The Pettyjohn Lift is a buffer, EQ and boost pedal from Pettyjohn Electronics. Pettyjohn describes it as "your go to pedal for all things buffer, EQ and boost," a single unit that can sit on a board permanently as an always-on buffer, shape the midrange with its EQ section, and add a foot-switchable boost on top1. Premier Guitar's announcement called it "a studio-grade buffer/boost pedal utilizing the best of modern discrete opamp technology"2.
What the Lift does
The Lift combines three functions in one enclosure:
- Buffer: an always-on buffer that Pettyjohn says "will add presence and punch"1
- EQ: a Bass and Treble tone-shaping section aimed at carving mids1
- Boost: a foot-switchable boost that the company suggests using "to slam the front end of your drives/distortions"1
| Section | What it does |
|---|---|
| Buffer | Always-on; Pettyjohn says it adds presence and punch1 |
| EQ (Bass and Treble) | Tone shaping; set to LB/HB to build a mid-humped attack when the Boost is engaged1 |
| Boost | Foot-switchable; intended to push the front end of drives and distortions1 |
| Input gain (buffer mode) | Lets the user boost the signal's core gain slightly with absolute sonic fidelity, per Premier Guitar2 |
The EQ section is aimed at tone shaping: Pettyjohn suggests setting the Bass and Treble to LB/HB so that, when the Boost is engaged, "you can create a killer mid-humped attack using the EQ section" without changing the overall character of your total tone1.
The circuit uses a discrete opamp inside, and Pettyjohn says everything about the unit, "from the EQ section and Boost to the Discrete Opamp inside," was designed for musical, three-dimensional tone1.
"The LIFT was inspired by our original masterpiece, the PreDrive."
Power and connections
The Lift runs on a dual-rail power section with a 9V to 18V operation range. Premier Guitar's announcement says this provides 18V to 36V of voltage swing for large internal headroom, while drawing under 100mA2. That current draw is worth planning for on a shared power supply.
The Lift draws under 100mA2. Check your power supply's per-output current rating before adding it to a daisy chain with other pedals.
Frequency response and instruments
Pettyjohn gives the Lift's frequency response as 20Hz to 40kHz, which the company says "is more than enough for any instrument out there"1. On the low end specifically, Pettyjohn says "The LIFT goes down to 20hz so no need to worry, it will take all the bottom your bass has"1. The company stresses that the pedal is not designed to be a one-trick pony that only works for electric guitar, and says it can be used on a vast array of instruments1.
From the PreDrive to the Lift
The Lift belongs to a family that also includes the PreDrive HW and the PreDrive Studio, which Pettyjohn describes as the Lift's audio parents1. Like them, the company says the Lift can be used on a vast array of instruments1.
- The PreDrive HW and the PreDrive Studio are described by Pettyjohn as the Lift's audio parents1
- Like those pedals, the Lift is designed for musical, three dimensional tone, from the EQ section and boost to the discrete op amp inside1
- As an always-on buffer, the Lift adds presence and punch1
| Pedal | What Pettyjohn says about it |
|---|---|
| PreDrive HW | Audio parent of the Lift, usable on a vast array of instruments1 |
| Lift | Buffer, EQ and boost, built around a discrete op amp for musical, three dimensional tone1 |
| PreDrive Studio | Audio parent of the Lift, usable on a vast array of instruments1 |
The Lift is made by Pettyjohn Electronics1. Of the Lift MKII, it has been described as "originally made as a pedal that you would turn on and leave on, but it can also be an overdrive that you turn on or leave on"3.
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Questions
Is the Pettyjohn Lift always on?
The Lift is designed as an always-on buffer that Pettyjohn says adds presence and punch, but it is not limited to that role. It has a foot-switchable Boost section that can be used to slam the front end of your drives and distortions, and the company describes it as a pedal you can leave on or engage as needed.
Can the Pettyjohn Lift be used with bass or other instruments?
Yes. Pettyjohn says the Lift is not designed to be a one-trick pony that only works for electric guitar, and that it can be used on a vast array of instruments. Its frequency response goes down to 20Hz, which the company says means it will take all the bottom your bass has.
What is the Pettyjohn Lift's frequency response?
Pettyjohn gives the Lift's frequency response as 20Hz to 40kHz, which the company says is more than enough for any instrument out there. The low end reaching down to 20Hz is why the company says bass players need not worry about losing bottom end.
Is the Pettyjohn Lift based on the PreDrive?
Yes. Pettyjohn says the Lift was inspired by the company's original PreDrive, and describes the PreDrive HW and the PreDrive Studio as the Lift's audio parents. The PreDrive Studio itself builds on the original PreDrive and Lift pedal offerings.
Where is the Pettyjohn Lift made?
According to Premier Guitar's announcement, the Lift has a custom box and circuit handmade in Oregon, USA.
Sources (3)
- LIFT: Your Secret Weapon, Pettyjohn Electronics, 2019-01-14
- Pettyjohn Electronics Introduces the Lift Buffer/Boost, Premier Guitar, 2016-09-07
- PETTYJOHN ELECTRONICS, JHS Pedals
