The Shin-ei Not So B1G Preamp Gain Boost Pedal is a compact clean boost from Shin-ei, built around the same circuit as the company's B1G 1 Gain Booster. Shin-ei describes it as a highest quality analog gain boost that "adds a clean boost to your tone via a massive 30+ db of pure studio quality gain"1. It is the Julian Lage touring model of the B1G 1, and it carries the product code BGMINI-11.
The pedal is designed to push your amp or the rest of your chain harder without adding distortion of its own. Unlike an overdrive or distortion pedal, a clean boost raises the signal level and lets the amp, or whatever comes next in the chain, do the work.
A clean analog gain boost with 30+ dB
Shin-ei positions the Not So B1G as a high fidelity, studio quality gain boost. The maker calls it a "Highest quality analog gain boost with advanced circuitry not found in any commercial gain booster effect pedal," and says only the finest audio components were used1. The company describes the B1G 1 circuit it shares as "in effect, an analog pre-amp on par with vintage and modern recording studio channel strips"4.
The gain on tap is large. Shin-ei quotes 30+ dB of pure studio quality gain1, and Pedal of the Day's 2018 review of the B1G 1 Transparent Gain Booster noted "an available +30dB of boost on tap"5. For a player, that is enough range to take a clean amp well into breakup, or to lift a solo above the band without changing your tone.
Pedal of the Day's reviewer found the B1G 1 held up across instruments5:
"this steel beauty sounds incredible on electric guitar, but also on acoustic, bass, keyboards and more."
The same review called the B1G 1 "an all-analog gain boost with advanced circuitry packed inside" and said it "brings true studio quality right onto your pedalboard"5. Bass players can read more about boost options on the bass pedals page.
The B1G 1 and the Not So B1G version
The Not So B1G is a variant of the B1G 1 Preamp Gain Boost, Shin-ei's full-size gain booster designed by Lee Jackson4. Shin-ei says the Not So B1G, the "Julian Lage Touring Model," uses "the exact same circuit board" as the B1G 1 Gain Booster1. The B1G 1 is made of 14 gauge cold rolled steel4 and carries the product code BG-14.
| B1G 1 | Not So B1G | |
|---|---|---|
| Product code | BG-14 | BGMINI-11 |
| Circuit | Analog gain boost1 | Same circuit board as B1G 11 |
| Enclosure | 14 gauge cold rolled steel4 | Julian Lage touring model3 |
| Color option | B1G 1 Black1 | B1G 1 Black1 |
| Foot switch | Standard | No foot switch1 |
The most notable difference for a player is the switching. Shin-ei says the Not So B1G has "no foot switch as Julian never turns off his B1G 1!"1. That makes it an always-on preamp rather than a pedal you stomp on and off mid-song, which suits players who want a permanent lift in their chain.
Where it goes in a pedal chain
Shin-ei's placement tip applies to both versions: "Many players like using the B1G 1 as the last pedal before their amp in their signal path. Give it a try!!!"3. Last in the chain, a boost drives the amp's input directly, which is where most players want that extra push to hit the front end harder.
The Not So B1G has no foot switch, so it cannot be bypassed mid-performance. Plan your chain around it being always on1.
Availability and pricing
Shin-ei is taking preorders for the Not So B1G now, with shipping beginning November 15th3. The list price is $495.002. The B1G 1 Preamp Gain Boost is listed as in stock and taking preorders on the same shipping date4.
Videos
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Pedal of the Day
Questions
Is the Shin-ei Not So B1G analog or digital?
It is analog. Shin-ei describes the Not So B1G as a highest quality analog gain boost, and it uses the exact same circuit board as the B1G 1 Gain Booster. Pedal of the Day likewise called the B1G 1 an all-analog gain boost with advanced circuitry packed inside.
Where should the B1G 1 go in a pedal chain?
Shin-ei's tip is that many players like using the B1G 1 as the last pedal before their amp in their signal path. The maker suggests giving that placement a try. Since the Not So B1G uses the same circuit board, the same placement advice applies to it.
How much gain does the Shin-ei B1G 1 provide?
The B1G 1 offers 30+ dB of gain. Shin-ei says it adds a clean boost to your tone via a massive 30+ dB of pure studio quality gain, and Pedal of the Day noted an available +30dB of boost on tap.
Does the Not So B1G use the same circuit as the B1G 1?
Yes. Shin-ei states the Not So B1G uses the exact same circuit board as the B1G 1 Gain Booster. The difference is the format: the Not So B1G is the Julian Lage touring model, and it has no foot switch, since Julian never turns off his B1G 1.
What colors does the Not So B1G come in?
The Not So B1G is listed with the color option B1G 1 Black. That matches the black color option offered on the B1G 1 Preamp Gain Boost, which shares the same circuit board.
When does the Shin-ei Not So B1G ship?
Shin-ei is taking preorders now, with shipping beginning November 15th. The same shipping date applies to the B1G 1 Preamp Gain Boost, which is also listed as in stock and taking preorders.
Sources (5)
- Not So B1G 1 Preamp Gain Boost Pedal, Shin-ei
- Shin-ei Vibe-Bro chorus/vibrato vintage Uni-Vibe speed control pedal, Shin-ei (shin-ei.com store)
- Not So B1G 1 Preamp Gain Boost Pedal, Shin-ei
- B1G 1 Preamp Gain Boost Pedal, shin-ei.com
- Shin-ei B1G 1 Transparent Gain Booster, Pedal of the Day, 2018-07-06
