The SolidGoldFX SuperDrive Beta is an overdrive pedal built around a JFET preamp stage with subtle germanium clipping. Announced on October 7, 2013, it was the company's first pedal designed primarily for bassists, and it arrived alongside the guitar-oriented SuperDrive Zeta at a street price of $165 each1.
Circuit and sound
The Beta pairs a specially tuned JFET preamp with germanium clipping. A JFET (junction field-effect transistor) preamp is a solid-state analog gain stage, and germanium clipping is a softer form of signal clipping than the silicon diodes used in many overdrives, which is where the pedal's character comes from. Vintage Guitar's report on the launch described the combination as one that "produces a subtle germanium clipping and tube-like drive to fit many playing styles"2.
SolidGoldFX said the JFET preamp stage comes with precise tuning of frequency response and control ranges, and Premier Guitar quoted the company's description of the circuit as offering "a wide range of musical drive"12. The stated design goal for the Beta and Zeta pair was, in the company's words, to "make sure they sound great, make sure they look great and make sure they're affordable"1.
Because it was voiced first for bass, the Beta sits in a different part of the market from guitar-first overdrives. Players comparing it with the SuperDrive Zeta are choosing between a bass-oriented circuit and a guitar-oriented one from the same launch; both share the JFET preamp topology2. For a wider look at the effect type, see Overdrive Pedals, and for bass-specific choices, Bass Pedals.
Beta and Zeta side by side
| SuperDrive Beta | SuperDrive Zeta | |
|---|---|---|
| Effect type | Overdrive2 | Overdrive2 |
| Aimed at | Bassists first1 | Guitarists1 |
| Circuit | JFET preamp2 | JFET preamp2 |
| Clipping | Germanium2 | Germanium2 |
| Street price | $165 (October 2013)1 | $165 (October 2013)1 |
| Release | October 7, 20131 | October 7, 20131 |
Availability
The SuperDrive Beta and Zeta were set for release on October 7, 2013, and were to be available through SolidGoldFX dealers as well as direct from SolidGoldFX1.
The SuperDrive Beta was announced in October 2013. Distribution details on this page reflect that launch announcement, and current availability may differ.
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Pedals and Effects
Questions
Is the SolidGoldFX SuperDrive Beta an analog pedal?
The SuperDrive Beta is an analog overdrive pedal. Its circuit combines a JFET preamp stage with germanium clipping, a design SolidGoldFX described as producing tube-like drive. JFET-based circuits like this one are solid-state analog designs, and the pedal was announced in October 2013 as part of SolidGoldFX's SuperDrive line alongside the guitar-focused SuperDrive Zeta.
How much does the SolidGoldFX SuperDrive Beta cost?
At its October 2013 release, the SuperDrive Beta carried a street price of $165, the same figure given for the SuperDrive Zeta launched alongside it. That price was reported by Premier Guitar in SolidGoldFX's announcement, and it applied to each pedal in the pair.
What is the difference between the SuperDrive Beta and Zeta?
Both pedals launched on October 7, 2013 at a $165 street price and share a JFET preamp circuit topology. The Beta was SolidGoldFX's first pedal designed primarily for bassists, while the Zeta was described as an evolution of the classic SuperDrive aimed at guitar players. Both use germanium clipping for a subtle, tube-like drive.
Where can I buy the SolidGoldFX SuperDrive Beta?
According to the October 2013 announcement, the SuperDrive Beta and Zeta were to be available through SolidGoldFX dealers as well as direct from SolidGoldFX. As a pedal first released in 2013, current availability may differ from that original distribution plan.
Sources (2)
- SolidGoldFX Launches SuperDrive Beta & Zeta Pedals, Premier Guitar, 2013-10-07
- SolidGoldFX Announces New SuperDrive Beta and Zeta, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2013-10-11
