Description
A used Benson Preamp Overdrive in mint condition. It will ship as shown in the photos with the addition of the original box and any any all factory documentation. The pedal is fully tested and is in perfect working condition. Please let us know if you have any questions.
The Benson Preamp Overdrive is a pedalboard-friendly adaptation of the Benson Chimera 30-watt amp circuit, swapping the tubes for FET transistors while keeping the amp-like response and tone. If you're looking for a dynamic, touch-sensitive gain pedal that can move effortlessly from a clean boost to gritty overdrive or even fuzzy saturation, this pedal delivers all of that without losing clarity. It's ideal for players who want a true preamp-style pedal at the front of their chain or to add harmonic richness to a pedal platform amp.
The control layout is simple and familiar: Gain, Treble, Bass, and Volume. The EQ section is tuned for musical response-Treble acts as a low-pass filter, Bass as a high-pass-letting you shape the midrange punch or top-end chime without any harshness. With the gain turned down, it works beautifully as a boost or tone sweetener; crank it up, and it becomes a harmonically rich drive that holds together without getting muddy. Despite its size, this circuit has become a go-to choice for players chasing that "just right" always-on tone.
This version features the limited edition "Idol" artwork, a fun nod to builder Chris Benson, but under the hood, it's the same trusted circuit. Whether you're stacking it, using it standalone, or pairing it with a neutral amp, this is one of those rare overdrives that just makes everything feel more alive. We've had it in front of clean amps and mid-gain rigs-it always adds something good.
Specifications:
- Power Requirements: 9VDC via center negative barrel jack or battery, 50mA draw
- Controls: Gain, Volume, Treble (low-pass filter), Bass (high-pass filter)
- Circuit: FET-based, inspired by the Benson Chimera 30W amp
- Function: Clean boost, overdrive, and fuzz capabilities
- Enclosure: Limited Edition "Idol" artwork
Sku: BAPRE-IDOL
