The New Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal: A Swiss Army Knife for Bassists

When it comes to preamp pedals, few brands capture the warmth and versatility that Aguilar delivers. With the latest iteration of their Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal, Aguilar has taken an already iconic tool and packed it with even more features to cater to bassists of all styles and skill levels. Whether you’re jamming in your garage, recording in the studio, or touring the globe, this pedal is built to be your go-to for dynamic, transparent tone.

Signature Aguilar Tone, Updated

The Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal has long been a favorite for its natural, transparent tone and iconic Aguilar warmth. With this update, Aguilar has enhanced the pedal’s features without losing sight of what made it great. The preamp provides clean, rich sound that complements any bass—from the warm lows of a classic P-Bass to the punchy mids of a modern active bass.

Thanks to its three-band EQ with fully sweepable midrange, the Tone Hammer puts tone-shaping precision at your fingertips. Whether you’re dialing in punchy mids, deep lows, or smooth, crisp highs, this pedal keeps your sound dynamic and in control.

Drive Circuit: From Clean to Mean

One of the most exciting updates to the Tone Hammer is its revamped Drive circuit. With a dedicated control and footswitch, this circuit delivers a range of tones—from subtle, tube-like warmth to gritty, aggressive overdrive. Unlike modern distortion pedals that often sound clinical, the Tone Hammer’s Drive circuit offers a natural, harmonically rich sound that can thicken your tone without overshadowing it. The interaction between the main Gain knob and the Drive control invites endless experimentation, allowing you to find your ideal tone.

Practice, Record, Perform: A Pedal for Every Setting

The Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal isn’t just for gigs and studio sessions; it’s also a fantastic practice tool. Aguilar has added a headphone output and an Aux input, making silent practice a breeze. Whether you’re running through a setlist late at night or jamming along with your favorite tracks, the Tone Hammer ensures your sound remains professional.

Additionally, the balanced DI output makes the pedal an invaluable tool for recording and live performances. With the ability to toggle between pre and post EQ, you can ensure your sound is perfect in any setup. Whether you’re connecting to a mixing console, an audio interface, or a power amp, the Tone Hammer adapts seamlessly.

Controls That Empower Creativity

The front panel of the Tone Hammer is thoughtfully designed, featuring six regular knobs, two mini knobs, and two footswitches:

• Gain: Controls input sensitivity, allowing you to match your bass’s output.
• Treble, Bass, and Midrange: Shape your sound with precise cut and boost capabilities (±18 dB for Bass and Treble, ±17 dB for Midrange).
• Mid-Frequency and Mid-Level: Let you pinpoint and adjust your midrange frequencies, giving you ultimate tone control.
• Drive Mini Knob: Adjust the gain for the Drive circuit, adding anything from gentle warmth to growling overdrive.
• Headphone Mix Mini Knob: Blend your bass sound with the Aux input for optimal practice settings.
• Engage Footswitch: Bypass the pedal or activate it with ease.
• Drive Footswitch: Instantly toggle the Drive circuit on or off.

Built for the Modern Bassist

Powered by an 18-volt supply, the Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal offers plenty of headroom, ensuring your tone stays clear and free from unwanted distortion. This robust power system also supports Aguilar’s pristine DI output, making the pedal a reliable choice for professional applications.

While it’s packed with features, the Tone Hammer remains intuitive and user-friendly. Its versatility means it’s equally suitable for bassists who prefer modern slap techniques or vintage, gritty tones. And while the lack of onboard cab simulation might be a minor drawback for some, the pedal’s overall performance far outweighs this omission.

Specifications at a Glance

• EQ:
  • Bass: ±18 dB @ 40 Hz
  • Mid: ±17 dB, fully sweepable between 180 Hz and 1 kHz
  • Treble: ±18 dB @ 4 kHz
• Inputs: 1/4” Jack, Aux In
• Outputs: 1/4” Jack, XLR DI with ground lift, Headphone Out
• Power: 18V operation for maximum headroom
• Controls: Six regular knobs, two mini knobs, two footswitches

Final Thoughts

The new and improved Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal from Aguilar is more than just an update—it’s a reimagining of what a preamp pedal can be. With its transparent tone, versatile Drive circuit, and practice-friendly features, it’s an essential addition to any bassist’s arsenal. Whether you’re on stage, in the studio, or practicing at home, the Tone Hammer delivers professional-grade sound and unmatched versatility. If you’re serious about bass, this pedal deserves a spot on your board.

Come by Tone Tailors to check out the new Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal today and experience its incredible tone and features firsthand!