Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $172

High-end/Boutique

$60

$151+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Vertex Boost". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

Immerse yourself in the world of advanced guitar technology with the Vertex Boost pedal. This multi-functional pedal serves as a boost, buffer, and volume pedal all in one, offering a myriad of sound possibilities for any guitarist. The boost function amplifies your signal without altering your unique sound, maintaining the integrity and personality of your guitar's tone.

The integrated buffer feature truly distinguishes this pedal, combating potential sound loss due to long cable runs or multiple effects connected in series. This ensures your performance remains powerful and crisp, regardless of your setup. The Vertex Boost also showcases compatibility with any expression or volume pedal, allowing the volume to be controlled as with a conventional volume pedal.

With the simplicity of a single Level knob, an LED status indicator, and a foot switch for effect bypass, this pedal offers a user-friendly experience without compromising on its array of impressive features. True Bypass functionality ensures your signal path remains unaltered when the pedal is inactive.

This pedal is not battery-operated, instead relying on a 9 V DC power supply unit (not included). Proudly made in the USA, the Vertex Boost is a worthy addition to any guitarist's gear collection.

Key Features:

  • Boost, buffer, and volume pedal in one
  • Boost function amplifies signal without changing sound
  • Integrated buffer prevents sound loss
  • Compatible with any expression or volume pedal
  • Single Level knob for easy control
  • LED status indicator and foot switch for effect bypass
  • True Bypass functionality
  • Requires 9 V DC power supply unit (not included)
  • Made in USA
  • Please note: Battery operation is not supported.

Product specs

Brand Vertex
Model Boost
Finish Gray, Red
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of boost does the Vertex Boost provide?

The Vertex Boost is a clean boost pedal, designed to increase your guitar's volume without altering its tone. It provides a transparent gain boost, allowing the natural sound of your instrument and amp to shine through.

Is the Vertex Boost suitable for use with both electric guitars and bass guitars?

Yes, the Vertex Boost is versatile and can be used effectively with both electric guitars and bass guitars, providing a clean volume increase without affecting the tonal character of either instrument.

Does the Vertex Boost pedal require a specific power supply?

The Vertex Boost operates on a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for most guitar pedals. Ensure your power supply is center-negative and capable of providing at least 100mA of current for optimal performance.

How does the Vertex Boost differ from an overdrive pedal?

Unlike overdrive pedals, which add gain and distortion, the Vertex Boost is a clean boost that increases volume without adding saturation or altering the tone. It's ideal for pushing your amp harder or lifting your signal in the mix without changing its character.

Can the Vertex Boost be used in a pedalboard setup?

Yes, the Vertex Boost is designed to integrate seamlessly into any pedalboard setup, offering a simple yet effective way to increase your signal's volume and presence in your effects chain.

Vertex Effects

Vertex Effects

Vertex Boost: Robben Ford

Video thumbnail for Vertex Boost: Robben Ford by Vertex Effects

Vertex Boost: Robben Ford

Vertex Effects

Vertex Effects

Video thumbnail for Vertex Boost: Gearmanndude by Vertex Effects

Vertex Boost: Gearmanndude

Vertex Effects

Vertex Effects

Video thumbnail for Vertex Boost by Mike Hermans

Vertex Boost

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

Video thumbnail for Vertex Boost how it works by Vertex Effects

Vertex Boost how it works

Vertex Effects

Vertex Effects

Reviews

PROS

  • Eliminates tone suck, ideal for volume control

  • Compatible with expression pedal for nuanced control

  • Boosts signal without altering tone, maintaining purity

  • Enhances clarity and definition of the tone

  • Acts as a high-quality buffer, improving overall signal path

  • Can be used with low-output pickups effectively

  • Provides a noticeable improvement even on high-end amplifiers

  • Construction is robust, promising longevity

  • Transparent boost, even at high volumes

  • Enhances setup, making guitar and amp more dominant

CONS

  • Pricey compared to other boost pedals

  • Marketed mainly as a boost but offers much more, potentially confusing buyers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vertex Boost.

Comparisons

  • The Vertex Boost MkII is noted to sound muffled compared to an Analogman-modded Ernie Ball VP Jr 6181, described as significantly brighter.

    Source
  • The Jam Boomster Mk II is a preferred alternative, praised for better buffer sound compared to the Tsakalis Molecular Boost and similar expression control functionality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MkII version includes an 1/8'' TRS insert, which can cause digital noise and impedance issues when adapting to 1/4''.

    Source
  • The pedal's volume control via an expression pedal can be problematic due to the specific cable requirements for the 1/8'' TRS connection.

    Source
  • The Jam Boomster Mk II uses a standard ¼" TRS output, avoiding the need for specialty cables required by the Vertex Boost's ⅛" TRS output.

    Source
  • The 1/8'' TRS insert on the MKII complicates cable configurations, limiting flexibility with common cable lengths and types.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report dissatisfaction with the Vertex Boost MkII, citing lack of transparency and issues with the sound compared to other pedals like the JHS Little Black Buffer.

    Source
  • Owners report satisfaction using the Jam Boomster Mk II for volume control with existing Source Audio SA161 expression pedals, maintaining a Vertex-free board setup.

    Source

Build quality

  • It is mentioned that the MkII is not an original Vertex design, as indicated by the presence of another company's name on the PCB.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EarthQuaker Devices Swiss Things Pedalboard Reconciler offers an expression output for volume control and includes an ABY function, separate boost, and effects loops.

    Source
  • The Swiss Things pedal is highlighted for its dual function as an ABY switch and volume control, appealing to those seeking multi-functional pedalboard solutions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The MKII requires a specific right angle 1/8'' TRS to right angle 1/4'' TRS cable; standard adapters can cause digital noise and impedance issues.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Confirmed incompatibility with the Mission Engineering Expressionator, despite attempts with various adapters.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mancio_23

Cool, w/ Expression Pedal

The most transparent Boost i ever tried. Expensive but the best one in my opinion.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Robben Ford uses Vertex Boost

Robben Ford

Guitarist, Composer

Yellowjackets

...
Verified via Vertexeffects

Interface (passive input), TC Electronic Polytune Mini, OD (prototype shown, however Zendrive is in its place now), Vertex Boost, Strymon Timeline, TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb Mini, Interface (buffer/splitter out to two amps)

See how Mark Lettieri uses Vertex Boost

Mark Lettieri

Guitarist

The Fearless Flyers

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Mark is demoing his Vertex Boost

See how James Valentine uses Vertex Boost

James Valentine

Guitarist

Maroon 5

...
Verified via YouTube

James Valentine shows us his Vertex Boost in this Premiere Guitar Rig Rundown, at 17:07.

See how Scott Henderson uses Vertex Boost

Scott Henderson

Guitarist

Chick Corea Elektric Band

...
Verified via Vertexeffects

"The Vertex Boost has an extremely transparent sound that I find the most useful for clean blues playing and chords. It has a huge low end and makes the guitar sound big and musical."

See how Ariel Posen uses Vertex Boost

Ariel Posen

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

A Vertex Boost can be seen in this photo of Ariel's setup.

See how Isaiah Sharkey uses Vertex Boost

Isaiah Sharkey

Singer, Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via Photo

On the 3rd and 4th photo of this Instagram post you will see Isiah Sharkey’s board from the 2019 John Mayer tour. The Vertex Boost is on the bottom left.

See how Theo Katzman uses Vertex Boost

Theo Katzman

Singer, Guitarist

Vulfpeck

...
Verified via Photo

Theo Katzman uses the Vertex Boost pedal, as seen on his pedalboard created by Mason Marangella.

See how Eric Butler uses Vertex Boost

Eric Butler

Singer, Guitarist

Mom Jeans.

...
Verified via YouTube

It can be seen at min 28:39 on Mom Jeans Audiotree session

See how David Ryan Harris uses Vertex Boost

David Ryan Harris

Guitarist

Brand New Immortals

...
Verified via Photo

"His pedalboard signal path is:

Guitar —> T.C. Electronic Polytune Mini —> Vertex Dynamic Distortion —> Electro-harmonix Mel9 —> Strymon El Capistan —> Strymon Bluesky —> T.C. Electronic Ditto Looper —> Vertex Boost (not pictured) —> '68 Fender Princeton Reverb Reissue" - from Vertex Effects, the company which built a new pedalboard for him. Original article here.

See how Wayne Krantz uses Vertex Boost

Wayne Krantz

Guitarist

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In a Premier Guitar Rig Rundown interview, Wayne Krantz praises the Vertex Boost pedal, stating, "This one is by far the best one I've ever heard. It's super—it doesn't change anything, it just makes it louder. It's great."

See how Guthrie Trapp uses Vertex Boost

Guthrie Trapp

Guitarist

Guy's All Star Shoe Band

...
Verified via Vertexeffects

"I love this boost pedal. It adds just the right amount of gain without changing my tone and works great in line with all my other pedals."

See how Emily Wolfe uses Vertex Boost

Emily Wolfe

Guitarist

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

According to Premier Guitar 2021 interview, Wolfe uses Vertex Boost.

Album Usage

The Vertex Boost has been featured on the following albums:

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 Vertex Boost, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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mancio_23

mancio_23

Gear IQ 551

1 alternative for Vertex Boost, curated by the Equipboard community.

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