The BLAMMO! Electronics Utility Boost is a dual-stage boost pedal: two distinct boost circuits in one compact enclosure, swapped with a footswitch, plus a buffer based on the Klon Centaur circuit that can stay engaged even when the pedal is bypassed. One stage is a flat, op-amp-driven clean lift; the other is a cocked wah, the sound of a wah pedal parked at one point in its sweep. BLAMMO! Electronics assembles it by hand in Portland, Oregon, and lists it at $149.991.
Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio framed it as a rethink of the simple boost pedal, writing that it does so "by packing two distinct circuits into one compact enclosure: a Cocked Wah Boost with a sweepable mid-focus via Frequency knob (heel-toe wah simulation)" alongside "a Flat Linear Boost delivering an op-amp-driven clean lift with internal trim pot for gain matching"2.
The two circuits
The flat boost side is an op-amp based linear boost that BLAMMO! sets to be louder than the cocked wah circuit, so it works as a straightforward volume lift for solos or pushing an amp1. An internal trim pot allows gain matching between the two stages2.
The cocked wah portion has a FREQUENCY knob that the maker describes as simulating the action of stepping on an actual wah pedal, by setting the accentuated frequency point: left for the brightest tones, right for more bass-heavy, heel-down sounds1. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson listed the control as "Frequency : Heel > Toe (Cocked Wah)"3.
Controls and footswitch
Both circuits share a single VOLUME knob, and the CHANNEL footswitch swaps between them1. Switching is relay based and click free: CHANNEL selects the boost type, while a separate ON/OFF switch engages the effect2. A Bypass switch selects Buffered or True bypass3. Jacks are top mounted, and the enclosure carries a UV printed graphic1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| VOLUME / Master Output | Sets the output level, shared by both circuits3 |
| FREQUENCY | Sets the accentuated frequency of the cocked wah, heel to toe13 |
| CHANNEL footswitch | Swaps between the Cocked Wah and Flat Boost circuits1 |
| ON/OFF footswitch | Engages or disengages the effect2 |
| Bypass switch | Selects Buffered or True bypass3 |
The buffer is based on the Klon Centaur circuit and can be engaged even when the pedal is bypassed1. Delicious Audio describes it as an always-on option for signal integrity in long chains2. If a player wants the pedal completely out of the signal path, the Bypass switch needs to be set to True.
Power
The Utility Boost accepts the standard 2.1mm center negative DC jack and draws 65mA1. That is more than many single-effect pedals need, so a power supply output rated to deliver at least 65mA is required; a low-current output shared on a daisy chain may not be sufficient.
What reviewers said
Stefan Karlsson at Guitar Pedal X was warm on the pedal, calling it, in his words, "a really smartly conceived pedal." He singled out the cocked wah side: "I love the Cocked Wah side on this one. I'm a big fan of Mick 'Ronno' Ronson - and this would certainly help me to get my early Bowie / Ziggy Stardust on cocked wah channel and overall concept"3.
Where it fits in the BLAMMO! range
The Utility Boost sits in Blammo! Electronics' range of boost-style pedals, but it adds two things a straight boost does not have: a cocked wah stage and a selectable buffer, the buffer option being based on the popular Klon Centaur circuit and usable even when the pedal is in bypass2. It carries a $149.99 price and comes in an enclosure with a UV printed graphic1. The maker also builds other circuits such as the BLAMMO! Electronics TNYDUMBLE and the BLAMMO! Electronics Box o' Later.
Videos
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Questions
Is the BLAMMO! Utility Boost true bypass or buffered?
Both, and the player chooses. A Bypass switch selects between Buffered and True bypass, and the buffer itself is based on the Klon Centaur circuit. BLAMMO! Electronics notes that the buffer can be engaged even when the pedal is bypassed, which Delicious Audio describes as an always-on option for signal integrity in long pedal chains.
What does the cocked wah stage do?
The cocked wah stage simulates the sound of stepping on a wah pedal and leaving it there. Its FREQUENCY knob sets the accentuated frequency point: turned left for the brightest tones, right for more bass-heavy, heel-down sounds. Delicious Audio describes it as a sweepable mid-focus, and the reviewer at Guitar Pedal X singled this side out as his favorite part of the pedal.
How much current does the BLAMMO! Utility Boost draw?
BLAMMO! Electronics lists the current draw at 65mA. The pedal accepts a standard 2.1mm center negative DC jack, so it will run from a normal pedalboard power supply, though a supply rated for at least 65mA on that output is needed.
Does the BLAMMO! Utility Boost run on a battery?
The maker's product page lists a standard 2.1mm center negative DC jack as the power connection and does not mention battery power. With a 65mA current draw, a standard 9V battery would not be a practical option anyway.
Where is the BLAMMO! Utility Boost made?
BLAMMO! Electronics states on its product page that the Utility Boost is assembled by hand with care in Portland, Oregon.
Sources (3)
- Utility Boost, BLAMMO! Electronics
- Blammo! Utility Boost, Delicious Audio, 2025-08-26
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-08-21
