The Flynn Amps Rory Gallagher Hawk Booster is a booster pedal cloned from the rare Hawk booster that Rory Gallagher used, described by its maker as a boost/overdrive. Flynn Amps' product page calls it "Cloned from Rory's original booster", and the pedal sits in the maker's pedals category12. For players chasing Gallagher's tone, the backstory matters: according to treblebooster.net, Gallagher used a Rangemaster for some time before switching to the rare Hawk booster, and guitarist Tom Riepl has said a Rangemaster or Hawk treble booster was "one major aspect of Gallagher's sig[nature tone]"34.
Where it came from
In March 2008, Flynn Amps flew to London and, with Donal Gallagher, Tom O'Driscoll and Daniel Gallagher, photographed and measured every component on Rory's original Hawk booster. Flynn Amps reports that the original was well used but otherwise functioning as it should when examined1. The clone was built with help from Rory's brother and band tour manager Donal Gallagher, band amp tech Tom O'Driscoll, and Daniel Gallagher1.
Controls and what changed
The Hawk Booster keeps the original circuit but modernises the hardware. Flynn Amps explains the changes1:
"we upgraded the design with more reliable rotary pots instead of the original sliders"
"The original booster also had a two way volume switch which we changed to a variable rotary pot control."
| Control | Hawk Booster | Rory's original Hawk |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | variable rotary pot control | two-way volume switch |
| Other controls | rotary pots | sliders |
So the practical difference for a player is finer, continuous volume adjustment and hardware that is less prone to the wear sliders suffer on a pedalboard1.
Power and setup
The pedal takes an 18V DC connector1. That is a higher voltage than most compact pedal supplies put out, so it is worth knowing what your power supply offers before slotting it into a chain. Flynn Amps does not list a current draw or a battery option on the product page.
What it sounds like and which amps
Flynn Amps describes the pedal's response in the player's hands rather than the box's: "Unbelievable sustain, drive and dynamic range are all controlled from the guitar and the player"2. On amp pairings, the maker says "The Hawk is super flexible and works with virtually any amp", and that classic Rory Gallagher tones are best achieved with amp pushing into:
Price and availability
Flynn Amps listed the Rory Gallagher Hawk Booster at £185.00 GBP on its product page as of 20 February 2023, with free UK postage and packing12. The price is quoted in pounds sterling as listed; the maker does not publish a separate US dollar figure.
Videos
Flynnamps
Flynnamps
Flynnamps
Questions
Is the Flynn Amps Hawk Booster true bypass?
Yes. Flynn Amps lists the Rory Gallagher Hawk Booster with true bypass switching, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes straight to the amp without going through the boost circuit. That matters on a boost pedal, which many players leave on their board permanently and want silent when not in use.
What power does the Flynn Amps Hawk Booster use?
The Hawk Booster uses an 18V DC connector, according to Flynn Amps' product page. That is higher than the 9V most standard pedal power supplies deliver, so check what your supply offers before adding it to a board. The page does not list a current draw or battery option.
Which amps does Flynn Amps suggest for the Hawk Booster?
Flynn Amps says classic Rory Gallagher tones are best achieved with Tweed Fender amps such as the Bassman, Tweed Twin, Tweed Deluxe and Concert, as well as Marshall combos and Vox AC30 and AC15 amps. They also describe the Hawk as super flexible and working with virtually any amp.
Who helped Flynn Amps design the Hawk Booster?
Flynn Amps built the clone with help from Rory's brother and band tour manager Donal Gallagher, band amp tech Tom O'Driscoll, and Daniel Gallagher. In March 2008 the team examined Rory's original Hawk booster in London, photographing and measuring every component on it.
What changed from Rory Gallagher's original Hawk?
Flynn Amps upgraded the design with more reliable rotary pots instead of the original sliders, and replaced the original's two-way volume switch with a variable rotary pot control for volume. The circuit itself is described as cloned from Rory's original booster.
How much is the Flynn Amps Rory Gallagher Hawk Booster?
Flynn Amps listed the Rory Gallagher Hawk Booster at £185.00 GBP on their product page as of 20 February 2023, with free UK postage and packing. The price is given in pounds sterling; no US dollar price is listed.
Sources (4)
- Rory Gallagher Hawk Booster, Flynn Amps, 2022-01-04
- Rory Gallagher Hawk Booster, Flynn Amps, 2023-02-20
- RG Treble Booster, treblebooster.net, 2025
- Rory Gallagher, treblebooster.net, 2025
Rory Gallagher