Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

[ExplorersRock]

Really need some help guys! I've been using a few pedals for different sounds. I like the Digitech SC-2 Valve Distortion for my average needs. For more fuzzy sounds and when I want more break-up I use a Boss DS-1. It's when I want serious gain and metal sounds that I'm really having problems. I had a Boss ML-2 Metal Core Pedal but I was getting too much bass and a tad too much bottom. So, I got a used Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Pedal. The tweakable nature of this pedal allows me to dial in good tightness and cut. Plenty of hard-edged, sharp thrash. But now there is too much treble! I can't get a good open tone. While the Metal Core sounded like there was so much bass you had a baffle in front of the speaker, the Metal Zone sounds like there is some kind of top-end baffle or like it has a high-pass filter like on a wah pedal left in an open position that I can't dial out no matter what I do! In fact, several times I've stopped to check that my wah pedal was actually off as I thought I left it on!

Am I doing something wrong here? Maybe I should get a different pedal? Suggestions of all kinds are welcome as I am absolutely ticked that I can't dial in a good, solid, metal sound! Specifically, I'm looking for a thrash sound like Megadeth or Metallica. I just don't want so much bass that my ears feel blasted or so much treble that my ears feel cut!

 

[Matt42]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

What kind of amp/guitar are you playing?

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

If you dig the boss stuff just get the HM2 and set it to Swedish, If you want something a little more versatile look into the Wampler dirt boxes or even the Duncan Power Grid.....

I really dig the Wampler Triple Wreck and Slostortion....

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

Need to know what amp it is.

That MetalZone has a really touchy EQ. Work its EQ with your amp's.

Always remember that Boss pedals are great for the money but are far from perfect.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

Yes, need to know the amp and how exactly the pedals are being used with the amp.

I dont have any issues getting a tight metal tone using a hardwire CM-2 overdrive pedal. I just use it as a boost and not much boost at that.

 

[ExplorersRock]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

Yes, need to know the amp and how exactly the pedals are being used with the amp.

I dont have any issues getting a tight metal tone using a hardwire CM-2 overdrive pedal. I just use it as a boost and not much boost at that.

Alright... cards on the table with the rig. Fender Roc Pro 1000 Head (solid state, 100 w). Fender GE-412 CAB 4X12. Running pedals through clean channel, the distortion on this amp is not to my taste whatsoever (and yes, a new head/amp is coming down the line, but for now it's what I have). My EQ is set to Bass=5, Mids=3.5, Treble=6.

I was using three axes and had the same issue with the Metal Zone. Schecter C-1 Custom (SD Custom Custom in bridge), Fender American Special HSS Strat (Fender Atomic HB), and my Gibson Trad Pro Explorer (Gibson Burstbucker 3).

Ball and chain... I'm happy with my other pedals, but I want more gain and hard, driving edge sounds for metal. Hence my Metal Pedal craving!

 

[ExplorersRock]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

Ummm... I'm a newb when it comes to wiring and such. Greener than leaf spinach. I'm certain this is some kind of a mod/upgrade, but please tell me what I'm looking at as I have to be honest in saying I'm lost here.

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

I used a Boss Metalzone to drive the clean channel of a Kustom solid state amp for a few years with good results. That pedal is extremely tweakable, so you should be able to dial in frequencies you like and out any you dont, easy enough. Plus the EQ on the amp.

 

[RealtyViking]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

I would think the Boss HM2 would work and can be found for about $100 used.

I will also suggest that you look into active pickups. SD Blackouts would be a good option.

 

[lNllClK]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

wow... this thing is only $65 bucks... http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampl...es-tl-2-metal-distortion-guitar-effects-pedal maybe if you're a fan of the other hardwire stuff you should give it a go. I got my hardwire tube overdrive for $60 a while back and am pretty happy with it, I don't go for metal sounds though. This is the first thing I thought of when you said you liked the valve distortion though...

 

[GregJr]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

I use a Super OD into a Metal Zone into a GE 7 EQ. AMAZING tones!!!

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

sell both 'metal' pedals and spend around $130 on an old Randall RG100ES or 80ES. Slave it into your Fender for more power if really needed. Yes, it was the Dimebag amp, but I get a very good Metallica or Megadeth type sound. Lynch used em too.... Tooth and Nail.

Or spend over $200 on a bookteek pedal flavor of the month.

 

[Diego]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

Find anyone who's handy with a soldering iron, and have them do the Diezel mod on your Metal Zone.
Cocked wah sound will be gone, thicker mids and a more natural bass response.
Sounds amazing that way.

 

[Phantasmagoria]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

wow... this thing is only $65 bucks... http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampl...es-tl-2-metal-distortion-guitar-effects-pedal maybe if you're a fan of the other hardwire stuff you should give it a go. I got my hardwire tube overdrive for $60 a while back and am pretty happy with it, I don't go for metal sounds though. This is the first thing I thought of when you said you liked the valve distortion though...

Seconded...or the Hardwire SC-2 Valve Distortion...

 

[richard parker]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

Save up for a valve amp. All distortion pedals work a million times better through tubes.

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

Alright... cards on the table with the rig. Fender Roc Pro 1000 Head (solid state, 100 w). Fender GE-412 CAB 4X12. Running pedals through clean channel, the distortion on this amp is not to my taste whatsoever (and yes, a new head/amp is coming down the line, but for now it's what I have). My EQ is set to Bass=5, Mids=3.5, Treble=6.

I was using three axes and had the same issue with the Metal Zone. Schecter C-1 Custom (SD Custom Custom in bridge), Fender American Special HSS Strat (Fender Atomic HB), and my Gibson Trad Pro Explorer (Gibson Burstbucker 3).

Ball and chain... I'm happy with my other pedals, but I want more gain and hard, driving edge sounds for metal. Hence my Metal Pedal craving!

The highlighted part is why the metal pedals sound bad...that amp won't do any of them any favors. Richard Parker is right...save for a tube amp like a 5150 or 6505 Peavey, and ditch the Fender Roc. Do you have a tube amp in the works?

 

[Inkstained]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

I know I sound like a broken record, but have you tried an MXR Custom Badarse '78 Distortion? Or bourbon?

 

[guitarded]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

You could try stacking the sc-2 with an overdrive pedal like a tube-screamer. I remember the sc-2 being kind of light on the mid range so a tube screamer type pedal may give your tone a little more body. I wouldn't stack the the DS-1 unmodded with anything unless the angry bee tone is my thing.

 

[Mosher Zone]

Re: Distortion Pedal Help, PLEASE!!!

I find that pretty much all Boss distortion pedals have the same fizzy sound that you just can't get rid of. Have you tried any of the Line 6 pedals, i had the MT-2 & the Line 6 Uber Metal blew it out the water & it comes with a built in gate & i play thrash, worth a try.