A Complete Guide to Boost Pedals

[@VertexEffectsInc]

If we you know of any great boost pedals that should have made it onto this list, let us know in the comments below!

[@gr81dorn]

Zvex Super Hard-On is pretty hard to beat if you just want to beef things up. So good.

[@danielrosadoguitar]

Is the MXR MicroAmp a transparent boost? I don't know. If a boost with some type of eq would be a "colorful" boost then a Boss GE7 would fit into that category, no? It is often also used as a boost.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@danielrosadoguitar some older boosts like that can have a color due to their lack of linearity based on the tech available when they were made. I'd say the Micro Amp is a fine boost, just has some color to it that's expected from that era of MXR.

[@danielrosadoguitar]

@@VertexEffectsInc Ok, thanks.

[@razifraship]

Union Tube & Transistor

[@coffeedudeguy]

There’s actually a 4th type of boost that’s expensive, and maybe also very valuable: Ego Boost

[@markboettcher9412]

Talent Booster?

[@Fostext]

Double Pedal coming from Freud industries in 1921: the super-ego boost + Id boost.

[@MelbourneGuitarist]

Cool to see a Rory Gallagher Strat being used as it was Rory that showed Brian May what using a treble booster with a Vox Ac30 did! Loved this episode.

[@SFolkes97]

Whelp, once again, thanks Mason. Man, I hope Dan and Mick never see this - and they forgive me if they do. I watch them a lot and learn. But, I often get confused by lots of these videos. Maybe I'm just dense - I have to have things laid out 1, 2, 3. Show me the clean, show me the boost, show me the order. Show me the graphics. Whatever it is, this is the one that showed me what I wanted to know, and I got it first time through. And I DO know how much time and effort goes into making videos, so I do appreciate them.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You could always suggest it to them...I think they provide their contact info on their website!

[@SFolkes97]

@@VertexEffectsInc Way-ell, you know, it's kinda who they are, their thing, and they are self aware of getting off on tangents as they both have noted many times. I still learn from and enjoy them, but I guess my "learning style" just works better with your presentation. It's like guitar lessons, you might genuinely like several teachers/mentors, but there's always one or two that somehow you just get more out of it.

[@BTal-kp1qd]

I just got a clean boost to use as an always on thickener of the tone. I went for an EP Boost clone and love it! It means I can dial down the gain on my subsequent drives and get a great gain tone without losing clarity.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Should be early on if you want it to get thicker, before ODs.

[@BTal-kp1qd]

@@VertexEffectsInc I don't have a fuzz (yet) so it's first in my chain.

[@arranone]

Yo! Incredibly clear and thorough explanation. I wish all pedal demo videos were helpful as this one. Keep up the great work! 😊

[@janvanzuilekom]

I don't think there are many guys out there with the same level of knowledge let alone the way he represent different products for the same purpose , greetings from Thailand

[@pascal006]

My favorite right now is the Drybell Unit 67. Clean-ish boost, with other options like a range master style boost knob, a compression blend knob with 2 different inputs level, 2 band EQ. Great versatile pedal!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! They're cool pedals!

[@robbiebritt7573]

“Just one foot switch and the truth.” 😂 Love it!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!!

[@Burnt_Gerbil]

TC Electronic Spark mini. That’s my booster of choice. One knob, and has a momentary switch if you only need it on certain parts. 😬

[@VertexEffectsInc]

That's a good one!

[@michaelbell1204]

I've got one on my board!

[@sixxbrisbane]

I have full size. Really want to try the one knob

[@ElliottPfuhl]

RC Booster before the drive pedals for me. I've used it that way for several years now. Almost always on. Great pedal. Awesome adjustability when switching guitars too.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Same here!

[@acclaim1874]

Have used the MXR Micro Amp for decades on output to boost. Rubber grommet makes easy foot control ‘roll up’. Now use a TC Spark Mini with aftermarket ‘big knob’ similarly. Thanks for the excellent content.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing

[@ImYourOverlord]

Very much agree that the RC Booster adds tonal advantages when place at the beginning of the "dirt" section of a chain of effects. For the Scott Henderson version, which has two gain channels, Gain 1 is good for "always on" general purposes, with or without overdrives/distortions, and Gain 2 is good to engage for soloing. Settings I recommend for this pedal, based on Mr. Henderson's own preferences, are: Gain 1 at 8:00, Treble at 1:00, Volume at 1:00, Bass at 10:00, and small Gain 2 knob at 10:00. I also find that this pedal feeds into an MXR Timmy very nicely!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@jcameronferguson]

Oh man, do I love boosts! The drive section of my current rig is built around one - a Boss FB-2, which has a shapeable mids EQ, and which I use to dial up a little extra treble - running after an EQD Gray Channel (basically a double DOD 250) and before a Walrus 385. The amp-like character of the 385 responds super well to extra signal hitting it, and the extra saturation you get out of a hard-clip OD circuit (I especially love the LED clipping mode) really shines with the boost on. All of this goes into a Supro Black Magick. It just sings and sings. Supreme love and respect to boost pedals, the real ones know.

[@DoobTube71]

Awesome review and demo! Thank you Uncle Mason! LOVE my Throbak StrangeMaster treble boost. I also use the MXR mini boost on my mini pedals board and it is sweet.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing!

[@paulcowart3174]

Yeah those look sweet

[@russelldehart2362]

Thanks Mason. I've been using a T Rex Luxury Drive for years now as a "colorful" boost in front of my amps and I absolutely love it. This video has me thinking of an OD pedal sandwiched between two EQ's. Might be interesting.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! Could be cool!

[@barters8124]

I’ve tried a bunch of boosts and the cheap TC Electronic Spark is one of the best. Highly recommended. Supposed to be transparent but to me adds a fraction of that treble boost magic.

[@EndlessMagic]

Gotta say your tone is insanely good always

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow, thanks!

[@sweddyvanhalen]

Theres just something i love about the sound of a treble booster into a cranked tube amp.

[@torzsok949]

Mason turned into the sizzle doctor for that intro! Killer tone

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@danthegeetarman]

Love who you demystify this stuff with solid examples and both scenarios so we can hear both options. Love your videos and your pedals as well 👍🤘

[@jackprice7828]

The Katana has an interesting compression. I've used the TC Spark full version for several years and really like its versatility. The switch controls clean, fat, or mid. Which comes in handy depending on whether I am using single coil or humbuckers.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@Wileylikethehawk]

For years and years my lead sound has been the Orange Squeezer side of an Analogman mini BiComp cranked wide open in front of my rhythm drive. Works great.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@boimesa8190]

Do u use it as a clean boost or for colouration of Ure clean tone?

[@Wileylikethehawk]

@@boimesa8190 I never ever use it on cleans. It’s just to bump my rhythm gain into leads!

[@MikeMara]

I love a good clean boost.. my three favs are the Creation Audio Labs 4.23, Vertex Boost, and Fulltone 2B. For colored boost, i really think the T-Rex Crunchy Frog was underrated.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!!!

[@JarrettHucksPhoto]

Got the Matthew’s Effects The Fool germanium treble boost this year. Still trying to find it’s place in my rig. Thanks for the video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice...if it's GE should be as close to the guitar as possible, no buffer.

[@mattlangill1100]

Thanks for including Treble Boosters! They sound awesome.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you like them!

[@JR-to8sn]

My favorites are Analogman Bad Bod (germanium and gives some grit), and also his Beano boost.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

👍👍👍

[@JR-to8sn]

@@VertexEffectsInc On these have to go before the OD. I like the Bad Bob on it's own as it can get gritty like an OD. It's a great pedal. Micro Amp is another good but transparent boost.

[@nickspann89]

Similar boost that color the sound are boost that were part of other effects like the EP booster and CE-1 boost.

[@wordjockey11]

Every one of these vamps is sick--and tone is tasty, of course.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow! Thanks!

[@claytonengelmann]

Every tone demonstrated here is insane.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Many thanks!

[@SeemoreDunkan]

What a fun video!!! Mason thank you so much! :) Love the channel.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@cheenu711]

The good old boss DS1 is a pretty good one too. It may not work with most rigs but when used right, damn it's incredible.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Pretty much a bonafide distortion pedal.

[@stevechance4422]

I'm really liking my rc Booster v2!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!!!

[@dannyllerenatv8635]

I have a Keeley Katana, EP Booster, and a Texan Twang. The one I always use before drives is the Texan Twang since Treble boosters like fuzzes can be finicky. Now if the boost can also cut bass, then I wouldn't mind it before drives as well, since some boosts can make drives sound "bloated" when placed before. The Tchula and RC sound great before and after, they both add a nice "harmonic" content regardless of where placed.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes! Agreed!

[@youssefkasim7556]

Treble booster are really underrated. Btw Rory Gallagher is the person that inspired Brian May to use a treble booster in front of overdriven Vox amps.

[@michaelcraig9449]

Rory Gallagher was 1000 times better, better songs, solos, everything. I dont like glammy gimmick bands like Queen. Rory was just pure rockin!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Zappappappappa]

@@michaelcraig9449 early early Queen was a jam. After a while they became wayyyyy too heavy handed with the opera themes and vocals (I knowww Mercury is 100% the goat from a technical standpoint with his range.)

[@stratjed]

I use the left side of a Tru tone rt66 V3 into a ts9 . As a boost not an overdrive. Its never going to be mentioned as a boost but it is a killer flexible boost. And if you want, the compressor and overdrive have separate in/outs so you can place an overdrive before and transparently boost the volume. It has a clean blend which makes it pure volume if that's what you want. The compressor has that also . Awesome flexible pedal. It has control over everything you could want (EQ) plus a noise gate and internal switchable buffers. Use a ge7 at the very end as a "MORE ME " solo boost.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@sneezingfrog]

I use an EP Booster running at 18V as the last thing before the amp's preamp. Internal switches are set to unity gain, and the bright switch off. I usually have it always on, with the knob dialed down to no gain, so I guess you'd call it mostly color and line driver, but it's handy to be able to turn up the gain knob if necessary, as when dealing with an unfamiliar amp that's got different preamp gain characteristics.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Generally, as it's designed, this would be a pre-delay preamp, however in practice I find it best to add more gain to other pedals, before drives. It's not a particularly gifted line driver, and has fairly mediocre output impedance specs so the longer the cable length and more capacitance seen on the output the worse it will be as a line driver.

[@sneezingfrog]

@@VertexEffectsInc Ok, Mason, you've shamed me into adding a Pure Tone buffer after it, as the last thing before the amp. Practically the only buffer on your list that was readily available, but it's a great size and you can tuck it in just about anywhere. My ears aren't good enough to put in the usual cork-sniffery opinion of the results here, but I figure hey, if I get stuck with needing to use a long cable, I should be fine.

[@paulcowart3174]

I use an EP boost in the FX loop of my old Tonemaster amp Clean channel is Showman clean so It's adds some nice character

[@danielgiberson2857]

I recently bought a Milkman Sound Pop Top Boost. Absolutely fantastic sound and a ton of boost on tap. 0 on the volume is unity and you can roll it up as needed to get up to 30db of boost. I almost never turn it off at this point. I just turn the dial with my foot as needed for whatever I'm playing.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing!

[@petestewart2701]

Thanks Mason, interesting as ever. I use a Katana (before drives) to fatten single coils & balance them up against PAF/P90 guitars. Also, I like the option of an extra saturation level. I rely on amp master switch for lead vol boost 👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Totally legit reason to use it there.

[@JoePreacherLong]

J. Rockett Steampunk Buffer on all the time, used last in my chain as an output buffer and then just the slightest boost for solo’s.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@HollywoodRecordingStudio]

Great episode. I was looking for info on a treble boost and this really helped.

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

The BSM HS-C is my favourite pedal EVER!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They make some great stuff!

[@davidsiffer4374]

I would say clipping boosts are a sub-category of the colorful boosts, things like the; xotic super sweet, Greer amps clipping boost, j rockett steampunk boost. You could also refer to these as one knob overdrives

[@VertexEffectsInc]

💜💜💜

[@paulcowart3174]

I actually use an EP boost in the clean channel FX loop Gives that bit of character to the clean tone Cuts down on pedals up front too

[@scotdvorak8861]

The right side of Drybell’s The Engine is the best boost of MANY I’ve tried through the years. It’s sort of a treble boost circuit with tone controls, and has some serious magic sauce happening!

[@quiquepriore]

I had spark mini (too treble), rc v2 (a little mid scoop), tech 21 (super clean), etc. The best for me is my EP BOOSTER always on 🔥

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jmtab]

A graphic EQ pedal with a master level is a great boost option as well. Obviously has the added advantage of tone-shaping.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sure...that would be separate from this application however for many as you can't do it all at once in most EQ pedals and shift positions.

[@peoplewithpixels]

Man, that intro lick 🔥

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow, thanks!

[@greyklopstock7155]

I use a Jackson audio prism after all my overdrives and stuff and right into my Strymon iridium or whatever other amp sims I'm gonna be using. For me, it's very transparent, so it makes sense to put it at the end as a preamp kinda thing.

[@2122banks]

I use a digital amp Blackstar ID 260. I have a paddle board with 12 pedals combining the analog world with the digital. My crunchy frog and AC plus are pedal with a booster. Then I have the Angry Troll and the Super Duper. I believe boost pedals are one of the best pedals you can use in a digital amp. One signal equals 10 different types of tones I love that and they sound sweet the best tones i ever had hands down.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing Emmit!

[@oqsy]

Diamond Compressor. Always on a very mild compression with some increase in level to boost to breakup. Tone to taste per pickup.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Corporations8MyBaby]

Nice. I rely on my Vertex boost so my volume pedal sounds good. I had and sold a Tchula. I’m definitely thinking I should try an RC Booster next.

[@ksjohnson8197]

I use the Seymour Duncan Booster pedal continuously on with the knob at 8 O Clock in front of my PODGO. Can't explain it it but it just adds a little bit of sweetness and feel. I can then turn the knob to about 11 or 12 when using my Tele and not have to change any patch settings on the PODGO. WIN WIN. I also like the micro switch settings with certain guitars and patches. Usually up for the Tele.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@boimesa8190]

Does it have tone controls?

[@marceloafonsorodrigues9452]

I use two boosts, a klon before drivers and a clean boost after, the clean boost I added only for solos , most part of time the klon is always on

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Cool!

[@sunburstmike8745]

Thanks Doc ... good vid as always. I use an oldie but goodie: LPB by ElectroHarmonix. Very transparent and does NOT suck the bass/mids, but just breaks up the amp a bit and puts a bit of AC30/Fender chime and shine! It certainly will drive your ODs but I use it after bc I don't need to drive my fuzz/ODS any more than they naturally do.

[@steveg219]

One lesser known boost is included in the Radial Switchbone. It’s is an adjustable impedance buffer and multi amp splitter/switcher. But the foot switch controlled boost can be at different levels and/or be a cool midrange eq booster. The newer version is more adjustable, I have the original and it sounds great

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Cool!

[@liorodriguez7998]

Bro that intro tone! 🔥🔥

[@timpitts9256]

Thanks, valuable info

[@AbeldeBetancourt]

Brilliant video!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you liked it!

[@RicardoLopez-ce9cj]

The schaffer replica pedal is my fav boost. Less known maybe, but it gives you a great tones. Great video and explanation as usual.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnpannella]

Great video Mason!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DanielGutierrez-vq5uq]

I would say: rig doctor your the king 👑👉🏽❤️

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Wow 💜💜💜

[@monstruonegro05]

Great and informative video!

[@TheLocalDJ]

Recently picked up a SoloDallas Storm V1 (the same one Mayer used previously) - I'm loving it, very similar to a Katana but you can dial in compression and saturation

[@VertexEffectsInc]

This boost isn’t designed to be transparent- it’s definitely got a color to it.

[@travelinlight1141]

I like the boost after the OD.

[@Nonesensepreacher]

You have not mentioned a mid boost! I have an XTS boss ge-7 mid boost mod. I’d love to hear your recommended placement for this pedal.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I think of any EQ changes as a result of the boost to be more of a "COLOR" boost...generally those are to boost the guitar mids...so they come close to the guitar or in many cases, built into the guitar.

[@JR-to8sn]

You should mention next time that any boost that has a germanium transistor, like the Beano boost, which is a treble boost, should always go first in your chain as the germanium will introduce a lot of noise unless you have it first. BTW, Analogman Beano boost and Bad Bob (gritty colorful boost) are both fantastic.

[@mobydick3895]

Where in the chain would a Bad Bob Booster best be placed?

[@JR-to8sn]

@@mobydick3895 You can place it either before or after your OD pedals, it's up to you and what you think sounds better. It's NOT like a germanium treble boost which you always want at the beginning of your pedal chain.

[@gobeco]

For a good Rangemaster go to Analogman Beano boost, also have treble, mid and bass options.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

👍👍👍

[@paulcowart3174]

Yeah that's a good one I'm using a JHS 66 Boost I do have a Diaz clone that's killer as well

[@JohnFraserFindlay]

Volume ped into Vertex Boost “cool!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!

[@jmacc9876]

TC Spark mini. Cheap and good enough (solid).

[@VertexEffectsInc]

💜💜💜

[@oaeoeaoRust]

Quality content here- may buy a VRTX boost, thanks

[@jestercabrieto6526]

Im using a rare boss feedbacker/booster to boost my main dirt pedal to get an 80's rock sound

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

Treble boosters more resemble a fuzz - the name is deceptive. There something between an overdrive and a fuzz and BSM are the Holly grail in this current golden age of pedals (Analogman Beano is worth a look to).

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, like a Fuzz with less gain!

[@mindfield9832]

MXR Microamp should have been mentioned. Way more readily available.

[@thorpenator9148]

The EP boost after gain pedal takes away some gain for some reason, which I do not want.

[@gunsandguitars6678]

I use two boost in my effects Loop so I can punch my own leads cuz the sound man just doesn't get it ? 1for fills. 1 for main leads. Mini Sparks because of the 2 way switch ☆

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Very cool!

[@crock2434]

Guptech Grindr is the metalheads swissarmy pedal. Ive tried it in the front.back. and loop...its a beast and a bargain...

[@CalitranoN]

Try the black country Tony Iommi Treble booster

[@iancastillo2704]

Lighthouse Boost by Seafoam Pedals!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! I'll have to check that one out!

[@hobbesesq.8841]

Great tone for sure! What speakers & mic/ or ir are you using? And what pups in the strat? Sounds awesome!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

This was a G1265 Celestion and an SM7B in an an iso cabinet under my house. Strat has Sonic Pickups in them.

[@hobbesesq.8841]

@@VertexEffectsInc thanks Mason! Truly blessed to be able to converse with experts like you through these channels. You’re doing the Lord’s my friend!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@hobbesesq.8841 Wow! Thanks!

[@odgeUK]

The sound at 02:42 sounds sooo familiar. A sample from a ZZ Top song maybe

[@VertexEffectsInc]

💜💜💜

[@waynegram8907]

David Gilmour and Jerry Garcia used Alembic F-2B preamp AFTER all their guitar pedals. I'm not sure if they disconnected their Amplifiers preamp section and only used the amplifiers Power amplifier or phase inverter. But it seems that the Alembic F-2B was a pre driver to Bloom out their notes. I'm not sure why anyone hasn't made a pedal version of the Alembic F-2B but maybe vertex can make a version.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I think XTS makes a Alembic boost.

[@waynegram8907]

@@VertexEffectsInc XTS Shapecharger booster pedal sounds real nice of the mid booster. It has parallel FETS push pull arrangement I think to be like a tube amplifier. I'm not sure if XTS makes an Alembic F-2B pedal.

[@waynegram8907]

@@VertexEffectsInc The Honey Bee Amps Clean booster pedal BLOOMS your notes. You set it on the first pedal to only Bloom the notes. Dan Patlansky has video explaining how he sets up the pedal to only Bloom the note not use it as a drive or booster but a bloom the notes. He has about 4 solo albums and live concerts I have sent you in the past. You should try to connect with Dan Patlansky because he is like Philip Sayce. He is a video of him using the pedal kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHKWd6lphb2Bh9U

[@garnethubbard6098]

There is a pedal called the frog pedal that is a scaled down version of the Alembic preamp

[@waynegram8907]

@@garnethubbard6098 What is the name of the guitar pedal because there is many frog pedals on google

[@patrickmcmanus5373]

HSY XP BOOSTER Spark Nux lufeate5 Dolomo Mixing Boost Movall Boostaurus The XP is a great clean Boost The mixing boost has the best gain character.

[@JohnFraserFindlay]

I have 2 COT50s.. love and hate em.. sound great if the amp is edge of break up but mot on a Dumble clean channel,,, someone offered to mod them and put a volume on them

[@VertexEffectsInc]

That would be an easy fix, but might change their tone some.

[@michaelkeating5037]

I like a clean boost (JA prism) driving a breaking up amp and either a bluesbreaker or a Cali76.

[@paulcowart3174]

I'm always looking for different tones so like to try stuff Tried and true stuff seems to hang tho

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@waitin4winter]

Thinking in terms of solo boosts, EQ pedals can basically do what transparent boost pedals do but with more control - you can just boost the mids to poke out the mix more or maybe more treble for sizzle. So my question is, is there any benefit to buying a one-knob transparent boost over an EQ pedal? Thanks.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

EQ's will still have a tone to them, depending on how they're made and their level of transparency...Boss pedals for example will have a sound to them before a slider is every adjusted. Most pedal-based EQ pedals have some sonic characteristics and aren't as efficient as say a rackmount studio EQ might be, nor have the headroom. In that sense a good Boost with high headroom (like our Vertex Boost) will always be more neutral.

[@uteowl]

Mad Doctor Ruby Red treble booster std/custom It sports two boosts (full band and treble); and it has a buffer/no buffer internal switch.

[@alejandroavelinoanayarodri8583]

Rc booster woow

[@sixxbrisbane]

I need this tab!!! I have to electronic spark

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice!

[@alejandroferradasanchez6619]

Very nice video!!! I have a question. What do you think about, mxr micro amp.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏 it’s a classic!

[@michaelcraig9449]

What is the best type of boost pedal for a Stratocaster to get the way hugest (not just loudest or most distorted) Jimi-SRV type tones? And what part of the signal would you put it? This pedal stuff gets super complex, most of the time I get lost on this stuff.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I think it's less about Boost and more about the Amp and Tube Screamer.

[@paulcowart3174]

Treble Booster is best on a dark sounding amp Bright Fender amp - Strat and TB is not good

[@ericdowning8705]

I’m assuming Klon clones would be considered a color boost? Great video btw!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Most definitely!

[@gilvir1901]

MAGNIFICO

[@johnparker2636]

Learned a lot in this video. Could you use a EQ (eg Boss GE7) to get the same effect pre OD pedal?

[@josephestes7076]

100%

[@blairmichaelhogan4502]

Yeah absolutely. With enough experimentation and some knowledge of EQ, a graphic equalizer before a drive can pretty much turn it into any other type of drive circuit.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You could do a lot of this, maybe not quite as well as these individual pedals, especially since you don't have a gain control on an EQ pedal, also it won't do treble boosting like a germanium boost will. It'll be a compromise, but you can do a lot with it, no doubt.

[@stanesposito2664]

Surprised myself that I liked the treble boost by itself the best. I use an RC Boost, but only for the EQ for different guitars. I don't really like the OD sound it provides.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

That's typical...how most folks might use it!

[@KonradSkowronski]

I am using Ep Booster first in the chain and Vertex Boost last. Do you consider Ep Booster and RC both color boost pedals? PS Great playing Mason.

[@PhillipMoita]

Ep adds bass and the RC is THE most transparent of the 3 in comparation

[@KonradSkowronski]

@@PhillipMoita true, I have both, RC and EP and use them alternately depending on setup. RC is more versatile due to EQ and gain knobs.

[@luketiehen2774]

I would Love To see more love For the tc electronic spark booster. What do you think?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

That would be more transparent, although the larger one has EQs like the RC Booster which is more "colorful".

[@barters8124]

Absolutely love this pedal, regardless of the price. To my ears it has a treble boost quality to it compared to my other boosts. Fantastic pushing a marshall sv20.

[@JOAQUINARMIJO]

Would the Steel String Clean drive be considered A color boost pedal that should be placed before overdrives, that’s how I have been using it. Or is it more of a last pedal before it goes into your amp, I have mostly use it for that as well.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I think it's best after drives.

[@Franck2112.F-G]

Hi Mason. Actually, I don’t have any « proper » boost pedal, but I experiment my sounds with different drive-ish pedals (or combination of), playing with the level knob, the eq , and sometimes limiting the drive… I happen to use your Steel String Supreme in that purpose, and the Shaffer Replica Storm, for not too colored boosts, and recently bought the Spaceman Redstone germanium preamp which I also love (obviously more colored). Please explain me if a proper boost is such a drastically different thing in a technological point of view. …and thank you for your videos

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Something like our Vertex Boost is very linear and would be good after distoriton/OD pedals. The Steel String is doing more of an amp tone/preamp tone so might be better post OD pedals as well but before the Boost pedal (for a clean boost). The Schaffer is supposed to be a preamp out of a wireless unit so that should ideally be the first thing after the guitar.

[@danielmarti]

Great video thanks Mason! What do you think of the Zio Booster from source audio compared to your Vertex Boost MKII? ( I play strat. guitars in a Blues Junior Rat FBJ V3 Handwired. I use at the end of my Pedalboard the RC Booster V2 )