The Teisco Boost is a boost pedal from the relaunched Teisco brand, built around a field-effect transistor (FET) for what Pedal of the Day calls "softer, more organic clipping"1. Guitar.com described it as a "bold yet quirky multi-mode FET booster simply named Boost" when it included the pedal in its best effects pedals of 2019 feature2. It launched alongside a Fuzz and a Delay on March 15, 2019, at a list price of $129.00 USD34.
Controls and modes
The Boost's central feature is its EQ profile switch, which Premier Guitar's press release said "provides extra tweakability when you need it"3. Josh Scott of JHS Pedals, in his history of the brand's comeback, described the layout this way:
"then it has normal, treble, and flat knobs, so this is different low frequency roll offs."
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Normal | Slight bass cut1 |
| Treble | Hint of a Rangemaster tone5 |
| Flat | No low frequency roll off, closest to a straight clean boost5 |
Scott found that the regular or flat positions "can get sounds like EP Booster or pretty much any other boost on the market," while the treble position leans toward the classic treble-booster character5. MusicRadar's report on the pedal's unveiling summed up the maker's pitch as "Super clean and flexible. Do more with your boost."7
Circuit and power
The pedal is all-analog, housed in a zinc-alloy enclosure with a high-gloss design4. Pedal of the Day notes it is modeled after a vintage preamp1. One power detail sets it apart from most boost pedals: an internal switch lets you run it at 9 or 24 volts, selected internally rather than on the outside of the pedal5.
The 9 or 24 volt selection is made with an internal switch, so changing the operating voltage means opening the pedal5.
Build and availability
Pedal of the Day highlighted the hardware in its review, "featuring recessed screws, removable feet, a textured base plate for better velcro sticking and a premium zinc housing"1. The reviewer's verdict was that the pedal "looks like another simple boost, but once you realize all the options, bells and whistles its got," it is a modern take on a boost overall1.
Guitar.com reported that the Teisco pedals became available on March 15, 2019, with free shipping in the continental US8. In its full review of the relaunched line, Richard Purvis scored the Boost 9/10 and listed it as made in Singapore under BandLab Technologies6.
Where it came from
Teisco returned with three new pedals, the Boost, Fuzz and Delay, with all three available March 154. The pedals are now available, with free shipping in the continental US8. The Boost is built around a vintage preamp circuit1, and players comparing it with other clean and treble boosts can read more on the Boost Pedals page.
Questions
Is the Teisco Boost analog?
Yes. Guitar World reported that all three of the relaunched Teisco pedals, the Boost included, use all-analog circuitry housed in zinc-alloy enclosures with high-gloss designs. The Boost's circuit is built around a field-effect transistor (FET), which Pedal of the Day notes gives softer, more organic clipping than other clipping devices.
What do the normal, treble and flat settings do?
Josh Scott of JHS Pedals describes the Boost's normal, treble and flat controls as different low frequency roll offs. Pedal of the Day lists the Normal switch position as a slight bass cut. In the treble position the pedal has what Scott calls a hint of a Rangemaster tone, while the regular or flat positions can get sounds like an EP Booster or, in his words, pretty much any other boost on the market.
Does the Teisco Boost sound like a Rangemaster?
Only in its treble setting. Josh Scott of JHS Pedals, demonstrating the pedal, said he put it in the treble position, which has a hint of a Rangemaster tone to it. He found the regular or flat positions closer to a straightforward clean boost, naming the EP Booster as a comparable sound.
Where is the Teisco Boost made?
Guitar.com's review of the relaunched Teisco line, by Richard Purvis, lists the Boost as made in Singapore. The relaunched brand's pedals were produced under BandLab Technologies, according to the same review.
What is the Teisco Boost price?
Premier Guitar's February 2019 press release listed the Boost at $129.00 USD. Guitar World's report on the same launch also gave a $129 price. The pedal was released on March 15, 2019.
Sources (8)
- Teisco Boost, Pedal of the Day, 2020-11-04
- Gear Of The Year: Best effects pedals of 2019, Guitar.com, 2019-12-03
- Teisco Launches New Delay, Fuzz, and Boost Pedals, Premier Guitar, 2019-02-07
- Teisco Unveils Three New Pedals, Guitar World, 2019-02-08
- TEISCO'S BIG COMEBACK, JHS Pedals
- Review: Teisco Fuzz, Boost & Delay, Guitar.com, 2019-07-12
- NAMM 2018: Cult Japanese brand Teisco returns with three new pedals, MusicRadar, 2018-01-30
- NAMM 2019 Video: Teisco returns with three wild new pedals, Guitar.com, 2019-03-15
