Electro Harmonix Nano LPB-1 Power Booster

A classic boost pedal, updated for today

The LPB-1 (Linear Power Booster) is one of the foundational pedals: in the late '60s, the idea was simple but revolutionary for its time... increasing the signal level to push the amp into its natural compression zone. This reissue captures the spirit of the original model with a compact format designed to easily fit on a modern pedalboard, without losing what makes it powerful: a boost reserve capable of transforming the feel under the fingers and the amp's response.

Who is it for, and in which styles?

The LPB-1 is aimed at all guitarists (and bassists) who want more presence without complicating their setup. Beginners and pros alike appreciate its "plug and play" logic: one knob, one result. In blues and classic rock, it helps make an amp on the edge of crunch sing; in hard rock and metal, it serves as a boost to tighten the attack and add bite to existing saturation (amp or pedal). In the studio, it becomes a practical tool to adjust input levels, and live it allows for more projection without changing guitar or channel.

Control, placement, and behavior: efficiency first

Everything revolves around the "Boost" potentiometer. At low settings, you get a clean boost that emphasizes attack and definition. Turning it up, the LPB-1 pushes the next stage harder: amp preamp, overdrive, distortion, or fuzz then react differently, with more saturation, often more sustain, and a more "elastic" playing feel.
Typical placements include: at the very start of the chain to strengthen pickup signal and drive following pedals harder; just before an overdrive to increase saturation without changing the overdrive's gain; or before the amp to work the preamp and achieve a more organic overdrive. The true bypass also allows for occasional use as a controlled "shot of energy," without affecting the sound when off.

Sound character

The LPB-1's character is that of a straightforward and musical boost: more impact, a sharper attack, and a sense of enhanced dynamics, especially on a slightly crunchy amp. Used to push an amp, it favors natural saturation (compression, sustain, harmonics) rather than a "gain pedal" style distortion. Depending on your chain and boost level, it can also add slight coloration and a feeling of a denser signal, contributing to its much-loved "vintage tool" vibe.
Regarding inspirations and real-world use, the LPB-1 is known for its place in simple and effective rigs: it's cited by artists with diverse universes, such as Kevin Morby or Jenn Wasner, who use it as a lever to achieve a livelier and more responsive amp overdrive.

Technical specifications

Effects	Boost	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Grey

Audio	mono	Output impedance	10 kOhms
True bypass	yes	Chassis	die-cast metal, compact format
Input	6.35 mm jack (unbalanced)	Dimensions (L x W x H)	110 x 65 x 57 mm
Output	6.35 mm jack (unbalanced)	Power consumption	1 mA
Input impedance	43 kOhms	Recommended power supply	adapter capable of supplying 100 mA or more