Chase Tone Secret Preamp adds that nice addition to your guitar sound that the Solid State Maestro Echoplex preamp added in the good old days. This pedal is a recreation of that preamp built by hand using many N.O.S. parts.

Vintage-Accurate, 1970s Solid State Maestro Echoplex Preamp with ‘Bright’ early EP3, ‘Dark’ later EP3 and ‘MID’ hybrid-capture EQ… Ideal at unity gain or slight boost with increased harmonic complexity and touch sensitivity.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Echoplex tape echo delay units evolved from tube based designs into solid-state designs. Notably, the EP3 model was a solid-state model and had a few variations and revisions to the circuit. A select number of EP-3 models are highly sought after by musicians for their unique musical tone.

Famous musicians of the era and later realized having the EP-3 in their signal altered their tone, even when the echo was bypassed. An internal secret preamp was at work here, boosting and fattening the signal, along with a slight phase shift that alters mid and high frequency harmonic content providing a transparent warm boost – a truly secret preamp boost in the arsenal of the great guitarists of yesteryear.

But not all vintage EP-3s boosted, some dropped in signal due to the wrong TIS58 JFETs, and some were mediocre in tone being a different circuit revision. So, over a decade ago I did something about it! The Chase Tone Secret Preamp™ Effects Pedal uses fine-tuned circuit components to ensure proper results. It is currently the only authentic replica of the most sought-after, musically transparent signal-boosting Echoplex units.

Features Include:

  • AUTOMATIC Vintage EP3 22V+ POWER
  • Internal circuitry will automatically ramp 9VDC to 26VDC and then regulate and filter at 22VDC Vintage EP3 Power. NEVER APPLY VOLTAGE HIGHER THAN 9VDC. 150mA 9VDC Power Requirement.

VOLUME CONTROL- Wired just like an original EP3 for Amazing Versatility

  • FULL COUNTER-CLOCKWISE = NO SIGNAL
  • 10 to 11 0’clock = UNITY GAIN (Depends upon EQ Setting)
  • 1 to 2 o’clock = 3dBs+ MAXIMUM OUTPUT BOOST
  • 3 to 5 o’clock = 1dB or 2dBs with FLAT EQ just like a worn, vintage Echoplex

Chase Tone™ Exclusive 3-Way EQ 1970s Era EP3 Mini-Toggle Switch!

  • Early 1970s = BRIGHT
  • Late 1970s = DARK
  • Hybrid Early & Late = MID

Components Include:

  • Vintage 1970s JFET cherry picked to cream-of-the-crop specs.
  • New production, Accurate Vintage Spec, Aged Carbon Film Resistors capture the aged tonal qualities of carbon with the consistency and lower noise of film.
  • New production, Accurate Vintage Spec, Orange Drop 225P Film & Foil Polyester capacitors for the original, distinctive-yet-transparent tone. Same exact as original Vintage 60s & 70s prized Maestro Echoplex EP2 and EP3 circuits
  • Professional Low-Noise PCB DESIGN: FULL PCB GROUND PLANE provides enhanced noise reduction and rejection.

Hardware Includes:

  • Retro Cherry Red Impact Resistant LED BEZEL with Wide Viewing Angle.
  • Vintage EP3 Faceplate Grey Hammer Powder Coat Finish (Zero Ozone Emissions and Ultra-Durable) w/Vintage EP3 Face Plate FONT
  • High quality 1970s style aluminum enclosure: 4” Long x 2.4” Wide x 1.5” High. Fits in the palm of your hand.
  • REAR MOUNT JACKS = FIT ON VIRTUALLY ANY PEDAL BOARD! High Quality Switchcraft are Hand-wired for Ultimate On-The-Road Reliability.
  • High Quality, EPOXY Reinforced 3PDT wired for TRUE BYPASS