Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

[jdbowma]

I hate shred and metal, but I really enjoy alt rock such as Nirvana, The Vines, The White Stripes, Smashing Pumpkins, etc. I really enjoy power chords and distorted riffs with nice mid ranges. I want a pedal that would be good for punk rock/pop punk/grunge/alternative rock. I have very little money, and I was hoping someone could help me find a pedal (preferably on Amazon) that's around the $60 mark.
I'm aware of the DS-1 and Big Muff (I already have a Big Muff Pi). Just wondering if anyone could help me find what I'm looking for.

Also I've been looking for a pedal that could get me nice sub-octave sounds for around $30-50. Any help there would be nice. Thanks!

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

A pedal that comes to mind is the Ibanez SM7 Smashbox. I always thought it was essentially the sound of a particularly angry Nirvana or Pumpkins song. A better recommendation would be something that sounds like that but has a more reliable footswitch.

Edit: Tech21 U.S. Steel/U.S. Metal

 

[Blille]

Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

For cheap (analog) octave down I’ve used successfully the Danelectro chili dog and dod octoplus.

For distortion definitely check the RAT. It’s pretty cheap but the Mooer Black secret is a clone with good reviews.

Also I encourage you to buy used (eg reverb or ebay)


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[Empty Pockets]

Re: Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

Most important is a good amp and cab. Get that sorted out and most pedals will work for you.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

How’s he going to know what amp he needs if he hasn’t already bought all the pedals?

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

If price is a major concern I can recommend the Joyo Ultimate Drive. Good range of distortion, and not at all "metal" sounding. The Joyo US Dream is also impressive but a tad more metal voiced.

 

[jdbowma]

Re: Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

A pedal that comes to mind is the Ibanez SM7 Smashbox. I always thought it was essentially the sound of a particularly angry Nirvana or Pumpkins song. A better recommendation would be something that sounds like that but has a more reliable footswitch.

Edit: Tech21 U.S. Steel/U.S. Metal

Those seem great, although they seem a bit out of my price range. I'll continue to look though, thanks.

For cheap (analog) octave down I’ve used successfully the Danelectro chili dog and dod octoplus.

For distortion definitely check the RAT. It’s pretty cheap but the Mooer Black secret is a clone with good reviews.

Also I encourage you to buy used (eg reverb or ebay)


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Yeah for sure I'll look into the Danelectro, it seems great. And yeah the RAT has always been on my list, but it's a tad pricey. I'll look into the Mooer.

Most important is a good amp and cab. Get that sorted out and most pedals will work for you.

How’s he going to know what amp he needs if he hasn’t already bought all the pedals?

For sure amps and cabs are important, I'm just not a huge gear enthusiast.. I currently am using a Marshall combo, it's alright but the tone is a bit harsh.

If price is a major concern I can recommend the Joyo Ultimate Drive. Good range of distortion, and not at all "metal" sounding. The Joyo US Dream is also impressive but a tad more metal voiced.

Wow those seem great, thanks!

Thanks for all the help but I would love to continue hearing suggestions! I've been looking into lots of Boss pedals. The main thing I hate is when I can hear all the strings when I have my distortion on. I just really hate that sound. I love punchy, distorted, messy sounds with power chords.

 

[Blille]

Re: Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

Check out the deals from Chicago stompworks. Top quality for $50. A bit bare though https://www.chicagostompworks.com/store/c4/BARE_BOX_DEALS.html


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[Dave Locher]

Re: Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

If you want more blur and blend, you might try adding an EQ pedal before or after your distortion pedal. I used a graphic EQ with the mids and low mids boosted for many years to warm up the tone and "soften" the distortion of my amp. But really, try the Ultimate Drive first. It's pretty warm and fuzzy at the upper end. Much more so than, say, a Boss DS-1.
What pickups are you using? Single coils will give you more of that string separation than most humbuckers. Also, turn down the treble on your amp.
Good luck in your hunt.

 

[Securb]

Re: Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

I see the MXR Blue Box used for $50 everywhere I go. Freaking amazing stomp.

 

[jdbowma]

Re: Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

If you want more blur and blend, you might try adding an EQ pedal before or after your distortion pedal. I used a graphic EQ with the mids and low mids boosted for many years to warm up the tone and "soften" the distortion of my amp. But really, try the Ultimate Drive first. It's pretty warm and fuzzy at the upper end. Much more so than, say, a Boss DS-1.
What pickups are you using? Single coils will give you more of that string separation than most humbuckers. Also, turn down the treble on your amp.
Good luck in your hunt.

I use almost exclusively humbuckers, but I've been considering some P90's or the P-Rails for a long time. Thanks for the suggestions, I will definitely continue my hunt!

 

[baritone]

Re: Cheap distortion (and octave) pedal that would be good for me?

The Boss OC-3 has polyphonic & monophonic modes, as well as a nice sounding distortion built in.