Silktone Amps Expander Preamp Fuzz Overdrive

The amplifiers coming out of the Silktone shop in Roseville, California, have always been amazing, and I was so stoked when they entered the effects pedal market a few years back. Having demoed their Germanium Fuzz and overdrive+ pedals, I was excited when the Expander Preamp Fuzz Overdrive was announced, and even more so when it arrived on our doorstep. Combining elements of the three best dirt genres out there, this seemingly simple pedal is anything but…

The Silktone Expander takes the simple idea of a dirt box and blows it wide open. Three knobs and a voice switch unlock a massive palette of thick, textured drive – from subtle harmonic enhancement to rich, gritty overdrive that feels like your amp just sprang to life. The design pulls inspiration from the aesthetic and vibe of our Micronaut line and the quirky magic of old Japanese dirt boxes. The look, the feel, and even some of the tonal DNA tip their hat to that era, while pushing it into new territory.

The first stage is a JFET-based 2nd harmonic generator that immediately adds body and depth. At its heart, a germanium transistor stage (inspired by the greats of the ’60s) delivers that unmistakable chewy, colorful character. And at the output, another JFET is voiced to emulate the first tube in an amp so even when the volume is rolled down, you still get that saturated first-tube sweetness. And here’s the kicker: while it can rip when you want it to, the Expander shines as an always-on pedal. With “Choke” and “Gain” set low and volume around noon, it just makes everything bigger, better, and more alive.

This is another one of those pedals that you know it an instant hit from the second your engage it with your guitar and amp. Three knobs and three modes make for a wide array of sounds to explore, and the range found within this gray box ensures it can work well with just about any setup or musical style. Thanks to our friends at Silktone for letting us check the Expander Preamp Fuzz Overdrive out – be sure to visit their website for more info and ordering, and don’t miss our demo video on YouTube – cheers!!