The Bowman Audio Endeavors Fortune and Glory Boost is a one-knob MOSFET boost pedal, modeled after the classic SHO pedal. It sits in the boost pedals family: a simple circuit that pushes your signal louder and, in this case, adds a layer of clarity and high end, going from a bit of crunch all the way to a super smooth overdrive as the knob is turned up1.
What it does
The Fortune and Glory Boost is built around a single Volume knob that sets the boost level. Pedal of the Day's review notes that "there are many increments of tonal gain available as the knob is slowly turned up, allowing for the perfect setting," so the pedal covers a wide range from a light push to a fuller overdrive character without a separate gain control1.
The circuit is based on the negative feedback control of 60's recording consoles, and it uses NOS Allen Bradley resistors, vintage new-old-stock components that builders reach for in classic-style circuits1.
Where it came from
The Fortune and Glory Boost is made by Bowman Audio Endeavors. Pedal of the Day's reviewer summed up the pedal this way: "the build quality looks fantastic, and it sounds just incredible"1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the pedal on 11 January 2021 and summed it up plainly:
"the build quality looks fantastic, and it sounds just incredible"
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Russo Music
Questions
Is the Fortune and Glory Boost a MOSFET pedal?
Yes. Pedal of the Day describes the Fortune and Glory Boost as a MOSFET boost, meaning the gain stage uses MOSFET transistors rather than other transistor types. The circuit is modeled after the classic SHO pedal, a design known for adding level and a touch of grit while keeping the character of the amp and guitar intact.
How many controls does the Fortune and Glory Boost have?
One. A single Volume knob sets the boost level, and Pedal of the Day notes there are many increments of tonal gain available as the knob is slowly turned up, allowing fine adjustment of the setting. The pedal is based on the negative feedback control of 1960s recording consoles.
What came before the Fortune and Glory Boost from Bowman Audio Endeavors?
The Harmonic Percolator. Pedal of the Day reviewed the Fortune and Glory Boost in January 2021 as the second pedal in the Bowman Audio Endeavors lineup, after the Harmonic Percolator. James Bowman later followed it with the Bowman Overdrive, a Klon-derived overdrive reviewed by the same site in March 2021.
What are NOS Allen Bradley resistors, and does this pedal use them?
NOS stands for new old stock: vintage components made decades ago but never used, prized by builders for their tone. The Fortune and Glory Boost uses NOS Allen Bradley resistors, a component brand associated with classic American circuits, according to Pedal of the Day's review of the pedal.
Sources (1)
- Bowman Audio Endeavors Fortune and Glory Boost, Pedal of the Day, 2021-01-11