Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (6)
$144.49 $138.00 $6.49 · All time low
Guitar Center
$179.99 $144.49 $35.50 · All time low
Amazon
3.7 (27)
$138.50 $138.00 $0.50 · All time low New
$123.00 Used (Like New)
Reverb
4.0 (23)
$138.00 New
$70.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$169.99

Average Price: $145

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Catalinbread Galileo MKII". 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

Dive into the sonic realm of a rock legend with the Catalinbread Galileo MKII, a pedal that encapsulates the essence of Brian May's iconic tone. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this overdrive pedal crafts the harmonically rich, throaty mid-range and jangly crunch that defined the Queen guitarist's sound. Whether you're aiming to nail May's soaring leads or seeking that aggressive yet melodious rhythm tone, the Galileo MKII offers a versatile range of sounds that respond dynamically to your playing style and volume adjustments.

Crafted for players who seek to explore the nuances of their instrument, the Galileo MKII encourages you to manipulate your guitar's volume knobs and pickup settings, unlocking a spectrum of tones from clean, chimey jangles to searing, aggressive leads. This pedal isn't just about emulating a rock icon; it's about injecting your music with an inspired, complex tonal character that stands out in any mix.

With its user-friendly interface comprising Gain, Tone, and Volume controls, the Galileo MKII makes it easy to dial in your desired sound, from subtle enhancements to full-blown overdriven glory. Encased in a rugged all-metal chassis, this pedal is built to withstand the rigors of the road and the intensity of creative expression. Whether you're practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing live, the Catalinbread Galileo MKII brings a piece of rock history into your gear collection, inviting you to push the boundaries of your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Custom-tuned Rangemaster booster combined with the pre-amp section of a Vox AC30
  • Achieves the signature throaty mid-range and jangly crunch of Brian May
  • Dynamic response to guitar volume and pickup settings for versatile tone shaping
  • Gain, Tone, and Volume controls for precise sound customization
  • Rugged all-metal chassis and high-quality footswitch for durability
  • Made in the USA, ensuring top-notch quality and reliability

Product specs

Brand Catalinbread
Model Galileo MKII
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Catalinbread Galileo MKII?

The Catalinbread Galileo MKII is designed to emulate the iconic sound of a cranked-up Vox AC30 with a treble booster, offering rich, harmonically complex overdrive tones ideal for classic rock and British Invasion styles.

Is the Catalinbread Galileo MKII suitable for use with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Galileo MKII works well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a versatile overdrive that complements a wide range of guitar types and pickup configurations.

Does the Catalinbread Galileo MKII require a specific power supply?

The Catalinbread Galileo MKII requires a standard 9V DC power supply, with a center-negative plug, commonly used for most guitar pedals.

Can the Catalinbread Galileo MKII be used as a clean boost?

While primarily designed for overdrive, the Galileo MKII can be dialed back to function as a clean boost, enhancing your signal without significant coloration.

How does the Catalinbread Galileo MKII differ from other overdrive pedals?

The Galileo MKII uniquely captures the sound of a Vox AC30 paired with a treble booster, providing a distinct, vintage-inspired tone that sets it apart from other overdrive pedals focused on different amp emulations.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Galileo MKII

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Galileo MKII by ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Galileo MKII

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Galileo by ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Galileo

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Galileo MKII & Sabbra Cadabra Overview by ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Galileo MKII & Sabbra Cadabra Overview

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Galileo & British-Voiced Amps by ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Galileo & British-Voiced Amps

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Galileo by ProGuitarShopDemos

Catalinbread Galileo

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Galileo by Catalinbread covers Stone Cold Crazy! by Catalinbread Effects

Galileo by Catalinbread covers Stone Cold Crazy!

Catalinbread Effects

Catalinbread Effects

Video thumbnail for Galileo: A Closer Look by Catalinbread Part 1 by Catalinbread Effects

Galileo: A Closer Look by Catalinbread Part 1

Catalinbread Effects

Catalinbread Effects

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Galileo Demo by Beau Monde Guitars

Catalinbread Galileo Demo

Beau Monde Guitars

Beau Monde Guitars

Video thumbnail for 10 Queen Riffs | Catalinbread Galileo Pedal Demo by Let's Play All

10 Queen Riffs | Catalinbread Galileo Pedal Demo

Let's Play All

Let's Play All

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread GALILEO - Treble Boost Overdrive Pedal by Rich Bischoff

Catalinbread GALILEO - Treble Boost Overdrive Pedal

Rich Bischoff

Rich Bischoff

Video thumbnail for Catalinbread Galileo MKII by musictoyznetwork

Catalinbread Galileo MKII

musictoyznetwork

musictoyznetwork

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile overdrive tones, capable of simulating AC-30 and Rangemaster sounds

  • Can achieve near-Brian May/Queen sound, especially with single coils

  • Adds significant saturation, girth, and harmonics when used with an 18v power supply

  • Effective in emulating an AC30's tube preamp and treble booster in a compact form

  • Harmonic richness distinct from other pedals, with a split between distortion and transparent overdrive

  • Usable tone knob, adaptable to the brightness of an amp

CONS

  • Generates noticeable noise, especially at similar levels to other pedals

  • Sound can be excessively treble-heavy, particularly with 9v power

  • Overdrive is always on, limiting clean sound options

  • Not a true boost pedal; goes from high to higher gain

  • May not precisely replicate Brian May's sound without specific setup

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Owners report the Galileo MKII as being excessively bright and gain-heavy, requiring significant EQ adjustments for usability.

    Source
  • Owners report excessive noise and feedback when used with a Marshall JCM800, especially without an effects loop.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When paired with specific setups, like a Strat or Les Paul, the pedal can mimic tones of Ritchie Blackmore, Rory Gallagher, and Tony Iommi.

    Source
  • When used for lead boosts on a dirty channel, users report achieving a smooth tone after careful gain adjustments.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Switching the power from 18v to 9v and using the High Normal Channel of an AC30 can significantly improve the pedal’s sound quality and reduce harshness.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer the Menatone Top Boost in a Can over the Galileo MKII due to its more manageable brightness and gain levels.

    Source
  • Users note the Galileo MKII doesn't replicate Brian May's tone as well as expected, leading to disappointment.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Galileo MKII excels at replicating treble-boosted AC30 sounds but demands adjustment to avoid initial harshness and excessive bass frequencies.

    Source
  • The Galileo MKII's gain control only affects the Rangemaster circuit, while the AC30 section remains maxed, limiting tone flexibility.

    Source

Other

  • One user successfully used the Galileo with a Telecaster equipped with Duncan Quarter Pounders, but still noted brightness issues.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
roy_muscutt

Underated pedal. Not just for Queen fans!

Much underrated drive pedal. I find it works great with chords and with solos. I played mostly punk and new wave with this and it really worked for me. Pretty much Brian May sound in a stomp box. I own a 70s AC30, and yes this is very close in tone to that. I also own the Mk1 version of this pedal with the extra top boost on / off switch. I much prefer the Mk2 always on boost. It is a better fit to most pedal boards, stacks well with other drives and fuzzes. Quite easy to get a good sound without reading manuals etc.

R

Almost the Brian May sound, but not in combination with a Vox.

Use this pedal in combination with, for example, a Fender Twin Reverb. It is better not to use it with a Vox amplifier. The sound is not exactly the Brian May sound, but it does come close. You can further adjust the sound with the buttons.

jimmarchi1

I have been tempted a few time to purchase one of these and put it into my '62 ac30 as a joke.... but then I come to my senses and realize no one else would notice.

jos_de_vries

Almost the Brian May sound, but not in combination with a Vox.

Use this pedal in combination with, for example, a Fender Twin Reverb. It is better not to use it with a Vox amplifier. The sound is not exactly the Brian May sound, but it does come close. You can further adjust the sound with the buttons.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brian May uses Catalinbread Galileo MKII

Brian May

Singer, Guitarist

Queen

...
Verified via Photo

In his interview with Guitar World, Brian May says on page 42 in the August 2024 issue:

I’ve tried modelers, and there are some very good ones now. There’s a great simulator; it’s a pedal (Catalinbread Galileo) that really does a very good job of simulating my sound.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

3 alternative and related items for Catalinbread Galileo MKII, curated by the Equipboard community.

Catalinbread Galileo 4K Treble Boost Overdrive Pedal

$152.99 - $179.99

newer similar sound mod

New for 2025, the Galileo 4K adds a two band EQ to the MKII Galileo format, for more tone sculpting capabilities.

More Catalinbread Overdrive Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides