal I use an Analogman King of Tone set as a clean boost and it can be set pretty darned close to flat but, in my opinion, flat or transparent isn't always a good thing when it comes to boost pedals. Personally, I like a bit of a bump in the upper mids when driving an amp harder and it's also nice if using as a straight volume boost with a clean amp to help leads cut through the rest of the band. __________________ Vote for our own LesPauI+SG=Win - Taylor, The Kentuckian!

09-01-2009, 02:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
monroe Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,279 Thanks: 5 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal Sparkle Drive is good on a budget. Tim or Timmy Klon

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09-01-2009, 02:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
*Led Zep Fan* MLP Anchorman Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 19,692 Thanks: 458 Thanked 776 Times in 309 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal What about this one? Nicky likes this. __________________

09-01-2009, 02:32 PM	#8 (permalink)
Hamtone Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Emerald Coast Florida Posts: 10,113 Thanks: 63 Thanked 125 Times in 66 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal zvex super hard on

09-01-2009, 03:46 PM	#9 (permalink)
Monster Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North of Nashville Posts: 405 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal Tim

09-01-2009, 04:27 PM	#10 (permalink)
Liam V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom Posts: 5,182 Thanks: 87 Thanked 104 Times in 23 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal I really like the Keeley modded BD-2 for a transparent boost. I'll admit I haven't tried lots of transparent boosters, but the modded BD-2 really works well for me.

09-01-2009, 05:07 PM	#11 (permalink)
Beerdog80 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 58 Thanked 73 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal I've owned all of these except the MXR but since its supposed to be a direct Bradshaw design, it should rock, especially at the price they are asking for them. In order of price under a bill to a couple of bills... - BYOC Tri-Boost. Some assembly required. - MXR CUSTOM AUDIO ELECTRONICS MC-401 Boost Line Driver - Nick Greer Sonic Boom (my favorite as far as clean boosters only go before I built a Klon Clone for myself) - Keeley Katana Boost These two are the most versatile since they can both act as a clean boost or an overdrive. - Fulltone Fulldrive2 - Voodoo LAB Sparkle Drive __________________ Disclaimer: All of the above statements may/may not be based on true events. Your comprehension will vary, based upon literacy, basic understanding of the English language, and most recent bowel movement (or lack thereof). No resemblance to any persons living, dead, undead or co-existing in a parallel universe is intended.

09-01-2009, 05:22 PM	#12 (permalink)
*Led Zep Fan* MLP Anchorman Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 19,692 Thanks: 458 Thanked 776 Times in 309 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal BeerDog, where did you get your Klon clone kit? __________________

09-01-2009, 06:31 PM	#14 (permalink)
*Led Zep Fan* MLP Anchorman Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 19,692 Thanks: 458 Thanked 776 Times in 309 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal Thanks man. __________________

09-02-2009, 08:04 AM	#15 (permalink)
huw V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Macclesfield, on the edge of the Peak District Posts: 2,136 Thanks: 12 Thanked 49 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal Clean boost? Doesn't getter any better than this: Personally I'd go for the one with with tone controls:

09-02-2009, 08:08 AM	#16 (permalink)
*Led Zep Fan* MLP Anchorman Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 19,692 Thanks: 458 Thanked 776 Times in 309 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal WOW! They're expensive! __________________

09-02-2009, 09:32 AM	#19 (permalink)
*Led Zep Fan* MLP Anchorman Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 19,692 Thanks: 458 Thanked 776 Times in 309 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal I want one not to have on all the time, but to push a solo up a little louder every once in a while. __________________

09-02-2009, 01:36 PM	#20 (permalink)
Hamtone Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Emerald Coast Florida Posts: 10,113 Thanks: 63 Thanked 125 Times in 66 Posts	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal I am telling you super hardon...This thing rules

09-02-2009, 02:45 PM	#22 (permalink)
MaidenStrat02 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Rue Morgue Posts: 351 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal I'm surprised that no one seems to use the EH LPB-1. It's cheap, true bypass, and doesn't color your tone. So many players in the early days used them to push their Marshalls into distortion earlier. Same concept as MXR's Microamp. Run this as your first pedal and it slams your signal really hard. I run mine at the 3:00 position and it sings. __________________ White Schecter C-1 Hellraiser w\ original Floyd Rose 2 Fender Customized Strats DiMarzio pickups Modded Jcm2000 DSL50 W\Mercury Mag choke,PT,OT Carvin Legacy2x12 w\V30's & Beam Blockers Strobostomp tuner,TS808,EH LPB-1, BYOC CE-2 Analog Chorus, MXR Modded Phase 90, MXR Micro Flange, MXR Carbon Copy, MXR Smart Gate, Boss DD-7. George L and Monster Cables

09-02-2009, 04:35 PM	#30 (permalink)
MaidenStrat02 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The Rue Morgue Posts: 351 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Best Clean/Transparent Boost Pedal Thanks man. Look's like I'll be bustin' out the soldering iron tonight. __________________ White Schecter C-1 Hellraiser w\ original Floyd Rose 2 Fender Customized Strats DiMarzio pickups Modded Jcm2000 DSL50 W\Mercury Mag choke,PT,OT Carvin Legacy2x12 w\V30's & Beam Blockers Strobostomp tuner,TS808,EH LPB-1, BYOC CE-2 Analog Chorus, MXR Modded Phase 90, MXR Micro Flange, MXR Carbon Copy, MXR Smart Gate, Boss DD-7. George L and Monster Cables

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