Rangemaster Treble Booster Clones!

[James Knox]

So I’ve built a few amps now and finding sometimes I want just “a little more” from them.

I have been researching Treble Boosters (Big Rory Fan Here) and discovered the good ones are around $200 or so. Considering the Analogman Beano and the Fulltone Ranger. Then I realized I could build another amp for around the same price, lol.

I did a search here on TDPRI and Rangmaster threads were all pretty old. Rather than bringing back a necro thread I thought I would start a new one.

Right now I’m considering building the RG Keen Austin Treble Blaster cuz it’s build on a terminal strip like the AM Beano.

Have you built one? Are you using it? Where can one find Germanium Trannies? Which ones are good? So many questions, lol.

Hep a Brotha’ out!

 

[63 vibroverb]

Check out CMC Effects on Reverb - his clone of the Rangemaster/Beano Boost is excellent, and very affordable around $40-50. He builds by request.

https://reverb.com/shop/my-awesome-guitar-stuff

 

[stantheman]

Well James there’s a fellow on ebay name of ultra infra2
out in California who does what You’re talking about. I too
am a big Rory Fanatic and got mine almost 3 weeks back
from Mr. ultra infra2. The Man is the real deal. He sold me exactly what you’re describing for $80.38 to my door.
Pretty nice and more convenient than that prehistoric top
of the amp thing from Denmark Street for 1/4 of the price.

I could not be more satisfied.

 

[zippofan]

My favorite boost! I've tried a few different variations, including BYOC, Aion, FuzzDog, and PedalPCB. I've tried a few different transistor types in them, the BYOC now has a Ti OC44, Aion has a gold Mullard mil spec OC44, FuzzDog an OC140/2N2222A switchable pair (NPN), and a RedRooster clone with a CV7112 Mullard.



some gut shots:


The next one I try will be an amp top version with Joe Gore's Fiendmaster circuit which adds a variable "range" like the Red Rooster.

Another fun variation is Small Bear's Oh My Darlington Rangemaster, using a Darlington pair of NPN germaniums.

 

[zippofan]

Almost forgot, DeadEnd FX has a circuit like Rory's Hawk Treble Booster, called the Terrahawk. I just need to make a Mouser order to build mine!

 

[KATT]

I'm in the process of building a Rangemaster circuit today coincidentally. I've no idea if it will work or if it will sound any good but will report back later. Very low cost as I just bought the components and intend to put it in a guitar so no case or jacks required.

 

[Doctorx33]

I'm a big Brian May fan. I built a classic Rangemaster for about twenty bucks, I got the trannys from Small Bear. Gonna build a Fryer TB as well as the TB-83.

No way am I going to pay stupid outrageous prices for a circuit like that, even a dimwit could build one.

 

[rze99]

I use the Drybell Unit 67

a bit of range master type drive option (which I use sparingly) with compressor and EQ combined. It’s superb.

 

[James Knox]

My favorite boost! I've tried a few different variations, including BYOC, Aion, FuzzDog, and PedalPCB. I've tried a few different transistor types in them, the BYOC now has a Ti OC44, Aion has a gold Mullard mil spec OC44, FuzzDog an OC140/2N2222A switchable pair (NPN), and a RedRooster clone with a CV7112 Mullard.

View attachment 763281 View attachment 763282 View attachment 763284

some gut shots:

View attachment 763285 View attachment 763286 View attachment 763287
The next one I try will be an amp top version with Joe Gore's Fiendmaster circuit which adds a variable "range" like the Red Rooster.

Another fun variation is Small Bear's Oh My Darlington Rangemaster, using a Darlington pair of NPN germaniums.
View attachment 763288

Nice collection of noisemakers! I’m excited to jump down the rabbit hole...

 

[James Knox]

I'm a big Brian May fan. I built a classic Rangemaster for about twenty bucks, I got the trannys from Small Bear. Gonna build a Fryer TB as well as the TB-83.

No way am I going to pay stupid outrageous prices for a circuit like that, even a dimwit could build one.

Which trannies did you get?

 

[James Knox]

I'm in the process of building a Rangemaster circuit today coincidentally. I've no idea if it will work or if it will sound any good but will report back later. Very low cost as I just bought the components and intend to put it in a guitar so no case or jacks required.

yes, love to know how it works out ! I built a kit I got off eBay awhile back and it sounded like cockadoodledoo.

 

[Doctorx33]

Which trannies did you get?

I got it from Small Bear but it was several years ago when I built it, it was germanium but I don't remember what the name of it was.

Steve tests all his transistors for the correct specs to fit whatever pedal circuit you want.

He still has some OC44's but not a lot. Forget about AC128's, any of those you see are probably counterfeit.

My Rangemaster uses the classic RM circuit, it sounds glorious into my AC30.

 

[63 vibroverb]

Which trannies did you get?

I’ve got medium/low gain Japanese toshiba in mine. Perfect to my ears.

 

[James Knox]

I’ve got medium/low gain Japanese toshiba in mine. Perfect to my ears.

Where did you get it from? How did you know that was the one to get?

 

[TheDams]

EarFuzz Effects ( Check on Reverb) makes an amazing one ! i have one since 2 months, and I have to say it’s really good

 

[63 vibroverb]

Where did you get it from? How did you know that was the one to get?

The guy I recommended above let me pick the transistor depending on what character/tone I wanted. He knows his germanium stash really well. I have other ones with different transistors and they’re all good, but the medium/low gain Japanese is my favorite.

If you want a little darker and woolier, go with the Russian tophat.

 

[James Knox]

The guy I recommended above let me pick the transistor depending on what character/tone I wanted. He knows his germanium stash really well. I have other ones with different transistors and they’re all good, but the medium/low gain Japanese is my favorite.

If you want a little darker and woolier, go with the Russian tophat.

Excellent info man - thank you!

 

[deytookerjaabs]

I have the HBE "Germania" and it's neat but I'm no aficionado. In fact, I've never even used it with my '64 AC30

 

[James Knox]

Ok, after more research, I have found a $20 Kit from Small Bear Electronics where you can build a Rangemaster on a simple breadboard.

(link removed)

Then maybe on to a Fuzz or two. Just for fun!

So go from this:

To this:

 

[bn5600]

I use the Drybell Unit 67

a bit of range master type drive option (which I use sparingly) with compressor and EQ combined. It’s superb.

I apologize for commenting on an older thread, but are you able to use the Drybell Unit 67 as though it were a dedicated Rangemaster Treble Booster? How do you go about this - do you set the High and Low knobs at unity, then crank the Range knob and large boost knob up, and its now comparable in effect to any other Treble Booster style pedal? I'm looking at getting one and am curious.

Thanks