A boost pedal is an indispensable tool for guitarists who want to amplify their sound without losing their original tone.
Whether you need a subtle volume increase for a solo or want to push your amp into saturation for expressive dynamics, a boost pedal offers versatile solutions. In this article we highlight the point of a boost pedal.
What is a boost pedal?
A boost pedal increases the output signal of your guitar. Depending on how and where you place it in your signal chain, it can make your sound louder, enhance clarity, or push your amp or pedals into overdrive. Unlike overdrive or distortion pedals that actively color or distort your tone, a boost pedal generally amplifies the signal cleanly—unless specifically designed otherwise.
Types of boost pedals
There are several kinds of boost pedals, each with its own character:
Clean or transparent Boost
Raises volume without changing the tone. Ideal for guitarists who want to amplify their existing sound without additional distortion.
Colored Boost
Actively affects your tone, often by enhancing mids or adding slight drive, resulting in a distinctive character.
What is the point of a boost pedal?
Boost pedals offer a range of benefits:
Volume boost – Great for solos or stand-out moments.
Push tube amps – A stronger signal can drive your amp’s preamp section harder, leading to natural overdrive.
Signal reinforcement – Helps combat tone loss in complex pedal chains or when using true bypass pedals.
Tone shaping – Some boosts allow EQ adjustments to emphasize specific frequencies.
The Technology Behind Boost Pedals
A boost pedal is essentially a linear preamp designed to amplify your guitar’s electrical signal without significant distortion. This is achieved through a gain stage, typically using transistors or op-amps (operational amplifiers).
Key Components:
Transistors – Used in simpler vintage-style boosts like the Electro-Harmonix LPB-1. They provide gain with a warm, raw edge.
Op-Amps – Used in modern designs for clean, low-noise amplification. Gain is controlled via a feedback loop involving resistors and capacitors.
Resistors & Potentiometers – Set and adjust gain levels. The potentiometer (often a 100k–500k audio taper) allows user control.
Capacitors – Shape frequency response. Smaller caps may pass high frequencies, while larger ones allow more bass.
- Power & Voltage – Most boost pedals run on 9V DC, but some use internal voltage doubling (to 18V) for extra headroom.
Recommended Boost Pedals
Here are five high-quality boost pedals highly recommended
1. Crazy Tube Circuits Super Conductor
This pedal features four different circuits based on iconic pedals from the past and present. Each analog circuit of this pedal has a different input/output impedance, internal voltage, and responds differently to the volume/output knob.
- Price: € 189
- Type: Clean Boost
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Details: Four different boost circuits.
2. JAM Pedals Boomster
A highly flexible boost that works well as an always-on tone enhancer or solo lift. Features an internal gain trimmer for added control.
- Price: € 209
- Type: Transparent Boost
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Details: Internal gain trimmer
3. Earthquaker Devices Arrows V2
A single-knob preamp booster that strengthens midrange, tightens bass, and adds sparkle to treble—perfect for driving other pedals or improving neck pickup clarity.
- Price: € 149
- Type: Colored Booster
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Details: Specially designed to enhance the mid-range
4. Fulltone 2B Booster
A clean boost with a built-in buffer that preserves your signal strength even when the pedal is off. Includes a limiter to tame volume spikes.
- Price: € 149
- Type: Clean Boost with Buffer
- Bypass: Buffered Bypass
- Details: Built-in limiter and buffer
5. Electro Harmonix LPB-1 Power Booster
A reissue of the original 1968 booster. Simple, loud, and gritty, it’s ideal for pushing amps or stacked gain stages.
- Price: € 55
- Type: Colored Booster
- Bypass: True Bypass
- Details: Simple one-button operation
In Conclusion
A boost pedal is a versatile and powerful tool for any guitarist, regardless of style. Whether you want to enhance solos, push your amp into overdrive, or fine-tune your tone, there’s a boost pedal out there to fit your needs. The five pedals listed above represent some of the best options currently available—and a great starting point for anyone exploring what a boost can do. If you are looking for more inspiration check out this page with the 10 best clean boost pedals.