Eric Johnson, Jimmy Page, and Eddie Van
Halen are just a few fellows who used an
Echoplex because they loved the sound and
function of the built-in preamp. The folks at
Xotic have done you a solid and captured
that magic in a tiny pedal with one knob
and a couple internal DIP switches. This
pedal is not transparent, but enhances all
the right frequencies to help you channel
your inner rock god. If you’re looking for
some tape echo magic without the echo,
give this one a try. Also, allow me to briefly
digress and say be sure to check out its tiny
brothers, the SL Drive and SP Compressor.
All of them are little and awesome.
This is the perfect pedal to have on your
board if you want your mother to be
disappointed in you. Well, my mom would
be upset. Sorry to project that onto you.
Anywho, Wren and Cuff, purveyors of
many a glorious fuzz box, have a simplified
boost offering in their stable to those
who give a Phuk. Described as a hybrid
JFET/germanium booster, the Phat Phuk
enhances your top end and adds a bit of
grit, and it adds volume and presence
without sounding shrill. In keeping with
other Wren and Cuff offerings, it’s made
with high quality components and built
to last a lifetime. If your rig is sounding
sterile, go Phuk yourself.
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TONE TALK //
Battle of the Boost: 7 Gain-Changers to Jumpstart your Rig