Bad Bob

Name: Bad Bob
Brand: Analog.Man
Availability: OnlineOnly

Boost

JFET mu-amp clean boost with NOS Fairchild transistors. Over 20dB of gain, runs up to 18V.

Designed by Robbie Wallace and built by Analog Man since 2010, the Bad Bob is a Class A JFET mu-amp booster using NOS Fairchild 2N5457 FETs. Based on Jack Orman's famous mini-booster circuit that inspired most boutique boost pedals.

A single Volume knob delivers over 20dB of gain. An optional Drive knob (added 2018) lets you dial from perfectly clean boost down to a touch of grit. Runs at 9V standard or up to 18V for cleaner headroom and punchier response. Under 3mA draw with no IC chips.

True bypass with special wiring to minimize switching noise. Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke uses one as a 30dB solo boost. The Mini version (2019) fits the same circuit into a compact enclosure with battery or power supply operation.