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Average Price: $249

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Description

Attain the iconic sound of U2's The Edge with the Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier. This rare and sought-after gem, loved by musicians for its clean boost and pre-amp qualities, offers a switchable low-cut filter and separate bass and treble controls. Despite its short production period, the Boss FA-1 has sparked a DIY revival due to its rarity and unique tonal capabilities.

Key Features:

  • FET Amplifier providing clean boost and preamp qualities
  • Switchable low-cut filter for versatile sound shaping
  • Separate bass and treble controls for precise tone adjustment
  • Used by prominent musicians, including The Edge of U2
  • Produced from 1983-1984, making it a rare and sought-after piece of gear.

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model FA-1 FET Amplifier
Finish Green
Year 1983
Made In Japan
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of amplification does the Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier provide?

The Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier is a preamp known for its clean boost and tonal shaping capabilities, utilizing a field-effect transistor (FET) for high input impedance and low noise.

Can the Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier be used with both electric and acoustic guitars?

Yes, the Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier is versatile and can be used with both electric and acoustic guitars, enhancing clarity and providing a clean boost.

How does the Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier affect the tone of my guitar?

The Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier is renowned for adding clarity, presence, and a clean boost to your guitar tone, making it ideal for cutting through mixes.

Is the Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier is suitable for live performances, offering a reliable clean boost and tone shaping that helps your guitar stand out on stage.

Does the Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier require a specific power supply?

The Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier typically requires a 9V battery or a compatible 9V DC power supply for operation.

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Boss FET Amplifier FA 1 - Mojostompboxes

Video thumbnail for Boss FET Amplifier FA 1 - Mojostompboxes by TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Boss FET Amplifier FA 1 - Mojostompboxes

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow

Video thumbnail for Boss FA-1 FET Amp demo! by Cameron Johnson

Boss FA-1 FET Amp demo!

Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson

Video thumbnail for BOSS FA-1 FET Amplifier by paprica music

BOSS FA-1 FET Amplifier

paprica music

paprica music

Video thumbnail for BOSS FA-1 FET Amplifier 1988 Guitar Pedal Pre AMP Made in Japan The Edge U2 by Honpo Nori-chan

BOSS FA-1 FET Amplifier 1988 Guitar Pedal Pre AMP Made in Japan The Edge U2

Honpo Nori-chan

Honpo Nori-chan

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier.

Features and functionality

  • The FA-1 excels as a pure preamp, amplifying key guitar frequencies with a wide volume range and EQ controls, achieving light overdrive when maxed.

    Source
  • The FA-1 clone's raw aluminum finish, combined with black metallic knobs and stamped letters, is praised for its aesthetic, akin to Fairfield Circuitry pedals.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Running the FA-1 into the MA-1 results in a fuzzy distortion, with tonal control via guitar volume and tone, FA-1 EQ, and MA-1 volume.

    Source
  • The FA-1 can add a sparkly sound to treble tones at lower settings, and a creamy tone to an already cranked amp, enhancing tonal flexibility.

    Source
  • Combining the FA-1 with a low-wattage amp can significantly boost volume while retaining control over the treble and bass to achieve desired tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The FA-1 is often compared to the TC Electronic Integrated Preamp for boosting high-gain amps, with similar control settings for volume and treble.

    Source
  • The JHS Clover is considered a true clone of the FA-1, but with added switch mods, offering a similar experience without the reliability issues of a vintage pedal.

    Source
  • The Retro-Sonic is noted as a clone of the FA-1, appealing to those seeking similar sound characteristics without investing in the original.

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User experience

  • Users discovered that plugging the FA-1 directly into studio monitors via an audio interface reveals its preamp capabilities more clearly than using it as an overdrive.

    Source
  • Owners report the FA-1 is surprisingly quiet for its age, offering loud output with minimal noise, a notable feature for vintage pedals.

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  • Owners highlight the FA-1 clone's ability to push a Tweed Deluxe amp into overdrive, achieving desirable "magical tones."

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • When used in front of an amp, turning down the FA-1 treble can prevent mids/highs from being pushed too far, balancing the sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The FA-1's clip was designed for belt use, contributing to its rarity. It's easily removable, allowing for velcro attachment but lacks a power port.

    Source
  • Lumberg jacks are recommended for fitting components into compact enclosures like the 1590A, allowing precise placement opposite each other with slight height variance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • SmallBear provides concentric pots, enhancing tone control and fitting into smaller pedal builds.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Gilmour uses Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via YouTube

At minute 33:29, David Gilmour the King Alfred Leisure Centre to check the equipment they're going to use for a tour. There are some knew pedals, like the Electric Mistress and the Big Muff as well. The Boss FA-1 FET amplifier is clearly shown there.

See how The Edge uses Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

In this article, Music Radar interviews Edge's guitar tech Dallas Schoo and details his touring rig for 2009's "360° Tour." It lists the FA-1 among his effects.

See how Rory Gallagher uses Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier

Rory Gallagher

Guitarist, Singer

Taste

...
Verified via Photo

Pictured on Gallagher's official website's "Effects / Pedals" page and mentioned in a couple of interviews archived on RoryON!!.

Kerrang No. 15, May 6-19 1982

"I use the Boss FET pedal which, although a transistor, has been designed to sound as much like a valve as possible. It still can't beat the old Dallas Rangemaster that was doing the rounds in the 'sixties though. The company's now gone bust so they're like gold dust if you can find one. I have a couple but they've corroded with use. They used to be lethal. They'd not only boost the bass and treble, but give you a couple of extra watts as well!

Guitar for the Practicing Musician, August 1991 interview with Vivian Campbell

VIVIAN: You get a tremendous tone for a single-coil Strat. Are you using any kind of distortion device between the guitar and the amp?

RORY: I've got a Boss Graphic EQ.

VIVIAN: Is that a little 6 band?

RORY: Yeah, one of the real old green ones. And I've got a DOD analog. They're back on the amps, and that's set at the minimum setting, just for a little bit of slap-back. I've got a Dyna-comp, which is on all the time, to drive the songs from the leads. It's not for effect. It's a form of compression and I have it at a setting where the compression's really low on it. I usually use a Tube Screamer, which broke down on me. Last night I was using a Boss overdrive. I use them for some solos, not all solos. I was against using them for years. If I was doing a solo, I had to look at the monitor guy to turn it up and all this. So I keep close to the natural sound. I have a brown Boss octave thing.

VIVIAN: I heard that last night. You sounded like Prince! He uses that a lot.

RORY: I've got a Boss flanger, as opposed to a chorus, which I use sparingly, I use that only in “Shadow Play” and “Moon Child,” and one other song. That's my talk on technology. I have a Vox wah-wah which I did use for one or two gigs, but purely to click it on for slide solos. I used it in the studio, for some solos as well. I don't use it on-stage, because even as it is, I try to keep it simple, within reason.

See how Tommy Henriksen uses Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier

Tommy Henriksen

Guitarist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via YouTube

At 22:17 in this Rig Rundown for Tommy Henriksen of Warlock, Mojo Gurus, Clear Static, Benedictum, Cavo, Emphatic, China, Hyper Crush, and Revis, his gear is displayed, showing his Boss FA-1 Amplifier Pedal.

See how Fumio Kosakai uses Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier

Fumio Kosakai

Guitarist, Composer

Hijokaidan

...
Verified via Photo

In a Facebook post by Yuzo Kosakai, it is explained that Fumio Kosakai used the Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier during the early days of Incapacitants.

See how Bernard Parmegiani uses Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier

Bernard Parmegiani

Music Producer

Groupe de recherches musicales

...
Verified via Photo

A Boss FA-1 can be seen in this photo of Bernard Parmegiani's studio

Album Usage

The Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier has been featured on the following albums:

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 Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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1
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1
Boss CE-2 Chorus
Boss CE-2 Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1
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Boss FV-500H Volume Pedal Volume Effects Pedals
1
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MXR ZW38 Black Label Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1

5 alternative and related items for Boss FA-1 FET Amplifier, curated by the Equipboard community.

DOD FX10 Bi-Fet Preamp

$79.00

Vintage or Discontinued cheaper alternative

Pretty much the cheaper version of the selected item.

FTelettronica Fet-Amp
similar sound cheaper alternative

A direct clone of the FA-1, crafted by a small Italian builder.

Valeton Loft FET Preamp FP-10

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

A mini clone of the Boss FA-1 FET Preamp, now discontinued.

Aion FX Prism FET Amplifier

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

The Aion FX Prism FET Amplifier is a DIY clone of the Boss FA-1.

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