Catalinbread Formula 5F6

$162.99 to $179.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (3)

2 Critic Reviews

Find out who is using Catalinbread 5f6

1 community setup

1 wishlisted

11 saved

Page last updated Jun 08, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 8, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (12)

$179.99

View Deal

3.9 (14)

$179.99

View Deal

5.0 (40)

$162.99 17 available New

$84.00 29 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $152

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Overdrive Effects Pedals category, Catalinbread Formula 5F6 is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Catalinbread Formula 5F6". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Dive into the rich tapestry of vintage sound with the Catalinbread 5f6, your compact gateway to the legendary tones of the tweed Bassman amp. Whether you're chasing the crystalline sparkle of a gently driven tone or hunger for the all-consuming roar of a cranked amp, this pedal navigates the spectrum with grace. Perfectly suited for a Fender's natural charm or pushing a Gibson into early, aggressive overdrive, the 5f6 is a testament to Catalinbread's mastery of tone. Why chase vintage when you can carry it on your pedalboard?

Key Features:

Tweed Bassman tone in a compact pedal
Versatile gain range from sparkling clean to heavy crunch
Ideal for both Fender and Gibson guitars
Provides early and aggressive overdrive

Product specs

Pedal Type	Overdrive Preamp
Analog/Digital	Analog
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
True Bypass	Yes
Bypass Switching	True Bypass
Features	Internal presence trimpot, internal bass/lead mode switch
Power Source	9-18V DC power supply (sold separately)
Power Usage	5mA
Height	1.96"
Width	2.36"
Depth	4.33"
Weight	0.40 lbs.

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Catalinbread Formula 5F6 Overdrive Pedal?: The Catalinbread Formula 5F6 delivers classic Tweed Bassman-style overdrive tones, known for their warm, rich, and dynamic characteristics. It's ideal for achieving vintage blues and rock sounds.
Is the Catalinbread Formula 5F6 suitable for use with both guitar and bass?: Yes, the Formula 5F6 is versatile and can be used with both guitar and bass, offering a full-bodied overdrive that complements the tonal qualities of both instruments.
How does the internal bass/lead mode switch affect the sound of the Formula 5F6?: The internal bass/lead mode switch allows you to tailor the pedal's response, providing either a fuller bass presence or a more pronounced lead tone, enhancing its versatility for different playing styles.
Can the Catalinbread Formula 5F6 be powered by a battery?: No, the Catalinbread Formula 5F6 requires a 9-18V DC power supply and does not support battery operation.
Does the Catalinbread Formula 5F6 work well with other pedals in a signal chain?: Yes, the Formula 5F6 features true bypass switching, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with other pedals without affecting your signal when disengaged.

Videos

Add video

ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Formula 5F6

ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Formula No. 55 Overdrive

ProGuitarShopDemos

Formula 5F6 by Catalinbread with a Telecaster

Catalinbread Effects

Formula 5F6 by Catalinbread with Strat blues!

Catalinbread Effects

Catalinbread Formula 5F6 tweed fender amp tones in a guitar pedal

gearmanndude

Formula 5F6 by Catalinbread: 8 guitars, 1 bass

Catalinbread Effects

Catalinbread Formula 5F6 Overdrive Pedal | N Stuff Music Product Review

N Stuff Music

Catalinbread Formula 5F6 Overdrive Demo

Beau Monde Guitars

Formula 5F6 by Catalinbread- A quick sweep through the knobs

Catalinbread Effects

Formula 5F6 by Catalinbread- with a Gretsch Broadkaster and Lollartrons

Catalinbread Effects

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Mimics the coveted Bassman tone closely, both clean and overdriven
Extremely versatile, from sparkling cleans to crunchy overdrives
Enhances Vox amps, known for being picky with pedals
Three-band EQ and internal presence offer extensive tone shaping
Can serve as an "always on" pedal due to its subtlety and tone enhancement
Compact, saving valuable pedalboard space
Unique "Secret Lead Mode" adds value
Works well with other pedals, both in front and behind in the chain
Provides a solution for recording at low volumes with high-quality tone
Internal presence trim pot allows for fine-tuning of high-end response

CONS

Secret Lead Mode requires internal access or modification for activation
Internal presence control is delicate and prone to damage if adjusted improperly

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Catalinbread Formula 5F6.

Comparisons

0 0

The Catalinbread Formula 5F6 is compared to the Catalinbread Formula 55, which is recommended for those seeking more of a Deluxe sound.
Source
0 0

The Formula 5F6 delivers a slightly scooped Fender sound, contrasting with the JHS Charlie Brown v3's Marshall upper-mid focus, providing a unique tonal option.
Source
0 0

Some users compare the Formula 5F6 to the Joyo American Sound for similar tweed tones, offering a budget-friendly alternative.
Source
0 0

The UA Woodrow is cited as a more organic-sounding alternative for those seeking authentic amp-like distortion, especially for Neil Young sounds.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

It's noted for its ability to deliver low and medium gain tones, particularly when paired with a clean Bassman or solid-state amps for a desirable crunch sound.
Source
0 0

Users have found it versatile enough to sound great on DI bass, expanding its utility beyond just guitar applications.
Source
0 0

The pedal excels in producing a gritty, "woody" overdrive, suitable for Americana, country, and classic rock styles, and responds dynamically to guitar volume adjustments.
Source
0 0

When cranked, the pedal can make an amp sound huge and borderline fuzzy, particularly in Lead mode, adding to its appeal for high-gain needs.
Source
0 0

The 5F6 has been praised for its performance with bass, expanding its functionality beyond typical guitar applications.
Source
0 0

The pedal's low-end capabilities make it a good match for Americana and classic rock styles, where a robust bass presence is desired.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners highlight its effectiveness in producing a "huge" sound when used with a Princeton amp, although achieving true Fender cleans may be challenging.
Source
0 0

Owners appreciate the extensive range of the TMB pots for precise tone sculpting, complemented by an internal presence pot for additional tonal adjustments.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The pedal is designed to emulate the Bassman sound, which is significant as it served as a foundation for Marshall amp development.
Source
0 0

The internal lead/bass switch offers versatility, allowing users to toggle between medium/high gain and clean/slightly overdriven modes with distinct tonal characteristics.
Source
0 0

The Formula 5F6 features a unique EQ section, notable for its substantial low-end capabilities, enhancing its versatility across different musical styles.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Running the pedal at 18V is suggested to potentially enhance headroom, although user experiences have varied regarding the impact.
Source

Critic Reviews

First Impressions: Catalinbread Formula 5F6 Drive Pedal – HomeToneBlog.com

hometoneblog.com

The Catalinbread Formula 5F6 Drive Pedal delivers that cranked amp feel at home volume levels, but only if you're wielding a Stratocaster. Strat players will relish its ability to reproduce the classic Fender Bassman amp tone, offering a big, fat sound with heavy compression. However, Les Paul enthusiasts may find their humbuckers too hot for this pedal, as it struggles with input headroom, leading to a disappointing performance. The pedal's suitability for single-coil pickups isn't well-communicated by Catalinbread, leaving some potential users in the dark. While it shines with the right setup, its limitations make it less versatile.

neutral

Full Review

Catalinbread Formula 5F6 review on pedal-of-the-day.com

pedal-of-the-day.com

The Catalinbread Formula 5F6 Overdrive impresses with its authentic tweed Bassman tone and dynamic response, praised for its clarity and versatility across various music styles. Its three-knob EQ offers a range of sonic textures, making it ideal for achieving classic rock tones. While initially puzzled by its drive, the reviewer finds it a powerhouse when the guitar's volume is cranked, delivering beautiful clean and driven sounds. The pedal excels in stacking with other effects and fits seamlessly into any pedalboard. Despite a minor setup tweak needed for optimum performance, this pedal is a standout for its traditional sound and adaptability.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star