5 PEDALS FOR BOOSTING YOUR AMP, Tone Secrets #4

5 totally different boost pedals, including a treble boost, clean and mid boost, and 3 overdrives, they achieve a similar purpose in front of a dirty amp, but end up sounding quite different from one another! Watch this vid and discover what the right style of boost is for YOU.
Check out "Clean To Scream" by Pete Thorn: itunes.apple.c...
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[@WiserInTime]

If anyone wants to do side by side comparisons... 65 Color Boost - 2:52 Boss Super Overdrive - 4:38 Way Huge Green Rhino - 7:00 Bondi Sick As - 8:58 Suhr Koko Boost (clean boost) - 10:21 Suhr Koko Boost (mid boost) - 11:01

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

WiserInTime Thanks for the time marks but even more so, thanks for not adding that overbearing "your welcome" bit that people always do (usually misspelling it in the process).

[@herwansaputra4080]

🤟

[@AlekVila]

What's crazy about this is when I hear the differences, I immediately associate them with different genres of music and the feelings that come with those are pretty strong. I really love the 65 Color Boost sound!

[@ZillianZilch]

Pete always comes across as not just a great player but a great bloke too. Love the enthusiasm and the videos are always really informative and straight to the point.

[@billtice5057]

That amp by it’s self sounds fantastic!

[@learnerlearns]

Thank You PETE! I cannot think of anyone more qualified or equipped to make such a great comparison video, with good audio and pro playing.

[@HugoWelti]

Love the Boss SD-1. One of my favorite pedals for boosting along with my TS808. They're both similar, but they both have their own subtleties going on.

[@JoeNadir89]

Totally agree! I have one and it's really useful either for solos our just to get some mid/treble boost for your tone. I always use it after my MXR Micro Amp boost into a crunchy amp to get really organic and sharp high-gain tones.

[@brianrodman1033]

Hugo Welti - couldn't agree more about the SD-1 and TS-808. I have an Analogman modded SD-1 (Silver and 808 mods w/ stock Boss clipping) so it's pretty much a SD-1/TS-808 hybrid. Great overdrive, especially when that mid boost is needed.

[@sullimd]

Me too. I leave my SD-1 on all the time with my Marshalls. Doesn't matter what I'm playing, boosting just slightly (I mean juuuust a little bit) with the SD-1 just tightens and smooths things out to my ear. Any flubby bass gets cleaned up. I've tried most of the "normal" OD's from $50-$250, and I always come back to my $30 SD-1 I've had for like 10 years.

[@jimyang8824]

The thing with Peter Thorn is that his playing is so good, and he makes all gears sound awesome.

[@george.kollaros]

"You can take a kid out of the 80's, but you can't take the 80's out of the kid"!!! Yes, and I like SD-1 for that sound!

[@jiyu_the_monk.1983]

I am a 90s kid but yup, my favorites were SD1 and Green Rhino! They have a thing, they just scream nicely.

[@seamanjive]

Another great vid Pete. There is a guy here in England, Hubcap John, who make the most incredible RangeMaster clones. I never realised the versatility of a TB until I put one of his "Tattooed Lady" pedals in front of my Maz 18 head. That's it now, no ODd, no clean boost. The TB makes the guitars controls come to life. Having said that I was just today trying an ancient CS-2 in front of an ancient SD-1 - gotta love those Boss pedals......

[@yairi]

I play professionally for most of my life (14 Years), I Own too many pedals, and I have learned a lot from your video. You did it in a very approachable and a very comprehensible way. Well done Pete

[@el0blaino]

Wow just what I was looking for as I start trying to find an overdrive for lead lines. I'm playing a Magnatone Super Fifteen at home usually at "apartment level" volume (which is a crime) with usually a semi-hollow humbucker guitar (Yamaha SA-1100) but sometimes a Telecaster, and trying to figure out from KZbin how to narrow down the wide world of boost / drive / overdrive for a non-metal, non-80s, mostly 60s and 70s rock style is so tough! Good videos like these really help educate me on what to listen for and to think about what I need. That first one, where you played Brian May's solo, was fantastic - beautiful, bright, searing, clear - sounds like everything I'd want. Many people have told me to get an SD-1 and it sounds intense and fun but I think too metal for what I am looking to do - I guess I am looking for warmer, more organic? The Way Huge on the bridge pickup sounded great to me. The Bondi - this helped me hear what a Klon style does - it's a good sound but I think it changes the amp character more than I may want? I can't tell yet, but anyway now I know what to listen for. Totally opposite was my reaction to the Suhr, which seemed about as clean as you could be. Anyway, thanks again - great variety, great teaching.

[@joetoe9207]

Queen solo I'm not sure how it goes? Are you kidding? This is incredible. TX for doing this! Very humbling. Super helpful descriptions!

[@LPCustom3]

I designed the 65 Amps Colour Boost. It is just the stock Dallas Rangemaster with different cap voicings instead of just the one voicing you get with a stock Rangemaster.

[@tonys2705]

Five completely different pedals, five completely different tones, and one really baddass guitar player! So enjoyable... Your enthusiasm for what you do speaks so much for the way you do it. Rock on and on brother.......

[@rigorhead01]

Great video! That SL68 is the real tone monster displayed here, just such a great sounding amp.

[@paulcowart3174]

Absolutely

[@paulmatthewphoto1960]

Definately the King of the Demo! Insanely gifted guitar player too.

[@orsivan5731]

The treble booster is soooooo underrated, that was a great demo

[@colbyjames7365]

This is the first channel that KZbin has "recommend" that I have loved. The videos are great, the information is actually informative, and the playing is superb. Keep up the great work Pete!

[@PeteThorn]

+Colby James thanks Colby! Glad you like it

[@eljodon]

I have the newer Green Rhino which has a 100Hz boost and a Curve control which boost the mids. I think this addition made the pedal more versatile. Great stuff Pete, my wife is going to divorce me if I keep buying pedals and more gear! Lol! You make it easier to make an educated decision when buying new gear. Thanks!

[@perfectreject6121]

Holy crap man, I found you a few days ago and your playing is amazing, clean beyond belief. Can't believe I didn't find you sooner! It's been a rejuvenation of inspiration to hear you play! Thank you so much.

[@PeteThorn]

Thank you! And welcome to my channel!

[@rickfeith6372]

Check out his take on Eruption for some Pete shred...its spot on AND he shows how to play it and create the Phase 90 brown sound.

[@perfectreject6121]

Rick Feith I will!

[@mrcali68]

The absolute GOLD STANDARD for guitar gear demos! Superb.

[@KenGotGuitar]

not sure how the solo goes? you were nailing it....

[@aixpert291]

kenseido64 his guesses are better than my “worked on it for two weeks”.

[@Monarch-hs9yg]

What song was it from? I recognize it, but can't remember.

[@judgegroovyman]

@@Monarch-hs9yg That was from Bohemian Rhapsody :)

[@jeffhebert9643]

Pete , your tone is already killer as usual . ....the pedals are just the "cherry on top ". Awesome video brother .

[@atalayo3o0o]

Awesome sounds created there, totally what I already go for years. Build quality of amp, pedals and guitars are important as much as your playing style. Strong picking and liquid playing over fretboard creates the unique tone, of course. Mission complete.

[@KingGrio]

Pete ! That Green Rhino thing with the neck pickup above the twelfth fret !!! It sounds like Technical Difficulties Racer X Paul Gilbert. I'm so glad you showed me how to get that tone, it's used on the solo of the title track !

[@GazMoz78]

All 5 sound amazing, what a great demo. Just shows you that all these classic circuits were designed for classic amps, not to push an already cooking pre amp, which is what a lot of players get wrong. You just end up with too much compression, all these pedals sound fat and open because they're being used as they we're intended😊

[@Damage_Kase_99]

This guy was SOOO worth subscribing to. Great tips and a fantastic player!

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks man! Happy to have you here.

[@brucealcoriza1606]

Is that really your photo, Bombay man ??

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Love Pete. He is an Animal, and so Versatile and Super nice humble guy. He is off the charts.

[@joshmuz9018]

Worth? You mean all that time and effort you took to click one button..Yeah man that's crazy

[@allboutthemojo]

@@PeteThorn can a boost be used with a Marshall dsl 1watt hr ? Asking because it's a low watt amp so given that it has less head room , will a boost just make it sound muddy?

[@chrishepburn1503]

The Green Rhino kills it. Very smooth and crunchy

[@steadyrm]

Chris Hepburn yes I have a Reissue- great pedal. The sick as was good too

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Very surprising pedal...

[@HardwiredMusicMaker]

I had a Green Rhino and what I found was that I loved it when just monkeying around on the guitar - but with a band (using wireless to get away from the stage) all definition was washed out - notes became a big mush. Switched to a Marshall bluesbreaker pedal that I had around and had similar gain set up but all the notes were distinct - I could hear the chords and solos way easier. Take away lesson is that you need to play a pedal in a band situation to really hear what it's doing to your sound.

[@steadyrm]

I used The G R at a gig last night just as a boost. gain way down with MXR distortion after it. Great for solos and great for rhythm with distortion off

[@adamr8878]

@hardwireSpeers What amp were you running through ?

[@jw6588]

Man, I wish this were an extended series. This is the kind of info missing from KZbin.

[@homeworldmusic]

Your banter (background explanation) on this just made me grin. Absolutely wonderful review, very informative.

[@chronicfatigue5416]

My favorite for this application is the Xotic BB Preamp. It can be used as a clean boost, or as a drive on either a clean or dirty channel. It is one of those pedals that makes everything sound better no matter what it's used for.

[@paulcowart3174]

Always wanted to try one Think it would stack well in front of my main drive instead of the Xotic EP boost I'm using now

[@danielgorman8725]

I really loved the straight tone of the guitar and amp with no pedal! Great tone and great chops!

[@paulcowart3174]

I know AC/DC tones all day there

[@bpdarragh]

Pete is the man, great playing and recorded sound, no showing off, informative, engaging, to the point. Nice one mate.

[@AuntAlnico4]

And the SOUND that's coming out of your amp is just like (WHOOA) I can't put even put it into WORDS ! Phenomenal and playing, it's just the epitome of every thing great about Rock and METAL.

[@britewiresatx]

I’ve purchased several pieces of gear via PT’s video recommendations / demos. He can play anything and play it well. Thanks for sharing!

[@eguilherme1]

Thanks for another great video! My favorite boosts right now are the Wampler Tumnus, Koko Reloaded & the Bogner Harlow. No coincidence I bought all 3 after hearing your demos. Damn you!

[@ZigbertD]

Super informative video. I've been playing a long time and used all kinds of gear over the years, but still learned a couple of things I didn't know. Awesome, man. Also, one of probably thousands? Tens of thousands? Millions, even? of players who had the good ol' Boss SD-1 back in the eighties. Josh Scott of JHS Pedals has a vlog episode all about Boss and says it's kind of the Tube Screamer before the Tube Screamer. Just a real workhorse, bread and butter, pick your metaphor for reliable and indispensably functional type pedal, and the SD-1 is it.

[@brpadington]

I use either my Maxon OD9 or my Berserker overdrive on my Silver Jubilee. I think the berserker works some magic on the jubilee. Something to do with how it is voiced just makes it great with the jubilee.

[@wayguitar69]

I have a number of boost/overdrive pedals, everything from cheap Joyos, some much more $$, I really like the EH Soul Food, turns my 70 watt Traynor dirty channel into a muscular Marshall-ish beast, like the very usable tone control. Excellent videos Mr Thorn, plus dig the riffs & licks, I don't care what your friends say about you, you're a good dude! Lol.

[@chrismundayguitar]

I neeeeeed that 65 amps colour boost... what a sound and such great playing Pete. I too have the Sick As & love it!

[@angbernardo]

Pete, it would be cool if you did another video like this showcasing another five boost pedals. This was a really cool vid. Awesome playing as always

[@nterrado47]

My sentiments exactly. @Pete Thorn, I really hope you will some day make another video with the same premise.

[@EyeSoulband]

I've been using my Boss OS-2 for years with my 5150 or Line6 Flextone II for years. Love it!!

[@TheArmedHermit]

As a Klon guy I've always dug the Bondi. I'm fortunate enough to own Centaur #3913, bought it directly from Bill in 2007 for $344, which is still the most I'd ever spent on a single function pedal. It was worth it though, as it's still on my board today & stays on almost all the time. The Koko boost sounded damn good though, I'm going to have to do some homework on that one. You've really been putting out some great content lately Pete, keep up the good work.

[@MrEstpas71]

Strange thing happening: by every pedal you turn on i think "wow...sounds great!!" And than you hook up the next pedal and i think....anyway, you'll get the picture! Great demo Pete, as always! Excellent playing and tone!!

[@shorttadam]

That super overdrive sounded immense. I'm getting one. Pete you really are a great guy.

[@boozoochavis7506]

Pete, after listening to Jude Gold's podcast I started looking for info you mentioned on Ste Smith's Boss pedal setup and have been watching several of your pedal videos - THANK YOU for the HELP, was really listening to my drive pedals this morning to see how I can better dial them in with my rig and sound better overall!! YEAH!

[@MrChadDrye]

Great video. That Green Rhino was sounding top shelf!

[@voxpathfinder15r]

Best clean boost for the money that adds some of it's own character - DOD 250 Preamp overdrive!

[@PeteThorn]

Ya they are cool too!

[@MrSimondaniel3]

yup those are rad + theyre not already used by everybody.

[@bojangles6444]

I like how Pete never throws his best licks in your face from the start. Vintage style lead playing then a few minutes in starts shredding all over the place- almost like it’s an accident. Don’t assume you know his style until you have heard a lot- there is a lot more depth to his playing and endless tricks up his sleeve that he waits patiently to throw at you. Doesn’t try to overwhelm you from the start, when he does kick it into high gear it sounds like he is not trying that hard and everything sounds so clean it doesn’t sound hard to learn for those of us who have played for decades. I have a real hard time finding players with advanced technique that have any sense of musicality. I feel like studying his playing will improve my musicianship and my bag of tricks. Once you have studied the greats like Hendrix, Page, early Van Halen etc I got to this point where it was like what do I do now. If you try to learn to play like Steve Vai or Yngwie etc at some point it just gets frustrating, tedious and boring. Maybe it’s easier for some people- my brain can only process a few crazy solo parts at a time before it needs a break. I am looking forward to listening to more of Pete’s playing bc I feel like he always has fun- it never divulges into pure technical showmanship where I get bored and want to stop. Any songs Pete plays that people like feel free to recommend- looking forward to adding all his best tricks to my own. I got some good ones from Tim Pierce, I like his playing but the type of music he is playing is just a little too close to background music for me. Not what he plays- I am not a big fan of his jam tracks. My version of hell is just a place where you are forced to listen to Kenny G for all eternity. I love real jazz and fusion but “smooth jazz” has more in common in tonality to death metal than real jazz. I think Kenny G might really be the devil as a matter of fact. Mellow adult contemporary rock, smooth jazz, ambient techno, new age- it’s death metal without gain and blast beats. Avoid or you might lose your soul! Remember- Michael Bolton was a metal singer who sold out.. as was Billy Joel. Two of my least favorite. Imagine having to hang out with Lars and listen to him tell the same stories over and over. Lars and Kenny G man it’s the evil leprechaun and Satan!

[@Traynoramp08]

The riff in the beginning sound awesome. That's was great picking pattern.

[@shawncondon8262]

MXR Micro Amp+ is the best clean boost I've ever played through and not being a pricey boutique pedal makes it all the more valuable. I've got a friend who fronts his power trio old school strat into a marshall the dude is a gear caveman (not a bad thing!) and usually shuts down at the beginning of any conversation about adding to his rig. He played through the Micro Amp + once and now borrows it for every show lmao

[@johngerson7335]

_*nearly perfectly reproduces the cool-ass opening phrase to May's solo with 100% correct inflection_ "...not really sure how that solo goes..." You're amazing Pete, thanks for all the great uploads!

[@PeteThorn]

+John Gerson well, I USED to know it, ha! I once played Bohemian Rhapsody on the Tonight Show (with Leno hosting) so I learned it then (12 years ago?)

[@johngerson7335]

+Pete Thorn Sounds like the 'learn' stuck pretty well Pete! You're a straight-up badass imho, and even cooler than that, you seem to be a genuinely friendly, forthcoming, and humble guy. I have a ton of admiration and respect for you man, and the great work you do. Thanks for all the cool posts that you upload and for making your talent and knowledgeability so accessible.

[@thereasonableamericans411]

I might be on my first year of guitar but I'll tell you this, Brian May HIMSELF does put a very heavy weight on his treble booster in regards to the sounds mentioned here. So it would seem yet again you're on point.

[@paulabernethy8396]

I have the KoKo Boost pedal and it turns any amp into a monster!!!!! It even tamed the flubby bottom end in my Rivera KH55 Knucklehead and turned it into a tight and super responsive amp!!! Well with the money paid for it!!!

[@zundap100]

That 65 Color Boost sounds very good to me. Thanks for video Pete.

[@Tonetwisters]

A BOSS compressor will knock your socks off. Even clean. Transistors hitting a tube preamp is absolute magic.

[@pythonflying]

The Suhr sounds so good by itself anything up front sounds great.

[@johnroberts838]

Excellent demo, brilliant playing, I'd forgotten how good the Boss OD 1 sounded. Thank you.

[@RipVDub]

An SD1, through an mid 80's Marshall JCM800 100W, a Seymour Duncan Custom Custom, and a cable. Rock ensued.

[@cyanidejunkie]

sparks commenced, and muh face caught on fire!

[@RipVDub]

Much flameage...

[@LeviBulger]

The bonds that restrained all matter within the universe collapsed in an instant

[@frankscassi4960]

Got a Custom Custom, got a SD-1, don't have a 800 but I have a Sunn model T Reissue which is mean as f**k. I got my Sd-1 for 45 bucks, I really can't understand why people spend more than 100 euros for tube screamers when a sd-1 is 90% the same AND can be modded in a ts 808/9 with a few euros

[@timnatrajan]

That was my rig for years although with a Seymour jb

[@pastorsprinkles]

This has been one of my favorite videos of your Pete!

[@Grecoguitardude]

You sir are my new goto guy for gain and drive advice, excellent and meaningful advice for sure. Great playing as well!

[@leafinfirerob]

Fantastic video. Never heard of the "Sick As" pedal but rhat was dynamite. Keep up the killer work PT!

[@offbeatbassgear]

Thanks, this was extremely useful and it was pretty easy to follow actually. A good before and after/walk-through of all five pedal types and the categorization that was used made sense.

[@icurt06]

Love the tone secret series! I'm old school and my ears like the treble boost for lead and the green over drive for my crunch tone.

[@PvtGrips-vh7ti]

Thanks for this PT! That Suhr SL-68 plexi makes a great crunch tone to add pedals to!

[@marmonquimby9311]

Very informative video. I had no idea that there were so many different boost types. Great playing as always. Your videos are the perfect blend of information and inspiration. Thank you Mister Thorn.

[@billhannum4117]

Man your channel is so informative i have learned so much about amps and pedals from you ...great playing ..your a beast on the guitar Pete .

[@Umbral_Heavy_Metal_Band]

The Koko in the mid boost position is magical!!

[@smoovegittar]

Very helpful... and thank you! Opted for the Koko Boost; very happy with that choice.

[@EddieB2047]

I added a koko boost to front of my Friedman X and it’s very good indeed, puts it over the top in a good way. Have the Klon type and will get the SD-1 to compare as well Thanks for the demos

[@mreddekop4386]

Hi Pete, I've been setting up my pedalboard and have looked at tons of videos specifically about amp boosting. Thanks so much for your advice, I always like your videos. I'm still working on dialling in that perfect overdrive from my fender twin.Thanks again, M

[@1st_Proof]

Thank you for your help, wading through pedals can lose its luster. I learn bunches of useful info from you. Stay well!

[@kinlefafa]

cheers pete another worthwhile video loving these tone secrets series thanks for taking the time to put these out.

[@karimba45]

Very useful video Pete. Again even when demoing gear your playing is sublime!

[@dewwhatchadew1]

great playing as always pete. I think they all sounded fantastic. awesome video!

[@PabloMollAN]

Marc Bolan too. Thanks for the awesome content.

[@mikemccourt6225]

I use the Green Rhino - the later version with the 2 extra trim pots - into my AC10 in my wet/dry rig. I always get compliments on my lead tone with that set up. Thanks Pete

[@FretFriendGWaL]

Stock Boss SD-1! The end :D My SD-1 is a Keeley 5-Star GE modded one but I love the stock SD-1! Fabulous pedal...

[@malesmandi]

For me, the super overdrive takes the cake. Damnnn thats tight

[@EeeBeeGee]

Love your videos Pete, totally agree with other comments, awesome guitar playing and really helpful and knowledgeable (hope that's spelt right) advice. Also loved the Canadian dialect in one of your other videos. I'm an Aussie and didn't realise you guys had as much of a kooky accent as us, eh!

[@ManuelMartinez09]

As always, very easy to understand your tips, love the koko and rhino. Thanks for your videos.

[@cmartinrel]

Great demo. Loved all but the treble booster. Thought the boss would be my favorite but I think I liked the green rhino most. Keep up the great work!

[@mikestillwagon5675]

Simply awesome video, Pete. Killer tones all the way around.

[@chrismitlyng1411]

Thanks again for another great video Pete! Love your categorization and comparisons of each OD class! Love your tone and KILLER LP MAN!! Beautiful guitar!!

[@blakjack3053]

Great stuff PT! I currently have Xotic's "EP Boost" on my board and I leave it on because of how loud and clean it sounds with an a minimum of coloring. Everything just sounds bigger and fuller!

[@rjonsolo1]

God I love hearing you play man. Stealing every lick I can.

[@Nic7ish]

I really enjoy these videos, great information and it's very concise. I also appreciate not trying to be sold something. Thanks for these

[@justingarcia7722]

Love this new series Pete! Killer playing as always. Could you down the road maybe do tonetips on vox/el84 style amps? I feel they are a certain kind of beast on their own when it comes to pedals/tones. Thanks for the information as always!

[@RandomButtonPusher]

Second that.

[@davejeon02]

yhat pedal show has a great AC15//overdrive pedal-dedicated video

[@drexcote25]

Awesome demo dude. Eye opening to what I want. I have a peavey mini colossal and am needing some sort of boost. This vid helped big time. Thanks

[@jjnewbold]

The Sick As sounds so great!

[@lenw812]

Great video! Briefly, at about 10:35, Pete actually achieved tonal nirvana.

[@ubertwerpify]

This is real world results and useful info folks Gold standard stuff here - thank you !

[@josephcrisostomo4350]

Great Sound from the Boss od pedal

[@CarlyonProduction]

Pete, if you ever want to sell your 65 amps pedal - I will 100% buy it from you no question! I had a bunch of their stuff which I regrettably sold (then they went out of business) So hard to find nowadays! Their London amp was the most harmonically rich amp I think I have ever played.

[@mohawkbear8768]

Pete your videos never disappoint. Your a rad dude sir!

[@liloloswarn]

Thank you for all these very informative videos and such brilliant playing, always a pleasure to hear all those good sounds... I must add great congrats for all these short original instrumentals you create to illustrate your reviews, always enjoy them... Cheers from France. ! ;-)

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks!

[@anthonycamillos3719]

And here I was about to sell my SD-1. I may have to try it again with some different settings!

[@brianrodman1033]

Anthony Camillos - send it off to Analogman for mods! Well worth the money.

[@Hopeiteadworthit2024]

Thanks Pete...just got me the hot rod deluxe iii and this info go's along way. Killer🤘

[@TheNewenglandboys]

Great job Pete! Thanks for the effort you've put in!

[@hendrikwinkels6881]

They all sound great, but the way huge...man, that is magnificient!