Formerly called the Vitamin G Booster, the "G" Version is now identical in appearance to the Standard Crispy Cream Booster. The "G" Version is identified by a "G" at the end of the serial number inside the pedal, and by its blue LED indicator light instead of the orange light that is used on the Crispy Cream Standard.

The "G" stands for "germanium," as this booster is built around a vintage germanium OC44 transistor by Mullard. Some guitarists have come to prefer the germanium sound, and the Vitamin G Booster sounds especially sweet, yet cutting.

The "G" Version's circuit is identical to that of the now famous original Dallas Rangemaster pedal...but with a few minor updates thrown in to decrease hiss and eliminate radio frequency interference (which were a problem with the original Rangemaster pedal).

The Crispy Cream "G" is not a distortion box. This pedal provides a clean boost that is used to push the front end of a good tube guitar amplifier. The resulting sound is a very musical distortion with harmonic complexity.

When compared to the Standard Crispy Cream Treble Booster, the "G" has a sound that is slightly sweeter with a little less gain. There is a slightly higher noise floor due to the germanium transistor. In terms of pure tone, the "G" is unbeatable.

Hmmnnn...what to choose: the Crispy Cream Standard or "G" Version?

The Crispy Cream Standard pedal has more gain, and it is probably better suited for heavy metal/hard rock. If you're more into classic rock, or if you play rhythm and want a booster with a little more "clang", then the "G" version is for you.

Also, if you want a pedal with the Dallas Rangemaster circuit, but one that also doesn't have excessive hiss and won't pick up radio stations, then look no further. If you absolutely must duplicate Eric Clapton's "Beano" tone...THIS IS THE ONE!

Take a listen to the sound files below. They were recorded with a Vox AC30-type amplifier, with the normal channel turned up all the way. A THD Hot Plate was used to control the final room volume.

• high setting (MP3; 547kb) - sounds like Beatles or Tom Petty
• mid setting (MP3; 551kb) - sounds like Brian May of Queen ("Fat Bottomed Girls" riff played with permission from Brian May)
• full setting (MP3; 873kb) - sounds like Hendrix or early Clapton. This setting is good for single note runs and playing high on the neck.
• booster off (MP3; 583kb) - this is the Vox AC30 without the booster pedal. This is what the Normal channel sounds like when it's turned all the way up.

This pedal has the following features:

• Volume control
• "Easy-Switch" tone circuit allows you to change the pedal from a treble booster to a full range boost, and eight points in between!
• A NOS OC44 germanium transistor, hand selected for low noise and great tone. The transistor is in a socket, and thus you have the ability to easily try out other PNP transistor types if you want to experiment.
• True bypass switch
• Accepts 9V adapters (2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel type; pin is negative)

Note: if using a power adapter it should be isolated. Do not daisy chain the 9V adapter with your other effects pedals. The Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 works well since each 9V power output is isolated on that particular power supply.