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Average Price: $215

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$176+

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Description

The Barber Half Gainer is the dual channel version of our retired LTD series of ultra clear low gain overdrive. The Half Gainer adds new features for enhanced live performance. There is a new "mid character" control that simultaneously adjusts the midrange content and shifts the EQ curve to compliment the amount of midrange added or cut! We worked with pedal artist Bronson Wagner to achieve a very upscale graphic and paint presentation. Bronson tastefully applied Art Deco styling on a rich new silver vein powder coat, for beauty with significant durability. The sounds that emanate from our overdrive instrument range from subtle purrs, to an authoritative sweet grind. The Midrange Character control allows you to set the tone control to a nearly flat EQ balance for BIG chords that match your clean tone magnificently, or dial in a sophisticated fatness to thicken your single note lines to perfection.

The Half Gainer has control features that include; two channels with fully independent adjustments of output volume and gain for each channel. This is a tremendous step up from simply boosting schemes often implemented by other pedal companies. There are a shared Tone and Midrange Character adjustments on top the Half Gainer to keep things simple for quick live settings. The Half Gainer also has internal trim pots made by CTS to facilitate note-shape (2012), bass and presence balancing. The Half Gainer achieves these two independent channels in an enclosure that is only 3.7" wide to save greatly on pedalboard space.

Product specs

Brand Barber
Model Half Gainer
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Barber Electronics 1/2 Gainer overdrive pedal?

The Barber Electronics 1/2 Gainer offers a warm, transparent overdrive with rich harmonic content, ideal for blues, rock, and country styles. It excels in delivering a natural-sounding boost that enhances your guitar's tone without excessive coloration.

Is the Barber 1/2 Gainer suitable for use with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Barber 1/2 Gainer is designed to work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a versatile overdrive that maintains clarity and dynamics across different guitar types.

Does the Barber 1/2 Gainer overdrive pedal require a specific power supply?

The Barber 1/2 Gainer operates on a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most guitar pedals. It can also run on a 9V battery for added convenience during performances.

How does the Barber 1/2 Gainer differ from other overdrive pedals in its category?

The Barber 1/2 Gainer stands out with its dual-channel design, allowing for two distinct overdrive settings. This feature provides greater tonal flexibility compared to single-channel overdrive pedals, making it a versatile choice for various musical applications.

Can the Barber 1/2 Gainer be used as a clean boost?

Yes, the Barber 1/2 Gainer can function as a clean boost by setting the gain lower and increasing the volume. This setup enhances your signal without adding significant distortion, perfect for pushing an amp or cutting through a mix.

Brian Lynch

Brian Lynch

Barber 1/2 Gainer

Video thumbnail for Barber 1/2 Gainer by Brian Lynch

Barber 1/2 Gainer

Brian Lynch

Brian Lynch

Video thumbnail for Barber 1/2 Gainer Overdrive by musictoyznetwork

Barber 1/2 Gainer Overdrive

musictoyznetwork

musictoyznetwork

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality with natural, amp-like clipping

  • Highly versatile with two switchable, independent drive channels

  • Maintains the integrity of your clean tone while adding edge

  • Internal trimpots for fine-tuning note shape, treble, and bass

  • Shared EQ section with a mids control for enhanced tonal shaping

  • Great build quality, including a unique internal battery mount

  • Quiet operation, a crucial feature for live performances

  • Easy to dial in a wide range of overdrive tones

  • Compatible with a variety of amps and pedal combinations

  • Ideal for adding multiple gain stages to any rig

CONS

  • Channels are not stackable, limiting simultaneous use

  • Tall enclosure may not fit compact pedalboards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Barber Electronics 1/2 Gainer.

Features and functionality

  • Running the Barber 1/2 Gainer at 9v offers a slightly sweeter tone compared to 18v, which provides more headroom.

    Source
  • The Barber 1/2 Gainer offers internal trim pots for additional tone tweaking, allowing users to fine-tune their sound beyond the standard controls.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some owners use the Barber 1/2 Gainer for stacking with other overdrive pedals, like the VOX Ice9, to achieve multiple gain levels.

    Source
  • A user mentioned that the Barber 1/2 Gainer is essential for a blues player using a Fender Princeton, highlighting its suitability for this musical style.

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  • Users highlight the 1/2 Gainer’s effectiveness in mimicking an AC30's natural breakup, making it a staple for achieving Vox-like tones without an AC30.

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Comparisons

  • It's noted for consideration against the Honey Bee OD, with users exploring whether to replace or stack them.

    Source
  • Users rarely see the Barber 1/2 Gainer on other setups, suggesting it may be overlooked compared to more popular pedals like the Earthquaker Plumes.

    Source
  • Owners with AC15/30 setups find the Barber 1/2 Gainer offers transparency similar to amp volume increase, contrasting with more commonly recommended Vox-style pedals.

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User experience

  • The pedal remains a staple on boards for years, persisting through numerous live performances without being swapped out.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the pedal's dual-channel setup with a mid control, allowing a range from transparent to mid-heavy tones which is often underutilized.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Matthew Curry uses Barber Electronics 1/2 Gainer

Matthew Curry

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Changed things around on the board a bit. Thanks @onecontrolusa for the sweet new tones!

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Barber Electronics 1/2 Gainer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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