Good Solo Boost Pedal?

[The Honorable]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking for a good boost pedal that I can through in the FX loop of my 5150 or just run it straight in. I really want my solos to cut through the mix during a gig so there is no problem hearing them. I'm not to sure what I'm looking for here...do I want a volume boost pedal or should I try an overdrive pedal? I've heard that a lot of players use a ts9 tube screamer to kick on during solos so I tried one and was not impressed. It made my 5150 go from a high gain beast to something like a vintage marshall without the great sustain...

Here's a couple pedals I've been looking at:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXR-Custom-Audio-Electronics-MC401-Boost-Pedal?sku=151127

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Carl-Martin-Hydra-Boost-Pedal?sku=153120

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/BBE-Boosta-Grande-Clean-Boost-Effect-Pedal?sku=157037

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Seymour-Duncan-SFX01-Pickup-Booster-Effects-Pedal?sku=150710

[VitaminG]

EQ pedal in the loop. Can you give you a volume boost if required, and lets you tweak frequencies to allow your lead tone to cut through.

[jgcable]

For many years I used a DOD Bi-Fet preamp in the loop. I then used a DOD 250, at one time I used a Boss GE7 EQ and even a tube screamer and a YJM308. After trying all those pedals I think the best way to boost the volume of an already overdriven amp is to use a volume pedal in the loop. The best one I have ever used (and still do) is the Morley Lil-Alligator.
Remember one thing.. if you are dealing with an already overdriven signal you will not increase the volume if you put a pedal in front of the amp. What you will do is add another stage of gain. You have to put the pedal in the loop.

The other nice thing about using a volume pedal is that you can vary how much solo boost you want (less for fills, more for solo's) and it doesn't affect your tone at all. Completely silent too.

[finstah]

^ too funny.

I also used an FX10 and a frown based GE7. I thought the DOD broke thru the mix better. Run the tone at 0 and the level all the way up.

"the best way to boost the volume of an already overdriven amp is to use a volume pedal in the loop."

+1000

[Tim]

I don't know what you did with the tubescreamer when you tried it out, but it sounds to me like you did it wrong. You want to turn the gain to zero, level to max (although this can come down a bit depending on how much of a boost you want), and tone to taste over your OD/Distortion channel. It'll beef up your sound considerably if you find the right setting on the tone knob, adding in some of the pedal's gain can give a bit of extra grit, but go easy on it.

I have no idea how you managed to completely change the character of your amp by boosting with a tubescreamer.

[Larz]

I've read good things about the Keeley Java Boost, but they ain't among the cheapest things obviously.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

the Keeley Katana might just be the perfect answer.

[Racerx2k]

I like my Digitech Bad Monkey for solo duties, and bought it on the cheap, too.

[Partial @ Marshall]

the Keeley Katana might just be the perfect answer.

+1

Great pedal that doesn't change your tone...You will pay though. I love mine!

[The Honorable]

The Keeley Katana pedal looks great. I'm going to try and order one in at Long & McQuade next week. Thanks guys!

[dannyr]

Xotic RC Boost is a great pedal!

[Larz]

The Keeley Katana pedal looks great. I'm going to try and order one in at Long & McQuade next week. Thanks guys!

You can order it straight from Keeley's website. (and usually listen to some clips). They have great customer service.

[toddstaples]

http://www.rwseffects.com/magnum.html

new guy in the pedal world, but This is what I use for a lead boost and its awesome.....

[axeman81]

my ENGL amp has two master volumes, footswitchable and also a mid cut switch. using the mid cut switch is usually more functional than simply boosting volume.

edit: mid BOOST switch, dammnit! don't post in the morning

[nhspike]

BB Preamp by Xotic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANNQkONYsgE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiW22O914Cg&feature=related

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