The Calico Effects Sunnmanor Preamp is a preamp pedal based on the classic Sunn Beta Bass amp's Single Channel. It is handmade one at a time, works with both guitar and bass, and offers a range from tone-shaping preamp to full bore distortion, according to Pedal of the Day's review1.
Controls
The pedal keeps things simple, with a small set of controls that cover gain staging and tone shaping1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets your output volume |
| Gain | Controls your distortion amount |
| EQ section | Three-band EQ with controls for the Highs, Mids and Lows |
The Gain control takes the pedal from a clean, tone-shaping preamp up to full bore distortion, so it can act as a foundation tone on a board or as a drive stage in front of an amp1.
Build and switching
The Sunnmanor has top-mounted jacks, which keeps the pedal's footprint tidy on a pedalboard, and the review describes the enclosure as built to last. Calico Effects pedals are true bypass, so the circuit drops out of the signal path when the pedal is off1.
"Simple controls make it easy to use, and the sounds you'll discover will blow you away..."
Where it sits among Calico's preamps
The Sunnmanor is one of several preamps in the Calico Effects range. The Calico Effects Pounce Preamp is a one-knob preamp booster based on the DOD 210 FET Preamp, while the Sunnmanor draws its voicing from the Sunn Beta Bass amp and adds a full three-band EQ1. For other preamp voicings and drive options, see overdrive pedals and distortion pedals.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Harsh Tones, Inc.
Questions
What amp is the Calico Effects Sunnmanor based on?
Pedal of the Day's review describes the Sunnmanor Preamp as based on the classic Sunn Beta Bass amp's Single Channel. That gives it a preamp voicing drawn from that amp, with Level and Gain controls and a three-band EQ section covering the Highs, Mids and Lows.
Can the Sunnmanor Preamp be used with guitar as well as bass?
Yes. Pedal of the Day found that it plays nicely with both guitar and bass instruments alike, and described its range as running from a tone-shaping preamp to full bore distortion, so it can sit in front of an amp as a tone shaper or be pushed into distortion territory.
Is the Calico Sunnmanor Preamp true bypass?
Yes. According to Pedal of the Day, the pedals from Calico Effects are true bypass, meaning the pedal's circuit is removed from your signal path when it is switched off.
Where are the input jacks on the Sunnmanor?
The Sunnmanor Preamp has top-mounted jacks, which helps the pedal fit on a crowded pedalboard, and the review describes the enclosure as built to last.
Who makes the Sunnmanor Preamp?
The Sunnmanor Preamp is made by Calico Effects, a builder whose pedals Pedal of the Day describes as handmade one at a time.
Sources (2)
- Calico Effects Sunnmanor Preamp, Pedal of the Day, 2021-06-17
- Calico Effects MFT Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2021-07-12
