Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (13)
$189.99 $189.79 $0.20
Amazon
4.1 (11)
$189.79
Reverb
5.0 (28)
$161.49 New
$99.00 Used

Average Price: $170

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Catalinbread Formula No. 55". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the legendary tones of a classic Fender tweed 5E3 Deluxe with the Catalinbread Formula No. 55 Overdrive Pedal. Designed for guitarists who crave the rich, nuanced sound of vintage tube amps without the bulk, this pedal brings the iconic all-discrete JFET-based signal path to your pedalboard. From the warmth of jazzy woodiness to the assertive bite of a barking overdrive, the Formula No. 55 offers a dynamic range that is as versatile as it is expressive.

Whether you’re chasing the authentic vintage tweed sound or seeking a more modern, gain-rich tone, the Formula No. 55 delivers. Its intuitive controls emulate the original tweed amp circuitry, with a front-and-center Hi/Lo switch allowing you to toggle between classic, cleaner tones and the thrilling drive of higher-gain tubes. The pedal’s low output impedance ensures that your amp receives a powerful, punchy signal, maintaining clarity and detail across your performance.

Perfect for studio sessions or live gigs, this pedal is more than just a sound-shaping tool—it's a gateway to a world of tonal possibilities. Crafted with an all-metal chassis and distinctive graphics, the Formula No. 55 is built to endure the rigors of the road while looking sharp on any stage. Elevate your sound with Catalinbread's commitment to innovation and quality, and transform your amp into a wide-ranging tweed monster.

Key Features:

  • Emulates the preamp section of the classic Fender tweed 5E3 Deluxe
  • All-discrete JFET-based signal path for authentic vintage response
  • Hi/Lo switch for varied tonal options
  • Presence, Tone, Master, and Volume controls for precise sound shaping
  • Operates with a 9V battery or 9V-18V DC power supply (not included)
  • Durable all-metal chassis with unique tube graphics
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

Pedal Type Overdrive
Analog/Digital Analog
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
True Bypass Yes
Power Source 9-18V DC power supply (sold separately)
Batteries 1 x 9V
Power Usage 5mA
Height 1.87"
Width 2.37"
Depth 4.37"
Weight 0.48 lbs.

FAQs

What type of overdrive tone does the Catalinbread Formula No. 55 provide?

The Catalinbread Formula No. 55 delivers a classic Fender™ tweed 5E3 Deluxe-style overdrive tone, known for its warm, dynamic, and responsive sound, ideal for blues and classic rock genres.

Is the Catalinbread Formula No. 55 pedal suitable for use with both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Catalinbread Formula No. 55 can be used with both guitar and bass, providing a vintage overdrive tone that complements both instruments.

Does the Catalinbread Formula No. 55 require a specific power supply?

The Catalinbread Formula No. 55 requires a 9-18V DC power supply, which is sold separately, and it can also run on a 9V battery.

Does the Catalinbread Formula No. 55 have true bypass switching?

Yes, the Catalinbread Formula No. 55 features true bypass switching, ensuring that your signal remains uncolored when the pedal is not in use.

How does the Catalinbread Formula No. 55 differ from other overdrive pedals?

The Catalinbread Formula No. 55 uniquely emulates the preamp section of the Fender™ tweed 5E3 Deluxe, offering authentic vintage tweed amp characteristics in a compact pedal format.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Formula No. 55 Overdrive

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Formula No. 55 Overdrive by ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Formula No. 55 Overdrive

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for New Formula No. 55 Introduction Part 1/3 by Catalinbread Effects

New Formula No. 55 Introduction Part 1/3

Catalinbread Effects

Catalinbread Effects

Video thumbnail for Formula No. 55 Controls Overview Part 2/3 by Catalinbread Effects

Formula No. 55 Controls Overview Part 2/3

Catalinbread Effects

Catalinbread Effects

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Formula No. 55 (Fender Tweed Deluxe Sounds) by Catalinbread Effects

Catalinbread Formula No. 55 (Fender Tweed Deluxe Sounds)

Catalinbread Effects

Catalinbread Effects

Video thumbnail for Formula No.55: Backing Band and Hi Gain Modes Part 3/3 by Catalinbread Effects

Formula No.55: Backing Band and Hi Gain Modes Part 3/3

Catalinbread Effects

Catalinbread Effects

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread - Formula 55 -  Demo & Review by Verdilac Sound

Catalinbread - Formula 55 - Demo & Review

Verdilac Sound

Verdilac Sound

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Formula No. 55 - Tanner's Two-Minute Tryouts by Tanner Cundy

Catalinbread Formula No. 55 - Tanner's Two-Minute Tryouts

Tanner Cundy

Tanner Cundy

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Formula No. 55 pedal demo. by Austin Guitar House

Catalinbread Formula No. 55 pedal demo.

Austin Guitar House

Austin Guitar House

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Formula No. 55 & Duesenberg Dragster by Sam Vilo

Catalinbread Formula No. 55 & Duesenberg Dragster

Sam Vilo

Sam Vilo

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Effects Formula No. 55 - Tweed Deluxe-style Overdrive pedal en español by Uncommon Guitar Shop

Catalinbread Effects Formula No. 55 - Tweed Deluxe-style Overdrive pedal en español

Uncommon Guitar Shop

Uncommon Guitar Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Emulates grit and grind of vintage amps at reasonable volumes

  • Offers muscular, musical depth with sweet sound quality

  • Highly responsive with a wide range of overdrive tones

  • Transparent clean to perforated-speaker honk achievable

  • Presence and Tone controls allow for nuanced sound shaping

  • Hi-Lo switch provides two distinct drive types

  • Guitar volume knob effectively controls drive level

  • Impressive build quality and tone variety in a small enclosure

  • Apt for both live boost/always-on use and studio versatility

  • Exceptional value for under $150

CONS

  • Presence knob may require experimentation for optimal use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Catalinbread Formula No. 55.

Features and functionality

  • The Catalinbread Formula No. 55 responds well to volume knob adjustments, allowing a diverse range of tones from clean to heavily distorted.

    Source
  • The pedal can effectively emulate live Jimmy Page tones, making it not just a Neil Young-centric device.

    Source
  • The pedal is versatile enough to be used as a foundation pedal at the end of the signal chain, suggesting its adaptability in various setups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Running the pedal at 12v or 18v improves headroom and overall sound quality, offering a more open tone compared to standard 9v operation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for achieving Neil Young's "exploding amp" sound, particularly effective in the lo mode for classic tweed tones.

    Source
  • The pedal can transform a blackface Deluxe into a tweed Deluxe, appealing for players seeking that specific drive sound.

    Source
  • When used as a main dirt pedal with the volume cranked, it completes a setup with cleanish boosts and offers a strong, gritty tone.

    Source
  • Ideal for pairing with Supro 1606 and Strymon Flint for a unique sound setup.

    Source
  • Effective when paired with a cab sim for direct recording, showcasing versatility beyond traditional amp setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Benson preamp and EAE Halberd are noted for similar saggy, tweed-like characteristics, though with less gain compared to the Formula No. 55.

    Source
  • Owners who enjoy the Formula No. 55 also find success with Wampler Plexi Drive, BD2, and EP Booster, suggesting similar sonic preferences.

    Source
  • The Formula No. 55 is preferred over the JHS Twin Twelve for its ability to clean up while retaining drive characteristics.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the hi mode excessively gainy, preferring the lo mode for its saggy, loose feel and better handling of high gain settings.

    Source
  • Users find the pedal nails high frequencies without the harshness often associated with other overdrives, avoiding the "box of bees" effect.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate Catalinbread's ability to accurately emulate classic amps, enhancing their reputation as a go-to brand for "amp in a box" solutions.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Consider combining with a Topanga Spring Reverb for enhanced Surf Rock and Jangle pop tones.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Brendan Ekstrom uses Catalinbread Formula No. 55

Brendan Ekstrom

Guitarist

Circa Survive

...
Verified via Photo

"@catalinbread taking over the board." - Brendan Ekstrom on Instagram

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Catalinbread Formula No. 55, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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neale_scott

neale_scott

Gear IQ 569

M

mitchweber5

Gear IQ 80

1 alternative for Catalinbread Formula No. 55, curated by the Equipboard community.

Fender 'Narrow Panel Tweed' Deluxe 5E3 (1955-1960)

$2,729.99 - $4,221.02

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