Is there any difference between using a clean boost and turning up the amp's gain?

[VergDan]

I mean using a really clean boost pedal that doesn't color your tone at all.

 

[Jacew]

Re: Is there any difference between using a clean boost and turning up the amp's gain

Yes.

Clean boost in front of your amp gives you extra gain stage: Guitar straight to amp you usually have gain pot after the first gain stage (hence it's active and doesn't just act like guitars volume pot).

With clean boost or high output pickups you're pushing that harder, reducing headroom, adding distortion (when enough boost), and slightly increasing overall volume (if low wattage amp).

 

[VergDan]

Re: Is there any difference between using a clean boost and turning up the amp's gain

Yes.

Clean boost in front of your amp gives you extra gain stage: Guitar straight to amp you usually have gain pot after the first gain stage (hence it's active and doesn't just act like guitars volume pot).

With clean boost or high output pickups you're pushing that harder, reducing headroom, adding distortion (when enough boost), and slightly increasing overall volume (if low wattage amp).

Great information, thanks

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Is there any difference between using a clean boost and turning up the amp's gain

I agree with Jace, in a typical Fender style tube amp you have the input, first gain stage, tone stack, volume, second gain stage then phase inverter, etc. turning the volume to max will hit the second gain stage, phase inverter and power tubes, but a boost in front will hit the first gain stage. Matching your guitar/pickups to pedal to amp is such a powerful too to shape your tone.