Formula 51
The Catalinbread Formula 51 is a captivating homage to the legendary Fender Tweed Champ amplifier, distilling its iconic tones into a compact and versatile pedal. Harkening back to the 1940s, this pedal captures the essence of the revered 5F1 circuit, with its single volume knob that can conjure a mesmerizing range of tones - from gently gritty cleans to honking, mid-heavy distortion that will have you channeling the greats of yesteryear. What sets the Formula 51 apart is its meticulous attention to detail. Unlike many amp-in-a-box designs, this pedal features a true preamp, a discrete power amp simulator, and an output transformer, delivering the full touch-sensitive experience of the original Tweed Champ. The Sag control allows you to load down the transformer, unleashing those iconic blown-out lead tones with the twist of a knob. Meanwhile, the Tone control is a vintage-inspired mod, transforming the mid-leaning Tweed profile into the sought-after mid-scooped "blackface" sound. Whether you run it at 18V for increased headroom or stack it with other pedals, the Formula 51 is a must-have for any guitarist seeking to capture the essence of classic American amplifier tone. Revered by discerning players, this pedal has been spotted in the rigs of renowned artists, cementing its status as a true tone connoisseur's delight.
