Great Eastern FX Co. have just launched the latest pedal in their Obsolete Devices series, a range of effects pedals that are each designed around a particular rare and obsolete component. The Transformer Boost is a full-range boost pedal powered by a vintage General Electric 2N1175 germanium transistor, and is described by the company as a ‘colour’ or ‘character’ boost pedal, offering up to to 18dB of gain while also introducing some desirable harmonics and transient shaping.

Limited to just 100 units due to the scarcity of the NOS (new-old-stock) transistor, the new arrival combines the obsolete part with a selection of high-quality modern components including Wima and Würth Elektronik capacitors, Dale resistors and a Triad Magnetics output transformer. As the pedal’s name suggests, the final component is a key part of the its sound, and Great Eastern FX say that the circuit’s germanium transistor directly driving the output transformer results in some additional colour and saturation. 

The top panel is a simple affair, with a large knob controlling output level and a Low Cut control that can be used to ‘tighten up’ the low end when using higher gain settings to push an amp into overdrive. The control also affects saturation, with more low end tending to push the transistor and transformer harder.

“As with all of the Obsolete Devices pedals, the starting point was a particular batch of vintage parts. When I realised that these transistors would be perfect for a full-range boost — they’re medium gain, relatively well-behaved and very low-noise — I started thinking about what I would want from something calling itself a ‘germanium boost’. For me, words like character, colour and texture immediately come to mind. It’s that combination of subtle break-up, extra harmonic complexity and a touch of compression that will really juice up the signal in an attractive way. Adding an output transformer seemed like a logical extension of that. I personally find this pedal incredibly inspiring to play through. I think it adds an amazing sense of weight and fullness to notes that I find really addictive.” — David Greeves, Founder, Great Eastern FX Co.

The Transformer Boost is available now, priced at $299£249 including VAT.

www.greateasternfx.com