Barber DD vs. Sparkle Drive

[vintagecrunch]

Hey guys,
Tried out both of these yesterday at GC and liked things about each even through the crappy amp the guy hooked me up to. Like the clean blend on the sparkle drive and seemed to have a little more gain than a 808. Direct Drive had a great midrange. I only have one space available on my board and want something to use with my Fat Boost through a Lonestar Spec. 4x10 combo that can be stacked as well as a lower gain classic sound. Who likes which and why? Also which is more dynamic and volume knob freindly?
Thanks again

 

[barbarianbrute]

Re: Barber DD vs. Sparkle Drive

i must admit that i didn't connect with the sparkle drive. the barber stuff though is really good. the one i've been looking at lately is the burn unit, but then i discovered mi audio. maybe you should check out http://www.miaudio.com

they make some super stuff

 

[shaka]

Re: Barber DD vs. Sparkle Drive

I love my Sparkle Drive but it's finicky as to what amp I use it with. Generally it works great with a decent tube amp. You can't go wrong with a Barber though.

 

[vintagecrunch]

Re: Barber DD vs. Sparkle Drive

Anyone else have an opinion?

 

[vintagecrunch]

Re: Barber DD vs. Sparkle Drive

Okay then, if I can't compare them, which does low gain boosting and sweet low drive sounds the best humbuckers?

 

[jony]

Re: Barber DD vs. Sparkle Drive

For buckers I'd say the Direct Drive.

 

[Dave]

Re: Barber DD vs. Sparkle Drive

I'm kind of a barber fan myself. I tried a Sparkle drive through a DRRI w/tele and really liked it, although I found it to be more of a low-gain booster-nice for a touch of grit.

I thought the DD had a wider range of low-mid gain on tap, and the mid gain was a pretty healthy dose. The DD has a pull-boost switch and is more configurable than the SD. That said, I don't know how practical a pull boost is on a floor pedal!

For buckers and that Mesa, you might find the LTD better as I think that low gain boosts are better w/buckers.

Does your shop have an LTD to demo?

In re-reading your post, if it was just between the 2, I'd go w/Direct drive. If you have a chance, try the LTD-a little less gain.

 

[vintagecrunch]

Re: Barber DD vs. Sparkle Drive

Thanks Dave,
Thats the kinda input I wanted...