Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster

The Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster, introduced in 1965 by Dallas Musical Ltd. in London, is one of the most iconic guitar effects units in history. Designed to address the dark, muddy tones of British tube amplifiers like the Vox AC30 and Marshall JTM45, it amplified high-end frequencies while boosting overall signal strength. This made it a valuable tool for cutting through mixes and achieving a brighter, more defined guitar tone.

History and Design

• Creation: The Rangemaster was built in a simple metal enclosure with a germanium Mullard OC44 transistor at its core. This transistor provided the characteristic warmth and soft clipping that defined its sound. The unit featured a single potentiometer to control boost levels and was powered by a 9V battery.
• Functionality: Unlike modern floor pedals, the Rangemaster was designed to sit atop an amplifier. Its circuit emphasized frequencies above 2.6 kHz, adding clarity and harmonic richness to distorted tones.
• Popularity: Production numbers are unknown, but original units are rare and highly sought after, often fetching over £1,000 on the vintage market.

Popular Settings

• Full Boost: Maxing out the boost for aggressive lead tones or pushing an amp into overdrive.
• Subtle Enhancement: Lower boost settings for mild tonal coloration and clarity.
• Placement: Typically placed first in the signal chain to preserve its germanium transistor's sensitivity to input dynamics.

Notable Players

The Rangemaster became a cornerstone of classic rock tones, used by legendary guitarists such as:

• Eric Clapton: With John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Clapton used the Rangemaster to achieve his "Beano" tone.
• Brian May: It was critical to May's signature sound with Queen until mid-1973, after which he replicated its circuit with his father.
• Tony Iommi: Used it to craft Black Sabbath's heavy, cutting riffs.
• Rory Gallagher and Ritchie Blackmore: Both employed it to brighten their tones when paired with Vox and Marshall amps.
• Marc Bolan and Billy Gibbons: Also notable users who shaped their unique styles with the Rangemaster.

In summary, the Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster is celebrated for its simplicity and tonal impact. Its ability to enhance high frequencies while adding harmonic complexity made it indispensable for many pioneering guitarists of the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it remains a benchmark for treble boosters and has inspired countless modern recreations.