Benson Amps Chimera Preamp Pedal vs JHS Clover

The Benson Amps Chimera Preamp Pedal and the JHS Clover are both pedals sharing bright, dynamic, transparent. The Benson Amps Chimera Preamp Pedal leans saturated and fuzzy.

Similarity
citedBlended from circuit-archetype lineage, dynamic feel, tone-signal overlap and tone-vector distance — the tone vector itself is derived from editorial description text, not a measured acoustic signal, so this reflects how similarly the catalog copy describes the two, not a lab measurement. Shown only within a gear class, and only where there's enough evidence to be meaningful.

52% — moderately similar

Shared genres
citedGenres both listings are associated with.
  • alternative
  • indie rock
Shared tone character
citedDerived from overlapping tonal signals across both listings.
  • bright
  • dynamic
  • transparent
Citation fame
citedCitation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.
0%
0%
Price
—

$199via Reverb

Description

The Benson Amps Chimera Preamp Pedal is a FET-based preamp pedal based on the Benson Chimera 30-watt guitar amplifier circuit, substituting FET transistors for the original vacuum tubes. Controls include Gain, Volume, Treble, and Bass. The Treble and Bass controls actively shape the type of gain generated rather than passively filtering the output. 9V DC or battery, 50mA. Priced at $249 from Benson Amps, Portland, Oregon. Described by multiple reviewers as the most amp-like gain pedal, hypersensitive to touch and pick attack through both tube amplifiers and amp modeling systems. Stacks well with other drives, fuzzes, and compressors.

The JHS Clover is a FET preamp, EQ, and boost pedal inspired by the rare Boss FA-1 FET Preamp released in the mid-1980s. The Edge of U2 used the original FA-1 on the recording of The Unforgettable Fire and in subsequent touring rigs. The Clover recreates this pedal with Volume, Bass, Mid, and Treble controls, a three-way rotary switch (Full EQ, No Mid, No EQ), and a side-mounted Low Cut dip switch. Suited to boosting tube amplifiers and drive pedals with transparent FET character.

Genres
citedGenres this gear is documented as being used in.
  • blues
  • country
Tonal lean
  • saturated
  • fuzzy
—
Good for
citedOccasions this gear suits — judged per model, or derived from its wattage, connectivity and category.
—
  • Silent Recording
  • Studio
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Benson Amps Chimera Preamp Pedal vs JHS Clover — Shared Character & Differences — NodeTone