JHS Pedals announces 700-unit Germanium Boost run
December 13, 2022 · 2 sources
JHS Pedals announced a limited run of 700 Germanium Boost pedals, a one-knob boost based on the Dallas Rangemaster circuit, priced at $249 each1. Guitar.com reported that the run sold out in seven minutes after going on sale on 12 December at 5 PM GMT2.
The unit uses the NOS black glass OC71 transistor in all 700 pedals; the run was limited because those germanium transistors are rare and hard to source1. Guitar.com reported that JHS describes the transistor as "almost extinct" and says the parts came from a "private stash in England"2. The pedal has one dial for gain, one footswitch and a toggle switch that selects between a classic voicing and a thicker-sounding contemporary sound2. Guitar.com reported that it is designed to push a guitar amp into overdrive while accentuating high-end frequencies, in the same way as an original amp-top box2.
The Rangemaster circuit has been a sought-after vintage effect for many years, and the pedal is described as working well with a tube amp that needs to be pushed harder1. Guitar.com reported that the original design became popular after use by Brian May, Eric Clapton, Marc Bolan and Tony Iommi, and that original Dallas Rangemaster units can sell for up to $4,000, while modern recreations using less rare components can be found for less than $1002.
On the sound, JHS says:
"blistering, sustaining guitar in the same vein as We Will Rock You"
The two reports differ on timing. Guitar Gear Gems, published 13 December, described the pedals as "just announced" and did not report a sale1. Guitar.com, also dated 13 December, reported that the run went on sale the previous day and that all 700 sold out within the hour, seven minutes to be exact2.