Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (30)
$419.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (5)
$419.99
Amazon
4.4 (21)
$419.99
Reverb
5.0 (20)
$367.89 New
$130.48 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (19)
$419.99
zZounds
4.5 (4)
$419.99
Gear4Music
£464.00

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre". 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

The Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre is a powerful, versatile preamp designed to bring out the best in your acoustic instrument. This feature-rich preamp is equipped with two inputs, allowing for quick instrument changes or blending of two pickups. The dual-channel setup is easily controlled through a toggle footswitch and separate level controls for each input.

The Tonebone PZ-Pre isn't just about volume, but tone control. It features a highly musical 3-band EQ and variable notch filter to help eliminate feedback. In addition, a unique Mix function allows for a more natural rendering of your instrument's sound by combining the signals from two pickups.

This preamp is also designed for optimal on-stage performance, with a combination power booster and effects loop bus that can be engaged with a simple foot stomp. A separate tuner out and mute footswitch make on-the-fly tuning a breeze. With comprehensive output options, including pre-EQ balanced lo-Z balanced output and post-EQ XLR output, you can ensure the sound you want reaches both your personal amplifier and the front of house mix.

Like all Radial products, the Tonebone PZ-Pre is built to last with heavy-duty 14-gauge construction and backed by a 3-year transferable warranty.

Key Features:

  • High-performance 100% discrete class-A PZB piezo boosters
  • Ultra-quiet preamp circuit adaptable to any pickup system
  • Two inputs for quick instrument changes or blending of two pickups
  • Powerful semi-parametric EQ and feedback eliminating controls
  • Pre and post-EQ direct box outputs
  • Combination power booster and effects loop bus
  • Separate tuner out with footswitch mute
  • Comprehensive output options for all types of monitoring
  • Heavy-duty 14-gauge construction
  • 3-year transferable warranty.

Owner's manual

Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre User Manual
Radial Engineering

Radial Engineering

Joe West Demonstrates Radial's PZ-Pre

Video thumbnail for Joe West Demonstrates Radial's PZ-Pre by Radial Engineering

Joe West Demonstrates Radial's PZ-Pre

Radial Engineering

Radial Engineering

Video thumbnail for [SAMASOUND] Radial - PZ-Pre by samashop

[SAMASOUND] Radial - PZ-Pre

samashop

samashop

Video thumbnail for Radial PZ-PRE by paprica music

Radial PZ-PRE

paprica music

paprica music

Reviews

PROS

  • Eliminates boominess for a more natural sound on acoustic guitars

  • Enhances sound quality, especially with passive piezo pickups

  • Durable construction, described as "built to military specs"

  • Offers flexibility with EQ, Notch filters, and boost function

  • Multiple DI options and eq filters improve sound customization

  • Maintains instrument's natural sound without coloring it

  • Effective feedback rejection with notch filter, mid-sweep, phase, etc.

  • Compatible with a wide range of pickup systems and instruments

  • Customer service is helpful and responsive

  • Transparent, clear sound that "breathes" and doesn't become brittle

CONS

  • EQ applies to both channels, complicating use with different instruments

  • Some models lack effects loop bypass switch, limiting setup options

  • Sound may feel artificial with EQ unless used with Piezos

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre.

Setup and maintenance

  • The M80 pickup is noted for its feedback resistance but may require gain staging adjustment to avoid feedback issues during live performances.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre is recognized for its large footprint but praised for its comprehensive EQ capabilities, suitable for varying acoustic guitar tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Neve RNDI is favored for its simplicity and versatility, effectively handling multiple instruments including bass, keys, and mandolin with no need for additional settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Combining a passive pickup with an active DI/preamp is recommended to optimize signal fidelity and minimize potential feedback during live shows.

    Source

User experience

  • Users often find that keeping setups simple, especially for singer/songwriters, reduces failure points and setup time, enhancing reliability during performances.

    Source

Other

  • The Grace Design preamps are highly regarded in bluegrass and acoustic genres, often recommended for their superior sound quality despite their higher price point.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mbeaumont1

Once you get one of these you'll never have another DI

At first you think it's a lot of cash for a DI, but when you hear the EQ and boost abilities and the two instrument feed, you'll know it's worth it. This allows me to play all my low output acoustic instruments with piezo's live

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Cornell uses Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

Chris Cornell

Guitarist, Singer

Soundgarden

...
Verified via everyday guitar gear

"The acoustic board consists of an Ernie Ball volume pedal, Boss FRV-1 reverb, TU-2 tuner and a Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre acoustic preamp."

See how James Taylor uses Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

James Taylor

Singer, Guitarist

James Taylor (band)

...
Verified via Mixonline

"A mainstay among performers playing large halls, the [L.R. Baggs pickups] are used with Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre preamplification leading into a Fishman Aura acoustic imaging blender."

See how Keb' Mo' uses Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

Keb' Mo'

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Radial Engineering

"The Radial PZ-Pre is an absolute life saver for us. I can say in complete honesty that there is no way that we could produce the kind of quality acoustic show that we have been lately without the use of your fine products. It's made life on stage so much simpler."

See how Zac Brown uses Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

Zac Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Zac Brown Band

...
Verified via Radial Engineering

Zac Brown , Grammy winner :"The Radial PZ-Pre is the most natural sounding acoustic preamp we have ever used, not to mention its road-tested durability. Thanks Radial."

See how Masaru Teramae uses Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

Masaru Teramae

Guitarist, Bassist

Demetori

...
Verified via Twitter

You can see this preamp in this tweet.

See how John Jorgenson uses Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

John Jorgenson

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

That goes into a Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre, which is a great little 2-channel acoustic preamp with some bass roll-off, a notch to filter out body resonance, a phase-reversal switch to cut feedback, and a sweet midrange.

Guitar Player interview, 2010.

See how Pablo Hurtado uses Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

Pablo Hurtado

Guitarist

Camila

...
Verified via Photo

En la pedalera de la derecha, se puede apreciar el sistema acústico que utiliza para simular las Guitarras acústicas con su Les Paul o su Hollowbody.

See how Jean-Luc Ponty uses Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

Jean-Luc Ponty

Violinist

The Mahavishnu Orchestra

...
Verified via Ponty

PREAMPS

JLP is using "PZ-Pre" preamp/D.I. by Radial Engineering Ltd. and also "Venue" by L.R.BAGGS.

B

Brian Greenway

Guitarist

April Wine

...
Verified via Radialeng

"I love my Bones! Electric or Acoustic, Radial's Tonebone series are dependable, quiet, and superior to anything I have ever tried or used on the road, in the studio, and at home. Thank you for great tone!" - Greenway about his Tonebones, and he has been featured with PZ-Pre.

See how Brian Fitzy uses Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

Brian Fitzy

...
Verified via YouTube

Published on 11 Mar 2014 So many of you had asked, so here's a demo/walk-through video of my RC300-based looping rig!

See how Trevor Gordon Hall uses Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre

Trevor Gordon Hall

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Quarantine Chords - Trevor Gordon Hall" by Candyrat Records on YouTube, Trevor Gordon Hall can be seen using the Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre as part of his pedalboard setup.

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 Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fishman Aura Spectrum
Fishman Aura Spectrum Multi Effects Pedals
2
Electro-Harmonix HOG Harmonic Octave Generator
Electro-Harmonix HOG Harmonic Octave Generator Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer
Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
TC Electronic Ditto Looper
TC Electronic Ditto Looper Looper Effects Pedals
1
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS Effects Pedal Accessories
1
Xotic Effects EP Booster
Xotic Effects EP Booster Boost Effects Pedals
1
TC Electronic ND-1 Nova Delay
TC Electronic ND-1 Nova Delay Delay Effects Pedals
1

More Radial Preamps

Avalon VT-737SP

$2,250.00 - $4,168.00

# 1

Rank

Matthew Bellamy Skrillex Ed Sheeran
106 artists using
API 512c

$835.38 - $968.00

# 2

Rank

Kevin Parker Jack White Ray Toro
33 artists using
AMS Neve 1073

$3,205.39 - $4,115.00

# 4

Rank

Billie Joe Armstrong Kevin Parker John Mayer
86 artists using
Focusrite ISA One

$511.00 - $699.99

# 5

Rank

Mac DeMarco Lil Peep Bonobo
10 artists using
Universal Audio 4-710D

$1,750.00 - $1,999.00

# 6

Rank

Ray Toro Dijon Oneohtrix Point Never
10 artists using
AMS Neve 1073LB

$933.00 - $1,285.00

# 7

Rank

Chris Martin Lorn Manny Marroquin
14 artists using
AMS Neve 1073DPA

$1,950.56 - $2,830.00

# 8

Rank

Steven Wilson Avicii Matt Berry
12 artists using
Rupert Neve Designs 511

$769.00 - $849.00

# 10

Rank

Josh Dun Oliver Ackermann Bibio
5 artists using
AMS Neve 1073 SPX Preamp / EQ

$1,645.00 - $2,095.00

# 11

Rank

Geddy Lee Keshi Andy Morin
9 artists using
Warm Audio WA73-EQ

$729.00 - $899.00

# 12

Rank

George Clanton Josh Turner nothing,nowhere.
6 artists using
Focusrite ISA Two

$795.00 - $999.99

# 14

Rank

Frank Ocean Yuki Kajiura Sick Individuals
3 artists using
ART Tube MP

$45.00 - $129.99

# 17

Rank

Mac McCaughan Tobin Sprout Andre .S
5 artists using
Audient ASP880

$766.84 - $1,799.99

# 18

Rank

Tim Henson beaux Alex Rüdinger
5 artists using
Great River ME-1NV MIC PREAMP

$960.00 - $1,435.00

# 21

Rank

Andy Schichter Matt Didemus
2 artists using
Art Tube MP Project Series

$143.00 - $169.00

# 22

Rank

mndsgn James Petralli Mirrored Theory
3 artists using
ART Pro MPA II

$492.00 - $579.00

# 24

Rank

Josh Turner Ivan Julian Zac Tiessen
3 artists using
Warm Audio WA12

$230.00 - $449.00

# 25

Rank

George Clanton Jonwayne
2 artists using
Vintech Audio X73i

$1,200.00 - $1,375.00

# 26

Rank

Joe Bonamassa Kashiwabara Yuzuru Headscan
3 artists using
Warm Audio TB12 Tone Beast

$549.00 - $699.00

# 28

Rank

Mandrax Icon
1 artist using
API 3124+

$2,507.72

# 30

Rank

Aphex Twin Toru Kitajima Hozier
17 artists using
sE Electronics DM1 Dynamite

$68.40 - $109.00

# 31

Rank

Logan Paul
1 artist using
Triton Audio FetHead

$55.99 - $79.95

# 32

Rank

DJ Jino
1 artist using
Avalon VT-747SP

$3,866.00

# 33

Rank

Armin Van Buuren Boys Noize Diplo
13 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides