The SolidGoldFX BETA-V is a bass preamp and overdrive effects pedal, the latest incarnation of the maker's top-selling Beta Series1. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as designed to capture the warmth and grit of favorite vintage tube amps, that distinctive drive and tone RockBoard's PedalPedia says is lacking from much of today's modern bass amplification2. Guitar.com reported it was designed with the sound of "big, old Ampeg-style tube setups" in mind3.
It is a rework of the firm's previous Beta Bass pedal, with the classic Beta bass architecture expanded to deliver a wider range of tones43. For a bass player, that means one compact box covering preamp, overdrive, and filter duties, with top-mounted jacks keeping pedalboard cabling tidy3.
What it does
The BETA-V combines three functions in one pedal: preamp, overdrive, and filter2. The Drive control runs from mild grit to warm overdrive1, so it can sit anywhere between a lightly broken-up clean tone and a fuller drive sound. The Presence and Body controls form an active two-band post-gain EQ, which Guitar World noted should help sculpt tones without sacrificing the character of the drive4.
The low-pass filter is the feature that sets the BETA-V apart from a plain overdrive. SolidGoldFX gives it three settings: mid bump, scoop, or bypassed1. A dedicated dial blends in the low-pass filter, so the effect can be dialed in subtly or fully4.
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets the output level4 |
| Drive | From mild grit to warm overdrive1 |
| Presence | Treble side of the active two-band post-gain EQ4 |
| Body | Bass side of the active two-band post-gain EQ4 |
| LPF dial | Blends in the low-pass filter4 |
| LPF mini-toggle | Selects mid-bump, scoop, or bypassed filter settings14 |
Because the EQ sits after the gain stage, tone shaping happens on the driven signal rather than the clean one, which keeps the drive character intact while you adjust the frequency balance4.
Power and bypass
The BETA-V runs on a 9 to 18 V DC power supply1, with a listed current draw of 13mA2. The 9 to 18 V range means it accepts a range of supply voltages. It uses true-bypass switching1, so the signal passes through unaltered when the pedal is off.
The maker lists no battery option; the BETA-V is powered by an external 9 to 18 V DC PSU1.
Where it came from
SolidGoldFX launched the BETA-V in the spring of 2023, with Guitar.com covering it on March 31, 20233 and Guitar World following on April 5, 20234. It is the latest incarnation of the Beta Series, which the company calls its top-selling line1. Guitar World described the pedal as a tweak of the firm's previous Beta Bass pedal, "with warmth and grit being the tonal order of the day"4.
The Beta line has bass overdrive roots going back further: SolidGoldFX's Beta Series has been a top seller, and the BETA-V is its latest incarnation1.
Price and availability
Guitar World reported a US price of $199 at launch in April 20234. In the UK, Guitar.com listed it at £1993. The pedal is hand-made in Montreal, Canada1, and Guitar.com noted it could be purchased directly from solidgoldfx.com3.
Warranty
SolidGoldFX covers the BETA-V with a limited, three-year warranty against failure resulting from defective parts or faulty workmanship, for products purchased from the website or authorized dealers. All products covered by the warranty are eligible for free repair1.
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Questions
Is the SolidGoldFX BETA-V true bypass?
Yes. SolidGoldFX lists the BETA-V with true-bypass switching, so when the pedal is off your signal passes through without the circuit coloring it.
What voltage does the BETA-V run on?
The BETA-V is powered by a 9 to 18 V DC power supply, so it accepts a range of supply voltages. Its current draw is listed at 13mA.
Where is the SolidGoldFX BETA-V made?
The BETA-V is hand-made in Montreal, Canada, by SolidGoldFX.
What does the LPF mini-toggle do on the Beta-V?
The mini-toggle sets the low-pass filter to one of three options: a mid-bump voicing, a scooped-mids voicing, or fully bypassed. A separate dial blends in the low-pass filter to taste.
How much does the BETA-V cost in US dollars?
Guitar World reported a price of $199 for the Beta-V at its launch in April 2023. In the UK, Guitar.com listed it at £199.
What warranty comes with SolidGoldFX pedals?
SolidGoldFX covers the BETA-V with a limited, three-year warranty against failure from defective parts or faulty workmanship, for products bought from its website or authorized dealers. Covered products are eligible for free repair.
Sources (4)
- BETA-V - BASS PREAMP | SOLIDGOLDFX - SolidGoldFX, SolidGoldFX
- Beta-V Bass Preamp by SolidGoldFX, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- SolidGoldFX launches the BETA-V bass preamp with drive, Guitar.com, 2023-03-31
- SolidGoldFX introduces the Beta-V, Guitar World, 2023-04-05
