Talk to me about EP3 preamp pedals.

[ledvedder]

I'm thinking about getting some type of EP3 pedal to use with my DSL40c. I know there are quite a few. Some just have the preamp, others have the preamp and delay. I'd love to have both, if they were able to be switched on separately. I'd like to keep the price fairly low. Some of the ones I know of are the Belle Epoch, Clinch, Secret Preamp, MXR, EP Booster.

What are your opinions and recommendations?

 

[Browns Fan]

I would recommend the belle epoch or the deluxe belle epoch. I have the deluxe and I'm all smiles!! It sounds amazing and authentic!

 

[ledvedder]

I assume you use it in trails mode? That way, the preamp is always on? I've read that it is a bit dark when using humbuckers.

 

[paulyc]

I use the Dunlop one (just the preamp, no delay) with my Cameron Atomica for just a little extra gain for soloing, sometimes in conjunction with a Boss GE 10 like EVH in a frown curve.

 

[psychodave]

I have a Badgerplex EP pedal. Sounds incredible. Ive tried all of the popular ones and felt the Badgerplex sounded closest to my EP3 Echoplex. I’ve tried the MXR, Clinch, Xotic, Chase Tone pedals.

 

[ledvedder]

I have a Badgerplex EP pedal. Sounds incredible. Ive tried all of the popular ones and felt the Badgerplex sounded closest to my EP3 Echoplex. I’ve tried the MXR, Clinch, Xotic, Chase Tone pedals.

Unfortunately, they don't make them anymore.

 

[ledvedder]

Does anyone know how the Belle Epoch's preamp sounds without echo, compared to the pedals that just do preamp (Clinch, Secret Preamp, EP Booster)?

 

[copilot]

I used a Belle Epoch Deluxe about two weeks, in trails mode. Preamp always on. While I liked the quality of the echo, after a while I determined the Preamp was effecting my tone in a negative way. Dark and cardboard sounding. When I unplugged it, I had my tone back.
I had the Fulltone SSTE and when you turned the preamp on/off via the toggle switch, in EP3 Preamp mode it enhanced the tone. Same with the Chasetone I had. Things sounded better going thru it. I got the new Chasetone en route. I sent the Belle Epoch Deluxe back. Didn't work for me.

 

[ledvedder]

I used a Belle Epoch Deluxe about two weeks, in trails mode. Preamp always on. While I liked the quality of the echo, after a while I determined the Preamp was effecting my tone in a negative way. Dark and cardboard sounding. When I unplugged it, I had my tone back.
I had the Fulltone SSTE and when you turned the preamp on/off via the toggle switch, in EP3 Preamp mode it enhanced the tone. Same with the Chasetone I had. Things sounded better going thru it. I got the new Chasetone en route. I sent the Belle Epoch Deluxe back. Didn't work for me.

Thanks for this response. That seems to be a common complaint about the Bell Epoch's preamp. What guitar and amp are you using? Also, what delay are you using since you've sent the Belle back?

 

[psychodave]

I have a Badgerplex EP pedal. Sounds incredible. Ive tried all of the popular ones and felt the Badgerplex sounded closest to my EP3 Echoplex. I’ve tried the MXR, Clinch, Xotic, Chase Tone pedals.

Unfortunately, they don't make them anymore.

Here is one used.

https://reverb.com/item/7030120-badgerplex-ep-3-pre-amp

 

[psychodave]

I used a Belle Epoch Deluxe about two weeks, in trails mode. Preamp always on. While I liked the quality of the echo, after a while I determined the Preamp was effecting my tone in a negative way. Dark and cardboard sounding. When I unplugged it, I had my tone back.
I had the Fulltone SSTE and when you turned the preamp on/off via the toggle switch, in EP3 Preamp mode it enhanced the tone. Same with the Chasetone I had. Things sounded better going thru it. I got the new Chasetone en route. I sent the Belle Epoch Deluxe back. Didn't work for me.

The Chase tone version I had was flubby in the bottom end. My real Echoplex EP 3 has a tight bottom end when just running it out front.

 

[copilot]

I used a Belle Epoch Deluxe about two weeks, in trails mode. Preamp always on. While I liked the quality of the echo, after a while I determined the Preamp was effecting my tone in a negative way. Dark and cardboard sounding. When I unplugged it, I had my tone back.
I had the Fulltone SSTE and when you turned the preamp on/off via the toggle switch, in EP3 Preamp mode it enhanced the tone. Same with the Chasetone I had. Things sounded better going thru it. I got the new Chasetone en route. I sent the Belle Epoch Deluxe back. Didn't work for me.

Thanks for this response. That seems to be a common complaint about the Bell Epoch's preamp. What guitar and amp are you using? Also, what delay are you using since you've sent the Belle back?

A G&L I put Duncan Lil 59's and a JB Jr, various Strats. A Ceriatone Plexi 50. Some delays I use on different amps are Timeline, TC Flashback and Providence Chrono Delay.
Like I said before, as soon as I unplugged it I got my tone back.

 

[copilot]

I used a Belle Epoch Deluxe about two weeks, in trails mode. Preamp always on. While I liked the quality of the echo, after a while I determined the Preamp was effecting my tone in a negative way. Dark and cardboard sounding. When I unplugged it, I had my tone back.
I had the Fulltone SS Echo and when you turned the preamp on/off via the toggle switch, in EP3 Preamp mode it enhanced the tone. Same with the Chasetone I had. Things sounded better going thru it. I got the new Chasetone en route. I sent the Belle Epoch Deluxe back. Didn't work for me.

The Chase tone version I had was flubby in the bottom end. My real Echoplex EP 3 has a tight bottom end when just running it out front.

Yeah, I didn't like either the bassier setting or the trebly one. New version has a 3-way switch. I'll know soon if it's cool or not. In hindsight I wish I kept the Fulltone SS model.

 

[ledvedder]

Well, I bought a Belle Epoch.

I also ordered a Mosky XP booster. Someone pointed it out to me. It's supposed to be an Xotic clone and it has a lot of decent reviews out there.

 

[Bulk Wrap]

I have a Badgerplex EP pedal. Sounds incredible. Ive tried all of the popular ones and felt the Badgerplex sounded closest to my EP3 Echoplex. I’ve tried the MXR, Clinch, Xotic, Chase Tone pedals.

Unfortunately, they don't make them anymore.

Seems like they do...

http://www.badgereffects.com/badgerplex.html

They don't make the original version, the BadgerPlex AC, which uses a 120V connection directly into the pedal. This is the one I have had for years and it's awesome.