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Average Price: $165

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$60

$151+

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Description

Step into the world of vintage British tones with the J Rockett Audio Designs Mark Sampson Hightop EQ/Boost. Whether you're chasing the shimmering highs of a classic top-boost circuit or the gritty warmth of an overdriven amp, this pedal is your passport to iconic sounds. Crafted in collaboration with legendary amp designer Mark Sampson, the Hightop EQ/Boost captures the essence of his revered designs, offering versatile tonal shaping with a modern twist.

At the heart of the Hightop lies a top boost transistor, a nod to the golden era of British rock. This pedal doesn’t just stop at boosting your signal; it enriches your tone with a three-band EQ, allowing precise sculpting of bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. Whether you seek to cut through the mix or add depth to your solos, the Hightop is equipped to deliver.

For those who crave flexibility, the Ceramic/Alnico stomp button lets you switch between two distinct amp styles. This feature ensures that you can seamlessly transition from a crisp, articulate sound to a full-bodied, vintage roar, making it a perfect companion for any stage or studio setup. Ideal for guitarists who demand both subtlety and power in their tonal palette, this pedal will elevate your playing experience to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Top boost transistor for classic British tone
  • Three-band EQ for precise tonal control
  • Ceramic/Alnico stomp button for versatile amp style switching
  • Designed in collaboration with Mark Sampson

Product specs

Brand J. Rockett
Model Mark Sampson Hightop
Finish Beige
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of boost does the J Rockett Mark Sampson Hightop EQ/Boost provide?

The J Rockett Mark Sampson Hightop EQ/Boost offers a clean boost that enhances your guitar signal without adding distortion, allowing you to push your amp or other effects pedals for a more dynamic sound.

How does the EQ feature on the J Rockett Mark Sampson Hightop work?

The EQ feature on the Mark Sampson Hightop provides adjustable frequency controls, allowing you to shape your tone by boosting or cutting specific frequencies to suit your playing style or musical genre.

Is the J Rockett Mark Sampson Hightop suitable for live performances?

Yes, the J Rockett Mark Sampson Hightop is designed for live use, offering robust construction and intuitive controls that make it reliable and easy to adjust on stage.

Can the J Rockett Mark Sampson Hightop be used with both electric and acoustic guitars?

Yes, the J Rockett Mark Sampson Hightop is versatile enough to be used with both electric and acoustic guitars, providing a clean boost and EQ options to enhance either instrument's sound.

Does the J Rockett Mark Sampson Hightop require a specific power supply?

The J Rockett Mark Sampson Hightop requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for many guitar pedals, ensuring compatibility with most pedalboard power setups.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

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J. Rockett Audio Designs: ALLAN HOLDSWORTH SIGNATURE OD/BOOST

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for J. Rockett Audio Designs Mark Sampson Hightop Boost by Prymaxe

J. Rockett Audio Designs Mark Sampson Hightop Boost

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

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J. Rockett Audio Designs and Mark Sampson "Hightop"

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J. Rockett Audio Designs

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J. Rockett Audio Designs Mark Sampson Revolver Splitter

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Prymaxe

Video thumbnail for Rockett Pedals Hightop/Mark Sampson by musictoyznetwork

Rockett Pedals Hightop/Mark Sampson

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Video thumbnail for J. Rockett Designs Mark Sampson Revolver demo by Living Room GD

J. Rockett Designs Mark Sampson Revolver demo

Living Room GD

Living Room GD

Reviews

PROS

  • Replicates AC30 top boost and Matchless character with remarkable accuracy

  • Offers a unique, tactile "subtle hairiness" without relying on EQ settings

  • Ceramic setting provides exceptional playability across various styles

  • Elevates guitar tone instantly upon finding the ideal settings

  • Delivers classic EL84 sounds with added EF86 tone without microphonics

  • Perfectly dials down highs on Telecasters, enhancing tonal versatility

  • Functions better than a bright-cap for reviving high-end in tube amps

CONS

  • The "Alnico" character option differs from traditional Alnico sound expectations

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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1 star
ironicteapot

Amazing

More of an EQ than a boost. Based off of a Vox Top boost or a Matchless Preamp (which was also based off the Top boost). Adds sparkly chime to your tone. Another hidden use for it is using it in a turned down tube amp. I find it works much better than a bright-cap at brining back the high end of your tone.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

It's more of an EQ/ external top boost circuit so I find it does best directly before the amp.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Wayne Sermon uses J Rockett Audio Designs Mark Sampson Hightop EQ/Boost

Wayne Sermon

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Imagine Dragons

...
Verified via Photo

In this second photo of Wayne Sermon's other pedal board, source from the Rig Rundown with Imagine Dragons, the Sampson Hightop pedal sits directly at the center of his board.

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 J Rockett Audio Designs Mark Sampson Hightop EQ/Boost, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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