The CopperSound Broadway is a germanium preamp and treble booster from CopperSound Pedals, based on the legendary Rangemaster circuit. CopperSound describes it as an articulate and versatile pedal that uses hand-selected germanium transistors, and says that specific EQ and volume settings unlock dynamic germanium fuzz tones with touch-sensitive response1. It sits in the territory shared by boost pedals, preamp pedals and fuzz pedals: at moderate settings it pushes your amp with a treble-focused lift, and pushed harder it reaches into fuzz.
What it does to your sound
CopperSound's product page leans on the volume knob as the main expressive control: "Feel the raw power as the volume knob boosts your sound into the stratosphere." The maker says that a spectrum of "Telecaster-esque" tones is available, and that specific EQ and volume settings unlock dynamic germanium fuzz tones with touch-sensitive response1. In other words, the same pedal covers treble boost, preamp lift and fuzz depending on where you set it and how hard you play.
Press coverage places it in the same family. Gearnews describes the design as "a germanium Rangemaster-style treble booster"2. The Rangemaster topology is a classic germanium boost circuit, known for a treble-focused lift that pushes an amp into overdrive, and the Broadway carries that approach into a modern pedal with hand-picked transistors12.
Controls and switching
The Broadway's footswitch does more than turn the pedal on and off. CopperSound calls the system Smart-Bypass1:
"A quick press activates the pedal as usual, while holding the footswitch engages momentary mode for expressive bursts."
The Broadway is a relay-based true bypass circuit for both latching and momentary use1. If you would rather it behave like a conventional pedal, an internal DIP switch easily disables the momentary feature1.
- Quick tap: latches the pedal on or off, as with a standard true-bypass footswitch1
- Hold: engages momentary mode, keeping the effect on only while the switch is held, for expressive bursts1
- Internal DIP switch: disables the momentary feature entirely if you want latching only1
Build, versions and availability
The Broadway is part of CopperSound's exclusive Pickguard Series, and each pedal is custom-made to order1. The listed unit carries a Seafoam Green finish with a black guard, black synth knobs and chrome hardware1. Because it is made to order as part of a series, finishes can vary from unit to unit.
CopperSound's listing showed the Broadway as sold out at the time it was captured1. For custom finishes and guitar-matching services, the maker directs players to customshop@coppersoundpedals.com1. The maker also publishes a manual for the Broadway V2 at coppersoundpedals.com1.
Power and specifications
The Broadway runs on 9V operation and draws 5mA at 9V, a light draw by pedal standards1. Its input impedance is 1M and its output impedance is 10K1. The enclosure measures 4.7" x 4" x 2.45" including hardware1.
Price
CopperSound's product page listed a sale price of $349.00, captured 2026-10-251. The same page also shows a figure of $399.00, and the two prices are not reconciled, so both are given here as stated1.
Videos
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Questions
Is the CopperSound Broadway based on the Rangemaster?
Yes. CopperSound describes the Broadway as a germanium preamp and treble booster based on the legendary Rangemaster circuit. Gearnews likewise characterizes it as a germanium Rangemaster-style treble booster. The Rangemaster is a classic germanium boost design, and the Broadway carries that topology forward with hand-selected germanium transistors and CopperSound's own switching system.
How does momentary mode work on the Broadway?
The Broadway uses CopperSound's Smart-Bypass system. A quick press of the footswitch activates the pedal as usual, latching it on. Holding the footswitch down instead engages momentary mode, which keeps the effect on only while you hold it, for expressive bursts of boost or fuzz that drop out as soon as you lift your foot.
Can I turn off the momentary feature?
Yes. An internal DIP switch inside the Broadway easily disables the momentary feature, so the footswitch behaves as a simple latching on-off switch. If you prefer conventional switching or find momentary bursts get in the way, you can set the pedal to latch only.
Is the Broadway true bypass?
Yes. CopperSound describes the Broadway as a relay-based true bypass circuit that supports both latching and momentary use. In bypass mode the relay switches the pedal out of your signal path entirely.
What voltage does the CopperSound Broadway use?
The Broadway runs on 9V operation and draws 5mA at 9V, according to CopperSound's product page. Its input is a 1M impedance and its output is a 10K impedance.
Does the Broadway use germanium transistors?
Yes. CopperSound says the Broadway uses hand-selected germanium transistors, which the maker credits for the pedal's articulate and versatile character. Germanium components are central to both its treble boost character and the germanium fuzz tones it can reach.
Sources (2)
- Broadway Treble Booster & Germanium Preamp, CopperSound Pedals
- Dinosaur Jr tones on tap with the Wren and Cuff J Mascis Garbage Face, gearnews.com, 2020-04-10
