Guitar Preamps
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Related Searches
Synergy Fryette Deliverance Module 2-channel Preamp Module
2-channel Tube Preamp Module with 2 x 12AX7 Preamp Tubes, Gain I/Gain II Structure, More/Less Switch, 3-band EQ, Presence and Depth Controls, and Bright and Mode Switches
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About Guitar Preamps
A preamplifier — the section of a guitar amp responsible for gain structure and tonal character — is a vital part of any player’s sound.
Are you searching for an external preamp to inject the plucky chunk of a California combo into your gigging rig? Perhaps a pedal to get you the glassy chime of a British AC or the devilish roar of a German fire-breather?
Whatever your flavor, preamps have the power to expand the range of your stage amp or modeling setup. And whether you prefer your unit racked, stacked, or packed in a pedal, Sweetwater has the hookup for all your preamp expansion needs.
Shop Guitar Preamps by Brand and Features
Are you shopping for an external preamplifier to front-end an amp or feed a PA? Sweetwater carries preamps from the industry’s most trusted builders: Synergy, Friedman, ENGL Amplifiers, Benson Amps, ISP Technologies, DSM Humboldt Electronics, and plenty more. Use the shop filters on this page to find the brand that best suits your taste. You can also filter by price range and financing options to ensure you get the gear you need on your terms.
Guitar Preamp FAQs
Where should I place my guitar preamp in my signal chain?
There’s no “right way” to use a guitar preamp. Eddie Van Halen was known to run his Echoplex EP-3 preamp into the front end of his Marshall because he liked the way it colored his tone. In this same way, you’ll meet droves of players who enjoy enhancing their trusted amp tones by adding gain, shaping, and harmonics, courtesy of a Vertex Effects Steel String Supreme or Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe.
If your amp has an effects loop or a power amp input, however, then you’ve got additional options. Inserting an external preamp into one of these injection points can dramatically transform your stock tone. Beatles gig? Get yourself some British jangle with a Victory Amplification V1 pedal like The Copper. Skate punk? Switch on a TC Electronic Ampworx Dual Wreck. You can even build yourself a multi-pre Synergy setup à la Billy Corgan and access extremely specialized, dialed-in analog tones on the fly. For more details on connecting your external preamp to an effects loop, see the articles “How to Use Your Amp’s Effects Loop” and “The Guitarist’s Guide to Electric Guitar Amps — Part 3: Effects Loops.”
Taking things a step further, many preamp pedals on the market today, including the DSM Humboldt Electronics Simplifier X and Strymon Iridium, allow you to run a direct signal straight into a PA system — no miked amplifier required. Ditching the amp not only trims down your everyday carry but also lets you hear through your monitors exactly what your sound engineer hears.
I’m an acoustic player. Do I need a preamp, too?
Preamp pedals aren’t just for electric guitarists. There’s an entire category of acoustic guitar preamps at Sweetwater designed to sweeten your direct tone and send a polished, mix-ready sound to front of house. Options range from the budget-friendly Behringer ADI21 V-Tone with a mid-frequency notch all the way up to the 2-channel Grace Design ALiX with variable impedance and an effects loop. Then, there’s the Fishman Aura Spectrum DI, which uses onboard impulse responses to mimic the miked-up sound of several popular acoustic guitar types. For more information on acoustic guitar preamps, check out our buying guide, “Best Preamps for Acoustic-electric Guitars.”
Get Started with Your New Preamp
Ready to purchase your first or next preamp? Sweetwater makes it easy. If you don’t know where to begin, then contact our highly knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. They’ll help you choose the right rack unit, module, or pedal for you.
For more information on guitar preamps, see these related articles:
- “Best Guitar Preamp Pedals” | inSync
- “Friedman IR-X: 2-channel Tube Preamp Power for Your Pedalboard” | inSync
- “Synergy Preamp Modules: Customizable Tube Tones for Any Sound” | inSync
- “Best Preamps for Acoustic-electric Guitars” | inSync
- “TC Electronic Ampworx: 3 Preamp Pedals of Flexible, Full-size Sound” | inSync
- “The Guitarist’s Guide to Electric Guitar Amps — Part 2: Preamp” | inSync
What are the most popular brands for Guitar Preamps on Sweetwater.com?
What are the most popular Guitar Preamps on Sweetwater.com?
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Tone King Royalist Tri-tube Preamp and DI Pedal
5 out of 5 stars 3 reviews
$599.99 -
Universal Audio Dream '65 Reverb Amplifier Pedal
4.5 out of 5 stars 81 reviews
$349.00 -
JHS Colour Box V2 Preamp Pedal - 10th Anniversary Edition
5 out of 5 stars 5 reviews
$449.00 -
Synergy SYN2 Rackmount Preamp Module Dual Module Dock - No Module Included
4.5 out of 5 stars 21 reviews
$899.99 -
Revv G3 Purple Channel Distortion Pedal - Anniversary Edition
5 out of 5 stars 8 reviews
$229.00
Why shop Guitar Preamps at Sweetwater.com?
With a massive selection of Guitar Preamps, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Guitar Preamps, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
