Bleak District's latest gain machine is the beautifully textured Slate Discrete Germanium Preamplifier

I’m falling a little behind with my Bleak District Electric capsule collection - and now have 3 gain pedals to add - including the Sun?No Model T, Terra Earthly Overdrive, and this Slate Preamp. Each of them is distinct sounding and beautifully calibrated.

I will try to pick up all 3 early next year and do a combine hands-on feature!

I’m a huge fan of Germanium Overdrives - and this Slate combines a JFET Input Stage into a NOS Germanium Transistor for a gorgeous breakup texture. Delivery also those kind of Fuzzy-Drive dynamics that I so like.

Controls - Volume, Gain, Treble.

This pedal could not be simpler to operate - courtesy of the pretty standard 3-knob layout.

This manner of circuit normally has excellent guitar volume cleanup - which I will surely find out more about in January.

All 3 of my target Bleak District gain machines are price at £145 each, available direct from the Bleak District Webstore and at select dealers - including my friend Jim’s Boost Guitar Pedals.

I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on one of these early next year!