The GUPtech BouzMaster is a distortion pedal, described by its maker as a preamp-distortion, built on the circuit of the Marshall Shredmaster. GUPtech says it is "Based on the old Marshall original" and that "the Bouz Master brings the same preamp-distortion quality into a modern sized enclosure."1 Marshall's own Shredmaster Vintage Reissue is described by Marshall as offering "swathes of high gain distortion, perfect for saturated rhythm sounds."2
Controls and clipping modes
The BouzMaster keeps the Shredmaster's EQ layout, including the Contour control that GUPtech renames Bouz. GUPtech describes it as "the infamous Contour (named Bouz) that scoops the mids as you turn it up."1
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Bouz (Contour) | Scoops the mids as you turn it up1 |
| Bass | Bass EQ knob1 |
| Treble | Treble EQ knob1 |
| Clipping toggle | Three-position switch: top is original, center is no clipping boost, bottom is LED clipping1 |
The "hot rodded triple clipping toggle switch" is the BouzMaster's main departure from the original circuit: the top position gives the original Shredmaster clipping, the center removes clipping entirely for a boost, and the bottom selects LED clipping.1
For a starting point, GUPtech suggests: "Start with Bass and Treble at max, gain at half, and work your way from there!"1
Enclosure and availability
The pedal is priced at £77.00 GBP, and the enclosure carries artwork showing "a Bousier (French name for Dung Beetle) rolling its little ball."1
The maker lists the price in British pounds, £77.00 GBP. No US dollar price is given.
GUPtech builds a range of distortion and overdrive pedals alongside the BouzMaster, including the Pumpky Distortion, the Double Donut and the 1982 Douche Edition. For more on the effect type, see Distortion Pedals and Preamp Pedals.
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Questions
What pedal is the GUPtech BouzMaster based on?
GUPtech describes the BouzMaster as based on the old Marshall original, meaning the Marshall Shredmaster. The company says the pedal brings the same preamp-distortion quality into a modern sized enclosure, and Marshall's own reissue of the Shredmaster is marketed as a high gain pedal for saturated rhythm sounds and searing solos.
What does the Bouz knob do?
Bouz is GUPtech's name for the Shredmaster's Contour control. According to GUPtech, it scoops the mids as you turn it up. The pedal also carries Bass and Treble EQ knobs, and GUPtech suggests starting with Bass and Treble at max, gain at half, and working your way from there.
What do the three clipping modes on the BouzMaster do?
A triple clipping toggle switch selects the three modes. The top position is the original Shredmaster clipping, the center position is a no clipping boost, and the bottom position is LED clipping. GUPtech calls the switch hot rodded, since it adds two options beyond the original circuit's behavior.
What colors does the BouzMaster come in?
GUPtech lists the BouzMaster in Yellow Cream and Yellow color options. The enclosure artwork shows a Bousier, the French name for a Dung Beetle, rolling its little ball.
Sources (2)
- GUPtech BouzMaster (Shredmaster Tribute), GUPtech (guptech.ca)
- The Shredmaster pedal is perfect for high-gain distortion, www.marshall.com
