Catalinbread is channelling the power of the 1950s in their new Formula 51 pedal. The pedal is based heavily on the Fender 5F1 amplifier, better known as the Tweed Champ thanks to its wrapping. The Formula 51 pedal obviously takes those tones into the modern day by updating the overdrive sound, but still capturing that classic blown-out lead tone.
The Formula 51 features a preamp, a discrete power amp simulator, and an output transformer controlled by Sag, Tone, Volume, and Gain knobs. The Tone knob also employs the mid scoop control of the Framus Cobra amp, the Sag for loading down the transformer to your taste, and the ability to run it at 18V for more headroom. It also has some pretty industrial-looking casing, which is always a nice bonus.
The Formula 51 is available here for $179.99.
