ElectroHarmonix LPB-1 Vs. Volume Knob

Anybody use an LPB-1 for volume boost during solos?

Other than the convenience of knowing exactly how much additional dBs I'd get, is there any reason to use one instead of just using my vol knob?

And why are they so cheap? Are they crap?

It's a very simple circuit, hence the low price. A lot of guys getting into building effects pedals will actually build this pedal first because it's so basic.

A clean boost pedal is a type of gain pedal so it'll thicken up your tone as well as increase the volume while leaving the signal mostly clean.

They're useful as a way to thicken up your tone, get far more volume out of your guitar than the volume knob alone ever could, as well as to 'naturally' push an amp into overdrive.

It's a very simple circuit, hence the low price. A lot of guys getting into building effects pedals will actually build this pedal first because it's so basic.


Thanks. Who makes this as a kit?

Is it anything like the AMZ Mini booster (http://www.muzique.com/amz/mini.htm#history), which the Bad Bob boost is apparently based on?

GeneralGuitarGadgets.com/ (http://www.generalguitargadgets.com/) makes a LPB-2 kit, which is the same thing. Though the kit is around $33, which is about the same as the official pedal.

The LPB-1 adds more grit to the signal than the mini-booster. They're different designs but both good.

I believe boostes like this sometimes use a transistor to get the boost, and it boosts certain frequencies, and not just volume like your volume knob or volume pedal.

Back in '71 or '72, I was playing frequently at high school and college functions....couldn't get quite enough volume out of my Guild S-100 (I think) and my old Bandmaster. At the guitar shop, there was a new device, the LPB1power booster.... it plugged into the input of the amp and your guitar plugged into it. Had an on-off switch and a volume knob. I had never used any sort of effect until then. Wow, made me think I sounded like Clapton or something! More volume and the sound was incredible. Anyway, I used it for years until I lost it. Now I might just have to buy one of the new ones and see if I love it as much as I did then. Thanks for reminding me!