The Keeley Germanium Amplifier is a boost pedal from Keeley Electronics, unveiled in March 2018 and designed to be the first stompbox in a pedal chain. It is a hand-built unit that promises to add gain and color, putting an edge on your tone, and it is built around a carefully selected Tungsram AC125 germanium PNP transistor1. For players exploring the wider category, see Boost Pedals.
Controls and power
The pedal keeps things simple: a single output knob is the only control, setting the amount of boost1. That makes it a set-and-forget front-of-chain pedal rather than a tone-shaping tool with multiple bands or switches.
MusicRadar reported at launch that the pedal was available to order for $299 direct from Keeley Electronics with a four to six week lead time, reflecting its hand-built nature1.
Power comes from a standard 9V battery or an isolated power supply1, so it can run without an adapter, though an isolated supply is the usual choice on a pedalboard.
How it is built
The Germanium Amplifier is hand-built by Robert Keeley himself1. The germanium transistor at its heart is a component type more often associated with fuzz pedals, and Keeley's use of a selected Tungsram AC125 is central to the pedal's stated character of gain and color1.
Keeley's boost range
The Germanium Amplifier sits alongside other boost and drive designs in the Keeley range, including the Keeley Katana clean boost, the Keeley Java Boost, the Keeley Time Machine Boost, the Keeley That Pedal Show drive/boost pedal, the Keeley D&M Drive and Boost and the Keeley Noble Screamer Overdrive and Boost.
Questions
Does the Keeley Germanium Amplifier run on a battery?
Yes. According to MusicRadar, the pedal is powered by a standard 9V battery or an isolated power supply, so it can be used without an external adapter. As with any germanium-based pedal, an isolated supply is the safer choice on a shared pedalboard power setup.
How much does the Keeley Germanium Amplifier cost?
MusicRadar reported at the pedal's unveiling in March 2018 that it was available to order for $299 direct from Keeley Electronics, with a four to six week lead time.
What transistor does the Keeley Germanium Amplifier use?
It features a carefully selected Tungsram AC125 germanium PNP transistor, the component that gives the pedal its germanium character.
Who builds the Keeley Germanium Amplifier?
The pedal is hand-built by Robert Keeley himself, according to MusicRadar's report on its release.
How long is the wait to order a Keeley Germanium Amplifier?
At launch, MusicRadar reported a four to six week lead time on orders placed direct from Keeley Electronics.
Sources (1)
- Keeley's Germanium Amplifier pedal will “put an edge on your tone”, MusicRadar, 2018-03-13
