The Union Tube & Transistor MORE is a guitar preamp pedal capable of sweeping from +5dB up to +40dB of clean gain. It sits in the clean boost and preamp family: rather than adding distortion of its own, it raises level, which makes it useful for pushing an amp's front end harder, lifting a solo, or adding gain structure around other pedals. The maker lists it from $190.00 USD as of 26 October 2026.1
What the MORE does
Union Tube & Transistor describes the MORE as intended for use with a tube amp, with a maximum undistorted output level of +16dBu. The idea is simple: extra clean level into the amp makes its first preamp tube work harder, so an amp that breaks up at 6 or 7 on the volume dial gets there at 1 or 2 instead. The maker also notes the MORE can offer nice gain structuring when run in conjunction with other overdrive or distortion pedals.1
The three settings
The maker describes three ways to use the pedal, all set by the gain control's position1:
| Setting | Control range | What the maker says it does |
|---|---|---|
| Solo | Minimum to around 12 o'clock | Lets your guitar punch, "from a hint to wow"1 |
| Sweeten All | 10 o'clock through 2 o'clock | "Leave it on and forget it. This will help tickle your first pre-amp tube"1 |
| Low volume gain / Holy crap | 2 o'clock through maximum | Overdrives the first tube of a low gain amp so it breaks up at 1 or 2 instead of 6-7, or "adds a holy crap factor to a dimed out amp"1 |
Placement in a rig and gain staging
Union Tube & Transistor's suggestion is to put the MORE just before your tube amp, or last in the signal chain if you are running a series of pedals. From that position it acts as a final push into the amp, and it can be paired with drive pedals for gain structuring.1
The maker warns that the MORE has enough gain to clip the converters in many digital pedals when maxed out. If your chain includes digital effects, watch where the MORE sits relative to them.1
Power
The MORE uses a standard 9V center negative adaptor. Power consumption is 45mA with no signal and 52mA at maximum output (+16dBu).1
Versions
The maker's shop page lists four versions of the MORE:
- Deluxe: has a wooden box, bandana, and laser engraved badge1
- Bean Counter: has a silkscreened graphic made to look like the badge, and no special packaging1
- Factory Second Bean Counter1
- Factory Second Deluxe1
Related pedals
Other makers build clean boosts with a similar aim of tube-like front-end push. Monty's Guitars launched the More! and A Little More! boost pedals in October 2021; Guitar.com reported that each makes use of JFET transistors "for a lively, characterful feel reminiscent of the front end of a tube amplifier."2 For more in this family, see the Boost Pedals and Preamp Pedals pages.
Videos
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Questions
Where does the Union Tube & Transistor MORE go in a pedal chain?
Union Tube & Transistor suggests putting the MORE just before your tube amp, or last in the signal chain if you are running a series of pedals. From there it can act as a final level lift into the amp's front end, or as gain structuring alongside your overdrive and distortion pedals.
Does the MORE need a tube amp?
The maker says the MORE is intended for use with a tube amp, and its settings are described in terms of pushing the amp's first preamp tube. It can still be used elsewhere in a rig, but the maker's own guidance centres on driving a tube amplifier's input stage.
What is the difference between the MORE Deluxe and Bean Counter?
The Deluxe version comes with a wooden box, a bandana, and a laser engraved badge. The Bean Counter version has a silkscreened graphic made to look like the badge and no special packaging. Both are listed on the maker's page, alongside Factory Second versions of each.
What polarity does the Union MORE power supply need?
The MORE uses a standard 9V centre negative adaptor, the same polarity as most pedal power supplies. Power consumption is 45mA with no signal and 52mA at maximum output.
Can the MORE overload the inputs of digital pedals?
Yes. Union Tube & Transistor notes that the MORE has enough gain to clip the converters in many digital pedals when maxed out. If you run digital effects after it, keep an eye on levels or place the MORE later in the chain.
What is a Factory Second Union pedal?
The maker's shop page lists Factory Second Bean Counter and Factory Second Deluxe versions of the MORE alongside the standard versions. The page does not describe what disqualifies a unit as a Factory Second, only that they are offered as separate versions.
Sources (2)
- MORE - Union Tube & Transistor, Union Tube & Transistor
- Monty’s Guitars launches the More! and A Little More! Boost pedals, Guitar.com, 2021-10-22
