Which Boost Pedal?

A lot of people recently have been coming in asking for a pedal to boost their guitar sound. Somewhat 

predictably, the answer lies within boost pedals, but which boost pedal and where to put it?

The best way to get the sound you're after is through trial and error; try different pedals in different orders 

and play around with the effects loop. Many players look to a distortion pedal for a boost, which, if you're 

playing on a clean channel may well do the trick but if you're already using a distorted channel and just 

want a volume boost, without  changing the sound too much, your best bet is to use a boost pedal in the 

effects loop of your amp. Depending on which pedal you use, you can adjust the amount of volume by 

which you will be increased and sometimes even tweak different frequencies. When trying them out, 

always start with the volume low and gradually increase it to what you need, never any more! 

Here are four pedals that'll do the job:

Electro Harmonix LPB-1

Simple, sturdy and reliable. Just a single knob that adjusts the  volume; use it front of your amp for a 

signal boost that will change your tone, or through the effects loop for a volume boost. I've had one of 

these on my board for years, using it as a simple volume boost and it's never let me down!




Boss GE-7

This is great for shaping your tone to just how you want it. You can have it out front to change the EQ 

for different parts of your set, or have it on all the time and have it as an extra 7-band equaliser for 

ultimate tone shaping. Again, stick it in the effects loop and use the DB slider to boost volume and 

use the EQ section to shape the tone; turn up the mids to really cut through the mix.






Blackstar LT Boost Pedal

Particularly good for sticking in front of your amp to add a layer of smooth overdrive, or as a volume boost 

on a clean channel. You have control over the bass and treble so you can also use it as an added stage 

of equalisation. The gain control helps render this a really versatile and great sounding pedal.




Vox Tone Garage Flat 4 Booster Pedal

The Vox Flat 4 Boost offers a number of different features that allow you to boost gain and volume, and 

shape the frequencies how you want. Use it as a treble, mid or low boost, or to increase the gain. 

Turning up the gain not only increases drive but subtly changes the tonal characteristics, thanks no 

doubt to the new Hi-Volt 12AX7 vacuum tube circuit technology. It's incredibly versatile and sounds 

great; definitely one to consider when looking at boost pedals.