Benson Germanium Preamp
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Benson
Germanium Preamp
Product Info
Article Number:
601417
Brand:
Benson
Model:
Germanium Preamp
Category:
Distortion Pedals
Price:
$347.60
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
This Benson Germanium Preamp is a seriously cool piece of kit. It nails that classic, slightly gritty germanium vibe – think early Who or Hendrix – without being a one-trick pony. It's perfect for players wanting a touch of vintage warmth and responsiveness to boost their amp or add subtle overdrive, especially those already using a clean platform.
Product Description
- Benson Germanium Preamp
- Effect Pedal for Electric Guitar
- Amp-in-a-box preamp with germanium gain stage
- The unrivalled feel of germanium with the careful tone control of the preamp pedal
- Overdrive/boost/fuzz/thousand-dollar pedal with slightly less gain
- but a richer sound and more feel
- Controls: Gain (distortion)
- Treble (low pass filter)
- Bass (high pass filter)
- Volume
- Footswitch: Effect Bypass
- LED: Effect on
- Input and output: 6.3 mm jack
- Power supply via 9 V battery or 9 V DC mains adapter (2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel connector
- centre negative - both not included in the scope of delivery)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 140 x 100 x 70 mm
- Weight: 410 g
- Made in USA
PROS
- • Authentic germanium tone delivers a uniquely warm, responsive overdrive.
- • Carefully considered tone controls offer surprising versatility for a germanium circuit.
- • Solid build quality with robust enclosure and reliable footswitch.
- • The 'amp-in-a-box' design simplifies pedalboard signal chains effectively.
CONS
- • Germanium circuits can be sensitive to temperature changes affecting tone consistency.
- • Limited gain range might not satisfy players seeking extreme fuzz tones.
- • Power supply not included; adds to initial investment.
Product Video
Key Features
Distortion Type
Germanium Preamp/Overdrive
Controls
Gain, Treble (Low Pass), Bass (High Pass), Volume
Bypass Type
True Bypass
Power Supply
9V Battery or 9V DC Adapter (2.1 x 5.5mm, center negative)
Connections
6.3mm Mono Jack (Input/Output)
Dimensions
140 x 100 x 70 mm
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Frequently Asked Questions
It's more of a preamp – less extreme fuzz, more focused on adding warmth, sustain, and a touch of grit to your existing tone. It's a subtle enhancement, not a complete sonic transformation.
Absolutely; the germanium character complements the output of humbuckers beautifully, adding a vintage edge and a smoother response.
No, they function as a high-pass and low-pass filter respectively, shaping the overall tonal character rather than providing a typical EQ boost/cut.
