United States · Est. 2003
Catalinbread
Portland boutique known for faithful amp-in-a-box emulations and vintage tape echo recreations.
About the brand
Catalinbread was founded in 2003 by Nicholas Harris in Portland, Oregon. Their specialty is amp emulation — creating pedals that convincingly recreate the overdrive character of specific legendary amplifiers rather than producing generic 'overdrive' sounds.
The Belle Epoch is a faithful recreation of the Echoplex EP-3 tape echo preamp, capturing not just the delay but the subtle tone-shaping that made the original unit so beloved. The Echorec recreates the Binson Echorec disc echo used by Pink Floyd. The Formula No. 5 captures the sound of a cranked Dumble Overdrive Special.
Catalinbread's depth of historical research into vintage gear is remarkable. Their pedals consistently satisfy players who've spent years searching for specific tones because Catalinbread actually identifies what made those tones possible and builds circuits to recreate them faithfully.
Key facts
- Belle Epoch: the definitive Echoplex EP-3 recreation
- Echorec: faithful Binson disc echo emulation used by Pink Floyd
- Specialises in faithful emulation of specific legendary amps and units
- Founded in Portland, Oregon in 2003
Iconic pedals
Belle Epoch
Recreation of the Echoplex EP-3 preamplifier. Not just the delay but the warmth, colour, and compression the EP-3 adds to the signal even without visible delay.
Echorec
Emulation of the Binson Echorec disc echo used by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd. Four independent delay heads that create the iconic rhythmic echo patterns.
Formula No. 5
Emulation of a Dumble Overdrive Special at good volume. Captures the sensitive breakup and unique EQ of the most expensive and coveted amplifier in history.
Soft Focus
Reverb inspired by the 'Soft Focus' preset on the Yamaha SPX90 used by Cocteau Twins. Creates ethereal, crystalline atmospheres that no other pedal can replicate.
Notable musicians
- Trey Anastasio · Belle Epoch
- Bill Frisell · Belle Epoch, Echorec
- Dave Matthews · Belle Epoch
- Peter Buck · Naga Viper