Clean Boost pedal vs db boost pedal???

Are these two basically the same thing or is a clean boost more like a compressor/sustainer?

I've never seen a clean boost in action (if it IS in fact a different animal than the dbb) but I'm familiar with what was referred to as a db booster and I've also heard it can damage a tube amp if you don't set it just right... any truth to this??

I just want to boost my signal for the occasional solo without altering tone...

:neutral:

thoughts?

I don't know what a dB boost is, but a Clean Boost should be just that - no clipping, no distortion. If your amp is already turned up and you engage a boost, it will likely push your amp into compression, having a sustaining character. If you amp is turned down when engaging a clean boost, it should just sound louder, period.
If you have an older amp with a grid leak bias input stage, then yes, damage may ensue with a booster pedal. These are usually older amplifiers. Good harp amps use that type of circuit because they overload easily, and are usually described as 'not pedal friendly'.
The grid-leak circuit is easy to identify if you have a schematic - the cathode(s) of the input tubes go directly to ground, and the grid will have a huge resistor (5M or more) from grid to ground.

As far as I know, they're the same thing.

Here's a good one, and one that I own personally:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXR-M-133-Micro-Amp-Pedal-151104-i1124435.gc

Nice and simple boost.

A clean boost should not clip/distort as mentioned as well it shouldn't boost or d emphasize the tone unless intended. wnorcutt had a recent thread on his version of the Tillman pre which gives around a 3db of clean boost.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/burnt-fingers-diy-effects/144870-don-tillmans-discrete-fet-guitar-preamp.html

If my schooling was correct, it takes about 3db of gain for an audible change in volume. Then that jumps to 6db, 9db and so on. The Tillman pre or even a basic low noise opamp boost circuit can be made very cheaply from parts available at most Radio Shacks.

"Clean boost" and "decibel boost" have to be the same thing. I have one of these:

http://www.catalinbread.com/SuperChiliPicoso.html

I think it adds a taste of sparkle to the tone, but no distortion at all unless I roll it all the way up - then it crunches dramatically. Love it. A lot of people here also swear by Bad Bob:

http://www.rgwelectronics.com/badbob.html

...and the Keeley Katana Boost, from one of the best makers around, has to be good:

http://www.robertkeeley.com/product.php?id=34

A clean boost only means its supposed to amplify all of the guitars frequencies without clipping/distorting on its own.

They can push an amp into overdrive.

Depending on how your amp is setup you could use it to give you an actual bump in volume, depending on settings it also might not, and instead give you more grit and saturation.

"Clean boost" and "decibel boost" have to be the same thing. I have one of these:

http://www.catalinbread.com/SuperChiliPicoso.html

I think it adds a taste of sparkle to the tone, but no distortion at all unless I roll it all the way up - then it crunches dramatically. Love it. A lot of people here also swear by Bad Bob:

http://www.rgwelectronics.com/badbob.html

...and the Keeley Katana Boost, from one of the best makers around, has to be good:

http://www.robertkeeley.com/product.php?id=34

The super chili picosso is one of my all time favorite pedals I am thinking about getting a second one.

Thanks...

If you have an older amp with a grid leak bias input stage, then yes, damage may ensue with a booster pedal. These are usually older amplifiers. Good harp amps use that type of circuit because they overload easily, and are usually described as 'not pedal friendly'.
The grid-leak circuit is easy to identify if you have a schematic - the cathode(s) of the input tubes go directly to ground, and the grid will have a huge resistor (5M or more) from grid to ground.

I'm reviving this thread because since I originally started it, I got my Princeton Reverb (not a re-issue) repaired and back in action and I was wondering if it falls into this category described above.

I appreciate the advice FenderLover gave but unfortunately, I'm not technically savvy enough to look at the schematic (which i do have the original of BTW) and tell if the cathodes of the input tubes go directly to ground.
I'm thinking of going with EH's LPB1 boost pedal (mainly because it's VERY affordable which i know isn't always best) and the reviews are mostly favorable.
I just want to keep it away from the Princeton if it could possibly damage it. (I have a Pro Jr that I could run it through.)

Can anyone steer me in the right direction here? Or if I'm wayyyy off base and just wandering in the wilderness here, can someone point the better way? :lol:

My Tele has a SD Vintage for Broadcaster p/u and while it's long on twang, it needs a little push for soloing and fills depending on the song which dictates overall band volume, etc...

The EH LPB1 will work but it will color your tone and can get very fuzzy/overdriven when you turn it up. Some people love the tone and leave it on all the time. I have a Durham Electronics Sex Drive which was designed as a boost pedal but I love the tone of it so I leave it on all the time. I'm one of those Bad Bob fans and it is a great boost. It almost is like a presence knob as it adds to my sound. I love it.

But what is sounds like you need is either a volume pedal or a simple MXR Micro Amp. There's also all the RC/BB/AC Boost pedals you should check out if you have access to them as they have volume, bass, treble controls on them you may dig. If I was a betting man, and I do live in Las Vegas, I'd say you should get the MXR Micro Amp.

Johnny Isaacs

They're the same thing.