Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $238

High-end/Boutique

$60

$151+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Add a touch of magic to your sound with the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost, a celebrated choice among guitarists seeking to revive and enhance their tone. This compact yet potent pedal is designed to breathe new life into your guitar’s voice, particularly if you're working with vintage pickups. With its singular, intuitive knob design, it offers a seamless way to dial in the perfect amount of boost to cut through any mix. Whether you're looking to add a touch of sparkle to your clean tones or push your amp into delightful overdrive, this pedal delivers with impeccable clarity and warmth.

The Super Hard On Boost is not just about power; it's about precision. The pedal's high-impedance input ensures that your instrument's natural tone remains uncolored, preserving the nuances that make your guitar unique. Its robust build and simple operation make it an ideal addition to any pedalboard, ready to deliver reliable performance whether you're on stage or in the studio. Experience the unmistakable difference with the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost, where simplicity meets sophistication for a sound that's undeniably yours.

Key Features:

  • Single volume knob for intuitive control
  • High-impedance input preserves natural tone
  • Designed to enhance vintage pickups
  • Compact and durable construction
  • Ideal for adding clarity and warmth to your sound

Product specs

Brand Zvex
Model Super Hard On Boost
Finish Hand Painted
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals, Preamps
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of power supply does the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost require?

The ZVEX Super Hard On Boost operates on a standard 9V DC power supply, commonly used for most guitar pedals, or can run on a 9V battery.

How does the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost affect my guitar's tone?

The ZVEX Super Hard On Boost is designed to enhance your guitar's natural tone by adding a clean boost without altering the original sound, providing more clarity and presence.

Is the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost suitable for use with bass guitars?

Yes, the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost can be used with bass guitars, offering a clean boost that enhances low-end frequencies without distortion.

Can the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost be used in front of an overdrive pedal?

Yes, placing the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost in front of an overdrive pedal can increase the gain and saturation, allowing for more dynamic control over your sound.

Does the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost have true bypass?

Yes, the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost features true bypass, ensuring that your guitar signal remains unaffected when the pedal is turned off.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

ZVex Super Hard On Boost Preamp Pedal

Video thumbnail for ZVex Super Hard On Boost Preamp Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

ZVex Super Hard On Boost Preamp Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Zvex Super Hard On Guitar Pedal by FlyingTex

Zvex Super Hard On Guitar Pedal

FlyingTex

FlyingTex

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Super Hard On Boost | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

ZVEX Super Hard On Boost | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Z-Vex SUPER HARD ON boost drive guitar effects pedal demo by gearmanndude

Z-Vex SUPER HARD ON boost drive guitar effects pedal demo

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for ZVEX Super Hard On Preamp Booster by Coleman's Music

ZVEX Super Hard On Preamp Booster

Coleman's Music

Coleman's Music

Video thumbnail for Zvex Super Hard On Ultra-transparent Boost Preamp by Gear Station

Zvex Super Hard On Ultra-transparent Boost Preamp

Gear Station

Gear Station

Video thumbnail for Z Vex Super Hard-On Booster Pedal Video Demo by tunnelvisionmusic

Z Vex Super Hard-On Booster Pedal Video Demo

tunnelvisionmusic

tunnelvisionmusic

Reviews

PROS

  • Enhances touch sensitivity and harmonic richness, especially on bass

  • Delivers a full, bigger tone without coloring the sound

  • Adds gnarly grit and sizzle when cranked

  • Single "crackle okay" knob offers a unique grinding effect

  • Custom painted models offer aesthetic uniqueness

  • Pairs well with both Fender and Marshall amps

  • Versatile sound from soft and round to tight and fizzy with different transistors

  • Effective when used in both early and late signal chain positions

CONS

  • Some consider the price high for its components

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • Owners confirm the "crackle ok" label on the pot is present in all versions of the Super Hard On as a unique characteristic.

    Source
  • The Super Duper 2-in-1 contains two complete Super Hard On circuits in series, offering increased versatility with cascading options for more complex sounds.

    Source
  • The ZVEX Super Hard On is noted for having dual mono outputs, which can potentially be used for a faux wet/dry setup in stereo configurations.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When used at the start of a chain, it pairs exceptionally well with old single coil guitars, enhancing brightness and clarity.

    Source
  • For dark amps, placing a Super Hard On at the end of the pedal chain can effectively brighten and push the amp.

    Source
  • Some owners utilize the Super Hard On as an always-on boost to enhance clarity, especially effective in cleaning up pickup noise at the start of the chain.

    Source
  • Some owners report achieving a Jimi Hendrix-like tone using the Super Hard On, highlighting its suitability for vintage-inspired soundscapes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Box of Rock includes SHO circuitry, suggesting its boost function is similar, but the pedal's compactness can be problematic.

    Source
  • The Bad Bob booster is noted as a similar option but produces a darker tone, while the Micro Amp and DOD 250 offer alternative boost characteristics.

    Source
  • The Super Hard On is noted to be brighter than the Box of Rock, which has been engineered with different resistors to add bass, affecting its sparkle on lower settings.

    Source
  • The ZVEX Channel 2 is essentially a Super Hard On with a master volume, offering an alternative for those interested in similar tones at a lower price.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users mention that modifying the Box of Rock's resistors can revert its boost to the Super Hard On's original brightness, offering a customizable tone option.

    Source
  • Modding the Box of Rock to Super Hard On specs requires changing a couple of resistors, allowing for socketing components to alter sound dynamically.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Super Hard On clones are available online for around $30, offering a budget-friendly alternative while retaining similar sound quality, as reported by some users.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Marcel van Oort's Guitars and Equipment: Review: ZVEX Super Hard-On

marcelsguitars.blogspot.com

The ZVEX Super Hard-On Boost impresses with its versatile tone range from a subtle clean boost to a Hendrix-like distortion, maintaining signal integrity with stylish flair. However, its high output voltage is a double-edged sword, notorious for being "super hard" on amplifiers, potentially damaging sensitive circuitry. While it’s a gem for true tone purists, its lack of an external power jack and awkward pedalboard fit are notable drawbacks. For those with space and budget, pairing a clean boost with a separate distortion pedal might offer more control and safety for your amp.

ZVEX - Super Hard On, Distortron, Fuzzolo

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The ZVEX Super Hard On Boost pedal shines with its simplicity and effectiveness, offering a dynamic range from subtle crunch to smooth drive with just one knob. Its unique, hand-painted design adds a personal touch, though the crackling sound when adjusting the knob might be off-putting to some. Nonetheless, it’s a powerhouse for those looking to boost their amp’s natural tone without altering it. Overall, this pedal is a robust and artistic choice for musicians seeking a high-quality boost.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 21 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
wagnar

Good in front of valve amps

BS170 is softer and more round sounding while 2N7000 is tighter and fizzy on high gain.

Roles:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Christian Lembach uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Christian Lembach

Singer, Guitarist

Whores

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

From the Premier Guitar Rig Rundown video. Can be seen in 25:54

There's the B loop which is the Big Muff and the Zvex SHO pedal, and they're both on all the time.That combination is literally on every song we've ever recorded and is used on every song we perform. It's the reason this band exists

See how Thomas Wisniewski uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Thomas Wisniewski

Guitarist

MxPx

...
Verified via Photo

"that's what the pedal is called"

See how Jimmy Lanwern uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Jimmy Lanwern

Guitarist

Keo

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided image, Jimmy Lanwern is confirmed to use the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost pedal.

See how Keith Murray uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Keith Murray

Guitarist

We Are Scientists

...
Verified via Photo

Middle row on the left on his pedalboard, Keith Murray's Zvex Super Hard On can be spotted. In an interview he discusses his signal chain in order, and the Super Hard On is the last pedal he references:

Into a–I’m not done answering this one! Into a Z-VEX Box of Rock, which is the primary distortion pedal, into a Z-VEX Super Hard-On.

See how Eric Schenkman uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Eric Schenkman

Guitarist

Spin Doctors

...
Verified via YouTube

Eric Schenkman is confirmed to use the ZVEX Super Hard On Boost pedal, as seen on his floorboard in the Musora YouTube video "Spin Doctors Cover Prince On The Spot" at around 7:37.

See how Fernando Ruiz Diaz uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Fernando Ruiz Diaz

Singer, Guitarist

Catupecu Machu

...
Verified via Flickr

Set Up Fernando Ruiz Díaz 2012 (Catupecu Machu)

See how Dan Vickrey uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Dan Vickrey

Guitarist

Counting Crows

...
Verified via On the Flip Side

"I love my ZVex SHO pedal, it can sound like sparks are flying from it..."

See how Duncan Lloyd uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Duncan Lloyd

Guitarist

Maxïmo Park

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, the ZVex Super Hard On boost pedal is visible in the board.

See how Tim Hoey uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Tim Hoey

Guitarist, Music Producer

Cut Copy

...
Verified via YouTube

Shown in the video, at 5:02.

See how Gwyn Ashton uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Gwyn Ashton

Guitarist

...
Verified via Australian Musician Magazine

Gywn Ashton said to Australian Musician (article published 21 March 2014) that he uses a Zvex SHO.

Zvex refer to the "Super Hard On" booster as "SHO" on their website (https://www.zvex.com/guitar-pedals/super-hard-on-guitar-effects-pedal).

See how Paul Jan Bakker uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Paul Jan Bakker

Guitarist

Di-rect

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic you can spot the SHO

See how Dennis van Leeuwen uses ZVEX Super Hard On Boost

Dennis van Leeuwen

Guitarist, Music Producer

Kane

...
Verified via YouTube

@3.14 Dennis talks about this pedal. He got the circuit out of the enclosure and put it in this custom enclosure

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ZVEX Super Hard On Boost, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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