# Eric Johnson pedalboard on a budget

> Build an affordable Eric Johnson pedalboard with 8 cheap pedals, each matched to a documented position and priced with its trade-off.

- Canonical page: https://pedalboardarchive.com/budget/eric-johnson/ah-via-musicom-four-amp-rig-2018/
- Machine-readable index of the archive: https://pedalboardarchive.com/llms.txt
- Evidence and reconstruction conventions: https://pedalboardarchive.com/methodology/

A budget rebuild is the archive’s editorial opinion, not an observation. The substitutes were chosen here; the artist never used them. Prices are new listed prices at a named retailer on the date below and move without notice.

- **Rebuilds:** [Eric Johnson — Ah Via Musicom four-amp system](https://pedalboardarchive.com/artists/eric-johnson/ah-via-musicom-four-amp-rig-2018/) (2018)
- **Original board total:** ≈ $3,102.87
- **Budget rebuild total:** ≈ $837.92
- **Saving:** ≈ $2,264.95 (73%)
- **Prices checked:** 2026-08-31
- **Currency:** USD

Johnson's 2018 rig is not one long pedal chain. The Deluxe Memory Man and SCF belong to the clean-amplifier side; the TS808 feeds the Fuzz Face before the Flanger/Doubler on the dirty-rhythm side; and the Cry Baby, Echoplex preamp and Tube Driver form the Marshall lead path. This rebuild preserves those three jobs and their internal relationships. The Nano Deluxe Memory Man and SCF Gold stay closest to the original analogue designs, the TO800 and JHS Fuzz retain the crucial overdrive-into-two-transistor-fuzz interaction, and the EP Booster and Tube Pilot keep the preamp colour and valve-driven lead approach. The Zoom is the deliberate digital compromise: it replaces a large two-mode rack processor with programmable flanging and short doubling in one current pedal.

## How to sound like Eric Johnson on a budget

A cheap Eric Johnson pedalboard cannot be everything the original was: this rebuild targets the eight documented effect roles across the clean, distorted-rhythm and Marshall lead branches of Eric Johnson's April 2018 Ah Via Musicom system. It approaches the rig's effect architecture and gain interactions; it cannot reproduce Johnson's touch, vintage Stratocasters, four amplifiers, custom amp selectors, modified tape machines or the component drift of his original pedals.

## Swaps

Every placement on the board it rebuilds is answered exactly once. Fidelity says how near the stand-in gets: **Same circuit** — The substitute is built on the same circuit as the pedal it replaces. Expect the difference to be in the enclosure rather than the sound. **Same topology** — The substitute shares the design the original is built on, but not its exact component choices or full control set. **Same job** — The substitute only shares what the unit does on this board. It sounds like itself, and the row says where it stops matching.

| # | Original | Original price | Substitute | Substitute price | Saving | Fidelity | Why | Trade-off |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | [Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/deluxe-memory-man/) | ≈ $250.90 | [Electro-Harmonix Nano Deluxe Memory Man](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/deluxe-memory-man/) | ≈ $213.30 | ≈ $37.60 | Same topology | The Nano is not a generic tape-delay model: it is EHX's compact all-analogue Deluxe Memory Man, with a bucket-brigade delay line, input Level, Blend, Feedback, up to 550 ms and genuine chorus/vibrato modulation. It therefore keeps the overload behaviour and warm modulated repeats Johnson switches into the clean branch. | The 2018 large-format unit has the older DMM control relationship and its own component tolerances. The Nano replaces the original Chorus/Vibrato rate switch with separate Rate and Depth controls, runs from modern 9 V power and will not reproduce the exact noise, headroom or ageing of Johnson's unit. It is the least dramatic saving here because preserving the actual analogue design costs more than a digital imitation. |
| 2 | [TC Electronic Stereo Chorus+ Pitch Modulator & Flanger](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/tc-electronic-stereo-chorus-pitch-modulator-and-flanger/) | ≈ $499.00 | [TC Electronic SCF Gold](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/tc-electronic-scf-gold/) | ≈ $83.90 | ≈ $415.10 | Same circuit | The SCF Gold is the rare budget substitute that is also the official reissue. It retains the analogue BBD chorus, pitch-modulation and flanger modes, adjustable input preamp, overload indication and dual stereo outputs that define Johnson's clean spread. The retailer explicitly identifies the same BBD circuit and offers it new for less than many generic stereo choruses. | It is not Johnson's Denmark-built, mains-powered vintage specimen. The reissue uses a modern 9 V supply, revised preamp headroom and current-production BBD parts, so noise floor, clipping point and calibration will differ. The $499 original-side figure is a disclosed vintage dealer reference, not a claim about new retail. |
| 3 | [Vintage Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/ts808-tube-screamer/) | ≈ $169.99 | [Behringer TO800 Vintage Tube Overdrive](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/behringer-to800-vintage-tube-overdrive/) | ≈ $28.90 | ≈ $141.09 | Same circuit | The TO800 preserves the 4558 op-amp, symmetrical diode clipping and mid-focused Tube Screamer architecture at the exact point where Johnson uses the TS808 to focus and drive the Fuzz Face. This is a circuit-led swap rather than merely another green overdrive. | The plastic enclosure, electronic switching and jacks are the economy. Component tolerances, output stage and bypass interaction will not duplicate a selected vintage TS808, and a buffered pedal before a Fuzz Face changes cleanup compared with plugging the fuzz directly into the guitar—an interaction Johnson intentionally accepts in this documented order. |
| 4 | [Late-1960s Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/fuzz-face/) | ≈ $179.99 | [JHS 3 Series Fuzz](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/jhs-3-series-fuzz/) | ≈ $95.04 | ≈ $84.95 | Same topology | JHS builds the 3 Series Fuzz around the same classic 1960s two-transistor family, then exposes transistor bias as a control. That keeps the touch response, guitar-volume cleanup and ragged-to-sustaining range needed after the TO800, while the Fat switch can restore low end lost into a brighter amp. | A two-transistor topology does not guarantee Johnson's selected Fuzz Face sound. The JHS uses a modern silicon interpretation with Bias and Fat controls rather than the exact transistors, temperature behaviour and two-control network of the late-1960s unit. The original-side price is the current vintage-spec Dunlop replacement, not the collector value of Johnson's pedal. |
| 5 | [MXR Flanger/Doubler](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/mxr-flanger-doubler/) | ≈ $339.00 | [Zoom MS-70CDR+ MultiStomp](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/zoom-ms-70cdr-multistomp/) | ≈ $119.99 | ≈ $219.01 | Same job | The MS-70CDR+ can store a dedicated flanger patch and a second short-delay doubling patch, run in mono or stereo and recall the required texture without carrying a rack processor. That preserves both jobs named on the MXR rather than quietly replacing the unit with a flanger that cannot double. | The Zoom is digital and menu-driven. It does not reproduce the MXR's analogue BBD delay line, Manual/Regen interaction, continuously variable wet mix, polarity inversion, line-level headroom or immediate Flange/Doubler switching. Build two restrained patches and level-match them; copying knob positions is impossible. |
| 6 | [Dunlop Cry Baby Wah](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/cry-baby-wah/) | ≈ $99.99 | [Behringer HB01 Hellbabe](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/behringer-hb01-hellbabe/) | ≈ $54.90 | ≈ $45.09 | Same job | The Hellbabe keeps a full treadle, adjustable heel frequency, fine range control and optional spring return, so its sweep can be narrowed toward Johnson's vocal lead phrasing before the EP-style preamp. Its boost can remain at unity because the following two stages already supply level and drive. | The HB01 senses the treadle optically and shapes the filter differently from the Cry Baby's potentiometer-and-inductor circuit. Its sweep, Q, toe switch feel and bypass loading will not match the Dunlop, and the plastic upper assembly is less roadworthy. This preserves the expressive job, not the wah circuit. |
| 7 | [Modified Maestro Echoplex EP-3](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/modified-maestro-echoplex-ep-3/) | ≈ $1,250.00 | [Xotic EP Booster](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/xotic-ep-booster/) | ≈ $149.99 | ≈ $1,100.01 | Same topology | The EP Booster is specifically built from the EP-3 preamp idea: a discrete FET path, low-impedance output and deliberately warm harmonic lift rather than a transparent volume pedal. Run it low in the lead branch to retain the Echoplex sweetening Johnson wanted after the wah and before the Tube Driver. | It is a compact interpretation, not the entire EP-3 preamp and power supply transplanted component for component. The single external control combines level and coloration, while internal switches alter bass and brightness; it cannot reproduce Bill Webb's particular modification, ageing parts or the loading of the tape chassis. The $1,250 figure is a vintage-market reference. |
| 8 | [B.K. Butler Tube Driver](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/b-k-butler-tube-driver/) | ≈ $314.00 | [TC Electronic Tube Pilot](https://pedalboardarchive.com/pedals/tc-electronic-tube-pilot/) | ≈ $91.90 | ≈ $222.10 | Same topology | The Tube Pilot follows the same performance approach instead of substituting a diode-only drive: a real 12AX7 is pushed by a dedicated Drive control and its output is levelled into the Marshall. It is a simple, current and orderable route to the compressed tube saturation at the end of Johnson's lead branch. | The two-knob TC circuit is not a Tube Driver clone. It lacks the Butler's separate low and high EQ, integrated mains supply, exact plate-voltage arrangement and Johnson-specific tube or bias selection, and it can become brighter and grainier at high gain. The 400 mA draw also needs a suitable isolated supply. |

## Method

Budget prices are listed-new prices available to order on August 31, 2026, before shipping and tax, checked at Sweetwater and Guitar Center. Where the exact 2018 unit is discontinued or vintage, the original side uses a current production replacement-value equivalent or a clearly labelled current dealer reference: the full-size Deluxe Memory Man, JDF2 Fuzz Face and new MXR Flanger/Doubler reissue stand in for their older counterparts; the vintage SCF and EP-3 use current marketplace references. Those figures describe replacement cost, not original 2018 retail. Every budget unit was available new—immediately or through an active add-to-cart listing—and every row states whether it shares the circuit, the design family or only the stage function. The three amplifier branches remain separate; the numbered presentation is a readable combined view, not a claimed serial cable trace. Retailers and manufacturers were neither consulted nor endorsed.

## Sources

19 cited sources across 19 independent groups. Two sources sharing an independent group report the same observation and count once.

1. [Rig Rundown: Eric Johnson \[2018\]](https://www.premierguitar.com/gear/rig-rundown-eric-johnson-2018) — Premier Guitar (Primary source · rig-rundown), published 2018-04-04, accessed 2026-08-03, independent group `premier-guitar-eric-johnson-2018`
2. [Eric Johnson Talks Signature Strat Models, Touring Rigs and More](https://www.musiciansfriend.com/thehub/interviews/guitars/eric-johnson-talks-signature-strat-models-touring-rigs) — Musician's Friend The Hub (Primary source · interview), published 2018-05-31, accessed 2026-08-03, independent group `musicians-friend-eric-johnson-2018`
3. [Eric Johnson on his current pedalboard and signal philosophy](https://www.musicradar.com/news/eric-johnson-ive-seen-youtube-videos-of-myself-where-im-going-on-and-on-and-on-with-lead-solos-and-its-like-okay-wrap-it-up) — MusicRadar (Primary source · interview), published 2018-06-11, accessed 2026-08-03, independent group `future-plc-eric-johnson-2018`
4. [Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man Analog Delay / Chorus / Vibrato Pedal](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MemoryMan--electro-harmonix-deluxe-memory-man-analog-delay-chorus-vibrato-pedal) — Sweetwater (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `sweetwater-dmm-current-listing`. Current full-size replacement-value listing checked at $250.90 and in stock; documents analogue delay, chorus and vibrato.
5. [Nano Deluxe Memory Man — Analog Delay / Chorus / Vibrato](https://www.ehx.com/products/nano-deluxe-memory-man/) — Electro-Harmonix (Primary source · official), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `ehx-nano-dmm-official`. Official current product page lists $213.30 and documents the analogue bucket-brigade circuit, 30–550 ms delay, six controls, selectable bypass and 70 x 115 mm Nano footprint.
6. [TC Electronic SCF Stereo Chorus Flanger](https://reverb.com/item/94041707-tc-electronic-scf-stereo-chorus-flanger) — Reverb (Specialist source · archive), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `reverb-original-scf-current-reference`. Current US dealer listing for an original Denmark-built SCF used as the disclosed $499 vintage replacement-value reference; it is not represented as new retail.
7. [TC Electronic SCF Gold Stereo Chorus Flanger Effects Pedal](https://www.guitarcenter.com/TC-Electronic/SCF-Gold-Stereo-Chorus-Flanger-Effects-Pedal-Black-1500000421060.gc) — Guitar Center (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `guitar-center-scf-gold-listing`. Current new-product listing checked at $83.90 with Add to Cart; documents the original-style analogue BBD circuit, chorus, flanger, pitch modulation and stereo outputs.
8. [Ibanez TS808 Original Tube Screamer Overdrive Pedal](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TS808--ibanez-ts808-original-tube-screamer-overdrive-pedal) — Sweetwater (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `sweetwater-ts808-current-listing`. Current in-stock new listing checked at $169.99; documents the JRC4558D device and original-style analogue circuit.
9. [Behringer TO800 Vintage Tube Overdrive Pedal](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TO800--behringer-to800-vintage-tube-overdrive-pedal) — Sweetwater (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `sweetwater-to800-current-listing`. Current in-stock new listing checked at $28.90; documents the 4558 op-amp, MA150 clipping diodes and Drive/Tone/Level layout.
10. [Dunlop JDF2 Classic Fuzz Face Pedal](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FuzzFace--dunlop-jdf2-classic-fuzz-face-pedal) — Sweetwater (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `sweetwater-jdf2-current-listing`. Current in-stock new vintage-spec replacement listing checked at $179.99; used instead of inventing a new price for Johnson's late-1960s original.
11. [JHS 3 Series Fuzz Pedal](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/JHS3FUZZ--jhs-3-series-fuzz-pedal) — Sweetwater (Specialist source · official), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `sweetwater-jhs-3-series-fuzz`. Current new-product listing documents the two-transistor fuzz, Bias control and Fat switch and was available to order when the budget price was captured.
12. [MXR Flanger/Doubler Pedal](https://www.guitarcenter.com/MXR/Flanger-Doubler-Pedal-Blue-1500000488295.gc) — Guitar Center (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `guitar-center-mxr-m226-listing`. Current $339 production reissue used as replacement-value reference for the vintage rack unit; documents analogue BBD flanger and doubler modes with the original control set.
13. [Zoom MS-70CDR+ MultiStomp](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MS70CDRPlus--zoom-ms-70cdr-multistomp-chorus-delay-reverb-pedal) — Sweetwater (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `sweetwater-ms70cdr-plus-listing`. Current in-stock new-product listing checked at $119.99; documents 149 mono/stereo effects, patch storage and USB-C MIDI.
14. [Dunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Standard Wah Pedal](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Crybaby--dunlop-gcb95-cry-baby-wah-pedal) — Sweetwater (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `sweetwater-gcb95-current-listing`. Current in-stock new listing checked at $99.99; documents the full-size die-cast treadle and Hot Potz sweep.
15. [Behringer HB01 Hellbabe Optical Wah Pedal](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HB01--behringer-hb01-hellbabe-optical-wah-pedal) — Sweetwater (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `sweetwater-hb01-listing`. Current new-product listing checked at $54.90 and accepting orders; documents the optical sweep, frequency controls and adjustable boost.
16. [Maestro Echoplex EP-3 Solid State](https://reverb.com/item/97123815-maestro-echoplex-ep-3-solid-state-1970-1991-grey) — Reverb (Specialist source · archive), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `reverb-ep3-current-reference`. Current $1,250 vintage dealer listing used as a disclosed replacement-value reference for an EP-3 chassis; it is not represented as new retail or as Bill Webb's exact modification.
17. [Xotic EP Booster Mini Boost Pedal](https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/EPBooster--xotic-ep-booster-pedal) — Sweetwater (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `sweetwater-ep-booster-listing`. Current new-product listing checked at $149.99; describes the discrete FET circuit inspired by the Echoplex EP-3 preamp, 20 dB boost and internal voicing switches.
18. [New Limited Production Tube Driver](https://butleraudio.com/tubedriver.php) — Butler Audio (Primary source · official), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `butler-audio-tube-driver-current`. Original designer's active order page lists the hand-built four-control Tube Driver at $314 and explicitly states that it uses the same design and sound supplied to Eric Johnson.
19. [TC Electronic Tube Pilot Overdrive Effects Pedal](https://www.guitarcenter.com/TC-Electronic/Tube-Pilot-Overdrive-Effects-Pedal-1500000151941.gc) — Guitar Center (Specialist source · article), accessed 2026-08-31, independent group `guitar-center-tube-pilot-listing`. Current new-product listing checked at $91.90 with Add to Cart; documents the real 12AX7, two-control tube-overdrive circuit and current availability.