Boost pedals are extremely versatile and not as one-dimensional some may think. Often underestimated, these seemingly simple stompboxes are a secret weapon for great guitarists – letting your solos sing or as a surprisingly powerful tone-shaping tool.
If you’re looking for the right effect to elevate your guitar sound and add layers to your performance, read on… Let’s take a look at what makes boost pedals special.
The main purpose of a boost pedal is simple as the name implies – to give your guitar signal a boost. So, what’s the fuss? Well, that extra kick of volume can do everything from raising the volume of your full pedalboard setup to boosting one particular effect or sending your amplifier into glorious natural overdrive. Plus, when used dynamically in a performance, that extra boost can make your solos or riffs sing above the mix, transforming a song with added expression.
At their core, most boost pedals share the same general design philosophy: take your input signal and make it louder. However, the magic lies in how different pedals achieve this goal and what tonal characteristics they add along the way. Unlike many other effects, it's common to see multiple boost pedals on a single pedalboard, each serving different purposes.
Most boost pedals feature straightforward controls – often just a single volume knob – making them incredibly user-friendly. While some offer an almost transparent clean push, others will increase your volume while adding their own sonic signature, from a little top-end sparkle to rich saturation.
The sound that a boost pedal produces varies greatly depending on the type of boost, the type of amp and many other factors. The amount of boost from a pedal typically ranges from subtle 3-6dB increases to dramatic 20dB+ pushes that can completely transform your sound.
Boost pedals are often used ‘always on’, especially with valve amps. The boosted guitar signal can push the amp towards the edge of breakup and produce a harmonically richer tone with more saturation than the amp at the same volume without the boost. Alternatively, boost pedals could just be used as a dynamic volume increase with some EQ shaping for big solos or to provide emphasis at dramatic sections.
The sonic character of boost pedals varies significantly depending on their design and implementation. Here’s what you can expect from the most common boost types:
Clean/ Transparent Boost Pedals provide a transparent volume increase without adding coloration to your tone. These are perfect for players who love their amp's natural sound but need more volume for solos or cutting through a mix.
Coloured Boost Pedals add their own tonal signature while increasing volume. This might include enhanced harmonics, increased sustain, midrange emphasis, or subtle compression. These pedals can fundamentally change your guitar's voice or just add some subtle tone-shaping depending on what you’re after.
Two popular types of Coloured Boosts are Treble Boost pedals and Dirty Boost Pedals:
- Treble Boost Pedals emphasise high frequencies while providing gain. Originally popularised in the ‘60s, they’re excellent for adding sparkle and clarity, especially for a darker-sounding amp.
- Dirty Boost Pedals add some colour to your tone with saturation or grit. They introduce a substantial amount of EQ to the signal, boosting certain frequencies to introduce a bit of gain and clipping, producing a fuller, warmer tone that really pushes the sound forward.
Preamp-Style Boosts are based on famous preamp circuits and add specific vintage characteristics. These often provide the warmth and character of classic recording equipment. These are your go-tos if you’re after some real vintage mojo.
Front of Amplifier
Running a boost pedal in front of your amplifier is the most common approach. This placement allows the pedal to interact with your amp's preamp section, potentially pushing it into natural overdrive. When placed before other effects, boost pedals can drive overdrive and distortion pedals harder, adding more saturation and sustain without necessarily increasing the final output volume.
Effects Loop
Using a boost pedal through your amplifier's effects loop offers different benefits. An effects loop sits between your amp's preamp and power amp sections, allowing the boost to affect the overall output more directly. Boosts are more sensitive in this position – a small amount of boost will significantly raise the overall volume, so use caution! The advantage is a cleaner, more "pure" boost that doesn't add tonal artifacts or push your preamp into overdrive.
Stacking with Other Effects
Boost pedals work exceptionally well when combined with other effects. Placed before overdrive or distortion pedals, they add colour and saturation. Used after these effects, they primarily increase volume while maintaining the character of your driven tone.
Xotic – A classic choice for good reason
Xotic’s EP Booster has become ubiquitous on pedalboards worldwide. Inspired by the legendary Echoplex EP-3 preamp used by guitar heroes like Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Page, it recreates that distinctive "something extra" these units added to guitar tones. Offering up to 20dB of boost, it adds a characteristic sparkle with internal DIP switches for EQ adjustment.
Xotic’s Super Sweet Boost serves more as a tone enhancer than a volume pusher, providing highly dynamic and articulate sound shaping.
Electro-Harmonix – Reliable boosts that have stood the test of time
EH’s LPB-1 Linear Power Booster is another classic clean boost pedal that's been a staple since the 1960s. Known for its simple, effective design with just a single boost control, it provides up to around 20dB of clean gain while maintaining excellent signal integrity. It’s become a top choice for reliable, no-frills boost performance. The current model is a spot-on reissue of the 1968 model showing just how successful and dependable this simple pedal has been over the last few decades. If it ain’t broke…
Keeley – Reliable clean boosts in a mini format
Keeley’s Katana Boost pedals are great choices offering an incredibly clean push with a low noise floor. Their unique feature is a pull-switch on the volume knob that transforms it from a clean boost into an overdrive, adding grit and fattening your tone. Available in both standard and mini configurations, it offers excellent value around the £100 mark.
TC Electronic – Incredible value on a budget
TC Electronic offer some great little boosts that are simple but solid at a very affordable price point. The TC Electronic Mini Spark Booster delivers up to 20dB of boost in a convenient mini format, featuring a momentary footswitch for temporary boost activation.
If you want a bit more control, the standard-sized pedal features additional Bass, Treble and Gain controls. If you want a no-fuss pedal to do the job without breaking the bank, you won’t go wrong here.
Darkglass – Premium boosts for Bassists
Bass players – you’re not left out! In fact, Darkglass’ Bass Boost pedals are truly premium units jam-packed with precise tone control and superb sound quality. Their Harmonic Booster introduces extra harmonics to create a richer sound while delivering up to 20db cut/boost.
The Darkglass Luminal Booster combines that rich tone with the precision of a 6-band EQ and the ability to load up to 7 custom IRs via USB. A serious bit of kit!
This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are plenty of other awesome boosts out there from a range of other great manufacturers. Check out our full selection for everything from compact but capable mini boosts to premium multi-functional units.
Do I need a boost pedal if I already have overdrive/distortion?
Yes! Although the line between a dirty boost and an overdrive can blur at times, most Boost pedals serve different purposes than overdrive and distortion. They can push your existing effects harder, provide clean volume increases, or add tonal character without the compression and saturation of drive pedals.
Can I use multiple boost pedals on one board?
Absolutely! Many guitarists use different boost pedals for varying purposes – one for clean boost, another for coloured boost, or different pedals optimised for specific positions in the signal chain.
Should I put my boost pedal in the effects loop or in front of the amp?
Both positions offer benefits. Front-of-amp placement allows interaction with your preamp and other pedals, while effects loop placement provides cleaner, more direct volume increases. Experiment to find what works best for your setup and sound.
How much boost do I really need?
Most practical applications require 6-12dB of boost. While many pedals offer 20dB+, those kinds of levels are rarely needed and can cause feedback or overdrive issues if not carefully managed.
Are boost pedals worth it for bedroom players?
Yes! Even at low volumes, boost pedals can enhance your tone, provide better interaction between pedals, and help achieve sustain and harmonic richness that might otherwise require higher volumes. Boosts aren’t just for being louder!
What’s the best Boost pedal for me?
Here are a few key points for you to consider when trying to choose the best boost pedal for your setup and sound:
- Your amplifier type: Valve amps respond differently to boost than solid-state amps. Valve amps may naturally overdrive when boosted, while solid-state amps typically just get louder.
- Your pedalboard setup: Have a think about where the boost will fit in your signal chain and how it will interact with existing pedals. Depending on your current setup, a boost could be a great choice to enhance your current effects.
- Important Features for your sound: Some pedals will obviously include more features or controls than others. Know what you’re going to use the pedal for before making your choice so that you have what you need. Do you need momentary switching? Multiple boost levels? EQ controls?
- Your budget: Boost pedals are generally less expensive than their overdrive and distortion counterparts, as their circuitry is often less sophisticated. Superb boost pedals exist at every price point, from affordable options under £50 to premium units over £200. Generally, higher-priced units offer more precise controls or functionality outside of just being a boost. If you’re after just a simple, reliable boost without much else, you have plenty of affordable options that will do the job excellently.
If you’ve stuck around this far, we hope that this guide will help to steer you in the right direction. The aim of this is to inform and make you feel confident when making your next pedal purchase, so we suggest that you get out there and start making some awesome decisions!
Boost pedals are invaluable tools that can enhance virtually any guitar setup. Whether you choose a simple, affordable option or invest in a premium unit with advanced features, a good boost pedal will quickly become an essential part of your sound.
For more information about overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedals, check out our dedicated guides for each of them:
