STOMPBOXES
breakup that works great for classic rock
and blues.
The Dynabox brings out the character
in different instruments impressively. It
reacted particularly well to single coiled
instruments: a Strat, a reissue Telecaster,
a ‘ 63 Dano Baritone, and even a vintage
seventies Fender Musicmaster Bass.
Unfortunately, the Dynabox was a little
muddy when coupled with humbuckers,
and wasn’t able to get completely clean in
either setting. With a hair of treble boost
on the amp, though, the lack of clean
actually made for a nice alternative overdrive sound.
Though it’s a more dedicated pedal, the
Dynabox could be a nice addition to
your overall sound. If you’re looking for
a booster with a lot of headroom and its
own character, check it out. – SS
Buy if … you want a booster with a lot of
headroom and a little bit of grit.
Skip if … you need a booster that gets
super clean.
Rating...
3. 5
MSRP $170
Dino’s Guitars
dinosguitars.com
BSM RG (Rory Gallagher) Treble Booster
This pedal was developed to achieve the
powerful sustaining punchy sound of the
Strat played by Mr. Gallagher, who used
it with a Rangemaster. Most models replicating the Rangemaster are basically
the same circuit with a few mods to make
them sound a bit more like the settings
used by certain artists. In this case, the
BSM Rory Gallagher model has a knob on
the side labeled “volume,” but I found it
boosted the upper mids into a really nice
singing sustain. The originals did not have
this feature. What is great about it is that
by altering the position of the midrange
either Strats or humbuckers will sound
great. This particular model pedal seems
to have a little extra tightness in the low
end. I liked the definition and growl on
those low notes—they were never muddy.
It is best used before a distorting amp or
a pedal, as are the other straight ahead
Rangemaster-type models. I don’t think I
would use it in front of a real clean amp
like the Fender Twin, as it was just not
that pleasing of a tone for me.
The RG is a well-constructed unit, as are
all the BSM pedals I’ve had the privilege
to test. True bypass switching is in place
