Copicat Boost CCB-1

Made by Hiwatt exclusively for Reverb, the CCB-1 extracts the preamp section of the legendary WEM Copicat tape echo and packages it as a standalone boost/tone-shaper. The original Copicat was a tape echo unit famous for its warm, characterful preamp that colored the signal even before hitting the tape mechanism. This pedal focuses solely on that transistorized preamp circuit, omitting the echo functionality entirely.

Two-knob layout provides Level (output gain) and Frequency (powerful EQ that boosts either treble or bass frequencies to taste). The circuit runs on 9-18V DC, with 18V operation offering increased headroom and dynamics. Super compact enclosure fits easily on crowded pedalboards.

The Copicat preamp circuit became iconic for adding warmth and presence to guitar signals, heard on countless recordings from the 1960s onward. This standalone version makes those tone-shaping characteristics accessible without requiring a full vintage tape echo unit.