effects pedals and music production @ fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com

Treble Boosters :

Pigeon FX Rangemaster — Rangemaster ( one of the best, by Pigeon FX )

Some history : British electric guitar players of the early 1960s were generally inspired by the musical TONE of amplifiers designed in the U.S.A—particularly those of the Fender brand, which were capable of producing more treble frequency content as compared to amps manufactured in England. Otherwise, many “Brit” residents were also unable to afford the high import cost of American made products. And, so the “solution” was to design and manufacture an electronic circuit of their own : the Treble Booster effects device.

1961, non-commercial units built by Roger Mayer for his friends, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page (both, pre-Yardbirds fame), were @ the forefront of treble booster design. Otherwise, post 1961 treble boosters were then being manufactured by others in England as well—including those intended for commercial sale, and thus gaining in popularity. For example, during 1965, Dallas Music LTD designed a commercially-released gizmo called, the Rangemaster Treble Booster—produced in extremely limited quantity, and therefore has since become increasingly rare/ expensive (up to $10,000+). That said, in relation to the Rangemaster Treble Booster’s current market value, product-recognition also plays a major role—i.e., artists such as Brian May and Tony Iomi have each (inadvertently), further increased the unit’s price-point, simply by employing this effects device for their earlier work. But let’s not overlook a most important factor : vintage TONE; largely, in relation to an antiquated electronic circuit component called, the transistor—specifically, 1x germanium (Ge.) Mullard OC44.

Question : What exactly, does a vintage-style treble booster SOUND like?

* Less saturated (distorted), as compared to a fuzz effects pedal.

* Boost “treble” frequency content (i.e. increasing upper-mids, whilst reducing lows).

* Boost dB (gain/ distortion).

Note : I myself, employ a noise gate (TC Electronic Sentry), inserted @ end of my effects chains.

Epilogue :

The quintessential treble-boosted “tone” may NOT be for everyone—i.e., which is the reason for particular manufacturers having included options into their circuit design(s)—i.e., increased gain boost and a practical TONE control as well. In other words, those whom prefer a more modern guitar sound may choose to look elsewhere—perhaps, the BOSS GE-7 Equalizer effects pedal. Thus, providing a means of boosting ANY guitar-related audio frequency—highs, lows, and/ or mid-range (+ boosting overall dB/ volume). Generally : vintage ’60s-style tones of the Treble Booster type, match well with the double-coil guitar pickup (rhythm/ neck position); ultimately, crafting smoother/ warmer TONES. Moreover (ironically), reducing treble freq. content @ guitar Treble control, thus enhancing said effect. Note : this web page, pending audio demo. (next YT upload?)

Provided below, are several “cost-effective” alternatives to owning a truly VINTAGE-sounding treble booster effects device :

* Concorde+ Treble Booster, manufactured by Roger Mayer Analogue Guitar Effects. (Updated boutique version of Mayer’s first-ever 1961 unit.)

* Rangemaster Treble Booster, manufactured by Pigeon FX. (Reproduction of a 1965 Dallas original, featuring the Mullard OC-44 transistor.)

* Java Boost, manufactured by Keeley Electronics. (Boutique variant of a 1965 Dallas Rangemaster unit, featuring the Mullard OC-44 transistor.)

* TI-Boost, manufactured by Laney/ Black Country Customs. (Tony Iomi-endorsed Boutique variant of his customized Dallas Rangemaster unit.)

This Website :

The intention of fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com is to provide a reference resource; virtually sharing my gear collection, so that readers are made greater-aware of particularly good sounding (and, in some instances), potentially collectible effects pedals (I love effects pedals). Otherwise, to also help those whom might benefit from my recording/ engineering techniques. Ultimately, as I continue to build and design this site, I will gradually introduce additional collection-based content—such as blog posts, image galleries, audio, video, and official manufacturer web links for your convenience. The information provided herein, is based upon biased opinion. Please, do your own research.

Ebooks :

Later . . I will offer for sale Part 1 of a series of self-authored eBooks, in relation to fuzz effects pedals; subsequently, also offering additional volumes regarding other effects types—boost, overdrive, distortion, etc—all via my private, independent collection. Moreover, these tomes of tone will include audio examples, color images, (in most cases) close-up circuit views, and generalized spec. information. Otherwise, said eBooks regarding fuzz effects pedals, will additionally incl. generalized historical information as well. For details, please read this site’s eBook advertisement page.

THANKS for your interest of fuzz-effect-sounds-and-more.com

– Michael.

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