This small version is true bypass with a mechanical switch.
This device is a JFET Preamp/Buffer/Boost
Many online sources claim this circuit was a large part of Jerry Garcia's sound during the Alligator Stratocaster era, especially during the Europe 72' tour. It is uncertain how true this is.
The Alembic Blaster Control plate can be seen installed on John Mayer's early Silver Sky prototype,
This stompbox really effective at bringing the life out of any setup, I find myself occasionally finding my amp and guitar to be lackluster, stomping on this preamp truly does enhance the setup in many aspects.
It makes any amp come ALIVE with crystal clean clarity, and very touch sensitive, detailed dynamics.
This pedal can be ran at 9-18v, 18v will be louder, have more headroom, and a more 3D like quality to your sound that makes your amp shine, and really brings out the natural characteristics of your guitar. 18v is recommended but not required for stellar tone.
it will add a touch of volume, better dynamics, and some chime.
It provided anywhere from 3-13db of boost depending on your setup and how much headroom your amp has before clipping. On crunchy amps, you’ll get a slight bit of singing saturation, like a dirty, volume boosted mild overdrive. On a clean amp, you’ll get a super glassy, high headroom clean tone with some mild grit when the knob is past 2 o clock.
When dialed all the way back, it works as a simple buffer that can be used to bring back some high end after long cable runs.
The pedal is multi purpose, you can run it in front of your favorite fuzz to thicken it up and add some extra volume to it. I like running it in front of a big muff, it completely slams the signal and will sustain forever. Works really with any fuzz/drive to fatten it up.
Every single owner of one of these has been obsessed with how good it sounds.
Everyone could use this pedal one way or another.
