Brand: PMG (formerly PMP) Model: BUF E-945 SUPER BUFFER Amp Type: Professional Signal Buffer / Line Driver / Gain Booster Made in: Japan (estimated) Serial number: Unknown Colour: Blue Rare Japanese professional signal-management unit from the golden age of analogue guitar systems. This listing is for a PMG (formerly PMP) BUF E-945 “SUPER BUFFER Amp”, a highly specialized signal-management device designed for professional stage and studio applications during the mid-1980s. Carefully cleaned, inspected, and fully tested, this unit is fully functional and delivers a clear, transparent buffered signal with a clean gain boost, making it suitable for both signal preservation and amplifier driving applications. Unlike conventional booster pedals that intentionally alter tone or introduce clipping, the BUF E-945 increases gain by changing amplifier gain within the circuit itself. This allows the signal to remain clean and transparent while preserving its original tonal balance and frequency response. Based on internal component analysis—particularly regulator, rectifier, and capacitor date codes—this unit is estimated to have been manufactured around 1984–1985. This PMG-branded example appears to represent a slightly later production period than earlier PMP versions while maintaining the same core BUF-series design philosophy. Key Features & Condition Model: BUF E-945 SUPER BUFFER Amp Brand: PMG (formerly PMP) Made in Japan (estimated) Power: AC 100V (Japan domestic specification) Built-in non-detachable power cable Fully cleaned and carefully inspected Tested and confirmed working properly High-quality buffer circuit for improved clarity and frequency response Maintains signal integrity even over long cable runs (up to approximately 50 meters) Clean gain boost without intentional distortion Integrated SEND/RETURN effects loop for external signal routing Dual A/B outputs for running two amplifiers Low-noise design suitable for professional applications Controls / Operation GAIN BOOST indicator When the LED is illuminated, the gain boost function is active. A/B Output selector The illuminated side indicates the currently selected output. LOOP BYPASS switch When the LED is ON, the SEND/RETURN loop is engaged. When the LED is OFF, the loop is bypassed. Signal Design (Circuit-Based Behavior) The gain boost function in the BUF E-945 is implemented by changing amplifier gain within the circuit rather than through a clipping stage. As a result: The signal remains clean and transparent No intentional distortion is generated Frequency balance is preserved Ideal for pushing an amplifier into natural overdrive Maintains clarity throughout complex signal chains This design reflects a professional buffer / line-driver philosophy focused on signal integrity rather than effect coloration. Under extreme gain settings, slight natural saturation may occur due to circuit headroom limitations, but this is not a dedicated distortion effect. Estimated Production Period Estimated production: circa 1984–1985 The production estimate is based on multiple internal component date codes showing consistent mid-1980s characteristics. Production Dating Evidence Voltage Regulator (7912) Marking: C8413 Likely manufactured during Week 13 of 1984 Strong indication of mid-1984 component production. Rectifier Diode Marking: RC203 84 Likely manufactured in 1984 Important power-supply component supporting early-to-mid 1980s dating. Electrolytic Capacitors 50V 1µF — Marking: 9H06 (BP) 16V 10µF — Marking: E5D1 Likely manufactured during mid-1980s production batches. Other Components LF351N operational amplifier 78012 regulator series Period-correct 1980s components consistent with the estimated production era. PCB Identification PCB marking: BUF This marking corresponds directly to the BUF series and is documented here for reference purposes. Conclusion of Dating Analysis Key components—particularly the voltage regulator and rectifier diode—consistently indicate mid-1980s production. Considering normal component inventory usage and assembly practices, final production is most reasonably estimated as: circa 1984–1985 This range is considered the most accurate representation of the unit’s manufacturing period. Production Background & Historical Context The exact corporate history behind PMP and its later PMG-branded products is not fully documented today, which adds an element of mystery and collectability to surviving examples such as the BUF E-945. Period catalogues and surviving documentation indicate that PMP products were distributed in Japan through Hoshō Co., Ltd. (宝商株式会社), a respected company known throughout the 1970s and 1980s for handling professional musical equipment and specialized audio products for serious musicians and sound professionals. Manufacturing is believed to have been associated with D&K'S International Ltd. of Tokyo, a company involved in electronic musical instrument development during the era. Although complete manufacturing records have not survived, available evidence suggests involvement in the design and technical development of professional music equipment in Japan during the late analogue period. The BUF series emerged during a significant transition in professional guitar systems. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Japanese professional musicians increasingly adopted larger and more sophisticated stage rigs incorporating multiple amplifiers, switching systems, rack-mounted processors, wireless units, and extended cable runs. As these systems became more complex, signal degradation caused by cable capacitance and impedance mismatch became a serious concern. The BUF E-945 was developed as a professional solution to these problems. Unlike conventional booster pedals designed primarily to colour the sound or add distortion, the BUF E-945 was engineered as a dedicated signal-management device. Its purpose was to preserve frequency response, maintain signal integrity, improve impedance matching, and provide stable transmission throughout an entire performance system. Period literature for the BUF series emphasized the ability to maintain signal quality over cable runs approaching 50 metres, reflecting the practical demands of professional stage environments at the time. This focus on transparency and reliability distinguished the BUF series from many contemporary effects units. The unit also incorporates features aimed directly at professional applications, including dual A/B amplifier outputs, an integrated SEND/RETURN effects loop, and a clean gain boost designed to increase signal level without fundamentally altering tonal character. Collectors may recognize similarities in design philosophy to other professional signal-conditioning products associated with designers such as Paul Rivera and Lee Jackson. While no evidence currently confirms direct involvement by either designer with the BUF E-945 itself, the unit clearly reflects the same engineering-driven approach that became increasingly important within high-end guitar systems during the 1980s. Similar signal-management devices were widely used in professional Japanese recording studios, touring systems, and large-scale live performance environments where tonal consistency and reliability were essential. While these products rarely received the attention given to overdrive pedals or amplifiers, they often formed a critical part of professional signal chains. Today, BUF-series units have become uncommon even within Japan itself, with surviving examples appearing only occasionally on the secondary market. Outside Japan, they are encountered even less frequently. Compared with more widely recognized vintage effects and amplifiers from the same era, BUF-series units remain largely unknown outside specialist circles despite their historical significance. For collectors of vintage Japanese audio equipment, professional guitar technology, and historically significant signal-processing devices, the BUF E-945 represents a genuinely uncommon survivor from Japan's analogue engineering heritage and the golden age of professional stage systems. Condition Details This unit is fully functional and operates as intended. There are visible signs of age including scratches, paint wear, finish loss, oxidation, and rust on some metal components consistent with vintage equipment. The unit has been thoroughly cleaned overall while preserving its original character and appearance. Please refer carefully to the photographs for detailed cosmetic condition. Size & Weight Approximate dimensions (excluding cables): 140 mm (W) × 135 mm (D) × 90 mm (H) Weight: approximately 1000 g Compared with modern compact effects, the BUF E-945 is relatively large, reflecting the robust professional construction methods of its era. Power Supply (Important) This unit operates on AC 100V (Japan domestic specification). The power cable is permanently attached and cannot be detached. A suitable step-down transformer is required for operation in countries using different voltage standards. Included Unit only Shipping method: Carefully packed and shipped from Japan. Shipping is primarily carried out via EMS (Japan Post). Please note that we only ship to countries where EMS service is available from Japan. Orders from countries where EMS shipping is not available may be cancelled. For shipments to the United States, Yamato Transport (International TA-Q-BIN) may be used instead. 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