Re: Volume boost pedal question
I'm a pickup guy too, for similar reasons.
Your sound isn't the pedal, it's the EQ curve you have selected.
The fundamental of a mandolin G string is 196 hz, the E is 659hz.
Your EQ curve will make the mando sound exactly like you say, shrill and harsh.
If you simply set all the sliders on the BOSS to +3db, you would get something resembling a 3db boost. But it wouldn't be exactly flat, would look more like a suspension bridge (one of the dirty little secrets of graphic EQ).
I can recommend the MXR pre as a simple solution, it has an on/off switch, is flat and clean, and the amount of boost is on a knob. That's the simplest cleanest solution. Red-eye would also do it, lots of love for them around here.
I use a flat boost, 3db is all I really need. And I run a compressor too (mild compression at 2x), makes it easier on the sound guy to get me into the mix where he wants.
I have been pretty vocal myself about multi-pedals lately, as an easy way to get all the effects you could want. Both Zoom and Helix have worked well for me (that's a lot of flexibility on price), and have a wide variety of EQ and effects. Both allow you to combine para EQ with graphic EQ, and have boost pedal functions too. If you want to add some reverb, compressor, or delay, or virtually anything else, it's there...
I you want to stick with analog, the red-eye is the most popular choice around here.
I would keep the BOSS though, and use it as a high-pass, set everything to flat except put the 100hz all the way down, that will reduce thumps from the pickup (if you are having that problem - try it and see).
Davey Stuart tenor guitar (based on his 18" mandola design).
Eastman MD-604SB with Grover 309 tuners.
Eastwood 4 string electric mandostang, 2x Airline e-mandola (4-string) one strung as an e-OM.
DSP's: Helix HX Stomp, various Zooms.
Amps: THR-10, Sony XB-20.
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