Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $235

High-end/Boutique

$60

$151+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the latent power of your guitar with the EarthQuaker Devices Bows, a compact yet potent preamp/booster pedal that transforms your tone. Built around a rare germanium transistor, this gem delivers a rich harmonic overdrive teeming with personality. Whether you're aiming for a sound that's warm and fat or one that's bright and biting, the Bows has you covered with its simple gain knob and two-position voicing switch. Ideal for pushing your tube amp to its sonic brink without tipping over into excess, the Bows is your secret weapon for standout performances.

Key Features:

  • Built around a rare germanium transistor for unique harmonic overdrive
  • Simple yet effective single gain knob control
  • Two-position voicing switch: choose between warm and fat or bright and biting tones
  • Perfect for pushing tube amps to the edge without excessive distortion

Product specs

Brand EarthQuaker Devices
Model Bows Germanium Preamp
Finish Various
Year 2016 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of guitar tones can I achieve with the EarthQuaker Devices Bows?

The EarthQuaker Devices Bows is a germanium preamp pedal that delivers rich, dynamic boost and overdrive tones. It excels at adding warmth and clarity, making it ideal for enhancing both clean and overdriven sounds across various genres.

Does the EarthQuaker Devices Bows work well with both electric and bass guitars?

Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Bows is designed to work effectively with both electric and bass guitars, providing a versatile boost that enhances the tonal clarity and response of both instruments.

What power supply does the EarthQuaker Devices Bows require?

The EarthQuaker Devices Bows requires a standard 9V DC power supply. It is important to ensure the power supply is center-negative and capable of delivering at least 10mA of current for optimal performance.

How does the EarthQuaker Devices Bows differ from other boost pedals?

The EarthQuaker Devices Bows stands out due to its germanium transistors, which provide a unique, warm tonal character and natural compression, distinguishing it from other boost pedals that use silicon transistors.

Is the EarthQuaker Devices Bows suitable for live performances?

Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Bows is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable tone enhancement and dynamic control that can cut through the mix, making it a great choice for gigging musicians.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Earthquaker Devices Bows

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Bows by ProGuitarShopDemos

Earthquaker Devices Bows

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices Bows Germanium Preamp Booster Demo by EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices Bows Germanium Preamp Booster Demo

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuakerDevices

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices: BOWS OC139 Treble/Full Boost/Preamp by Brett Kingman

EarthQuaker Devices: BOWS OC139 Treble/Full Boost/Preamp

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices BOWS Germanium Preamp Booster demo by gearmanndude

EarthQuaker Devices BOWS Germanium Preamp Booster demo

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices - Bows by Dennis Kayzer

Earthquaker Devices - Bows

Dennis Kayzer

Dennis Kayzer

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Bows | class-A germanium boost by JJ of the T

Earthquaker Devices Bows | class-A germanium boost

JJ of the T

JJ of the T

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices BOWS germanium preamp booster demo with Strat by gearmanndude

EarthQuaker Devices BOWS germanium preamp booster demo with Strat

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Bows by Pedalboard of the Day

Earthquaker Devices Bows

Pedalboard of the Day

Pedalboard of the Day

Video thumbnail for Winter NAMM 2016: EarthQuaker Devices Bows Germanium Preamp Booster by Sweetwater

Winter NAMM 2016: EarthQuaker Devices Bows Germanium Preamp Booster

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

PROS

  • Adds the right amount of dirt for dynamic playing

  • Clean sounding yet breaks up nicely with volume

  • Pairs well with fuzz/OD pedals like the Hoof

  • Works as a grainy overdrive or to push amps into saturation

  • Enhances bass guitar presence in the mix

  • Single knob design simplifies use while offering tonal versatility

  • Adds character and harmonic excitement to tones

  • Can achieve a thick, wooly grit or accentuate high mids effectively

CONS

  • Treble mode may be too harsh for some, with excessive treble

  • Full knob utilization can lead to less desirable, flubby tones

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
solipsistic

Like a Secret Sauce for one's tone.

Didn't expect much from a one-knob boost, but Oh My Goodness, it's great! It's impossible to really describe its influence, but both Clearer and more Harmonic, with an excitement to the leading edge of each note. I used to use an EQ as Boost, but the Bows is a lot different; a lot better for guitar. If you find one, try it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Erick Hansel uses EarthQuaker Devices Bows

Erick Hansel

Guitarist, Composer

Chon

...
Verified via YouTube

Like Mario, the Warden compressor is Erick’s always-on pedal, crucial for making the band’s speedy single note runs and tricky two-handed tapping licks really pop. Elsewhere, Erick steps on the Bows for a solo boost, noting that it “cuts through . . . [and] doesn’t get too muddy.”

See how Ilan Rubin uses EarthQuaker Devices Bows

Ilan Rubin

Guitarist, Drummer

Foo Fighters

...
Verified via EarthQuaker Devices

Interview were artist is talking about using Bows Pedal: "I’m using a lot of those single knobs pedals like the Bows; the Acapulco Gold is fantastic and the Palisades is a phenomenal pedal. "

See how Rick Froberg uses EarthQuaker Devices Bows

Rick Froberg

Singer, Guitarist

Drive Like Jehu

...
Verified via YouTube

Although not a regular pedal user, Rick can be seen using various EQD pedals during "EarthQuaker Sessions Ep. 14 - Hot Snakes "Death Doula" | EarthQuaker Devices". At around 1:25 you can get a clear view of pedals he is using.

See how Jesse Tobias uses EarthQuaker Devices Bows

Jesse Tobias

Guitarist, Composer

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via EarthQuaker Devices

Listed under "Currently Using" on Jesse's official EQD artist page.

See how Yusuke Chiba uses EarthQuaker Devices Bows

Yusuke Chiba

Singer, Guitarist

Thee Michelle Gun Elephant

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided image, Yusuke Chiba is seen using an EarthQuaker Devices Bows pedal.

Album Usage

The EarthQuaker Devices Bows has been featured on the following albums:

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 EarthQuaker Devices Bows, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for EarthQuaker Devices Bows, curated by the Equipboard community.

Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

$3,456.73

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound high-end alternative

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  • Added to Equipboard on by

    dukeuke
    dukeuke

    Gear IQ 3378