First Tubulator problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter SeraphimTN
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Re: First Tubulator problem

VK, what Seraphim means is that the sound, the tonality(or lack of) the Tubulator used as a clean boost, works perfectly to compliment his rig, and rightly so. I use it with several amps, and it always brings similar, consistant results, more punch, more gain, and a tighter low end. The only issue is that mechanicly speaking, it's a poorly built unit, utilizing a plastic housing, and low quality pots/jacks/switches. Bang for the buck, I think when the Tubulator was $10, it was the best OD on the market. Heck, for $30-$50, if it was in a metal housing with higher quality components, I'd still buy it.

Have you guys ever tried a TS? You'll probably get similar results but it is alot better made. Even the TS7 would be worth a shot, and you can pick those up for $20 - $30. I had some Arion pedals a long time ago, there is nothing wrong with their sound, but the construction does leave alot to be desired. They are fine in the bedroom but you have to treat them pretty gently if you take them out to play.

If you really want a good od in a metal case with true bypass for around $60, and can solder, check out the screamer at www.buldyourownclone.com. My pedal board is mostly BYOC stuff now, Mighty Mouse, Phaser, Chorus, and Delay, may replace my SD-1 with a Screamer and maybe even my wah. Great stuff in its stock form, or it's easy to tweak.
 
Re: First Tubulator problem

VK, what Seraphim means is that the sound, the tonality(or lack of) the Tubulator used as a clean boost, works perfectly to compliment his rig, and rightly so. I use it with several amps, and it always brings similar, consistant results, more punch, more gain, and a tighter low end. The only issue is that mechanicly speaking, it's a poorly built unit, utilizing a plastic housing, and low quality pots/jacks/switches. Bang for the buck, I think when the Tubulator was $10, it was the best OD on the market. Heck, for $30-$50, if it was in a metal housing with higher quality components, I'd still buy it.



LMAO Man - no disrespect at all, but I was one of the ones who introduced that technique to this forum. Surely you remember DSS3/Jeff Dunne? I've been running OD's infront of my amps ever since I graduated from a Metal Zone and Crate.

What I'm saying is that you can get better built pedals that sound better - just because something 'works' doesn't make it the be-all-end-all.

The TS-9 works great - the Maxon OD808 has a much sweeter midrange and doesn't smear the tone together as much, and the OD820 is a step up from even that.
 
Re: First Tubulator problem

That would be pretty easy to put in a metal housing.

A metal housing can only do so much.

If you really want to ruggedize it then you need to remove the jacks that are no doubt soldered directly to the board and replalce them with metal jacks and re-solder connections that will have some give to them. For the power it's going to be a little tricker, but it can be done. The best bet may even be making it so that the power adapter is hard-wired to the unit and just plain can't be unplugged and tethered in a way so that no stress can be placed upon the connection to the board. Then there's the switch which may or may not be a standard part which can be easily replaced depending on the component and how it's wired to the board.

Exchanging cheap jacks that are wired to the board can be done. I have a Blues Junior that the former owner ruggedized by removing the stock jack that was wired direct and putting in a stock one and wiring that up so that if something happens it can be replaced quickly and easily and won't damage the board during the event that would necessitate the replacement.
 
Re: First Tubulator problem

I'm 100% convinced an SD-1 can become a tubulator with maybe 3 resistor changes. An SD-1 goes for around 30 something plus shipping on ebay, and it wont crap out if you throw it against a brick wall over and over (unless of course you ship it USPS, in my case. Then all bets are off apparently).
 
Re: First Tubulator problem

SD808.gif


There's SD-1 to TS808. I'll put my life savings, first born, and both my testicles on the fact that a tubulator is a TS with maybe minimal changes. If someone can get me a Tubulator schematic, I'll do an SD-1 -> Tubulator diagram.
 
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