Benson Preamp

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$249.00 to $287.00 Price Tier: Budget

5.0 (4)

2 Critic Reviews

Find out who is using Benson Preamp

5 community setups

12 wishlisted

42 saved

Page last updated Jun 16, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated June 16, 2026.

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5.0 (4)

$249.00

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4.4 (14)

$249.00

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5.0 (86)

$249.00 73 available New

$148.00 20 available Used

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$249.00

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4.0 (1)

$289.00 $287.00 $2.00 · All time low

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$249.00

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Average Price: $240

Budget/Beginner

$249

$500+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Preamp Pedals category, Benson Preamp is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Benson Preamp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Benson Preamp, a core essential for any musician seeking a versatile pedal that goes beyond just a simple effect. This unique device is a marvel in the world of guitar pedals, known for its ability to emulate the coveted tones of the Chimera 30 watt guitar amplifier. But instead of vacuum tubes, it's powered by FET transistors, which give the pedal its distinctive amp-like qualities.

The Benson Preamp is not just an overdrive pedal, it's a clean boost, an overdrive, and a fuzz pedal, all rolled into one. This multi-faceted musical tool imparts rich harmonics and a very musical EQ to your signal chain, providing an infusion of sound that is both lush and powerful. It's truly a Chimera in a box!

Key Features:

Based on the Chimera 30 watt guitar amplifier
Utilizes FET transistors instead of vacuum tubes
Offers a versatile range of effects - clean boost, overdrive, and fuzz
Imparts rich harmonics and a very musical EQ to your signal chain
Controls: Gain, Volume, Treble, Bass
Power requirements: 9VDC Boss style adapter or battery 50ma

Product specs

Type	FET Preamp
Analog/Digital	Analog
EQ	2-Band EQ
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Power Source	9V DC power supply (sold separately)

FAQs

What kind of power supply does the Benson Preamp require?: The Benson Preamp requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. Make sure to use a compatible power supply to ensure optimal performance.
Can the Benson Preamp be used with both electric guitars and bass guitars?: Yes, the Benson Preamp can be used with both electric guitars and bass guitars, providing enhanced signal shaping and boosting capabilities for both instruments.
What type of EQ does the Benson Preamp feature?: The Benson Preamp features a 2-band EQ, allowing you to adjust the bass and treble frequencies to tailor your sound to your preference.
Is the Benson Preamp an analog or digital pedal?: The Benson Preamp is an analog pedal, known for delivering warm and natural tones that many players prefer for their sound.
How does the Benson Preamp affect my guitar tone?: The Benson Preamp enhances your guitar tone by amplifying your signal and providing tonal shaping through its 2-band EQ, resulting in a richer and more dynamic sound.

Videos

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Reviews

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PROS

Wide range of tones with 4 simple knobs
Works well as a clean boost, light to heavy drive, and can border on fuzz
Excellent for stacking with other pedals (ODs, boosts, fuzz)
Maintains an organic, amp-like tone
Allows for touch-sensitive dirt at low volumes, perfect for apartment living
High build quality with special edition finishes available
Zero noise floor, ensuring clean signal chain integration
Effective volume control, from below unity to significant boost
Compatible with various levels of dirt without adding excess compression

CONS

Treble control has limitations, with a noticeable amount of treble even when dialed back
Slightly colors base tone, which might not suit all preferences
May not be ideal as the only drive pedal in a setup
EQ settings can be counterintuitive, especially with bass rolled off for best sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Benson Preamp.

Features and functionality

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The Benson Preamp is praised for its dynamic response, allowing clean tones with light picking even when gain is maxed, providing a versatile range from clean boost to high gain.
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Owners emphasize the need to carefully match the Benson Preamp with other pedals, guitar, and amp, as its wide tonal range can be initially disorienting.
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The Benson Preamp can mimic the low end of a Fender, the jangle of a Vox, and the crunch of a Marshall, making it versatile across different amp types.
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The Benson Preamp can alter EQ more significantly than typical overdrive pedals, useful for shaping amp tones to achieve specific soundscapes.
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Use cases and applications

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The pedal pairs well with bright amps like a Twin Reverb, balancing its darker tonal characteristics, and is noted for its amp-like feel and response in direct signal chains.
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The Benson Preamp excels as a fuzz pedal, with one owner achieving a controlled, dynamic Gilmour-like tone when paired with delay and flanger effects.
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The pedal shines in low gain settings, described as where the "magic" of the pedal lies, offering unique sonic opportunities.
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Works well in ampless setups, enhancing guitar tone when used at the end of the signal chain or through an effects loop.
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Comparisons

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Users recommend the Walrus 385 and EQD Westwood as alternatives for similar sounds at a lower price, with the Westwood offering better note definition.
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The Benson Preamp is favored over the Hudson Broadcast for its fuzz capabilities, with owners noting it mimics a fuzz face sound effectively.
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Compared to Hudson Broadcast, the Benson Preamp offers an amp-like feel, while the Broadcast offers recording console-style preamp characteristics, both distinct enough to justify owning both.
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Setup and maintenance

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The horizontal layout with top jacks can complicate pedalboard arrangements, requiring sideways mounting, which may be inconvenient for tight setups.
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User experience

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Despite its price, the preamp is considered a worthwhile investment for those seeking Neil Young and Radiohead-inspired sounds, but there are cheaper alternatives that come close in tone.
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Owners recommend using the Benson Preamp as an 'always on' pedal to maintain a consistent edge of breakup tone, particularly beneficial for clean amp setups.
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Owners appreciate its ability to maintain tonal integrity without overpowering other effects, making it suitable for nuanced overdrive rather than high gain settings.
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Critic Reviews

Benson Preamp — That Guitar Lover

thatguitarlover.com

The Benson Preamp promises much but ultimately falls short, leaving users craving more. While it offers solid build quality and usable drive sounds, the lack of significant tonal improvement and some noise issues diminish its appeal. The treble knob functions well, but the bass control acts more as a cut rather than a boost, leading to underwhelming results in a variety of setups. For the price, alternatives like the Effectrode Fire Bottle or the Xotic RC Boost V2 deliver better performance. Despite the hype, this pedal may not justify its cost for those seeking a true preamp experience.

negative

Full Review

Benson Amps Preamp Pedal Review and Demo – Guitars For Idiots

guitarsforidiots.com

A game-changer in the realm of gain pedals, the Benson Preamp offers an impressive breadth of amp-like tones that can be sculpted with remarkable precision. Users rave about its sensitivity and versatility, making it stand out from typical overdrive options. The treble and bass controls significantly influence the sound, allowing for everything from subtle boosts to powerful fuzz. However, while the pedal excels in performance, some might find it lacks the character of traditional analog circuits. Overall, it delivers on its promise, providing a unique and intuitive experience that many players will appreciate.

positive

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