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Average Price: $316

High-end/Boutique

$70

$201+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Tech 21 Q-Strip EQ and Preamp Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

Capture the essence of vintage sound with the Tech 21 Q-Strip, an equalizer effects pedal that brings the legendary warmth and punch of '60s and '70s recording consoles to your modern setup. This versatile DI/EQ pedal is engineered with all-analog MOSFET circuitry, delivering a distinctive, full-bodied sound that harks back to the golden era of music production.

This compact, roadworthy pedal offers four bands of studio-grade EQ, giving you precise control over your tone. With the Q-Strip, you can sculpt your sound to sit perfectly in the mix or cut through with clarity. The highpass and lowpass filters provide further tonal shaping options, letting you recreate different speaker cabinet curves for speaker simulation or cut out unwanted rumble when going direct.

The Q-Strip's high impedance is perfect for handling both piezo pickups and low-impedance sources with ease. It features an XLR output with a 20dB pad, making it suitable for driving power amps and accommodating mic-level inputs on mixers and preamps. The 1/4" output is equipped with a 10dB boost switch, which can be used to drive a power amp or push your tube amp into overdrive.

Whether you're playing electric guitar, bass, acoustic-electric, or even electric violin, the Tech 21 Q-Strip is a versatile addition to your rig, delivering a punchy, vintage-inspired sound that sets it apart.

Key Features:

  • All-analog MOSFET circuitry for authentic vintage tone
  • Four bands of studio-grade EQ for precise tonal shaping
  • Highpass and lowpass filters for further tonal control
  • High impedance suitable for piezo pickups and low-impedance sources
  • XLR output with 20dB pad, perfect for driving power amps and accommodating mic-level inputs
  • 1/4" output with 10dB boost switch for driving power amps or pushing tube amps into overdrive
  • Rugged, all-metal housing for reliable durability
  • Powered by phantom power via XLR output or optional 9V alkaline battery
  • Optional power supply: Tech 21 Model #DC4

Product specs

Brand Tech 21
Model Q\Strip Parametric EQ
Finish Grey
Year 2010s
Categories EQ Pedals

FAQs

What type of EQ does the Tech 21 Q-Strip provide?

The Tech 21 Q-Strip offers a fully parametric EQ, allowing precise control over frequency, bandwidth, and level for each band. This makes it highly versatile for shaping your tone.

Can the Tech 21 Q-Strip be used with instruments other than guitar?

Yes, the Tech 21 Q-Strip is designed to work with a variety of instruments, including bass guitars and keyboards, providing flexible EQ options for different setups.

Does the Tech 21 Q-Strip have a DI output?

Yes, the Tech 21 Q-Strip includes a direct injection (DI) output, making it suitable for direct connection to a mixing console or recording interface.

How does the Tech 21 Q-Strip handle power requirements?

The Tech 21 Q-Strip requires a 9V DC power supply, which is standard for many pedalboards. It can also be powered by a 9V battery for convenience.

Is the Tech 21 Q-Strip suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Tech 21 Q-Strip is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and versatile EQ capabilities, allowing for quick tone adjustments on stage.

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

EQ GUITARS FOR GREAT TONE with TECH 21 Q-STRIP w/ Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for EQ GUITARS FOR GREAT TONE with TECH 21 Q-STRIP w/ Pete Thorn by Pete Thorn

EQ GUITARS FOR GREAT TONE with TECH 21 Q-STRIP w/ Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Q\Strip with Bass Guitar by Tech21nyc

Tech 21 Q\Strip with Bass Guitar

Tech21nyc

Tech21nyc

Video thumbnail for Tech21 Q/Strip | Review by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Tech21 Q/Strip | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Using the Tech 21 Q/Strip with an Electric Guitar | Review by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Using the Tech 21 Q/Strip with an Electric Guitar | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Q\Strip for Speaker Simulation by Tech21nyc

Tech 21 Q\Strip for Speaker Simulation

Tech21nyc

Tech21nyc

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Q\Strip - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Tech 21 Q\Strip - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Q\Strip with Acoustic Guitar by Tech21nyc

Tech 21 Q\Strip with Acoustic Guitar

Tech21nyc

Tech21nyc

Video thumbnail for I Try The BEST EQ EVER! Parametric EQ guitar pedal by Derek Paul Guitar

I Try The BEST EQ EVER! Parametric EQ guitar pedal

Derek Paul Guitar

Derek Paul Guitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile, works well with a variety of instruments

  • Offers true parametric equalization for precise tone shaping

  • Dual mid controls allow for detailed sound adjustments

  • Can act as a DI box with phantom power, useful for bass players

  • Unique vintage-inspired sound with tube-like saturation

  • Construction is solid with premium-feeling knurled metal knobs

  • Useful for both live performances and studio applications

  • Three power supply options (9V DC, battery, XLR phantom power) add flexibility

  • Helps cut through a mix with clean mid boost

  • Adds character and dimension to the sound

CONS

  • Build quality issues noted (misaligned XLR output, average soldering)

  • Does not remember the on/off state after power off

  • Ground lift functionality is cable dependent

  • Higher mids parametric sweep less effective on bass guitar

  • Volume knob does not fully mute the output

  • Some users found the pedal to be an "overkill" for simple equalization needs

  • Pedal's size larger compared to similar preamps

  • Internal board quality concerns (thin and bent)

  • Potentiometer knobs may feel uncomfortable due to sharp edges

  • Some users experienced a less organic sound, describing it as overly processed

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tech 21 Q-Strip EQ and Preamp Pedal.

Features and functionality

  • The Q-Strip offers a transparent EQ with mid controls and an idiot-proof high-pass/low-pass filter, ideal for users who want to avoid the "flavor" of other pedals.

    Source
  • The Q-Strip lacks an insert point before the DI, requiring creative routing for post-DI effects like reverb, often utilizing an outboard DI.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Tech 21 BDDI, the Q-Strip is praised for its transparency and lack of coloration, making it suitable for users who prefer tube-generated coloration.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners note the Q-Strip's effectiveness as a DI for various instruments, especially when connecting directly to a PA system with 15" mains.

    Source
  • The Q-Strip is recommended for frequent gig musicians wanting to reduce gear load by bypassing the amp and plugging straight into the PA.

    Source
  • Owners often use the Q-Strip in setups with multiple signal chains, employing the DI for a dry signal and the parallel out for effects like reverb.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the pedal integrates well with tube pedals like Effectrode LA-1A and 2 Notes Le Bass, enhancing their transparent EQ needs.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the flexibility of having both DI and regular outputs, allowing separate signal chains for different instruments without additional boards.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Tech 21 Q\Strip

soundonsound.com

The Tech 21 Q-Strip blends vintage console charm with modern versatility, delivering clean, musical tones for both guitars and basses. Its four-band EQ and high/low pass filters offer impressive flexibility, making it a valuable tool for studio and live settings. However, while it approximates a miked speaker sound well, it falls short of the nuances provided by convolution-based methods, particularly for recording overdriven sounds. With a solid build and user-friendly design, the Q-Strip is a strong contender for those seeking an analogue-first approach, though some may find its limitations in emulating complex speaker tones a drawback.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Charlie Parr uses Tech 21 Q-Strip EQ and Preamp Pedal

Charlie Parr

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, taken during Parr's KEXP performance, a modest pedalboard is visible, including the Tech 21 Q-Strip.

See how Shane Wesley uses Tech 21 Q-Strip EQ and Preamp Pedal

Shane Wesley

Bassist

Acid Bath

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Acid Bath Rig Rundown with Sammy Duet, Mike Sanchez & Shane Wesley" by Premier Guitar, the Tech 21 Q-Strip EQ and Preamp Pedal is visibly present on Shane Wesley's pedalboard at the 34:30 mark.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Tech 21 Q-Strip EQ and Preamp Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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