Howard Gee put his heart and soul into the Catalinbread Epoch units. I hope they didn’t just replace his work with a lesser option. Howard is a legend.
I agree!! Howard has designed some of the best electric guitar effects pedals of all time! Certainly when it comes to amp and effects clone pedals. Too bad somebody else now owns his designs.
Howard is.His stuff with CB is almost all THE BEST of it's kind, - occasionally find something more to my needs, but never disappointed: would like to have ALL those effects in the arsenal.
Jimmy Page Boost : Madison Square Garden July1973. The Echoplex Preamp put a bit of heat into the signal on solos. Normally combined with a bit of short slap to make them more present
Andy could plug a cardboard cutout guitar into a pizza box with the word "fuzz" written on it and then run that into an "amp" made out of Legos and it would sound like the greatest guitar effect in the history of guitar effects.
I’m glad you explained the volume drop when the preamp knob was up all the way compared to at around 2 o’clock. I was quite confused when I heard that happening.
The epoch pre is superior. I think they discontinued it because of the lawsuit drama between the new owner of catalinbread and the designer of the epoch pre Howard Gee
Listen... It sounds great... I like it as do I love all the catalinbread pedals, but I do really think they're milking the belle epoch a bit much here with 4 seperate pedals. I'd love to see a deluxe version of a bunch of their other pedals, like the echorec, valcoder or topanga.
Andy, off topic question real quick: The red Malekko EKKO 616 MKII BBD delay living behind you in what seems like forever. What's the story? • The new Catalinbread Epoch Boost does a terrific job doing what it was created for. Could be why they are sold out and you'll have to find one at a Dealer? While you were playing through the G&L, I believe it highlighted the Epoch Boost's intended purpose spot on. Another great demo for the extraordinary Andy collection!
Has anyone put this side by side yet with the Belle Epoch Deluxe preamp? I've tried a bunch of EP3 style preamps, and while I absolutely love the BED, I have pretty much hated all the others. I'm really hoping this Epoch Boost sounds most like the preamp in the Belle Epoch Deluxe.
Its the exact same circuit, but the controls are to control the preamp instead of the Digital Tape Delay, as it doesn't have that side. My only question is why did the Deluxe not have a preamp control if it's the same circuit? Probably to get more money out of the same pedal. I think I might settle for the Xotic or Dunlop EP Boosts, as they are much cheaper.
I think this would be perfect for the clean channel loop of my old Tonemaster It's Showman clean so this would give it that better clean tone But has to beat the Xotic EP and Super Clean boosts Have to say it has a little something extra but will see Good demo Andy I subscribed to your new channel Best of luck
They just need to make an Andy pedal already. When you switch it on, it plays the guitar for you. Andy is the best. The Epoch Boost really does sweeten up the sound.
That would be so epic. Can’t remember what company it was, but they were working on an EchoRec that was full blown modern part version. Being as I can’t remember who was doing it, I don’t know what happened. Would have been very cool. So, I’m totally down for an EchoRec Deluxe. The original that Catlinbread built is damn cool.
Peter Camacho yeah. Pretty sure that’s the one I was thinking of. Saw a working prototype and it was so cool, even just watching it spin was exciting. But I would for sure settle for a Catalinbread EchoRec Deluxe. They do the best dedicated tape emulations.
probably never happening since Howard Gee left catalinbread (he was working on the eechorec deluxe, and designed the belle epoch deluxe). That's why they had to come out with this epoch boost. They discontinued howard's superior "epoch pre" design that had more features. I'd recommend one of those over this any day, go get one used on reverb.
I think my Way Huge Saffron Squeeze is enough. I may be missing something I run it infront of my Belleepochdeluxe delay. The Bellepoch deluxe really needs a boost. They seem to suck the life out of my signal. Bottom line, I do think the pedal you are demoing now is great. I for some reason can not justify buying one. I think a pair of 300.00 Barenuckle pickups on my LP would be a better all around investment. I really am not sure.
The Xotic stuff is all high quality, but always has that hard, pushed, modern vibe.It depends on your style, but they are very different in feel, tone, and gain structure.
Any idea of whether this is based.on the "newer" or brighter "older" version of the Echoplex? I didn't see a switch on this one last the last pedal from C.bread or the EP Pre.
The EP Booster is their own interpretation on the preamp and It does add a nice fatness to any signal. I know that the Catalinbread is following the exact schematic and the only one currently that boosts internal to the correct 22V DC internally. Thanks!
Adam James Rogers what do you like better as far as an Echoplex preamp pedal? I’m also looking at an Xotic EP booster, ClinchFX ep pre and Chase Tone Secret PreAmp...
@@RyanRivs42 - Try the Xotic, as it has a couple of dip switches offering both a 'bright' and 'vintage' style on the ep so gives a little bit of variety. I still use a regular CB Belle Epoch which has the EP buffer built in, so that may also be worth a look too
Xotic is an ‘inspired by’ pedal, not faithful to the EP-3. Chasetone, Clinch, and this are way more accurate. The original Belle Epoch preamp isn’t accurate either, it’s based more on the playback amp of an Echoplex. The Deluxe us spot on though.
Thanks. I knew the xotic is an “inspired” copy while the others are exact. The xotic does seem to have more of an effect on the tone from the demos I’ve heard. I was looking at more of a klon klone to run at low gain to color/fatten my tone. I don’t want a full on overdrive as I get my dirt from the amp (or my fuzz)...then started looking at the echoplex type pedals...I’m kind of torn which route to go...maybe both!
I see you watched the latest TPS 😉 This doesn’t really fall into that category though, the Echoplex preamp was never meant to replace your amp’s preamp.
This is the Preamp/Buffer circuit from the Belle Epoch line, which is a modern replica of the Echoplex V3. The preamp was originally to drive the signal through the analog tape delay, and wasn't an "amp preamp" like overdrives and fuzzes are.
@@AndyDemos Thanks for further explaination, i don't know much about how tape echo machines work! But even before the last TPS episode it was kinda hard to search for amp preamps with all these drive pedals named preamp.
Zwidawurzn yes it’s hard, ever since the BB Preamp came out..I’d say unless it’s a tube unit, it’s going to sound better as an overdrive in front of your amp. Otherwise, we’re all just turning our amps into SS Crates (not that there’s anything wrong with that)
One reason I come to Andy's demos first is he does not overplay.
Thanks! I don’t want to hear people overplay either 👊
@Mitchell Jeffrey It's an NSA honey trap. LOL
Plus he doesn't talk your ears off, and actually plays tastefully. Rare on UA-cam. So many amateurs who can't play and never shut up.
Howard Gee put his heart and soul into the Catalinbread Epoch units. I hope they didn’t just replace his work with a lesser option. Howard is a legend.
curious to see an A-B between the two
I agree!! Howard has designed some of the best electric guitar effects pedals of all time! Certainly when it comes to amp and effects clone pedals. Too bad somebody else now owns his designs.
@@johne1599 what's he designing now? I'd crowdfund it!
Howard is.His stuff with CB is almost all THE BEST of it's kind, - occasionally find something more to my needs, but never disappointed: would like to have ALL those effects in the arsenal.
Yuval Legendtofski He’s got a new company, If you Google Search, “Howard Gee effects”, you’ll find a bunch of recent articles and interviews. ;
Andy has his OWN channel now? Guess I'm going back under my rock to watch all these videos too! Thank you my dude!
Jimmy Page Boost : Madison Square Garden July1973. The Echoplex Preamp put a bit of heat into the signal on solos. Normally combined with a bit of short slap to make them more present
Andy could plug a cardboard cutout guitar into a pizza box with the word "fuzz" written on it and then run that into an "amp" made out of Legos and it would sound like the greatest guitar effect in the history of guitar effects.
🤣 Yes, you are correct. Andy has that magic touch ⚡🧙♂️⚡
I’m glad you explained the volume drop when the preamp knob was up all the way compared to at around 2 o’clock. I was quite confused when I heard that happening.
Great demo, I just bought one! The boost it add to the delay/Edge sound is really impressive, sounds even better than the FA-1/Clover pedal!
The echoPlex pre has always been my secret weapon. Thanks for spreading the good gospel! Catalin knows their tone!
Great, now I want this. I love my DOD 250 preamp gain pedal and this one looks and sounds terrific. Thanks, Andy.
Incredible playing as always.
Great playin Andy
The boost into the delay was magic. You may have just sold me that pedal :)
Extra boost is what makes a big difference in playing 👍🎸😎🎼
I own the (larger) Epoch Pre. Let’s hope this one is wired correctly. Great tones in both the old and new one though.
The epoch pre is superior. I think they discontinued it because of the lawsuit drama between the new owner of catalinbread and the designer of the epoch pre Howard Gee
Listen... It sounds great... I like it as do I love all the catalinbread pedals, but I do really think they're milking the belle epoch a bit much here with 4 seperate pedals. I'd love to see a deluxe version of a bunch of their other pedals, like the echorec, valcoder or topanga.
They have no new designs worth a crap since they lost Howard.
They literally could've just stuck preamp controls on the BED and been done, but they created 2 more Preamp only pedals instead.
always nice riffs from Andy
great demo Andy!
Always a good time.
You can see why this preamp/boost was the “secret sauce” of a lot of guitar players back in the day!
Jimmy Page Live.
Nice wah in the background !
Might be the best preamp for the money on the market
Andy, off topic question real quick: The red Malekko EKKO 616 MKII BBD delay living behind you in what seems like forever. What's the story?
•
The new Catalinbread Epoch Boost does a terrific job doing what it was created for. Could be why they are sold out and you'll have to find one at a Dealer?
While you were playing through the G&L, I believe it highlighted the Epoch Boost's intended purpose spot on. Another great demo for the extraordinary Andy collection!
The Ekko 616 is considered a classic circuit; notice the company it's in.
@@markferguson3745 Oh, I know I have several versions.. I want to know "Andy's" story 👈🏽💯
Dan and Mick need to have you on!
ua-cam.com/video/KboeI9DOdPY/v-deo.html
Andy you de man!
The guitar pedal's influencer ante litteram comes back!
The box should be called Sugar because it makes everything sweet.
Has anyone put this side by side yet with the Belle Epoch Deluxe preamp? I've tried a bunch of EP3 style preamps, and while I absolutely love the BED, I have pretty much hated all the others. I'm really hoping this Epoch Boost sounds most like the preamp in the Belle Epoch Deluxe.
Its the exact same circuit, but the controls are to control the preamp instead of the Digital Tape Delay, as it doesn't have that side.
My only question is why did the Deluxe not have a preamp control if it's the same circuit? Probably to get more money out of the same pedal. I think I might settle for the Xotic or Dunlop EP Boosts, as they are much cheaper.
Great intro tune yours?
Thanks, yep!
Hubert sumlin of the howlin wolf band also used a echoplex to get distortion
I think this would be perfect for the clean channel loop of my old Tonemaster It's Showman clean so this would give it that better clean tone But has to beat the Xotic EP and Super Clean boosts Have to say it has a little something extra but will see Good demo Andy I subscribed to your new channel Best of luck
They just need to make an Andy pedal already. When you switch it on, it plays the guitar for you. Andy is the best. The Epoch Boost really does sweeten up the sound.
Just the blueprint for pedal demos :)
That guitar! Where can I get one like that? Me want!
Grey or Gray Guitars from the UK.
@@JasonChannell definitely GRAY! 👍🏻
Is this different from the built in boost in the Belle Epoch echo pedal?
I guess they discontinued the Epoch Pre?
looks like it, this one doesn’t have the bias control
There was so much bad hype around the Pre, I guess it wasn't worth keeping it in the lineup.
Homo Chomsky What happened?
Does it flip the phase like the EP Boost? That's the only thing I don't like about the EP, its a PITA on wet/dry, so I just have the EP always on
The ‘secret sauce’ of the EP-3 preamp is its nonlinear phase response- it blooms harmonics in a pleasing way.
I am waiting for the ECHOREC DELUXE
That would be so epic. Can’t remember what company it was, but they were working on an EchoRec that was full blown modern part version. Being as I can’t remember who was doing it, I don’t know what happened. Would have been very cool. So, I’m totally down for an EchoRec Deluxe. The original that Catlinbread built is damn cool.
T Rex has was working on one for years, real drum delay. Not sure what happened with that, I was excited by it!
Peter Camacho yeah. Pretty sure that’s the one I was thinking of. Saw a working prototype and it was so cool, even just watching it spin was exciting. But I would for sure settle for a Catalinbread EchoRec Deluxe. They do the best dedicated tape emulations.
probably never happening since Howard Gee left catalinbread (he was working on the eechorec deluxe, and designed the belle epoch deluxe). That's why they had to come out with this epoch boost. They discontinued howard's superior "epoch pre" design that had more features. I'd recommend one of those over this any day, go get one used on reverb.
So if you use delay in the effects loop should the echo booster go in the effects loop right before the delay ?
I think my Way Huge Saffron Squeeze is enough. I may be missing something I run it infront of my Belleepochdeluxe delay. The Bellepoch deluxe really needs a boost. They seem to suck the life out of my signal. Bottom line, I do think the pedal you are demoing now is great. I for some reason can not justify buying one. I think a pair of 300.00 Barenuckle pickups on my LP would be a better all around investment. I really am not sure.
22V boost. Only about a year behind JRockett APE doing the same thing, only better.
how do you compare this to echoplex preamp?
How would you compare it to the Xotic EP Boost?
The Xotic stuff is all high quality, but always has that hard, pushed, modern vibe.It depends on your style, but they are very different in feel, tone, and gain structure.
Any idea of whether this is based.on the "newer" or brighter "older" version of the Echoplex? I didn't see a switch on this one last the last pedal from C.bread or the EP Pre.
This is a recreation of the "early" EP3 circuit.
@@MothHouse Thanks! I'm surprised, since it seems to cut the highs - and I thought the early circuit was brighter than the later one.
So... this one or the MXR?
Both!
Is this basically an overdrive that can boost?
It's a boost pedal that makes you feel better about your tone because you spent a lot of money on it
So Andy how does it stack up to the Xotic pedals Thanks,
The EP Booster is their own interpretation on the preamp and It does add a nice fatness to any signal. I know that the Catalinbread is following the exact schematic and the only one currently that boosts internal to the correct 22V DC internally. Thanks!
Were you placing it in the loop or in front of the amp?
@@JosephX74 it will give you an overall volume boost. I do it for solos
My wife will be sending you the bill...
Anyone run this before the Belle epoch or Belle epoch deluxe? Would that be good?
Yeah before the tape echo it really makes it more fat. I own the limited box sex
Someone would know if this pre entirely analog ? Thanks !
I guarantee it’s all analog! It uses a JFET just like the original EP-3 preamp.
@@AndyDemos Thanks Andy, I hope you're feeling better and have fully recovered ! All the best !
Holy cat shit that toan!
This seems quite disappointing to my ears sadly. Didn't like what it did to any of your guitars. There's some great versions of this out there already
Adam James Rogers what do you like better as far as an Echoplex preamp pedal? I’m also looking at an Xotic EP booster, ClinchFX ep pre and Chase Tone Secret PreAmp...
@@RyanRivs42 - Try the Xotic, as it has a couple of dip switches offering both a 'bright' and 'vintage' style on the ep so gives a little bit of variety. I still use a regular CB Belle Epoch which has the EP buffer built in, so that may also be worth a look too
Xotic is an ‘inspired by’ pedal, not faithful to the EP-3. Chasetone, Clinch, and this are way more accurate. The original Belle Epoch preamp isn’t accurate either, it’s based more on the playback amp of an Echoplex. The Deluxe us spot on though.
Thanks. I knew the xotic is an “inspired” copy while the others are exact. The xotic does seem to have more of an effect on the tone from the demos I’ve heard.
I was looking at more of a klon klone to run at low gain to color/fatten my tone. I don’t want a full on overdrive as I get my dirt from the amp (or my fuzz)...then started looking at the echoplex type pedals...I’m kind of torn which route to go...maybe both!
take my money...
I’ve been less impressed with each offering from Caralinbread since Howard was forced out.
Their last fuzz was pretty good, but I agree that the others have been less than inspiring.
I think the tragic death of Nic was as much to do with it, but yeah...
Cmon catalinbread... the epoch pre was massive. This is better. But why no top jacks....
DD-8 and no BED??? What?
Probably to show how ir spices up a sterile digital delay, the BED already has the preamp.
The next "preamp" pedal which is technically a drive pedal because it can't replace your amp's preamp?
I see you watched the latest TPS 😉
This doesn’t really fall into that category though, the Echoplex preamp was never meant to replace your amp’s preamp.
This is the Preamp/Buffer circuit from the Belle Epoch line, which is a modern replica of the Echoplex V3. The preamp was originally to drive the signal through the analog tape delay, and wasn't an "amp preamp" like overdrives and fuzzes are.
@@AndyDemos Thanks for further explaination, i don't know much about how tape echo machines work!
But even before the last TPS episode it was kinda hard to search for amp preamps with all these drive pedals named preamp.
Zwidawurzn yes it’s hard, ever since the BB Preamp came out..I’d say unless it’s a tube unit, it’s going to sound better as an overdrive in front of your amp. Otherwise, we’re all just turning our amps into SS Crates (not that there’s anything wrong with that)