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Average Price: $110
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$50
$176+
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Description
Step into the sonic realm where vintage charm meets modern versatility with the Catalinbread Formula No. 5. This overdrive pedal is inspired by the raw, powerful sounds of classic '50s tweed amplifiers, delivering a warm, gritty overdrive that guitarists crave. Whether you're looking to add some vintage flavor to your tone or seeking an ideal boost to complement your existing setup, the Formula No. 5 serves as a dynamic tool in your musical arsenal.
With intuitive controls for volume, tone, and gain, this pedal offers a wide palette of tonal possibilities, from subtle warmth to full-bodied crunch. Its compact design ensures it fits comfortably on any pedalboard without compromising on performance. Plug in, and you'll find the Formula No. 5 not only shines as a standalone unit but also brings out the best in your amp or fuzz pedal, making it a versatile addition for any guitarist.
Designed with the gigging musician in mind, the Catalinbread Formula No. 5 is as reliable as it is inspiring. Its robust construction promises durability, while the precise controls offer the flexibility to dial in your preferred sound, no matter the genre. Whether you're jamming in your bedroom or playing live, this pedal is your ticket to timeless tone.
Key Features:
- Inspired by classic '50s tweed amplifier sounds
- Controls for volume, tone, and gain
- Provides warm, gritty overdrive
- Suitable as a standalone overdrive or a boost
- Compact, pedalboard-friendly design
- Durable construction for reliable performance
Product specs
| Brand | Catalinbread |
| Model | Formula 5 |
| Finish | White |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Overdrive and Boost Pedals |
FAQs
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What type of overdrive sound does the Catalinbread Formula No. 5 emulate?
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The Catalinbread Formula No. 5 is designed to emulate the classic tweed amplifier sound, known for its rich, dynamic, and responsive overdrive tones reminiscent of vintage American amplifiers.
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Is the Catalinbread Formula No. 5 suitable for use with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?
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Yes, the Catalinbread Formula No. 5 works well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering a versatile overdrive that complements the tonal characteristics of each pickup type.
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Does the Catalinbread Formula No. 5 require a specific power supply?
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The Catalinbread Formula No. 5 requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for most guitar pedals, and it can also run on a 9V battery for convenience.
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Can the Catalinbread Formula No. 5 be used as a boost pedal?
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Yes, the Catalinbread Formula No. 5 can function as a boost pedal, providing a clean volume increase that enhances your amp's natural tone without adding significant coloration.
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How does the Catalinbread Formula No. 5 handle dynamic playing?
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The Catalinbread Formula No. 5 responds well to dynamic playing, allowing you to control the overdrive intensity with your picking attack and guitar's volume knob, much like a vintage tube amp.
Videos
Catalinbread Effects
Catalinbread Formula No. 5 - Cinnamon Girl
Reviews
PROS
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Emulates vintage Fender tweed amp sound closely, especially for small room players
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Versatile gain control, from clean to crunchy with guitar volume adjustments
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Retains articulation in distortion, allowing clear string definition
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Faux tube technology offers authentic amp-like response
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Complements other preamp pedals well when stacked
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Interactive volume and gain knobs mimic real low-wattage tweed amps
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Supports 9-18 volts, providing varied tonal possibilities
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Easy-to-use controls for quick dialing of gain, volume, and tone
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Affordable way to achieve classic Fender tones
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Durable build quality with a strong design philosophy
CONS
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Lacks treble compared to original tweed amps
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Can be tricky to dial in without a manual
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Catalinbread Formula No. 5.
Comparisons
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Owners find the Wampler Tweed '57 thinner compared to the Catalinbread Formula No. 5, which offers a more meaty, complex sound.
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The Formula No. 5 is often preferred over the Lovepedal Les Lius for its fuller sound.
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The Lovepedal HPTT lacks adaptability with a limited gain sweep, making it less suitable for low gain, edge-of-breakup tones compared to the Catalinbread Formula No. 5.
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The Red Llama is another pedal suggested for achieving tweed-like tones, offering an alternative to the Catalinbread Formula No. 5 for those seeking similar sound characteristics.
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Owners of both the original Formula No. 5 and the Formula 55 find the former more complex and amp-like, particularly for high-gain settings.
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The Durham Electronics Crazy Horse is noted as an alternative for achieving Neil Young tones, with some preferring it for high-gain Deluxe sounds over the Formula 55.
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Use cases and applications
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The pedal excels in achieving a Neil Young "Cinnamon Girl" tone, making it a compelling choice for those seeking classic rock sounds.
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Works exceptionally well with a Mesa Boogie amp, particularly after an Arc V2 Klon clone, enhancing tonal richness.
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The Catalinbread Formula No. 5 is recommended for achieving Julian Lage's low-gain tweed champ-style breakup, especially when paired with a Telecaster and a Blues Junior amp.
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User experience
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The original v1, known for its distinctive apothecary-style graphics, remains a cherished, hard-to-find version among enthusiasts.
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A user found the Formula 55 underwhelming, describing it as having less gain and narrower tone controls compared to other options like the Lovepedal HPTT.
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One user reported having to replace their first Formula No. 5 due to a persistent hum issue, with the replacement functioning perfectly thereafter.
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Features and functionality
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The Formula No. 5 is praised for its ability to nail early ZZ Top and Neil Young tones, offering a sound that's less versatile but more authentic.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
49
'59 Tweed Fender Deluxe in a Box
Want to sound like Neil Young or early Keith Richards? This pedal gives you that great tone, a Fender Tweed that breaks up early and will give you that great tone at a low volume. First thing I did after plugging it in was play Cinnamon Girl then just smiled.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the various pictures, an older model Catalinbread Formula No. 5 can be seen. The description states "Dallas Green of City and Colour has been playing music professionally for over 10 years. After years of guitar rig inconsistencies and dramas, Dallas decided it was time to get a proper system built by a pro." In the "After" photo of the Dallas' new rig, the Catalinbread Formula No. 5 can be found on the top row, four from the left.
Seen, in a different design, on Carlson's pedal board in this photo.
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 Catalinbread Formula No. 5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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