DOD BI-FET BOOST
There are three versions of this pedal,
the original DOD 410 with the Low-Z
output, the ‘80s DOD FX10 and the new
reissued 410 with a buffer switch,
without the Low-Z. The ‘80s one has the
most gain on tap, but the reissue 410
gets really close. The result is a warm,
sparkling always-on type boost for a
great price. Even the used FX10 models
are relatively inexpensive for all the
incredible tone you get. As it stands, the
value here is immense. The two knobs
are Volume and Tone, with the center of
the Tone knob being a flat response.
ELECTRO-HARMONIX LPB-1
More than 50 years ago, Mike Matthews
of EHX invented the Linear Power
Booster, known then and now as the
LPB-1. It’s the original boost pedal, so
it’s great to know that they’re still being
made. The LPB-1 is a dark boost, so it’s
great for adding some thud to single-coil
pickups, which were popular at the time
of its release. The originals use a
Fairchild FS36999 transistor, which are
long gone, so the modern reissues use
12
TONE TALK //
the next closest thing. There’s a lot of
value to be had here also, considering
that new units can be had for a hair
over $40.
BOSS FA-1
The FA-1 is an obscure Boss unit from
long ago that rose to prominence
because of The Edge. The “pedal” (and I
say that loosely, as it’s meant to clip to
your belt), is a small green box with a
Flat/Low Cut toggle and three knobs:
Volume, Bass and Treble. In the spirit of
a real preamp, there’s no way to turn it
off or bypass it, making modern
integration nearly impossible due to its
bypass inability and awkward placement.
However, companies like Retro-Sonic
offer a take on it, which makes it
friendlier for modern guitarists. The
sound of the FA-1 is very warm, it’s not
the cleanest, but the ability to dial in
some grit makes it a great sounding unit.
The Ultimate Clean Boost Buyer’s Guide