Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3 Booster Pedal, (Used)

Quick Product Summary

The Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3 is a highly flexible FET-based boost pedal designed to increase level, add body and shape the response of your guitar without forcing you into a heavily distorted sound.

This used example is in Good condition, with cosmetic signs of previous ownership and normal pedalboard use. Offering up to 35dB of gain, separate Bass and Treble controls and an unusual 11-step Drive control, the FB-3 can function as anything from a clean level boost to a warmer, harmonically rich preamp-style drive.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fulltone
Model	Fat-Boost FB-3
Effect Type	Boost / Preamp
Condition	Used – Good
Maximum Gain	Up to 35dB
Controls	Drive, Volume, Bass, Treble
Circuit	Discrete Class-A FET
Bypass	True Bypass
Power	9–18V DC or 9V Battery
Power Supply	Not Included

What Makes the Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3 Special?

Discrete Class-A FET Circuit

The FB-3 uses a discrete Class-A FET design intended to provide a responsive, valve-like feel. At lower Drive settings it can operate as a clean and relatively neutral boost, while higher settings introduce additional fatness, harmonic content and mild clipping.

Up to 35dB of Gain

With up to 35dB of available gain, the FB-3 has enough output to significantly increase signal level, push the front end of a valve amplifier harder or compensate for level loss elsewhere in a larger signal chain.

11-Step Drive Control

The FB-3 restores the distinctive 11-step FET Bias Drive control found on earlier Fat-Boost designs. Lower settings favour cleaner boosting, while higher positions increase gain, thickness and harmonic character.

Independent Bass & Treble Shaping

The Bass control can trim excessive low end before it reaches the amplifier, while the passive Treble control allows brighter tones to be softened without significantly altering the bass response.

Who Is It For?

The Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3 is ideal for guitarists who want more than a simple fixed clean boost.

It works particularly well for pushing valve amplifiers, adding solo level, enhancing sustain, tightening darker rigs or restoring clarity at the end of a larger pedalboard. It can also be used with bass and amplified acoustic instruments.

Condition Overview

Condition Grade: Good

This Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3 is in good used condition, with cosmetic signs of previous ownership and normal pedalboard use.

What’s Included?

• Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3 Pedal

• No power supply included

Product Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Fulltone
Model	Fat-Boost FB-3
Effect Type	Boost / Preamp
Circuit	Discrete Class-A FET
Maximum Gain	Up to 35dB
Drive	11-Step FET Bias Control
Volume	Overall Effect Output
Bass	Low-Frequency Control
Treble	Passive High-Frequency Roll-Off
Input	1 x 1/4" Jack
Output	1 x 1/4" Jack
Input Impedance	1 MΩ
Output Impedance	10 kΩ
Bypass	True Bypass
Status LED	Yes
Current Draw	Approx. 5mA
Battery Operation	1 x 9V Battery
External Power	9–18V DC
DC Connector	2.1 x 5.5mm Barrel
Polarity	Centre Negative

Power Requirements

The Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3 can be powered from a standard 9V battery or a suitable regulated 9–18V DC centre-negative power supply.

Current consumption is approximately 5mA.

Running the pedal at 18V provides additional headroom and can produce a cleaner, more dynamic response.

No power supply is included with this used pedal.

FAQs

What type of pedal is the Fulltone Fat-Boost FB-3?

The FB-3 is a FET-based boost and preamp pedal capable of clean level increases as well as warmer, mildly driven tones.

How much gain does it provide?

Fulltone specifies up to 35dB of gain.

Can it be used as a clean boost?

Yes. Lower Drive settings are designed for cleaner boosting with minimal alteration to the core character of the guitar.

Can it add overdrive?

Yes. Increasing the Drive control can introduce mild FET clipping, additional harmonics and a thicker response.

What does the Drive control do?

Drive adjusts the gain and bias of the first FET stage. The FB-3 uses an unusual 11-step control rather than a completely continuous pot.

What does the Bass control do?

Bass allows low frequencies to be reduced, which can help prevent the sound becoming loose or overly heavy when using higher gain and volume settings.

What does the Treble control do?

The Treble control is a passive high-frequency roll-off. Turning it down softens the top end for a warmer sound.

Can it push a valve amplifier?

Yes. One of the FB-3's main applications is increasing the signal hitting a valve amplifier so that the amp reaches natural overdrive more easily.

Can it be used for solos?

Yes. The Volume control and high available gain make it useful for adding level and presence for lead parts.

Can it go at the end of a pedalboard?

Yes. The FB-3 can be used late in the signal chain as a level boost or line-driving stage.

Is it suitable for bass guitar?

Yes. Fulltone designed the Fat-Boost to work with electric bass as well as guitar.

Can it be used with an electro-acoustic guitar?

Yes. It can also be used with amplified acoustic instruments fitted with pickups.

Does it use true bypass?

Yes. The FB-3 uses true-bypass switching.

Can it run at 18V?

Yes. The FB-3 accepts regulated power between 9V and 18V DC.

Can it run from a battery?

Yes. It accepts a standard 9V battery.

How much current does it draw?

Current consumption is approximately 5mA.

Is a power supply included?

No. No power supply is included with this used pedal.

What condition is this example in?

This example is graded Good, with cosmetic signs of previous use consistent with a pre-owned effects pedal.

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