Chase Tone Secret Preamp, (Used)

The Chase Tone Secret Preamp is a compact boost and tone-shaping pedal inspired by the preamp circuit of a vintage Echoplex EP-3 tape delay. It’s designed to add harmonic richness, clarity, and subtle compression to a guitar’s natural sound without colouring it excessively. Built into a durable metal enclosure, it’s crafted for players seeking the warm, dynamic enhancement that classic preamp circuits are known for. The pedal’s minimalist design focuses on delivering the tonal essence of the original circuit in a reliable, pedalboard-friendly format.

Internally, the Secret Preamp uses carefully selected components that replicate the response of the early 1970s EP-3 units, including discrete FET circuitry for authentic analogue warmth. The control interface is simple, featuring a single volume knob. This design allows the pedal to function as a clean boost, a tone enhancer, or a subtle always-on preamp, depending on the player’s preference. It operates on standard 9-volt power, ensuring compatibility with most pedalboard power supplies.

The pedal’s tonal effect emphasises a smoother high end, tighter lows, and a more defined midrange, enhancing the overall presence of the instrument in a mix. Its transparency and harmonic complexity make it suitable for use in front of an amplifier or as part of a signal chain to enrich other effects. Compact, reliable, and musically responsive, the Chase Tone Secret Preamp delivers vintage-inspired tone enhancement in a simple and effective package.