EMG afterburner vs. boost pedal

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RJF

RJF

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For those of you that have or currently use the EMG afterburner, how does it compare to using a pedal boost like a tube screamer or Maxon 808? Reason I am asking is I typically can't stand pedals, but would like the option to boost. I'm a guitar->cord->amp kind of guy. I have a Framus Cobra and Mesa Dual rec that really likes the afterburner that I have in one of my guitars currently, but I've never tried an OD pedal. If the EMG boost is as good or at least real close, I might add it to a couple more guitars for the convenience of not having bulky pedals and extra cords on the floor. Plus, I see it can be used on both active and passive pickups!
Thanks.
 
I am curious on the Afterburners myself.
Who has used them? ;)
 
I put several after burner's in my guitars,one of which (Brad) bought.
I LOVE them over a boost pedal,you can adjust the output of it like a
pedal,doesn't have to be turned up all the way,however it can be noisey.
But you'll know the difference when turned on,it's like your amp was turned
up a notch,and it's smooth,not a tone suck.
I think Hetfield uses them as well,mini toggle or push pull pot.
 
I've used the PA-2 preamp booster...which is the switch version of the afterburner. I personally LOVE the PA-2. I have it on 2-3 of my guitars. I like it ALOT better as a distortion / boost than most pedals. Very clear, doesn't lower or drop off any frequencies...just makes it feel like you have hotter pickups. I don't run it all the way on...as it will become too noisy. I run it at about a 1/3 on....and it sounds awesome.

I HIGHLY recommend them with EMGs or any passive pickup. You can use this with ANY pickup you have now. I ran it w/ my Motor City pickups...and it sounded great.

The SPC knob is also a killer addition too. That does more of a "mid boost" and adds some gain, which is GREAT for soloing...and cutting through the mix. The PA-2 or Afterburner (same thing...one w/ a switch..one with a knob) adds more gain and really doesn't alter the tone. Both are killer additions to ANY guitar....ones w/ EMGs or not. I have the SPC knob on my SSS strat!! :)

Eric
 
I had one years back. It was alright, but it was pretty damn noisy.
 
I also noticed no tone sucking from it, just a ton more gain. It's definitely noisy for sure. I've just never had anything to compare it to. Sounds good so I think I'll be adding the AB to a couple more guitars. :yes:
 
I would build a jfet or mosfet type boost onboard the guitar before I would use the pa-2 though it is not a bad device in its own right.
 
But will it 'spoil you' into having that killer boosted tone that you just leave it on all the time? :lol: :LOL:
 
aeroic":25ecqxda said:
I've used the PA-2 preamp booster...which is the switch version of the afterburner. I personally LOVE the PA-2. I have it on 2-3 of my guitars. I like it ALOT better as a distortion / boost than most pedals. Very clear, doesn't lower or drop off any frequencies...just makes it feel like you have hotter pickups. I don't run it all the way on...as it will become too noisy. I run it at about a 1/3 on....and it sounds awesome.

I HIGHLY recommend them with EMGs or any passive pickup. You can use this with ANY pickup you have now. I ran it w/ my Motor City pickups...and it sounded great.

The SPC knob is also a killer addition too. That does more of a "mid boost" and adds some gain, which is GREAT for soloing...and cutting through the mix. The PA-2 or Afterburner (same thing...one w/ a switch..one with a knob) adds more gain and really doesn't alter the tone. Both are killer additions to ANY guitar....ones w/ EMGs or not. I have the SPC knob on my SSS strat!! :)

Eric
Click to expand...

Love the SPC, have it in all my guitars!


Mark
 
I personally don't like the afterburners,

i like to be able to carve the boost, rather then having a blanket boost over the whole spectrum.

now if they made a treble booster version, i'd be all over it.

Brae
 
eternal_idol":mknmd9q4 said:
i like to be able to carve the boost, rather then having a blanket boost over the whole spectrum.
Click to expand...
What exactly do you mean by this?
 
I had one on an LP and it was so-so. If I used it to boost a crunch channel it was good but if I was using some serious gain it squealed like a pig :doh: I had a dual rec cranked up pretty high in a small room and accidentally hit the switch and it felt like my head was about explode. Sure, its funny now but it was pretty traumatic then :lol: :LOL:
 
RJF":1gf2g568 said:
eternal_idol":1gf2g568 said:
i like to be able to carve the boost, rather then having a blanket boost over the whole spectrum.
Click to expand...
What exactly do you mean by this?
Click to expand...


After burners boost pretty evenly through the guitar freq spectrum.

while boost/OD pedals tend to cut low end, add a mid peak, and raise the shelf of the trebles

its all personal taste.

od/boost add shaping, while pure clean boosts like the afterburners make everything louder and more punishing.
 
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