The Pirate Guitar Effects Plank Preamp & Boost is a preamp and boost pedal that puts two well-known circuits in one box: a Centaur-style overdrive, in the mold of the Klon Centaur, and an Echoplex EP-3-style preamp. Premier Guitar's announcement described it as "perfectly capturing the sonic mystique of the Klon Centaur and EP-3 preamp in one versatile and easy-to-use pedal," with complete tonal control over both circuits1. It sits in the same territory as other preamp pedals and boost pedals, but with both sides under one set of knobs.
The two circuits
The Centaur side is described as a transparent and touch-sensitive overdrive that delivers everything from a subtle grind to rich, driving saturation1. The EP-3 side is described as "a wonderfully juicy boost that adds a highly musical, muscular edge to any guitar tone"1. The EP-3 preamp itself has a long history: Guitar World's review of the Echoplex EP-3 delay noted that most guitarists prefer the EP-3 for its preamp, which was quiet and cleaner and brighter than the older tube echo units2.
The controls
The Plank gives each circuit its own set of controls, so the two sides can be shaped independently1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain, treble and output | Shape the Centaur overdrive side, with what Premier Guitar called wide-ranging sonic capabilities1 |
| EP-3 volume | A separate volume control for the EP-3 preamp side1 |
| EP-3 bright/dark toggle | Switches the EP-3 preamp between a brighter and a darker voicing1 |
| Effect-changing controls | Controls for changing the effect1 |
Each circuit also has its own LED indicator, so you can see at a glance whether the Centaur side, the EP-3 side, or both are engaged1.
Power, build and availability
The Plank runs on a 9V battery or a standard negative-center 9V power supply, the polarity used by most pedal power supplies1. It is built in a sturdy die-cast enclosure, which the announcement described as being "for a lifetime of use," and carries a 1 year warranty1. It is made in the USA1.
The pedal was announced in July 2016 at a street price of $199 USD1.
The Plank was announced in July 2016 and was available direct from the maker at that time. As a pedal from a small builder, availability can change, so check current listings if you are hunting one down.
Videos
Pirate Guitar FX
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Questions
Does the Pirate Plank take a 9V battery?
Yes. According to the announcement in Premier Guitar, the Plank is powered by a 9V battery or a standard negative-center 9V power supply, so it works with either a battery or a typical pedalboard power supply.
What is the power polarity of the Plank?
The Plank runs on a standard negative-center 9V power supply, the same polarity used by most common pedal power supplies, or it can run from a 9V battery.
Can the Centaur and EP-3 sides be used separately?
The pedal gives you complete tonal control over both circuits, with a separate EP-3 volume control and its own bright/dark toggle, and separate LED indicators for the Centaur and EP-3 circuits so you can see which side is engaged at a glance.
Where is the Pirate Guitar Effects Plank made?
The Plank is made in the USA, according to the Premier Guitar announcement of the pedal.
What is the warranty on the Plank?
Pirate Guitar Effects backs the Plank with a 1 year warranty, and the pedal is built in a sturdy die-cast enclosure.
Sources (2)
- New Pirate Guitar Plank Preamp & Boost Launched, Premier Guitar, 2016-07-26
- Review: Dunlop EP103 Echoplex Delay Pedal, Guitar World, 2016-09-07
