The Agave Audio Cumbre Preamp is a boost pedal that works as a preamp, built around two separate boost stages, each with its own footswitch. One knob sets the level of the first stage, and the second stage pushes that level harder into the amp. Pedal of the Day's 2016 review summed it up as "a wonderful boost that will drive your amp into sweet breakup," and found it added "a ton of sparkle" to a guitar's tone1.
How the two stages work
The Cumbre's two footswitches give it two levels of lift that can be used separately or together1:
- Bypass stage (green light): adds just a bit of boost to the front end of the amp, adding sparkle and beefing up the pickups1
- Boost stage (red light): gives the level set with the first stage an extra kick, bringing out the power and original sound of the guitar and amp1
With only one control pot, Pedal of the Day noted there is little to learn: "it's not rocket surgery figuring out how to use this gem of a pedal." The single knob sets the level of the first stage, and the second stage builds on whatever that knob delivers1.
As an always-on preamp
Because the first stage works as a subtle, transparent-feeling lift rather than an obvious effect, the review found the Cumbre suited to staying on all the time. Pedal of the Day called it "an excellent 'always-on' pedal," the kind of pedal a player leaves engaged to push the amp's front end while the footswitches handle the extra step up for solos or heavier passages1. Players comparing it with other options may also want to look at preamp pedals and overdrive pedals, which approach the same job of driving an amp from different directions.
Build and where it is made
The Cumbre is point-to-point hand-wired in the USA and uses a JFET transistor in its circuit. Point-to-point wiring means the components are connected with individual wires rather than mounted on a printed circuit board, a construction method usually associated with small-batch builders1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the Cumbre in June 2016 and came away favorable on both tone and usefulness1:
"One knob, 2 footswitches and a lot of power adds up to a wonderful boost that will drive your amp into sweet breakup."
The review found the pedal simple and easy to use, excellent for rhythm and lead tones alike, and praised its overall tone and usefulness1.
Videos
Pete Thorn
Eirik Stordrange
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Can the Agave Audio Cumbre Preamp be left on all the time?
Yes. Pedal of the Day's review called the Cumbre an excellent always-on pedal, meaning it can stay engaged for a whole set or session. The Bypass stage adds a small amount of boost to the front end of the amp, adding sparkle and beefing up the pickups, which is the kind of subtle lift players usually want running continuously rather than switching on and off.
What do the green and red lights mean on the Cumbre?
The green light shows the Bypass stage is engaged, which adds just a bit of boost to the front end of the amp, adding sparkle and beefing up the pickups. The red light shows the Boost stage, which gives the level set with the first stage an extra kick, bringing out the power and original sound of the guitar and amp.
Does the Agave Cumbre use a JFET transistor?
Yes. According to Pedal of the Day's 2016 review, the Cumbre Preamp features a JFET transistor in its circuit, in a point-to-point hand-wired build.
Is the Agave Audio Cumbre Preamp hand-wired?
Yes. Pedal of the Day describes the Cumbre as point-to-point hand-wired, a construction method where components are connected with individual wires rather than on a printed circuit board.
Where is the Agave Audio Cumbre made?
The Cumbre Preamp is made in the USA, where it is point-to-point hand-wired, according to Pedal of the Day's review.
Sources (1)
- Agave Audio Cumbre Preamp, Pedal of the Day, 2016-06-27