The Greer Amps Moonshot Germanium Pre is an analog preamp pedal built around a Germanium AC128 transistor, described by the maker as a "germanium treble and mid preamp"1. It has just two controls, and Greer says that gives it "a great tonal range, and can provide wonderful texture, when pushing the front end of an amplifier"1. The pedal was announced as shipping in late July 20171.
What it does
Greer says the Moonshot is "inspired by vintage Germanium preamp circuits of days gone past"1. The AC128 germanium transistor is the heart of it, and the circuit includes a voltage inverter so the transistor runs "in proper, positive ground mode, while using a standard negative ground power supply"1. In practical terms, that means you get the positive-ground germanium arrangement without needing any unusual power setup on your board.
The pedal sits in the preamp pedals family: it goes in front of the amp and shapes what the amp receives, rather than processing the signal after it. Greer also notes that it "stacks amazingly well" with other pedals1.
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Treble/Mid | Lets the player set the pedal as a treble booster, or roll some extra low-end into the circuit, giving more midrange girth and grunt from the Germanium AC128 transistor1 |
| Master Volume | Allows the user to push an amp into snarly overdrive1 |
That two-control layout is the whole interface. Set the Treble/Mid toward the treble side and the Moonshot behaves like a boost pedal in the treble booster tradition; roll it back and the low-end comes up, thickening the mids. The Master Volume then sets how hard the front of the amp is pushed1.
Power and practical details
The Moonshot runs on a 9-volt battery or a standard negative center 2.1mm power supply, and Greer is explicit that the input takes a "9 volt neg. center pin ONLY"1. Current draw is 5mA1, which is light enough for nearly any supply output or a battery.
The polarity is negative center only. A center-positive supply, the type some vintage-style positive-ground fuzz pedals use, is the opposite of what this pedal takes.
Other practical points from the maker's page:
- True bypass switching1
- Enclosure measures 4.77" x 2.6" x 1.39"1
- 5 year warranty to the original owner1
- Pedals are currently built to order, and ship within 1-2 weeks of order and payment1
Availability and price
Greer's product page lists the Moonshot at £152.001. The page also notes the build-to-order arrangement, with pedals shipping within 1-2 weeks of order and payment1. Greer Amps makes a range of related pedals, including the Greer Amps SOMA '63 and the Greer Amps Royal Velvet.
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Questions
Is the Greer Amps Moonshot true bypass?
Yes. Greer Amps lists the Moonshot Germanium Pre as true bypass on its product page, so the pedal takes itself fully out of the signal path when switched off. That matters on a pedalboard where several effects sit in front of the amp, since each buffered pedal can add its own character to the signal. With true bypass, your guitar's signal reaches the amp untouched until you engage the Moonshot.
Does the Moonshot take a battery?
Yes. Greer Amps says the Moonshot runs on a 9-volt battery or a standard negative center 2.1mm power supply. The current draw is low at 5mA, so a battery lasts a good while, and the pedal is easy on a shared power supply. Note that the polarity is negative center only: a center-positive supply, the kind some older positive-ground fuzz pedals need, is not what this pedal takes.
What transistor is in the Greer Moonshot?
The Moonshot is built around a Germanium AC128 transistor. Greer Amps describes it as a germanium treble and mid preamp, and the circuit includes a voltage inverter so the transistor runs in proper positive ground mode even though the pedal itself uses a standard negative ground power supply. That lets players use normal pedalboard power while keeping the classic positive-ground germanium arrangement.
Can I use a center-positive power supply with the Moonshot?
No. Greer Amps specifies 9 volt negative center pin only for the Moonshot's power input. A center-positive supply is the opposite polarity and can damage the pedal. Use a standard negative center 2.1mm supply or a 9-volt battery, and because the draw is only 5mA, almost any pedalboard power supply output can handle it.
Is the Moonshot a treble booster?
It can be. Greer Amps says the Treble/Mid control lets a player set the Moonshot as a treble booster, or roll some extra low-end into the circuit for more midrange girth and grunt from the AC128 transistor. So it covers treble booster territory but also works as a mid-focused preamp, pushing the front end of an amplifier into overdrive with the Master Volume control.
Sources (2)
- Moonshot Germanium Pre, Greer Amps
- Moonshot Germanium Pre by Greer Amps, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
