FTelettronica SaintAmp Preamp

Classic SansAmp tones, from Nirvana and beyond

The FTelettronica SaintAmp is a versatile preamp and amp-simulation pedal inspired by the legendary Tech 21 SansAmp Classic. Known in part for its association with Kurt Cobain and the abrasive, saturated guitar tones of Nirvana's In Utero era, the original SansAmp became a cult favorite for its ability to produce everything from convincing amplifier-style sounds to powerful distortion. The SaintAmp brings that remarkably flexible concept to a handmade modern pedal.

For Nirvana fans, the connection is particularly compelling. The SaintAmp's Character switches and extensive gain controls make it possible to explore the aggressive, mid-forward distortion associated with Cobain's SansAmp tones, but its capabilities extend far beyond recreating a single artist or era. From clean and articulate sounds to warm vintage coloration, aggressive distortion and saturated lead tones, the SaintAmp offers an enormous range of amp-inspired sounds.

Eight selectable Character Types shape the response and personality of the preamp. Mid-Boost I and Mid-Boost II emphasize the midrange in different ways, while Low Drive, Clean Amp, Bright Switch, Vintage Tubes, Speaker Edge and Close Miking provide everything from cleaner amplifier characteristics and added presence to tube-inspired saturation and speaker-style breakup.

Three operating modes further expand the pedal's range. Lead is voiced for more aggressive and saturated sounds, Normal provides a versatile foundation for guitar and general-purpose use, while Bass adapts the response for bass guitar and applications where preserving low-frequency weight is particularly important.

Drive and Amplifier Drive provide detailed control over the gain structure, covering everything from subtle breakup to heavy saturation. Presence and High shape the upper frequencies and overall character, while Output sets the final signal level.

The SaintAmp can be used as a tone-shaping preamp in front of an amplifier, as an amp-style drive pedal, or as the foundation of a pedalboard-based rig. Handmade in Italy by FTelettronica, it offers guitarists and bassists the flexibility of the classic SansAmp concept in a compact and remarkably versatile pedal.

FTelettronica SaintAmp Features

• Versatile preamp and amp-simulation pedal

• Inspired by the legendary Tech 21 SansAmp Classic

• Capable of recreating aggressive Nirvana and Kurt Cobain-inspired In Utero-era tones

• Eight Character Types: Mid-Boost I, Mid-Boost II, Low Drive, Clean Amp, Bright Switch, Vintage Tubes, Speaker Edge and Close Miking

• Three operating modes: Lead, Normal and Bass

• Dedicated Bass mode for bass guitar and extended low-frequency response

• Drive and Amplifier Drive controls for detailed gain shaping

• Presence and High controls for tonal adjustment

• Output control

• Suitable for guitar and bass

• Can be used as a preamp, tone-shaping pedal or amp-style drive

• Power: 9V DC

• Current draw: 100mA

• Dimensions: 4.72" × 3.70" × 2.05"