Boost Your Guitar’s Sound with Boost Pedals: What They Are and How to Use Them

Boosts can enhance your guitar playing, providing a clean volume boost or adding more gain to a distorted tone and they can also shape your guitar's sound in unique ways. In this article, we will explore boosts and provide information on how to use them to get the most out of your guitar. Here's what we'll cover in this article:

• What's a Boost Pedal and When Should You Use One. We'll discuss the benefits of using a boost pedal and provide examples of when to use one.
• Boost vs. Overdrive Pedals. Boost and overdrive pedals are often confused, but they serve different purposes. We will explain the differences between the two and how to use them together to achieve the desired sound.
• Placing a Boost in Your Signal Chain. The placement of your boost in your signal chain can affect your tone. We will discuss the best practices for placement and explain the different options available to you.
• Types of Boost Pedals and Popular Brands. Boost pedals come in many different types and models, including brands such as Xotic, Keeley and a few others. We'll provide an overview of the most popular brands and models.
• Boost Tips and Tricks. We'll provide tips and tricks for using boosts, such as how to stack them for increased gain, why you might need a clean boost, how to use a boost pedal as a preamp and an overview of dirty/overdrive boosts.

What is a Boost Pedal?

A boost is a type of effects guitar pedal that is designed to increase the volume or gain of your guitar signal. They essentially boost the clean tones of your guitar tone. Boosts can be used in a variety of ways, such as boosting your guitar signal for solos, add sustain to chords, pushing an amp into overdrive or simply adding more volume to your guitar tone. For example, if you're playing a solo and you want your guitar to be more prominent in the mix, a boost can help you achieve that. Boosts can also be useful if you have a tube amp and want to get more volume and gain out of it without having to turn it up. A clean boost is a great way to boost a guitar's clean sound.

While a boost usually has just one knob for controlling the amount of boost applied to the signal, there are many models with 3 or 4 controls. It's important to note that boosts are not distortion pedals, however some pedals do have overdrive pedal capabilities.

When Should You Use a Boost Pedal?

Boosts can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some examples:

1. Increase volume during a solo or a particularly loud section of a song: Boost pedals provide a simple operation that can increase the volume of your guitar signal without compromising its tonal qualities. Classic boost pedals are especially effective at boosting the volume during a solo or a loud section of a song, and they can be used in conjunction with other boost effects to achieve a desired output level. They combat signal strength loss and help to preserve the clean guitar tone, keeping the tone intact and adding a subtle but crisp tone to your sound.
2. Push your amp into overdrive - they especially work great at pushing tube amplifiers into saturation: A boost pedal with a built-in boost circuit can push your guitar amplifier into overdrive and saturation, resulting in a desirable amplifier tone. Boost pedals can combat signal strength issues and push your amplifier into producing a sweet and overdriven sound, especially with tube amplifiers. This technique is a classic use of boost pedals and can create a warm and natural sound that enhances the tonal qualities of your guitar.
3. Add more gain or saturation to your sound: Boost pedals provide a boost of gain that can add more saturation and distortion to your sound, depending on the type of boost pedal used. Single-control designed boost pedals are simple to use and can be used in conjunction with other boost effects to achieve the desired output level. Clean boost pedals combat signal strength loss and preserve the clean guitar tone, while other boost pedals can provide a heavier, more distorted sound.
4. Shape your tone before it reaches your amplifier or other effects pedals: Boost pedals with tone-shaping controls can shape your guitar tone before it reaches your amplifier or other effects pedals. These pedals provide a simple operation and allow you to adjust the tonal qualities of your sound to achieve a desired effect. Clean boost stompboxes combat signal strength loss and help to preserve the clean guitar tone, adding a subtle but crisp tone to your sound. Minimalistic designs make these pedals easy to use and can help you shape your tone with precision.
5. Add more clarity and definition to your sound: Clean boost pedals can add more clarity and definition to your sound by increasing the output signal of your guitar without adding any additional gain or distortion. These pedals combat signal strength loss and preserve the clean guitar sound, enhancing the tonal qualities of your guitar. Boost pedals can be used in conjunction with other boost effects to achieve the desired output level and add a sweet and subtle tone to your sound.
6. Boost your guitar's clean tones: Clean boost pedals can also help to boost your guitar's clean tones and make them more dynamic and responsive. They provide a simple operation and a minimalistic design that makes them easy to use. Boost pedals can combat signal strength loss and preserve the clean guitar tone, while adding a subtle and crisp tone that enhances the tonal qualities of your guitar. They can be used in conjunction with other boost effects to achieve a desired output level and create an amp sound that is clear and present.

Overall, boost pedals provide a simple operation that can increase the volume, add gain or saturation, shape your tone, and improve the clarity and definition of your sound. Whether you prefer a classic boost pedal or a clean boost pedal with a built-in boost circuit, these pedals can enhance the tonal qualities of your guitar and combat signal strength loss. They can be used on a clean channel or a clean amp channel, and they are an essential tool for any guitarist looking to achieve a desirable sound.

Let's take a look at the similarities and differences between boost and overdrive pedals.

Boost vs. Overdrive Pedals

Boost and overdrive pedals are similar, but they have some key differences. As discussed above, boosts are used to increase the volume of solos, boost a guitars clean tones or to push the guitar signal harder into the next stage of the signal chain. Overdrive pedals, on the other hand, are designed to add distortion to your sound. That being said, you can use a boost pedal in conjunction with an overdrive pedal to achieve a heavier, more saturated sound.

Another type of boost pedal is a preamp. Preamp pedals are designed to shape the tone of the guitar signal before it reaches the power amp section of an amplifier. Preamps can also be used to boost the volume of the guitar signal, but they are typically used to shape the tone of the guitar signal, adding or subtracting frequencies to create a desired tone. Some Preamp pedals also have a gain control that allows distortion to the guitar signal.

Where to Place a Boost Pedal in Your Signal Chain

The placement of your boost pedal in your signal chain can affect your tone. In general, you should place a boost pedal at the beginning of your signal chain before any other effects pedals. This will ensure that the boost pedal is boosting the signal before it goes through any other effects. By placing a boost pedal at the beginning of your signal chain, it can operate as a transparent boost. Transparent boost doesn't change your guitar tone or your tube amplifier's clean channel.

However, if you're using a boost pedal to push your amp into overdrive, you should place it before your overdrive pedal in your signal chain. This will ensure that the natural overdrive settings are maintained in the tube amp. Some guitarists prefer to place their boost pedals in the effects loop of their amplifier. This can be useful if you're looking to shape the tone of your amplifier, rather than your guitar's tone. By placing a boost pedal in the effects loop, you can adjust the overall volume and gain of your amplifier.

Types of Boost Pedals and Popular Brands

Boosts come in many different types and models. Here are some of the most popular brands and models:

1. JHS Prestige:  The JHS Prestige pedal is designed to provide up to 23dB of clean boost without altering your tone. It's a straightforward boost pedal that features a simple design with a single control for adjusting the level of boost.
2. Jim Dunlop MC401 MXR Boost/Line Driver:  This clean boost is designed to provide up to 20dB of transparent boost without altering your tone. It features a simple design with a single control for adjusting the level of boost.
3. Keeley Katana Clean Boost Mini:  The Keeley Katana Clean Boost Mini is a compact pedal that provides a transparent, clean boost to your guitar signal. It's designed to be extremely quiet and transparent, so it won't colour your tone or introduce unwanted noise into your signal chain. The Katana Clean Boost Mini is particularly useful for pushing the front end of an overdriven amp or adding clarity to your tone when using long cable runs or a large pedalboard.
4. ThroBak Overdrive Boost:  This pedal combines a clean boost circuit with a vintage-style overdrive circuit. It features separate controls for the boost and overdrive circuits, as well as a switch for selecting between them.
5. Xotic BB Preamp V1.5:  The Xotic BB Preamp V1.5 is a versatile boost pedal that offers a wide range of tones. It features two channels, each with its own gain control, as well as switchable EQ controls that can boost or cut bass and treble frequencies. The tone controls on the BB Preamp add frequency shaping flexibility. It also features a volume control. This pedal is particularly popular with players who use it to push an already overdriven amp into high-gain territory.
6. Xotic EP Booster:  The Xotic EP Booster is a simple, single-knob boost pedal that's designed to emulate the preamp section of an Echoplex tape delay unit. It provides a warm, organic boost that adds depth and character to your tone, without introducing any unwanted noise or coloration. The EP Booster is particularly popular with players who use it to add sustain and warmth to their solos, or to push the front end of an overdriven amp.
7. Xotic RC Booster:  The Xotic RC Booster is a versatile boost pedal that can be used as a clean boost, a treble booster, or a mid-range booster. It features a volume control and two channels, each with its own gain control as well as switchable EQ controls that can boost or cut bass and treble frequencies. The RC Booster is particularly popular with players who use it to push the front end of an overdriven amp, or to add clarity and definition to their tone.
8. Xotic Super Sweet Booster:  The Xotic Super Sweet Booster is a simple, single-knob boost that's designed to provide a transparent, clean boost to your guitar signal. It's particularly useful for pushing the front end of an overdriven amp, or for adding clarity and definition to your tone. The Super Sweet Booster is designed to be extremely quiet and transparent, so it won't color your tone or introduce any unwanted noise into your signal chain.

Tips and tricks for using boost pedals

Boost guitar effects pedals are useful tools for guitar players who want to take their sound to the next level. Here are some tips and tricks for getting the best out of your boost pedals:

• Increase volume during a solo or a particularly loud section of a song: A boost pedal can help increase the output level of your guitar signal, allowing you to stand out during solos or loud sections of a song. This can be achieved using a standalone boost pedal or a built-in boost circuit on an amplifier.
• Push your amp into overdrive - they especially work great at pushing tube amplifiers into saturation: Classic boost pedals are designed to push tube amplifiers into overdrive and saturation, giving your tone a rich, harmonic distortion. When used in conjunction with an overdriven amp, a boost pedal can help you achieve a sweet, sustaining sound.
• Add more gain or saturation to your sound: A boost pedal can also be used to add more gain or saturation to your sound. By increasing the signal strength, you can push the tubes in your amp or other pedals harder, resulting in a thicker, more overdriven sound.
• Shape your tone before it reaches your amplifier or other effects pedals: Some boost pedals come with tone-shaping controls, allowing you to adjust the tonal qualities of your signal before it reaches your amplifier or other pedals. This can help you tailor your sound to fit different styles of music or playing situations.
• Add more clarity and definition to your sound: A boost pedal can also help add more clarity and definition to your sound, especially when used as a clean boost. A clean boost pedal is designed to combat signal strength loss that can occur when running long cables or using multiple pedals in your signal chain.
• Boost your guitar's clean tones: A clean boost pedal is a great tool for boosting your guitar's clean tones. It can help you achieve a more dynamic, responsive sound, while keeping the tone intact. A single-control designed boost pedal is perfect for those who want a simple operation while playing.

Overall, boost effects are a great addition to any guitar player's pedalboard. They come in various designs and offer different tonal qualities to shape your sound. Boost pedals combat signal strength loss and other signal strength issues, offering a clean guitar tone, a subtle tone, a crisp tone, and a desirable amplifier tone. The minimalistic design of booster pedals also ensures simple operation, allowing you to focus on playing.

Conclusion

Boosts are versatile pedals for guitarists looking to add more volume, gain, or shape to their tone. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, a boost can help take your playing to the next level. By understanding the different types and how to use them, you can take your playing to the next level. Whether you're looking for a clean volume boost, more gain, or unique tonal shaping, there is a boost out there for you. By understanding the different types and how to use them, you can find the perfect boost for your playing style and achieve the sound you're looking for. So experiment with different combinations, try out different brands and models, and find the perfect boost pedal for your playing style. Additionally, some boosts may have additional features or controls that affect the tonal character of the signal, such as EQ tone controls or compression, that are not necessarily related to gain.

Finally, it is worth restating that a boost can serve a variety of functions beyond simply increasing gain and can be a useful tool for sculpting your tone and enhancing your playing in a variety of ways.