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Average Price: $3,447

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$100

$501+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Dallas Rangemaster, a legendary effects processor, has been a staple in the world of music since its inception. Renowned for its ability to enhance the upper frequencies, this classic treble booster is a must-have for guitarists seeking to cut through dense mixes with ease. The Rangemaster's OC44 Germanium transistor is at the heart of its unique sound, providing a warm and creamy boost that has been cherished by rock and blues musicians alike.

Designed to deliver a clear and articulate sound, the Rangemaster excels in refining the tonal quality of your instrument, offering a brighter and more defined output. Whether you’re pushing the front end of your tube amp or crafting a signature tone in the studio, this effects processor ensures your sound remains dynamic and expressive. Its straightforward single-knob operation makes it incredibly user-friendly, allowing musicians to focus on their performance rather than complex settings.

A perfect blend of simplicity and effectiveness, the Dallas Rangemaster continues to inspire artists with its timeless sound and reliable performance. If you're looking to inject character and presence into your music, this iconic signal processor stands out as an essential tool for any serious musician.

Key Features:

  • Classic treble booster known for enhancing upper frequencies
  • OC44 Germanium transistor for warm, creamy sound
  • Simple single-knob operation for ease of use
  • Ideal for cutting through mixes and refining tonal quality
  • Perfect for both live performances and studio recordings

Product specs

Brand Dallas
Model Rangemaster Treble Booster
Finish Gray
Year 1960s
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster?

The Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster is designed to enhance the high-end frequencies of a guitar signal and increase its strength before it reaches the amplifier, resulting in a brighter and more cutting tone.

Is the Dallas Rangemaster suitable for all types of amplifiers?

The Dallas Rangemaster works best with tube amplifiers, as it was originally designed to complement their tonal characteristics, especially in boosting upper midrange frequencies.

What type of transistor does the Dallas Rangemaster use?

The Dallas Rangemaster originally used an OC44 germanium transistor, which is known for its warm and musical boost, contributing to its distinctive vintage sound.

Can the Dallas Rangemaster be used with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Dallas Rangemaster can be used with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a treble boost that enhances clarity and articulation in both types of pickups.

How does the Dallas Rangemaster affect the overall tone of a guitar?

The Dallas Rangemaster adds brightness and punch to the guitar's tone, making it more prominent in a mix, especially useful for cutting through dense band arrangements.

Is the Dallas Rangemaster suitable for modern music genres?

While the Dallas Rangemaster is rooted in vintage tones, it can be effectively used in modern genres to add a classic edge and clarity, particularly in rock and blues settings.

British Pedal Company

British Pedal Company

British Pedal Company Vintage Series Dallas Rangemaster

Video thumbnail for British Pedal Company Vintage Series Dallas Rangemaster by British Pedal Company

British Pedal Company Vintage Series Dallas Rangemaster

British Pedal Company

British Pedal Company

Video thumbnail for 1960s Dallas Rangemaster | CME Vintage Demo | Alex Chadwick by Chicago Music Exchange

1960s Dallas Rangemaster | CME Vintage Demo | Alex Chadwick

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for VOX AC30  `63  JMI with a `66 Dallas Rangemaster Treblebooster by MrAJCrash

VOX AC30 `63 JMI with a `66 Dallas Rangemaster Treblebooster

MrAJCrash

MrAJCrash

Video thumbnail for JMI Dallas Rangemaster by Alex T

JMI Dallas Rangemaster

Alex T

Alex T

Video thumbnail for Simple 4000 Bucks GUITAR PEDAL that’s actually worth it!! 1966 Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster by Johan Segeborn

Simple 4000 Bucks GUITAR PEDAL that’s actually worth it!! 1966 Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson Firebird 3 1968 Marshall Bluesbreaker 1966 Dallas Rangemaster Demo by The Amateur Guitar Guy……with an IPhone

1964 Gibson Firebird 3 1968 Marshall Bluesbreaker 1966 Dallas Rangemaster Demo

The Amateur Guitar Guy……with an IPhone

The Amateur Guitar Guy……with an IPhone

Reviews

PROS

  • Enhances crunch while maintaining low noise

  • Offers nice high mids, improving tonal quality

  • Adds sustain and harmonic feedback

  • Versatile, suitable for genres from metal to blues

  • Cleans up nicely for varied playing dynamics

  • Boosts gain without making highs shrill

  • Works well with different guitar and amp setups

CONS

  • Initial setup may be confusing or unsatisfactory

  • Can be overlooked due to an abundance of gear options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster.

Features and functionality

  • The Dallas Rangemaster uses a single germanium transistor to amplify signal, primarily boosting mids and highs for enhanced brightness in dark amps.

    Source
  • Kits like those from AionFX include all necessary components, including a pre-drilled enclosure, making them more suitable for novices.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Optimal use involves running the Rangemaster into a cranked tube amp, particularly effective with dark sounding amps or bass-heavy humbucker-equipped guitars.

    Source
  • Rolling down the guitar's volume can clean up the tone, making it versatile for transitioning between clean and distorted sounds.

    Source
  • The Greer Moonshot is favored for smashing the front end of overdrives, particularly effective in full band settings.

    Source
  • The MXR Micro Amp+ is suggested for a dynamic treble boost-like effect, offering versatility beyond traditional treble boosters.

    Source
  • The Dallas Rangemaster circuit is simple, making it a popular choice for a first DIY pedal project despite its complexity for complete beginners.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that without careful setup with the right guitars and amp settings, the Rangemaster can sound unpleasant, indicating a steep learning curve for users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Catalinbread Sabbra Cadabra is highlighted as a combination of preamp and Rangemaster, ideal for replicating Black Sabbath tones.

    Source
  • The Greer Moonshot is noted for its EQ knob, allowing adjustment from classic treble boost to a more mid-focused sound, enhancing versatility.

    Source
  • The Carl Martin PlexiRanger offers a dual function with a Plexi drive and Rangemaster emulation, providing additional flexibility.

    Source
  • The Electro-Harmonix Screaming Bird, while affordable, differs significantly in circuit and effect from the Dallas Rangemaster.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Searching for "Rangemaster Clone" on Reverb can yield hand-built alternatives at varied price points, expanding customization options.

    Source
  • Beginners are advised to use silicon transistors like BC108/BC109 to simplify the build and avoid issues associated with germanium transistors.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Building a Dallas Rangemaster is challenging for beginners due to positive ground issues and sourcing vintage OC44 germanium transistors, which suffer from leakage and heat sensitivity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • For budget-conscious buyers, building a pedal from a kit can be more expensive than purchasing a pre-made alternative, especially when factoring in startup costs for tools.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Dallas Rangemaster | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Dallas Rangemaster is a legendary piece of gear, praised for its simplicity and ability to transform guitar tones into something iconic. Its bare-bones design, featuring a single germanium transistor, delivers a luscious distortion that famous guitarists like Eric Clapton and Brian May have wielded to great effect. While it's not a floor pedal and lacks a convenient footswitch, its sonic capabilities make it a sought-after relic. Despite its obsolescence in the modern era, the Rangemaster's unique treble boost continues to captivate musicians seeking vintage tones, driving up prices and inspiring replica versions.

positive

Classic gear: Dallas Rangemaster - the secret sauce behind Rory Gallagher, Tony Iommi and Marc Bolan's signature tones | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Dallas Rangemaster is celebrated for its role in crafting iconic tones for legends like Rory Gallagher and Tony Iommi. As a treble booster, it addresses the 'dark-sounding' nature of British amps and enhances the guitar's mid-range punch. Its germanium transistor provides a smooth, gritty texture that interacts uniquely with an amp's front-end. However, its original models can be inconsistent due to varying transistor values. Despite this, its historical significance and distinctive sound make it a valuable asset for guitarists seeking vintage tones.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
thelynchist

Loud and Perfect

This device turns your gain stage into a beast. I'm using it with a preamp.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Full up

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of Kevin in his studio, around 2008-2010, what could probably be a Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster can be seen on top of his set of rack effects.

See how Brian May uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Brian May

Singer, Guitarist

Queen

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Video (link above), at about 2:50, Brian can be heard telling about how he met Rory Gallagher, who told him to take a Vox AC30 and a RANGE MASTER Boost and turn it all the way up. https://guitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Brian-May-Vox-cover-3.jpg On this photo of Mays Rig you can see the Booster standing on the top of his AC30. He used it on the Queen I and II albums (maybe on later ones too) and on early tours. Later he used Greg Fryer Custum Made Treble Boosters.

See how Tony Iommi uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Tony Iommi

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In this article with Music Radar Tony says, "When I lived in Cumberland, when we did the Mythology thing [Iommi's earlier band], there was a guy up there and I used to use his treble booster called a Dallas Rangemaster to give my sound a bit more 'oomph'."

See how Billy Gibbons uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Billy Gibbons

Guitarist

ZZ Top

...
Verified via YouTube

One is on prominent display throughout Gibbons' segments in Fuzz: The Sound That Revolutionized the World, starting at 3:41. It is also mentioned by Mike Piera of Analog Man on the official Beano Boost product page, noting that Gibbons expressed preference of the Beano over the original.

Billy F Gibbons seems to hold his Dallas Rangemaster in high regards, one of his Holy Grails. In 2008 he called to tell me that his new Beano Boost was even a little better, and maybe the old box was best for a museum. We should hear his new Beano Boost on the album they are working on in 2008, Mr. BFG is always at the cutting edge, with the best tones, while revisiting vintage gear and making it fresh again.

See how Rory Gallagher uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Rory Gallagher

Singer, Guitarist

Taste

...
Verified via Photo

According to this Music Radar article "The Dallas Rangemaster was the other key component of Rory’s simple setup and added bite to the tone from his AC30."

See how George Lynch uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

George Lynch

Guitarist

Dokken

...
Verified via The Gear Page

Used on Breaking the Chains, as stated by Lynch in an unsourced interview transcribed in this October 19, 2018 The Gear Page post. Mike Piera of Analog Man quotes the same interview on the official Beano Boost product page.

I love Warren's tone. Warren was a big fan of Dokken's first record. We always talk about this. The European version of the first record which is out of print, has the sound. When I played on that record, all it was was an old Marshall head, an old Super 100 Marshall cabinet with a cane front, and a Rangemaster Treble Booster which Ritchie Blackmore uses. They don't make it anymore. I also had my old grey tube Echoplex that I used basically as a preamp. (...) The American version is not as good. They remixed it and added some bits. After doing six records, that was the best tone I ever had, and I would love to go back and get that tone.

See how Glenn Tipton uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Glenn Tipton

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Judas Priest

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

Mentioned in this August 5, 2014 Guitar.com interview.

Guitar.com: When you started playing guitar, what was your favorite?

Tipton: My very first guitar was a Rickenbacker short scale neck. It was lovely to play, but it sounded awful. And so I shopped that in for a Strat. My big hero at the time was Rory Gallagher, and I got a Strat, a Dallas Rangemaster treble boost, and a Vox AC-30. And I used that for quite awhile. And then I got an SG and I used that, so I had the Strat and the SG. And I used those for a long time, until I got involved with Hamer, and had some custom guitars made by Hamer. And I still use the Gibson as well, quite a lot. The necks on my Hamer guitars are caliper measured from an SG neck. I love the neck on an SG.e did a pretty good job of it.

See how Marc Bolan uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Marc Bolan

Singer, Guitarist

T. Rex

...
Verified via Photo

The large enclosure on the left, in this photo of Marc Bolan, is a Rangemaster treble boost.

See how Ratatat uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Ratatat

Music Producer

Ratatat

...
Verified via Guitaraficionado

"I even got a Brian May Red Special guitar and a Rangemaster treble booster" - Mike Stroud

See how Wolf Hoffmann uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Wolf Hoffmann

Guitarist

Accept

...
Verified via Wolfhoffmann

Wolf Hoffmann uses a Dallas Rangemaster, as detailed in the "Behind the Scenes" section on his official website.

See how Dave Gregory uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Dave Gregory

Guitarist

XTC

...
Verified via YouTube

Wanting to sound like Rory Gallagher, a 17-year old Dave Gregory purchased a Dallas Rangemaster for ten pounds. On the treble booster, Gregory says "As rubbish as I was, I sounded just like Rory... I couldn't play like him, but it didn't matter: I sounded like him." He later had it wired into his Ram's Head Big Muff (01:28:41).

See how Warren Defever uses Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

Warren Defever

Guitarist, Keyboardist

His Name Is Alive

...
Verified via Photo

In preparation for a tour, Warren Defever, known for his work with His Name Is Alive, showcases his gear setup on Instagram. The post includes a reference to a Dallas Rangemaster, indicating its role in his effects chain alongside other notable brands like Electro-Harmonix and Strymon.

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 Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
miroslav_matuska

miroslav_matuska

Gear IQ 171

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similar sound cheaper alternative

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similar sound cheaper alternative mod

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BBE Bohemian Treble Boost Pedal

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

An affordable Treble Booster, based on the Rangemaster circuit with an external bias knob.

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similar sound cheaper alternative mod

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EarthQuaker Devices Bows

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Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

The Bows is Jamie Stillman's take on the Rangemaster circuit, constructed around a NOS OC139 'Black Glass' transistor.

GMR BC Dallas Treble Booster

 

similar sound cheaper alternative mod

A handwired Rangemaster clone, featuring a vintage accurate OC44 transistor and an added two mode switch.

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