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Average Price: $899

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$251+

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Description

Unlock the full potential of your guitar's tone with the Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter. Designed for musicians who crave precision, this pedal offers unparalleled control over your sound shaping. The MPF-1 stands out with its advanced parametric filter capabilities, allowing you to meticulously sculpt your guitar's frequencies with precision. Whether you’re looking to boost certain frequencies for a solo or cut through the mix with clarity, this pedal is your go-to tool.

The Maestro MPF-1 features a sleek, intuitive layout with three main controls: frequency, bandwidth, and level. This triad of dials gives you the power to dial in just the right sound, from subtle enhancements to dramatic tonal alterations. The frequency knob allows you to zero in on specific areas of your sound spectrum, while the bandwidth control lets you adjust the range affected. With the level knob, you can boost or attenuate the output, ensuring your sound sits perfectly in the mix.

Built with the gigging musician in mind, the MPF-1 is housed in a robust chassis designed to withstand the rigors of live performance. Its true bypass switching ensures your tone remains pure when the pedal is not engaged, maintaining your signal integrity.

Key Features:

  • Advanced parametric filter with frequency, bandwidth, and level controls
  • True bypass switching for pure signal path
  • Rugged construction suitable for live performances
  • Versatile tone shaping for both subtle and dramatic effects
  • Ideal for guitarists seeking precision in frequency control

Product specs

Brand Maestro
Model Parametric Filter MPF-1
Finish Black / Silver
Year 1976 - 1978
Categories EQ Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of effects can the Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter produce?

The Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter is capable of producing a wide range of tonal modifications, including boosting or cutting specific frequencies, which allows for creative sound shaping and enhancing particular frequencies in your guitar signal.

Is the Maestro MPF-1 suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter can be used with both guitar and bass, offering versatile frequency control to tailor your instrument's sound to your liking.

How does the Maestro MPF-1 differ from a standard EQ pedal?

Unlike standard EQ pedals, the Maestro MPF-1 offers parametric control, meaning you can select specific frequency bands to adjust, providing more precise control over your sound.

Does the Maestro MPF-1 require a specific power supply?

The Maestro MPF-1 typically requires a standard 9V power supply, but always check the specific requirements for your unit, as vintage models may have unique needs.

Can the Maestro MPF-1 be used for live performances?

Yes, the Maestro MPF-1 is suitable for live performances, offering dynamic frequency shaping that can enhance your sound in a live setting.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter.

Features and functionality

  • It’s noted that the MOSFET pairs serve different functions: the right pair as an inverter, the left as an input buffer, and the middle provides distortion.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the rotary switch resistors with a 1M log pot and a small series resistor allows for more control over the Q factor.

    Source
  • Replacing the AB switch IC with a potentiometer can simplify the design, allowing discrete bandwidth options without the complexity of the original setup.

    Source
  • Adding two series diodes per side of the clipping arrangement can increase the turn-on voltage, enabling a higher voltage signal passage.

    Source
  • Consider using blue LEDs as an alternative to diodes in the clipping section for better headroom.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Replace a 1M resistor with a pot for bandwidth adjustment, adding a 1k resistor in series to prevent excessively narrow bandwidth at minimal settings.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Josh Homme uses Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via Photo

This is what Josh Homme used to use before he switched to the Stone Deaf FX PDF-1. From the Stone Deaf site:

The PDF-1 is based on the Maestro Parametric Filter MPF-1 that was designed by Bob Moog back in the 1970's for Gibson Norlin. This original pedal is used by Alex Lifeson of Rush and more notably Joshua Homme of Queens Of The Stone Age (Its all over the rated R album).

See how Alex Lifeson uses Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via Getty Images

The Maestro Parametric Eq was added . Note that it isn't part of the pedalboard, (later, recording Moving Pictures, his pedalboard is shown larger)

Here's the reference in June 1980's Guitar Player cover story.

What is your current onstage amplifier setup?

I'm using two Hiwatts; I have one 100-watt head driving two cabinets on my side of the stage, and another 100-watt head driving one cabinet on stage left-Geddy's side. He uses that as a monitor, and you can't even hear it out in the house. I also have a Fender Twin Reverb I use to get a clean, almost direct sound, and then I'm driving my Leslie with another Hiwatt head. In addition I have two Maestro parametric filters-one on my Hiwatt, and the other on the Leslie-and I use an Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress flanger, a Roland Boss Chorus, an Advanced Audio Designs [3890 Stewart Rd., Eugene, OR 97402] digital delay, a Morley volume pedal, and a Cry Baby wah-wah.

You are credited on all your LPs since A Farewell To Kings as using bass synthesizer pedals. What are those?

They're Moog Taurus bass pedals, and they have an effective range of two octaves. I use them a lot on "Xanadu" [A Farewell To Kings] where I play harmony to Geddy's bass pedal line, and on "La Villa Strangiato" [Hemispheres]. Most of the time I'll play the lower end while Geddy takes the high, melodic parts.

Which guitars do you take on the road with you?

The electrics I have are the 355, the 345, the Stratocaster, and my white Gibson double-neck. My acoustics are the Epiphone C-60 classical and the Gibson Dove. I also have a Roland GR-500, but I don't use it much. I'm not really keen on it.

See how Dean DeLeo uses Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter

Dean DeLeo

Guitarist

Stone Temple Pilots

...
Verified via Twitter

Dean DeLeo is seen using the Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter in a photo shared by Robert DeLeo on Twitter.

See how Merzbow uses Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter

Merzbow

Composer, Music Producer

Kikuri

...
Verified via Archive

Mentioned in list of gear in a 1997 interview with Digi-zine

See how NIgel Tufnel uses Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter

NIgel Tufnel

Guitarist

Spinal Tap

...
Verified via IMDb

In the movie "Spinal Tap II: The End Continues" (2025), Nigel Tufnel is seen using the Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter when two additional boards are added to his rig, and the pedal is visible on the first board.

See how Kurt Heasley uses Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter

Kurt Heasley

Guitarist

Lilys

...
Verified via Photo

"An Astrobrite fan just sent an old magazine showing the rig rundown for Medicine, lovesliescruehing, Lilys, Half String and more. Prettttty neat!"

See how Renè van Barneveld uses Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter

Renè van Barneveld

Guitarist, Composer

Urban Dance Squad

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic of the twee meter sessies you can see Rene using three pedals; one is the Maestro Parametric Filter

(Maestro build three pedals that looked like this; the fuzztain had a different sound compared to the vids / the phaser I don't really hear in the concertvids)

*This is not the right pedal, René use the Maestro stage phaser, see the attached photo of the same live session video.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Maestro MPF-1 Parametric Filter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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