Suhr has officially launched the Brighton Treble Booster. Designed for guitarists who demand clarity, cut, and harmonic richness, the Brighton aims to bridge the gap between vintage “Rangemaster-style” inspiration and the versatile needs of today’s modern pedalboard.
While traditional treble boosters are often finicky or overly harsh, Suhr has engineered the Brighton to be a “tone revealer.” It focuses on the upper-midrange and treble frequencies to ensure your guitar slices through even the densest stage mixes without sacrificing the low-end tightness or the natural touch-responsiveness of your amplifier.
The Science of “Cut and Sparkle”
The Brighton Treble Booster isn’t just about volume; it’s about harmonic enhancement. At its core, the pedal is designed to push a tube amplifier into its “sweet spot.” Whether you are running a shimmering clean tone that needs a glassy edge or a saturated lead channel that requires extra sustain and definition, the Brighton responds to the player’s nuances.
“The Brighton isn’t about masking your tone,” says the team at Suhr. “It’s about revealing it.”
Advanced Control for Modern Players
Unlike the one-knob wonders of the 1960s, the Brighton offers a sophisticated control set that allows for deep customization:
-
Bias Control: This allows players to fine-tune the intensity of the boosted signal, adding harmonic distortion and natural breakup that feels like an extension of the amp itself.
-
Body Control: A game-changer for players with brighter guitars (like Strats or Teles), this dial tailors the lower frequencies to add heft and “thump” without becoming muddy.
-
2-Position Smooth Switch: This toggle allows you to shift the character of the boost from a gentle, clear push to a screaming, high-gain solo voice.
-
Dynamic Response: The pedal is engineered to retain picking dynamics at any volume, making it an ideal “always-on” tool for expressive players.
Pricing and Availability
The Suhr Brighton Treble Booster is hitting shelves with an MSRP of $149.00, positioning it as an accessible professional-grade tool for gigging musicians and studio enthusiasts alike.
Available at Sweetwater – $149
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Q: Is the Brighton Treble Booster just for vintage rock tones?
A: While it excels at classic “Queen” or “Sabbath” style tones, its modern circuitry and “Body” control make it equally effective for tightening up modern high-gain Riffs or adding “chime” to indie-rock clean tones.
Q: Where should I place this in my signal chain?
A: Typically, treble boosters work best at the very beginning of your chain (before your overdrive or wah) to interact directly with your guitar’s pickups and your amp’s front end.
Q: Does it work with humbuckers and single coils?
A: Yes. Thanks to the Body control, you can add low-end depth to single coils or keep humbuckers tight and articulate.
Q: Does it require a specific power supply?
A: It runs on a standard 9V DC power supply. Unlike some vintage-style germanium boosters, it is designed to play well with modern power bricks.
The Verdict: Is the Suhr Brighton Worth It?
The Pros:
-
Precision Tone-Shaping: The addition of Body and Bias controls solves the “thinness” issue common in lesser treble boosters.
-
Versatility: The Smooth switch makes it two pedals in one—a clean enhancer and a screaming lead driver.
-
Build Quality: It’s a Suhr. The reliability and low-noise floor are world-class.
-
Price Point: At $149, it competes aggressively with boutique clones that offer fewer features.
The Cons:
-
Specific Utility: If you are looking for a “transparent” clean boost that doesn’t color your EQ at all, this isn’t it. This pedal is meant to add character.
Final Thoughts:
The Suhr Brighton Treble Booster is a masterclass in functional design. It takes a classic, somewhat “difficult” effect and tames it for the modern stage. If your tone feels “lost in the mud” or you want your solos to have a vocal, singing quality that cuts through the drums and bass, the Brighton is a must-have on your board.
Score: 9.5/10 — A tonal “secret weapon” that every serious guitarist should try.
More Information
#Suhr #Brighton #Treble Booster
This article may contain affiliate links to Andertons, DeathCloud, Donner, Fender, Gear4Music, Positive Grid, Sweetwater, and Thomann that help finance the running costs of GuitarBomb. We will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. Don’t worry; you pay the same price, and it costs you no extra to use these affiliate links for your purchases.
