Description
70s EHX Screaming Bird Treble Booster, $149!
The 1970s Electro-Harmonix Screaming Bird Treble Boost is a vintage pedal designed to enhance the upper frequencies of your guitar’s tone, adding brightness and cutting power to your sound. Originally introduced as a simple, compact boost pedal, the Screaming Bird was aimed at players who wanted to add more treble and clarity to their signal, making it ideal for cutting through dense mixes or adding extra bite to lead parts. As a classic Electro-Harmonix effect, it has become a collectible item among fans of vintage gear, particularly for those who seek the raw, aggressive tones of the 70s.
Key Features
Treble boost circuit, providing enhanced high frequencies and a sharp, cutting tone
Simple one-knob design, allowing players to control the amount of treble boost applied
Compact and durable metal enclosure, typical of 1970s EHX pedals
Increases output signal, adding more presence and volume to solos or overdriven sounds
Original units used a unique transistor-based circuit, delivering a vintage tone that can’t be exactly replicated by modern treble boosts
Battery-powered, true to the original design of the era
Sound Profile
The EHX Screaming Bird Treble Boost enhances the high frequencies of your guitar signal, making your tone brighter and more defined. It’s particularly useful for adding presence to rhythm and lead playing, as well as for helping guitars cut through dense mixes in live or studio settings. The pedal delivers a crisp, sharp boost that is perfect for adding bite to overdriven or distorted tones. With its simple control, players can dial in anything from a subtle treble lift to a full-on treble spike, making it versatile for rock, blues, and other high-energy genres. When paired with a tube amp, the Screaming Bird can push the amp into a natural overdrive, adding harmonics and a raw edge to the sound.
Applications
The 70s Screaming Bird is ideal for guitarists who want to add more brightness, definition, and presence to their tone. It works well for players who use overdrive or fuzz, as it can sharpen up a muddy signal and add articulation to heavy sounds. The pedal is especially useful for lead guitarists looking to cut through the mix or rhythm players who want to brighten up their tone in genres like rock, blues, punk, or even indie. It can also be used to push an amplifier into overdrive, making it a flexible addition to any pedalboard.
Build Quality and Aesthetic
The 1970s Screaming Bird features the sturdy metal construction typical of Electro-Harmonix pedals from that era. Its compact size and simple design make it easy to integrate into any pedalboard setup. The aesthetic is minimal, with a vintage feel that reflects the design ethos of 70s gear. Original units are often highly prized for their build quality and the unique tonal character they impart, with some natural wear adding to their collectible appeal over the years.
Country of Manufacture
USA
Collectibility and Market Value
The 70s EHX Screaming Bird Treble Boost is considered a highly collectible pedal due to its vintage status and unique tonal characteristics. Original units from the 1970s are sought after by collectors and vintage gear enthusiasts, particularly those looking to capture the raw, bright tones of classic rock and blues from that era. While it is a relatively simple pedal, its distinct sound and historical value make it a prized item on the used market, with prices often reflecting its status as a vintage piece of Electro-Harmonix history.
