Benson Amps - Germanium Clean Boost

[@robertfrippers]

andy has the best guitar tone on youtube

[@therewasascene]

I clicked on your demo over others because I knew you’d stack it and that’s what I wanted to hear. Lo and behold, you dropped the tone on us instantly. Thanks always, Andy!

[@danielleelizabeth9417]

Same, about to buy both. This was helpful!

[@razifraship]

Yes. Looking for before Blues Breaker style pedal.

[@chrishepburn1503]

Wow!!!! I've never been a huge fuzz face fan but the combo of the fuzz face and germanium boost is pure 🔥

[@AndyDemos]

That combo definitely stood out, it made the fuzz really usable with humbuckers!

[@chrishepburn1503]

@@AndyDemos Exactly!. I play humbucker pups and I've always found the fuzz face too thick and muffled. Amazing combo!

[@stefanbukcev2249]

Technically it makes it more like a tonebender which is just a fuzz face with an added transister gain stage. So cool.

[@MrHeshersNeighborhood]

Andy needs more subscribers.

[@bneum]

Amen! Oof, so tasteful. Hats off, Andy.

[@jeremyjohnston592]

He really does

[@EdgeofBreakup]

Always

[@binface9]

It's crazy how not all of the 316K subscribers he had with PGS (honourable mentions go to Mike Hermans and Brett Kingman who also contributed to that channel) have moved over to this channel

[@eDWICHt]

Oh boy, the way this little box enhances the dirt pedal of one's choice is quite astonishing to behold!

[@waitin4winter]

So much engineering put into a one knob clean boost! it’s great

[@mistertv9930]

Damn. No one can get me to make an impulse purchase faster than Andy!

[@AndyDemos]

Happy to help! 😄

[@jma1304]

Great intro song, dig the 80's Roadstar bass (some of my favorites) ;)

[@r4ttlech4n44]

SUBBED!!! you paired the Germanium Overdrive and Germanium Fuzz and switched the order so we could hear how they sound in front of the other. Thank you!!!

[@KKMcK1]

Benson! My home town company. They just continue to smash it out of the park! A brilliant company with brilliant products!

[@vautrain]

Andy, that tone with the boost into the preamp! My word! Excellent tones, playing, and demo as usual.

[@coupe-lee]

The fact that this can successfully drive a fuzz face is magic!

[@doubled5383]

Aside from being great at pedal demos, I am just amazed that I have never heard Andy play the same riffs or songs or lines across all his demos. Where does he get all this material??

[@dunebillydave222]

Another brilliant demo. You have such great insights into pedal performance. Thank you, once again.

[@patchp1449]

Andy, this my favorite boost it just makes everything sound better and more so fuzz pedals great video as always Thanks!!!

[@AndyDemos]

It's really got something special going on, it's never harsh!

[@paulflammond5584]

@@AndyDemos Hey Andy, you're truly the best in the biz at this. I have a question for you. I'm building a new main board and we'll have one smaller one. I recently got the MXR CAE which I will place last & have on all the time. Also, I do own the micro amp & love it! It's a classic, but I think that will go on my small board. How do think this Benson germanium boost will work early in my chain before my JHS cheese ball and EHX Octavix then onto my overdrives, etc.? I'd really appreciate your insight & have a wonderful New Year! Cheers 🍻

[@AndyDemos]

@@paulflammond5584 Hey Paul, I think early is where this pedal really shines. I’d treat it almost like a compressor but it can do cool things after modulation/delay as well. I just think the output is best suited for another pedal rather than a long cable run. The CAE is a great choice for that 👍🏻

[@paulflammond5584]

@@AndyDemos Thank you very much! Have a great day ✌

[@homunculusSZN]

Thanks for using this pedal with a bass! Makes it sound a bit crunchier

[@bifjohnson1986]

Your Greco Les Paul sounds absolutely incredible!

[@bifjohnson1986]

If you don't mind me asking, what are those pick-up's in your Greco? Looks like a P-90 in the neck and maybe some sort of humbucker in the bridge?

[@AndyDemos]

It’s going after the Neil Young combo but the guitar had full sized HB so I got a Radioshop PAF sized 90 and my dad Redtail Guitars wound a custom Firebird in a HB enclosure. They balance a bit better, otherwise a Firebird is pretty low. Thanks!

[@xb5883]

Andy's playing = awesome

[@alexmurphy5289]

This sounds incredible

[@gringopig]

I bought one of these. Love it! It makes every amp sound better 👍👍👍

[@edadpops1709]

🙀🙀wow what an awesome boost. Outstanding demo Andy. Yea “new black “ in da room

[@schipbreukeling3]

Always great intro's, subbed.

[@omgtonywtf]

Damn Andy! I saw this on GW, but clicked over to YT and logged in to leave a comment of praise. Of course this demo is great and your playing has always been fantastic. But, something about your playing in this video is showing your chops leveling up in an amazing way. Great great work! 🤘🏻

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks so much Tony!!!

[@EdgeofBreakup]

Amazing as always, Andy!!

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks so much! 👊

[@jezmez68]

Andy smashes the Benson boost in front of that Fuzz Face and now I understand why I might like to have this pedal.

[@joeschlicht]

OMG! That makes me want a fuzz now. I've always been on the fence adding a fuzz, mainly the farty sounds aren't my thing... but with the Benson in front of the Fuzzface, it sounds incredible. Incidentally I just purchased a Benson boost (from Reverb) used at a decent negotiated price. It arrived yesterday, I haven't even taken it out of the box yet (I have a toddler). Looking forward to what this can do to my tone, and for bass too.

[@the-np4mr]

You should find a fuzz face style pedal with a bias knob, just keep it turned up and there'll be no fart lol

[@joeschlicht]

@@the-np4mr Any recommendations. I'm a gear nerd, but actually know very little about fuzz.

[@the-np4mr]

@@joeschlicht I have to admit I haven't looked too much into it but the jhs 3 series seems like it'd be a decent choice

[@the-np4mr]

@@joeschlicht actually maybe a big muff might work for what you're thinking of maybe

[@marcusdluxe]

Love that. The tone stacking options sound amazing.

[@ibaneztubescreamer]

The clean boost > preamp combo sounds killer.

[@Cesiumswimsuit]

Man perfect timing, I’ve been looking for a new boost! Excellent and tasteful playing as always Andy 🤘🏻

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheJonRuth23]

I forgot about the pedal for a minute there.. SICK JAM, ANDY!

[@livinghere1972]

Some great tones

[@dougleydorite]

I wish you’d play “self bias resistor” by Fear Factory

[@AndyDemos]

Cool tune!!

[@ndr475]

Wow very convincing demo Both with the fuzz but with the preamp pedal 😍

[@sellandinho]

Man I just bougth the Germanium Fuzz because of its cool features. Obviously your demo also played a part in that. I was kind of hoping for a Treble Booster when it said "Germanium Boost", but I'll take it.

[@therewasascene]

They’re expensive and sold out but you’re reminding me of the Spruce Effects top box treble boosters 🤤

[@pizzapie4me]

I need this and a fuzz face. 🙌

[@VitZZOYD]

I think Rangemaster inside -one Ge transistor! Working good with other germanium pedals!

[@jayseb]

Perfect demo... again!

[@bastian6755]

Could a pedal like this, always kept on at the beginning of the effects chain (set to no more than 12:00), replace a buffer pedal?

[@AndyDemos]

Sure, it will help as an INPUT buffer. Remember, you'd still need something at the end if you want to run long cables. Thanks!

[@bastian6755]

a technical question. Do I get the same functions as the Benson Germanium Boost (green pedal) by setting the Benson germanium fuzz as a clean boost?

[@TIMExBANDIT]

Goddamn, that made the fuzz face into a beast

[@davim.6073]

Nice to see bass going through this pedal as well, would have loved to see a segment dedicated to bass in solo

[@mindfield9832]

Benson should make a deluxe version where it’s a two in one pedal. That fuzz and boost are meant for each other.

[@edadpops1709]

Mark that one as a keeper tune

[@MegaChoo2]

I always get happy when Andy gets out that green tele. What brand is that?

[@AndyDemos]

Thank you! That's a custom Grayling by Gray Guitars in the UK. Has a chambered body and the mahogany came from a Victorian billiards table!

[@joejerome5437]

Hey bro dig your playing allot, how did you made the fuzz face and spark pedal choked fuzzy tones 😮? 5:27

[@AndyDemos]

That’s how Fuzz Faces react when hit with a low impedance signal (buffer). That’s why most folks say to place a fuzz first in the chain so it behaves normally with you guitar’s impedance.

[@joejerome5437]

@@AndyDemos ty man appreciate it

[@reverendg5937]

Thanks

[@nigelcristobal1185]

That benson preamp towards the end sound so much like Live Weld. The boost kinda feels like the Whizzer in a pedal. Damn..

[@AndyDemos]

Thank you! Weld has always been the benchmark for Neil's live tone, I'm happy to hear I got close!

[@MegaChoo2]

Is that green tele one of tour dad’s offerings? It is killer!

[@AndyDemos]

That one is by Gray Guitars in the UK - Grayling model with Radioshop P90s!

[@salmonline]

Sweet Ibanez. I had the 5-string back in the day.

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks, I just picked that one up. I love these old basses!

[@sagittated]

One... Unlabeled... Knob. And it works really well.

[@richardcoleman9234]

Andy! Great demo, as ever. What amp/pedals were you going through when you played the Gretsch to demo the gain reduction? An amazing sound!

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks, the Greco actually was just going into the pedals you see plus the previously shown DD-8 and the Deluxe Reverb on about 4. It's definitely one of my favorite tone concoctions in the style of Neil Young!

[@therewasascene]

Yeah looks like a lot of us were taken by that sound That particular usage is not one that I would have thought of either. Putting that concept in my pocket for sure.

[@gcvrsa]

I'm not I understand why anyone would bother creating a stabilised germanium transistor clean boost, when you can just use a silicon transistor clean boost. Why would I pay $200 for a pedal that does nothing different than a $60 tc electronic Spark mini booster? (UPDATE: LOL, question answered just seconds later in the video after I posted this.)

[@Cuardaitheoirfirinne]

The Pedal Whisperer!!

[@joejones4237]

what a pedal lesson )

[@justinwolz4932]

Was that a Tool song at the opening?

[@GIBKEL]

You may have outdone yourself. Sweet!

[@MagicPants647]

they should put that fuzz and boost in 1 pedal

[@mindfield9832]

Definitely!

[@waynegram8907]

This Benson Ge Fuzz pedal is High Impedance Input and OUTPUT?

[@crottedepingouin]

at this point I just come here to listen to andy play

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks for watching!

[@cameronwhite6075]

Hi Andy, I’m probably not the first to ask (sorry), what pickups are you running in the Greco?

[@AndyDemos]

Hey Cameron, thanks for asking! Well the idea was to do the Neil thing: P-90 and Firebird. Since it was routed for HBs, I went with a Radioshop P-90 in HB form and my dad who put it together, wound a custom Firebird pickup to fit in the bridge. The nickel covers are both from Radioshop pickups so they matched up nicely! Really happy with the balance between the two, I read that Neil Young's P-90 was always a little louder but we wound the Firebird a bit hotter to balance out.

[@Chef_Jeff69]

Holy Balls!

[@joshuarussell4803]

What kind of tremolo is that on the black les paul?

[@AndyDemos]

That’s a new Kahler with a lock just behind the nut. Really wanted a locking trem but was going for a Neil Young vibe so Kahler fit the bill and much less routing too.

[@joshuarussell4803]

@@AndyDemos nice! Thanks for the info!

[@robertrosejr1]

Great pedal. Who makes that Stratocaster

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks, that's a '62 partscaster my dad (Redtail Guitars) put together about 15 years ago. Got some lovely Fralin Vintage Hots in there!

[@robertrosejr1]

@@AndyDemos thanks Andy it’s sounds unreal

[@BrandonMilner]

Hey that's my bass! I thought I was the only one!

[@AndyDemos]

Yea, love those early 80s Ibanez guitars/basses! However, I don’t have that particular Roadstar anymore, I’ve learned that 22 fret basses are more my style. I primarily use a ‘81 Ash Blazer as my go-to for demos. Thanks for watching!👊👊

[@johnpainter4563]

Extra credit for “topology” :)

[@wolvesandguitars]

Hey Andy what pick ups are in the Redtail ?

[@AndyDemos]

Those are Fralin Vintage Hot!

[@billnelson9413]

Juicy!

[@Supernautiloid]

Hey Andy, I have an old EHX Germanium OD lying around. Do you think I can use it in similar ways to how you’re using the Benson Germanium Boost in this video? Are they the same type of pedal or different?

[@AndyDemos]

That's a great question. The EHX OD is still an underrated pedal IMO but that's definitely a drive (it encourages distortion/fuzz from the Ge transistor). The Benson does not create distortion, however, it is meant to be a clean boost with higher headroom that merely borrows the subtle coloration and slight compression from Ge. You can certainly try a similiar setting on the EHX by cranking the Volts and Bias but it won't nearly be as clean as Benson's or as temp resistant. Hope that helps!

[@Cluless02]

well done mate - 3:05!

[@sasaki-sasaki619]

Greco ?

[@lincolnjohnson6511]

Very retro!!

[@pCeLobster]

MY GOD.

[@MRxr400]

one mistake in the design is it doesn't go to 11.... the fuzz sounds great so does the boost

[@redbarchetta8782]

One too many knobs, you'll confuse the bass player! ;)

[@hddbugg]

i don't need it...i don't need it...i don't need it........help!!!!!!!!

[@liamtahaney713]

I wish Ibanez would make more Massive basses like the one youre playing. I hate the super light basses they make now that have as dinky a sound as their body

[@BeefNEggs057]

Can I buy your pick lol

[@AndyDemos]

They're FREE!

[@mikejamieson419]

Cool pedal. Not cheap tho $$$

[@user-wv5gv3dw5u]

great pedal and great playing with an absurd price. Sorry but 200$ for a single knob pedal is just too much

[@CorbCorbin]

You’re also paying for that germanium transistor they have that isn’t affected by temperature changes, as well as how it biases. It also keeps a high impedance, as Andy displays, which other boosts can’t do. This is more than just a one knob clean boost.

[@Turn0vers]

@@CorbCorbin exactly, and anything Benson is worth while on your investment. Never see any on 2nd hand if any probably the amps. Everybody I know still has their Benson gear.

[@FACTBOT_5000]

PedalFarm makes a nice germanium boost for a better price. You can change the frequency on it from treble boost to full frequency, and lots in between.

[@xb5883]

Pedal comments = LOL

[@mikejamieson419]

The spark sounds better with the fuzz

[@BopKitBill]

A nice looking pedal but Rangemaster or a Tonebender it ain't....seems like a waste of good Germanium.

[@slimturnpike]

Intriguing., esp the way it can be used to clean up an overdriven signal, demonstrated at 12:34.