CONDITION: For parts or repair, the unit will not power on; this was an open-box product used for display. Please see photos for more details. This sale is final, with no returns or refunds.
Catalinbread’s Formula ’51 Overdrive pedal captures the spirit and feel of one of guitar history’s most iconic tweed-covered combo amps — all the way down to the sag of the original! In fact, the Formula ’51 packs a true output transformer, preamp, and phase inverter into its modestly sized box to better replicate the organic feel and volume-knob sensitivity that made its amplifier inspiration so legendary. While the original amp had but a single knob to shape your tone, Catalinbread decked out the Formula ’51 with a full range of industry-standard volume/gain/tone controls, in addition to a Sag knob that pushes the output transformer to achieve the classic compressed, raw tone of a hard-pushed tube combo. From a slight mid-forward grit to edge-of-implosion blown-out dirt tones, Catalinbread’s Formula ’51 overdrive faithfully replicates — and even enhances — the small-box amplifier tone that’s graced countless classic records.
True transformer sag
While the Formula ’51’s original amplifier of inspiration featured but a single knob, we can’t help but feel thankful that Catalinbread loaded this pedal up with a diverse array of tone-shaping possibilities. Any overdrive pedal fanatic will be familiar with the standard gain/volume/tone controls, but the Sag knob is unique in that it takes full advantage of the Formula 51’s built-in output transformer. Crank up the Sag knob to load down the transformer and unlock the wild, blown-out overdrive tones that are unique to ’50s-style tube amplifiers.
Tweed, black, and silver
The amplifier that inspired the Formula ’51 was most famous for its ’50s-era models, but fans have long adored all three vintage iterations — from the original tweed to black to silver. However, the mid-forward sound of the ’50s-style model was replaced in the early ’60s with a mid-scooped tone that provides a more glassy response. To capture both ends of the tonal spectrum, Catalinbread designed the Formula ’51 with an onboard mid-scoop control that can take you from mid-heavy bark and bite to smooth, shimmering tones with the flick of the tone knob.
Catalinbread Formula ’51 Overdrive Pedal Features: