Best Treble Booster Pedals & Best Brands for Treble Booster Pedals
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The world of electric guitars is one that houses many strange bedfellows, one of which is the treble booster pedal.
In fact, treble boosters are some of the devices most guitarists don’t fancy but have no option when the need arises. If your guitar is not forthcoming in the treble tone you expected, then using a treble booster becomes pragmatic.
As the name implies, treble booster pedals are sound boosting devices dedicated to boosting the treble sound frequency of electric guitars in different degrees. The effect typically gives the user a full, fatter tone.
However, while there are many treble booster pedals in the market, not all of them have equal performance and quality. Therefore, this article will show you some of the things to consider when selecting your treble booster, and a review of some of the best options in the market.
What are the Best Treble Booster Pedals to Buy?
2) Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini
- Made in Japan
- Small but powerful
- Sound like a semi-professional amplifier
- 3 analog control dials: Heat, Level, and Overdrive
1) Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive Pedal
- Manufactured in the USA
- Best in quality and tone boosting capabilities
- Easy to use and user-friendly
- Alters the tone in a unique way
3) EarthQuaker devises Tone Job EQ and Boost Guitar Effect Pedal
- Made in Akron, Ohio
- 4 knobs namely Treble, Mids, Level, and Bass
- Good quality frequency response
What To Consider When Selecting A Treble Booster
Think about the price range
Price is always going to be one determinant when shopping for a reliable treble booster pedal. If the booster pedal you want to buy is in the same price range with many other models, then know that they offer similar performance. In that case, see what the reviews are saying about that product and make a choice. However, do not buy or based your booster pedal selection solely on price, since the price is not the best determinant of quality.
Features
Most of the booster pedals in the market come with different features like one knob dial, two knob control dials, three knob controls, and even four-knob control features. Depending on what you want, look into the control features of the booster pedal and see if it has what you are looking for. While some come with Tone, Level, Gain, Treble and Overdrive, functionality, others come with just two of these features only.
Another thing you may want to consider is the option of an EQ adjustment. Some pedals feature this control while others do not. With an EQ control feature, you can get more than just a boost to your tone and overall performance. So, consider this before making that final decision.
These are the main points of consideration you should always remember when shopping for the best treble booster pedal.
9 Best Treble Booster Pedal Reviews and the Best Treble Booster Pedal Brands
1) Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive Pedal
The Fulltone drive pedal is a nice sounding overdrive that features good quality and tone boosting capabilities. Every aspect of this booster pedal is manufactured in the United States. It features a minimalistic design that somehow makes it look like a toy. For instance, arrows are indicating the direction of turning the knob. Such simplicity of use bespoke the company’s commitment to producing devices that are user-friendly.
When it comes to tonality in most devices of this nature, it is hard to tell any significant changes while adjusting them on budget guitars. However, the Fulltone OCD alters the tone in a unique way that you can tell when sounds are getting brighter or darker.
While the pedal seems to make a bit of hum noises, it, however, respond sensibly to tone adjustment as well as other forms of modification. You can thoroughly control the level of overdrive and distortion easily.
2) Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini
Ibanez Screamer Mini pedal booster is made from Japanese technology. We know how effective Japanese products can be. However, we are going to review this booster pedal according to the fairness it deserves.
The color of the booster pedal is green, which is not the type of color you will like. However, what makes this pedal from Ibanez reliable is the technical features it provides.
First, if you are on a budget, you will love this model, as it is cheaper than a host of other booster pedals on this list. The Tube Screamer is a small but powerful booster pedal that compresses the sound like a semi-professional amplifier.
The booster pedal is compact, with three analog control dials: Heat, Level, and Overdrive. It is your typical average booster pedal.
3) EarthQuaker devises Tone Job EQ and Boost Guitar Effect Pedal
The EarthQuaker booster pedal is not just a booster but also an EQ that allows you to shape the quality of your tone in different ways. Although this pedal is not 100 percent treble pedal booster, it does what it is supposed to do. It packs extra features while its audible difference isn’t bad either.
The pedal booster features four knobs namely Treble, Mids, Level, and Bass. All of these can quickly be adjusted individually to boost or attenuate the signal in each range. The Tone Job constitutes a great addition to your pedalboard’s needs, notwithstanding what style of music you play.
If you want to finetune your tone and boost output at the end of a long cable run, just place the Tone Job at the end of your chain. If you want to alter the overall character of your guitar, then place it at the beginning of your chain. The booster pedal has a good quality frequency response that makes it better than a boss compressor.
4) TC Electronic Spark Booster Guitar
If there is a booster pedal in the market that project “love at first sight,” then it would be the TC Electronic Spark Booster. This boost pedal is very beautiful and stylish. It also happens to be a very versatile option, with four control dials namely, Gain, Treble, Bass, and Level.
With the gain knob, you can push your tone using little grit and compression. Sitting in the midst of the four knobs is a nifty little toggle switch, which enables you to move between a couple of tonal options and a clean, boost tone. You have one of these preset options in the mid-range and the other that adds some level of fatness to the mix.
From a performance point of view, the TC Electronic Spark Booster is highly effective when used as a boost-only unit. Using the level knob will spur your beat straight up to a satisfactory +26dB.
Overall, the construction quality is impressive, the mini toggle adds versatility, and the 2-band EQ adjustment delivers amazing reach in tonality.
5) Catalinbread Naga Viper Modern Treble Booster Guitar Effects Pedal
The Catalinbread Naga Viper Booster is a design that imitates the Dallas Rangemaster—the most influential treble booster that saw a lot of use in the 70s and 80s. The booster features a stylish and structural design. The control construction is top-notch, and the switch is durable.
The Naga Viper is bright and features three knobs for Boost, Heat, and Range. With this extra effect, the pedal not only gives you extra value for your cash but also allows you to retain the ability to fine-tune the high-end of your guitar using that dependable classic tone.
The Naga Viper booster pedal features a quality tone that is adaptable, stable and solid. It doesn’t create any unwanted shrill. This booster pedal adequately handles every transistor sweetening you need to juice up your sound to the highest levels.
If you love the tone of British classic rock, then this booster pedal is for you.
6) Electro-Harmonix Screaming Bird Nano Treble Boost Guitar Effect Pedal
Our review wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Screaming Bird Booster Pedal from the legendary brand, Electro-Harmonix.
Once again, the company lives up to its billing in creating highly stylish booster pedals. This model is even more straightforward in that it features one knob and a foot switch. By this design, the pedal delivers a high gain boost and determines frequency range to that simple but strategic construction.
If you are looking for something that is less complex and intuitive to use, this is what you are searching for.
In terms of performance, the Screaming Bird appears limited compared to a host of others boost pedals in the market. However, you can give it the thumbs up for such performance when rated against other products in its price range.
Despite being very compact, the Screaming Bird is capable of delivering about 20dB of additional gain. That is more than enough headroom to toy with and enjoy.
The Screaming Bird also utilizes a true Bypass for better signal shaping, and a 9-volt battery is included upon purchase. You can rest assured this unit will last due to its tough die-cast chassis construction.
7) Electro-Harmonix Octavix Octave Fuzz Pedal
Electro-Harmonix is a company that has been around in the musical instrument industry for many years. So, we weren’t in the least surprised at the aesthetics of this model from the company, given its many years of experience in making such products.
The octave fuzz pedal brings to the fore the glory days of the 1960s with this fantastic vintage octave style pedal. It features excellent octave up and fuzz-tone effects for a round sound creation. There are three control dials on this one: Volume, Octave and Boost, which enable you to dial in the appropriate tone.
Electro-Harmonix included the versatility of switching between 9 and 34 power rail volt to create a tight or saggy sound. You can also get the highest signal integrity using the True Bypass feature.
Featuring a psychedelic and period evocative design, the Octavix Octave Fuzz pedal gives you an incredible vintage vibe with its blue LED construction.
8) ModTone MT-SB (Guitar Effects) Pedal Signal Booster
The ModTone Booster Guitar Effects Pedal is another good treble signal booster that is also famous among different guitarists. The signal booster offers a reliable and straightforward user’s interfaces. It comes with the capabilities you need to generate the sound you’ve always searched for.
On the booster pedal’s top are two dials—Tone and Level—which, together with the signal-booster control mechanism are capable of providing you close to 25 dB of real boost. It also offers a quiet and clean boost for your guitar signal, made possible by the True Bypass feature.
Your signal will not only stay clean and bright; it will also be devoid of all unfriendly distortions and noise. In the end, you will have at your fingertip the control with which you can create a decent sound. For this, you can say, “thank you” to ModTone for the Airplane style switch that simplifies the control.
9) BBE BhemianTreble Boost Pedal
The BBE Boheman Treble Booster Pedal is one of the most dependable options available in the market. This typical treble sound booster will take your guitar design to the next level. The booster features the best Sonic Patented Maximiser processing technology, which contains 24 ultra-high and dependable headroom preamps, all of which complies with and even exceed the BBE Class A requirements.
Included in this boost pedal as well are two AUX stereo inputs where you can plug in your guitar with the standard cable. The Sonic Maximiser technology offers you the best in clean and crisp boosted sound. The degree of response it projects is reassuring, including a fad resistance. This means you have the freedom to set your treble to the desired setting you want.
While this is highly functional, we found out that it lacks some of the frequency controls known to other models in the market. However, it is a reliable piece of treble booster that you would love when using it.
Choosing the Best Treble Booster Pedals
A treble booster pedal is something you will consider when you are having a problem with getting a nice treble sound on the electric guitar. Already, we have covered some of the vital points you need to know when choosing your pedal. Always remember that much quality essence should go into the True Bypass when shopping for a reliable treble booster pedal.
2) Ibanez Tube Screamer Mini
- Made in Japan
- Small but powerful
- Sound like a semi-professional amplifier
- 3 analog control dials: Heat, Level, and Overdrive
1) Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive Pedal
- Manufactured in the USA
- Best in quality and tone boosting capabilities
- Easy to use and user-friendly
- Alters the tone in a unique way
3) EarthQuaker devises Tone Job EQ and Boost Guitar Effect Pedal
- Made in Akron, Ohio
- 4 knobs namely Treble, Mids, Level, and Bass
- Good quality frequency response
Try buying from reputable sources because the industry is fraught with many fake copies of best-performing brands. Look at the build quality and ensure you are buying the best pedal that will last for many years to come.
A pedal that is inferior in make will suffer many failures when in use. This is why it is even more important to read what the reviews are saying before buying one.