A bit of a conundrum...

[FretFire]

Well, I cancelled the order I had placed for a Hermida Zendrive. The expected ship date got moved a couple times, so I decided to just wait until I found a place with them in stock when the time came and order one then.

Now... in the meantime I've found a decent deal on a Menatone Howie pedal (one of the other pedals I was thinking of trying before deciding on the Zendrive). Should I try the Howie, or keep semi-patiently waiting for a Zendrive to come available? :smack:

 

[FretFire]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

FWIW, the used Howie will be about $40 cheaper than the new Zendrive, which certainly doesn't help my decision. (A new Howie would be about $80 more than the Zen).

 

[Scott_F]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

Does the Zen do Dumble? Is that the tone you're after?

+10 points for using the word "conundrum" in a thread!

 

[FretFire]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

Yeah that's the type of tone I'm after, and I've been told the Zen can do a low to medium gain tone in that vein very well. This raises another question, as I really prefer a higher gain lead tone (think Robben Ford, vs. Larry Carlton's slightly lower gain tone).

I'll pocket those points :laugh2:

 

[FretFire]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

A couple other pedals keep popping up in my search, adding more frustration!

Barber LTD
Hermida Mosferatu


I should note that I'm not necessarily looking for a "Dumble in a can", I'm just looking for a nice thick and fluid lead tone that doesn't get muddy when you bump the gain past a light breakup. I want to keep a nice sparkly top end, smooth mids, and lows that don't fart out. Am I asking too much? :smack:

 

[Scott_F]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

I had a Hao RUmble Mod that I thought nailed it pretty nicely. Got it used forr about 100-110 IIRC.

 

[FretFire]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

I am stumbling across that one repeatedly as well...

 

[drp555]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

Have you tried looking around for a used Zendrive? I don't think I've ever seen one on ebay, but I have seen people selling 'em on thegearpage.net

 

[FretFire]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

Have you tried looking around for a used Zendrive? I don't think I've ever seen one on ebay, but I have seen people selling 'em on thegearpage.net

Yeah, I've been keeping my eye out over there, haven't seen one for a couple weeks now. I'm going to wait a bit before I make a purchase I think, just too many possibilities right now. I do know I want something with a decent amount of gain though. Think Mr. Ford's tone on the "Help the Poor" solo. That's a good reference point, plenty of gain but stays clear and defined (yes I know it's a Dumble :laugh2: )

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

My advice? Forget the Barber and HAO; go with the Zendrive. The Mosferatu has a different voicing than the Zendrive (which was designed to nail those Ford leads).

I've heard good things about the Menatone Howie, but make sure it's the newer 5 knob (the old 4 knob version doesn't sound as good).

I still say the Zendrive will do exactly what you need, even if it will take some time to get it

 

[FretFire]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

My advice? Forget the Barber and HAO; go with the Zendrive. The Mosferatu has a different voicing than the Zendrive (which was designed to nail those Ford leads).

I've heard good things about the Menatone Howie, but make sure it's the newer 5 knob (the old 4 knob version doesn't sound as good).

I still say the Zendrive will do exactly what you need, even if it will take some time to get it

Yeah, I have a feeling you're right (still ), it's just tough being inherently impatient with so many options out there. For example, the newest version of the Howie has 6 knobs, so that means there are three out now! In fact I didn't even know there WAS a 4-knobber. It's really insane how many choices you have, but it's both a blessing and a curse IMO. I'm going to cruise the used market for a while, at least until I find somewhere that has a Zen in stock to at least try it out.

 

[FretFire]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

SWEET! A guy from TGP saw my wanted ad and emailed me about a Zendrive. He bought 2 brand new and is selling the extra, so I snagged it. It'll be here next week.

 

[darkshadow54321]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

SWEET! A guy from TGP saw my wanted ad and emailed me about a Zendrive. He bought 2 brand new and is selling the extra, so I snagged it. It'll be here next week.

That, my friend, is fate.

 

[FretFire]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

That, my friend, is fate.

Whatever it is, I'll take it :dance:

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

Glad you'll be getting the Zendrive. BTW, that Howie was a misprint, the Old version was a 5 knobber, and the NEW one is a 6... :smack:

 

[FretFire]

Re: A bit of a conundrum...

Glad you'll be getting the Zendrive. BTW, that Howie was a misprint, the Old version was a 5 knobber, and the NEW one is a 6... :smack:

Me too, I'm anxious to get it in and start playing with it. I got more good news today too, I checked the site of the guy that's cutting the neck and body for my project and saw a glorious sentence...

"Everything is done and is getting packed up to ship"

Should have that stuff in and the guitar assembled late next week or so :32:.