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Average Price: $74

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$80

$181+

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Description

The Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion pedal is a powerhouse of versatility and tone, designed for guitarists who demand flexibility. With its dual-channel design and innovative signal path toggle, this pedal allows for a seamless transition between boosting and distortion, giving you the power to craft your own unique sound. Whether you're looking for a subtle boost to your clean tones or a full-throttle distortion, the GT-500 has you covered. The standout feature is its ability to reconfigure the signal path with a simple toggle, allowing you to place the Booster either before or after the Distortion channel. This feature offers unparalleled customization for your sound, perfect for those who like to experiment with their tone.

The pedal's active three-band EQ provides precise control over your sound, ensuring that you can dial in the perfect tone for any musical style. Built with Fulltone's commitment to quality, the GT-500 is designed to withstand the rigors of both studio and stage. The robust construction and long-lasting components ensure that this pedal is not only versatile but also reliable. Whether you're a touring musician or a weekend warrior, the GT-500 is an essential addition to your pedalboard.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel design with independent controls
  • Switchable signal path for custom distortion
  • Active three-band EQ for precise tone shaping
  • Built with long-lasting, durable components
  • Designed for both studio and live performance

Product specs

Brand Fulltone
Model GT-500
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Fulltone GT-500 require?

The Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for many guitar pedals, or it can be powered by a 9V battery.

Can the GT-500 be used with both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Fulltone GT-500 is versatile enough to be used with both electric guitars and basses, providing robust distortion and boost capabilities for either instrument.

How does the GT-500's distortion differ from other pedals?

The GT-500 combines both distortion and boost in one unit, offering a wide range of tonal options. Its distortion section provides a thick, saturated sound, while the boost section can enhance signal clarity and volume.

Does the Fulltone GT-500 have true bypass?

Yes, the Fulltone GT-500 is equipped with true bypass, ensuring that your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.

Is the GT-500 suitable for heavy metal music?

The GT-500 is capable of delivering high-gain distortion, making it suitable for heavy metal and other genres that require aggressive tones. Its dual-section design allows for customizable sound shaping.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Fulltone GT-500 GT500 Overdrive Distortion Pedal

Video thumbnail for Fulltone GT-500 GT500 Overdrive Distortion Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

Fulltone GT-500 GT500 Overdrive Distortion Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion Pedal Review by Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion Pedal Review by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Fulltone Effects Gt-500 Gain Distortion and Overdrive Booster Pedal by soundpurestudios

Fulltone Effects Gt-500 Gain Distortion and Overdrive Booster Pedal

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for Fulltone GT-500 pedal demo by Steven van der Steen

Fulltone GT-500 pedal demo

Steven van der Steen

Steven van der Steen

Video thumbnail for Fulltone GT-500 Overdrive/Boost and Distortion Demo by David Fisher (tibbon)

Fulltone GT-500 Overdrive/Boost and Distortion Demo

David Fisher (tibbon)

David Fisher (tibbon)

Video thumbnail for Fulltone - GT 500 || Guitarspot.gr Review by GuitarSpotGr

Fulltone - GT 500 || Guitarspot.gr Review

GuitarSpotGr

GuitarSpotGr

Video thumbnail for Fulltone GT 500 FET Distortion Boost Pedal | An Inside and Out in Depth Review | Tony Mckenzie by tonymckenziecom

Fulltone GT 500 FET Distortion Boost Pedal | An Inside and Out in Depth Review | Tony Mckenzie

tonymckenziecom

tonymckenziecom

Video thumbnail for Fulltone GT-500 by JAM's Factory 1996

Fulltone GT-500

JAM's Factory 1996

JAM's Factory 1996

Reviews

PROS

  • Highly responsive with a wide range of dirt

  • Offers nice tone shaping options

  • Boost side comparable to Fulltone Fat Boost

  • Distortion has a great 3 band EQ

  • Clear and powerful boost feature

  • Distortion full and not "buzzy"

  • Versatile EQ settings on both sides

  • Features options for signal path customization

  • Exceptional build quality, durable

  • Can achieve great plexi tones

CONS

  • Sounds better with single coils than humbuckers

  • Drive less exciting compared to other options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion.

Features and functionality

  • The GT-500's distortion side benefits significantly from internal voltage doubling to 18V, enhancing its performance over the standard 9V setup.

    Source
  • Improved input and output impedance in the modified version offers increased input from 150kΩ to 1.1MΩ and reduced output from 15kΩ to 150Ω for better signal clarity.

    Source
  • The pedal features a simplified tone knob designed to act as a harmonics control, primarily cutting the top end and enhancing usability.

    Source
  • The pedal's EQ is highlighted as a key feature, allowing users to effectively shape their tone within a mix.

    Source

Build quality

  • The modified version maintains a loud output, comparable to the original GT-500, ensuring it effectively drives the front of an amp.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The custom version uses two pairs of JFETs in a mu amp configuration, avoiding clipping diodes for a purer distortion sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The GT-500 integrates well with a setup including a Korg tuner, Boss Tremolo, El Capistan, and DD-7, maintaining clarity even at high gain levels.

    Source
  • The GT-500 is praised for its performance with a Vox AC30, enhancing the amp's tonal qualities.

    Source
  • When run at 18V, the GT-500 transforms from harsh to delivering a warm, character-rich drive, suitable for both light grit and full saturation.

    Source
  • The boost side of the pedal is favored as an always-on low-gain tone enhancer, adding consistent warmth and depth.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users prefer the GT-500 over the Full-Drive 2, citing a more powerful sound and better integration with their rig.

    Source

User experience

  • There's variability in the boost side's unity volume, with some users reaching it around 11 o'clock, while others note it requires turning up to 3 o'clock.

    Source
  • Owners report a newfound appreciation for the pedal's responsiveness to guitar volume knobs, particularly when powered at 18V.

    Source
  • Some users experience a love-hate relationship with the pedal despite its versatility and solid build, indicating fluctuating satisfaction over time.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 28 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
D

versatile overdrive for guitar and bass enthusiasts

I SWEAR by the OD on this pedal for guitar and bass. You can dial in some great plexi tones with the distortion and signal path switch. A must have in my book.

From Gear Setup
jakecranker

"El Tote" (The Dynamite). Another great Overdrive/Distortion..

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Nick Valensi uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Nick Valensi

Guitarist

The Strokes

...
Verified via Photo

Nick Valensi's Fulltone GT-500 can be seen in the bottom-right corner of his pedalboard in this photo.

See how Bruce Springsteen uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Bruce Springsteen

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of Bruce Springsteen's pedalboard, on Mesa Boogie's website, a Fulltone GT-500 can be seen.

See how Lee Kiernan uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Lee Kiernan

Guitarist

IDLES

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Lee Kiernan, the Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion pedal is visible among his gear, showcasing its role in the production of Idles' debut album, "Brutalism."

See how Thomas Erak uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Thomas Erak

Singer, Guitarist

The Fall of Troy

...
Verified via Photo

Thomas posted a picture of some pedals he's using with Pushover.

See how Francisco Durán uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Francisco Durán has a Fulltone GT-500 FET Distortion + Booster and Overdrive pedal on his pedalboard. Photo from 2012

See how Ichirou Agata uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Ichirou Agata

Guitarist

Melt-Banana

...
Verified via YouTube

In a workshop held at Rockacademy in Bangkok on April 19, 2013, Ichirou Agata of Melt Banana is seen using the Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion pedal, as shown in a YouTube video by Scream Loud.

See how Paul Jackson Jr. uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Paul Jackson Jr.

Guitarist

Michael Jackson (band)

...
Verified via Fulltone

According to Fulltone's website, Paul Jackson Jr. uses the Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion pedal.

See how Daniel Tichenor uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Daniel Tichenor

Bassist

Cage the Elephant

...
Verified via YouTube

"...still keeps a good low end and gives a nice crunch at the top..."speaks Jordan Powell, guitar tech for Cage The Elephant on the Fulltone GT 500

See how Gareth Liddiard uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Gareth Liddiard

Singer, Guitarist

Tropical Fuck Storm

...
Verified via Photo

Visible next to Boss multi effects pedal

See how Sonny Landreth uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Sonny Landreth

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Fulltone

Sonny Landreth uses the Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion, as highlighted on Fulltone's official artist page.

See how Kevin Barnes uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Kevin Barnes

Singer, Guitarist

Of Montreal

...
Verified via Flickr

(Photo was taken on July 13th, 2009, at Shepherd's Bush concert in London). In this photo, which basically shows Barnes' shoes, his pedalboard can be seen. One of the pedals is the Fulltone GT-500.

See how Cole Becker uses Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion

Cole Becker

Singer, Guitarist

SWMRS

...
Verified via Smugmug

This photo was taken at a SWMRS show at the DNA Lounge on January 21, 2016. If you look at his pedals, to the left of his Danelectro FAB Chorus is clearly a Fulltone GT-500.

Album Usage

The Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fulltone GT-500 Booster/Distortion, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
jimdegroot

jimdegroot

Gear IQ 370

D

davecase1

Gear IQ 232

jimdegroot

jimdegroot

Gear IQ 370

jimdegroot

jimdegroot

Gear IQ 370

miles_cookman

miles_cookman

Gear IQ 219

martin_gotte

martin_gotte

Gear IQ 995

roel_pieterse

roel_pieterse

Gear IQ 75

jimdegroot

jimdegroot

Gear IQ 370

jimdegroot

jimdegroot

Gear IQ 370

marciomonks

marciomonks

Gear IQ 127

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