I own this pedal and really like it. Very open with just enough mids to give nice clarity. Dirty and a tad "loose" but has a certain sag/compression that makes digging in very satisfying. Also stacks like a champ. I shot it out against the original benson preamp--and MANY other dirt pedals--and always come back to it.
Glad you enjoyed it! I think this flavor will appeal to more players too, much more low/med gain offerings. I still love the unhinged tone of the OG when maxed! Thanks!
Can definitely hear the differences between the two. Interesting to hear the Germanium at the heads and tails of the post in a band context. The squishiness puts it in the background, which can be perfect if there’s a singer in there? I like the EQ pocket. Sidebar: One of reason I like playing through a 5e3, goosed up with guitar volume down is because you can play soft and be clear behind the mix, play a little harder and be broken up behind the mix, and then turn up a little to step out in front.
The Benson Germanium Preamp is amazing I can get any from a fuzz face to Big Muff to a super smooth overdrive. I had one before and loved it but the addition of a Germanium transistor was a game changer and added warmth, Richness and plenty of grit. It gives the guitar a huge sound. They did it right this time.
Agree. I shot this out against the original preamp and preferred the germanium. Just a touch more sag, low end, and rounded-ness. Just had better feel and sound. Both really good though.
There's just something about Germanium's warm and wooly tone that just hits those spots for me. Going to end up with a Benson board before too much longer. 😺👍
If I were a guitar player, this is a pedal I would want. Germanium stuff sounds like it would feel good to play - like a lightly muffled vintage bass drum with no port hole. 🤙
@@AndyDemosThe folks who say solid state amps sound sterile must not have much experience with germanium...I have a '68 GE stereo that I converted into a guitar amp, as well as an old lafayette reverb unit with a germanium transistor in the circuit...they sound anything but cold or brittle
@AndyDemos I like it a lot. It gives me some Black Keys 'Let's Rock' kind of vibes which was an album I really enjoyed. Thanks for sharing some original stuff!
No, the MK2 is referring to Germanium clipping diodes not Germanium transistors like this one (which has no clipping diodes). I believe that Mk2 Preamp was also using a Silicon Fuzz circuit. So, completely different offerings. Hope that clears it up!
It does sound great! But, I have to wonder about availability. From a video I saw recently he(Benson) has a small operation that he says he doesn't want to expand and he's so swamped you can't even order an amp. Which makes me wonder how can he supply these new pedals that are being demo'd by multiple influencers.
Omg please don’t refer to UA-cam gear reviewers as “influencers”. These guys provide a service for consumers. Influencers just pose and posture for the camera and pretend they’re celebrities like movie stars.
The new germanium sound much more a lower gain drive than the original. It may be my impression, but although the germanium is sometimes more clear, the original is much more versatile.
Great demo as usual Andy. But you didn't say "Now here's my clean tone..." I feel cheated.... 🙂 I know you have other gigs, Andy, but how can you *only* have 51.3K Followers? BTW, at the start, going through the Carr with the Tele, I felt the Benson was clashing with the amp's natural tone. Not so friendly with Vox type amps? That said, this Preamp does work it's way into a good tone and I'm guessing it's an 'always on' type of pedal.
Good comparison, TY Andy. But with Ge it's the overheating on a 90F+ stage I worry about.....not necessarily talking a few seconds to warm up. Is that all good?@@AndyDemos
Sounds as though you may have been listening to a wee Country on the way to the pedal 😊🤷🏼♂️… or did the pedal inspire the bent?😊 The tone is indeed beautiful; however, I would have enjoyed a wee more Pagey, Hendrix … 70s rock like at the end of the vid. Whatever. In my book, you do NO wrong … 🫶✌️♾️ 🎸👨🏼⚕️
Imo the Germanium version sounds more articulate with better string separation, but not sure if that is simply because it is a bit brighter. Actually, reminds me of my Automoatone (which is basedo n the Benson Preamp but, many people have stated, more articulate).
I don't care if it's made with Kryptonite - that tone is to die for.
Right!! Studio worth
I think it is powered by 1.21 gigawatts….. you better check with your local power company before you plug it in…. Might start a blackout….
Reminds me of Shadow Hills Preamps
Thanks for comparing the old and the new for context 🤍
Absolutely!!!
Feel like I’ve been watching you demo pedals for 20 years 😂 Like a fine wine, Andy, you just get better with age 🤘🏻
Thanks for watching all these years, I really appreciate it!
Stop tricking me into thinking you’re playing with a pick! I fall for it every time! 🙃
Maybe i've said this in a past comment, but Andy is a Great riffs machine man
Great riffs human machine, sounds better 😊
I own this pedal and really like it. Very open with just enough mids to give nice clarity. Dirty and a tad "loose" but has a certain sag/compression that makes digging in very satisfying. Also stacks like a champ. I shot it out against the original benson preamp--and MANY other dirt pedals--and always come back to it.
This pedal sounds really good in my opinion.
Glad you enjoyed it! I think this flavor will appeal to more players too, much more low/med gain offerings. I still love the unhinged tone of the OG when maxed!
Thanks!
Wow. I didn’t thought that I will like the tone so much.
Can definitely hear the differences between the two. Interesting to hear the Germanium at the heads and tails of the post in a band context. The squishiness puts it in the background, which can be perfect if there’s a singer in there?
I like the EQ pocket.
Sidebar: One of reason I like playing through a 5e3, goosed up with guitar volume down is because you can play soft and be clear behind the mix, play a little harder and be broken up behind the mix, and then turn up a little to step out in front.
💯
Andy could sell Ketchup popsicles on a 100 degree day to ladies wearing white dresses……he is THAT good!!!!
Nice work again Andy. Thanks for the back to back between the two versions. (Still loving my original)
I like it .sweet tones
The Benson Germanium Preamp is amazing I can get any from a fuzz face to Big Muff to a super smooth overdrive. I had one before and loved it but the addition of a Germanium transistor was a game changer and added warmth, Richness and plenty of grit. It gives the guitar a huge sound. They did it right this time.
I agree 100%
Agree. I shot this out against the original preamp and preferred the germanium. Just a touch more sag, low end, and rounded-ness. Just had better feel and sound. Both really good though.
At 9:51 was that an accidental or intentional bit from "Silence Kit" by Pavement?
I heard the same exact thing
Super Andy 🤘
Awesome demo, Andy, sounds sweet:)
There's just something about Germanium's warm and wooly tone that just hits those spots for me. Going to end up with a Benson board before too much longer. 😺👍
Don't think I didn't catch you playing the beginning of Silence Kid during the comparisons
If I were a guitar player, this is a pedal I would want.
Germanium stuff sounds like it would feel good to play - like a lightly muffled vintage bass drum with no port hole. 🤙
Yes, feel is a huge part of Ge vs Si. So glad you enjoyed it!
@@AndyDemosThe folks who say solid state amps sound sterile must not have much experience with germanium...I have a '68 GE stereo that I converted into a guitar amp, as well as an old lafayette reverb unit with a germanium transistor in the circuit...they sound anything but cold or brittle
Is it any good plugged straight into a PA?
Was a that a cheeky bit of Pavement there at 9:52? 😊
Haha yep!
Need to dial the gas hotline after watching this one
What a fantastic video have a wonderful day Andy ❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊
Hey Andy I remember you having the original on your board during That Pedal Show, do you prefer the Germanium or the OG?
Hey good memory! I think I prefer the refinement of this Ge better but still love those unhinged Neil Young tones of the OG.
What would this do for a Solid State amp?
Neil Young tone in a box!
You were picking up some radio station there?
Sometimes my amp does yep.
Didn’t they already release this?
Today is the day! They've had the Germ Fuzz, Germ Boost and Stonk Box (Ge).
Heck yeah!
What’s the name of the intro song?
It’s an original I wrote for the demo!
@@AndyDemos ugh I wanted to add on Apple Music! Let us know when the release drops?!
@AndyDemos I like it a lot. It gives me some Black Keys 'Let's Rock' kind of vibes which was an album I really enjoyed. Thanks for sharing some original stuff!
Thank you, any clue if that germanium is the same from the Chase Bliss preamp mk2?
No, the MK2 is referring to Germanium clipping diodes not Germanium transistors like this one (which has no clipping diodes). I believe that Mk2 Preamp was also using a Silicon Fuzz circuit. So, completely different offerings. Hope that clears it up!
@@AndyDemosThank you Andy, much appreciated. Big fan of yours btw, be well and please keep going.
I think I found the partner for my Laney LA Studio and BCC TI Boost.
I just bought a Hudson Broadcast… Did I make a mistake?
“There’s no such thing” -Agent Orange
It does sound great! But, I have to wonder about availability. From a video I saw recently he(Benson) has a small operation that he says he doesn't want to expand and he's so swamped you can't even order an amp. Which makes me wonder how can he supply these new pedals that are being demo'd by multiple influencers.
Omg please don’t refer to UA-cam gear reviewers as “influencers”. These guys provide a service for consumers. Influencers just pose and posture for the camera and pretend they’re celebrities like movie stars.
They are paid for reviews and do "influence" people.@@darwinsaye
The new germanium sound much more a lower gain drive than the original. It may be my impression, but although the germanium is sometimes more clear, the original is much more versatile.
Great demo as usual Andy. But you didn't say "Now here's my clean tone..." I feel cheated.... 🙂
I know you have other gigs, Andy, but how can you *only* have 51.3K Followers?
BTW, at the start, going through the Carr with the Tele, I felt the Benson was clashing with the amp's natural tone. Not so friendly with Vox type amps? That said, this Preamp does work it's way into a good tone and I'm guessing it's an 'always on' type of pedal.
Carr amp. Nice.
Not my favourite tone but when played by Andy that's cool.
Great playing as always, nice one Andy. How well does the GE temp control work on these?
It's as solid as the Ge Boost -- servo biased. Not as picky as the Ge Fuzz which needs a few minutes to warm up. Thanks!
Good comparison, TY Andy. But with Ge it's the overheating on a 90F+ stage I worry about.....not necessarily talking a few seconds to warm up. Is that all good?@@AndyDemos
@@RobinFl3t The only thing to worry about is going over 120 deg.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Shit Andy can make a ketchup bottle sound killer 🤘
hey..Joe Walsh..Son? Damn Good Mojo Guitar Player...Big Resepect
👍🏿🤘
Sounds as though you may have been listening to a wee Country on the way to the pedal 😊🤷🏼♂️… or did the pedal inspire the bent?😊 The tone is indeed beautiful; however, I would have enjoyed a wee more Pagey, Hendrix … 70s rock like at the end of the vid.
Whatever. In my book, you do NO wrong … 🫶✌️♾️ 🎸👨🏼⚕️
First
Sounds remarkably like my JHS modded Soul Food. :)
There’s nothing more overrated than germanium. Also, is something handmade if it has those little SMT chips all over the circuit board?
Andy, any chance you can put out a demo of the Bel Ray? I'm particularly interested in how the different sounds balance.
Imo the Germanium version sounds more articulate with better string separation, but not sure if that is simply because it is a bit brighter. Actually, reminds me of my Automoatone (which is basedo n the Benson Preamp but, many people have stated, more articulate).