Power Boost

Colorsound, operating under Sola Sound London, released the Power Boost around 1970 as one of the very first true overdrive pedals. Running on 18V from two batteries in series, it offered unprecedented headroom and dynamic range for its era.

The Power Boost became essential to the sounds of Jeff Beck and David Gilmour, with Gilmour adopting it in early 1972 for the Dark Side of the Moon sessions. The silicon transistor circuit creates a fat low end and glassy top with sweet sustain, all while maintaining an open, uncompressed feel.

The bass and treble controls provide remarkable tonal flexibility, from treble-boosted chime to fat, meaty overdrive. The pedal excels at driving tube amps into smooth, singing overdrive without the mid-range compression of later designs.