Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

Axl H

Axl H

Blowthebloodydoorsoffologist
Yeah I am getting my EMG installed at the 4th May, and I will be getting a OD pedal as well then.

I already have my modded SD-1 for lead and rhythm, but its more aggressive sounding.

What I am looking for, is something that can go infront a cooking amp and be a shred monster but not aggressive, more smooth, or infront of a clean old type amp and be kinda 70s rock/bluesy.

Singing sustain, and a natural tone is great, and also dynamic, a little boost in the mids as well is great :)

It is to be used with both Duncan singles, and EMG humbuckers/single infront of mainly a ENGL Screamer but also some Voxes when I go to the new school, so something that can work infront of alot of amps.

I have looked at these:
Boss DN-2.
MXR Dist+.
MXR Zakk Wylde OD.
MXR MC402 Boost/Overdrive (The CAE pedal, this one I have been looking alot at).
Voodoolab Sparkle Drive.
Ibanez TS-9 RI (Have been looking at this as well).

I hope you can help me make my choice :)

Thanks alot.
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

To me the TS9 sounds smoother than the SD-1. Maybe you could consider an EQ for a clean boost.
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

I had a TS-9 i used the way You described, now my buddy is using it, it's a good pedal. The DS-1 is also a nice overdrive for a boost, it shouldn't be ruled out.

Rock on ~ Kac
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

Had a DS-1... Wasnt my cup of tea.. Way to grainy sounding :)
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

CaptainCrunch said:
Sounds like you are describing a Barber Small Fry to me.
Click to expand...

Not a bad choice. I've been using one for about 3 months now. It can be very smooth/Santana-esque and more aggressive-has a good helping of gain. It's pretty versatile and I use it for a slight vol kick most of the time, and it covers my asx when we do some Cream/Santana. I am pretty happy with the tone, so it complements my moods pretty well.

I run this thru an 18w TMB and strat/tele.

The pedal has some nice features-there are some internal trim controls that can really pull the eq in any direction-a lot more effective than I expected. On the outside there's basic controls-vol, tone, dynamics (controls symmetry of the clipping), and burn (gain). There's quite a bit in this little bugger, so it pays to take some time with this (any pedal, for that matter).

It's very quiet and transparent-build quality is excellent.
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

I don't know how easy it would be to get one in Denmark, though--how 'bout one from Carl Martin-check w/Rid, or the Banzai Fireball? I know they have pretty good Euro availability.

The Sparkle drive is also very nice. It's a great pedal, with a nice clean boost-nice mids and a mild/moderate drive, it also works with many amps. It has far less gain than the Small Fry, but with the ENGL and buckers, it could be great! My exp w/HB's is pretty limited vs. single coils.
 
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Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

I would suggest trying both the MI Audio Crunch Box and Blues Pro. I particularly think that the Blues Pro might suit your purposes.

Cheers.............wahwah
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

The TS-9 is not an ok pedal for rhythm and I love it for leads.
MXR Distortion+ is very sensitive to amp choices in my experience and with only two knobs there's little you can do to adjust it to an amp. It is always sweet sounding though.

Why not ask Rid for a Plexitone or an ACtone?
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

I cant get those Barbers etc in DK.

It will ONLY be used for lead, not rhythm.

I had a Plexitone once, and my ENGL doesent like Marshall voiced pedals.

The TS9 is what I will get I think :)
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

Set the guitar volume knob on 5 then dial your amp for your rhythm sound. For lead turn volume knob to 10...instant lead boost, then return to 5 post lead.
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

You may want to check out the Boss BD-2 also. I haven't used the BD-2 but I quite liked the BD-1 I used to have.
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

I already have a BD-2, but thats not my thing for lead.

The Xotic could be cool as well.

Guitartoad, I allways run my guitars at 10 and will continue to do so, other wise I might accidently hit the volume knob or summet.,
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

Dude, you should check out the Tonebone Hot British. It's a distortion pedal with a single 12ax7 valve in it which you can pretty much put in front of any super clean amp and turn it into a gain monster all by itself.

Best way to demonstrate what I mean is by listening to it...and it just so happens I have a clip I prepared earlier ;)

www.myspace.com/ohsofunkymelbourne

The first track on the list is called "ghet u harrd" and we recorded it with my funk band last weekend just at a jam session. It was a live recording and done with windows sound recorder so it's not the best quality...but it's not bad considering!

Anyway, all the lead guitar is played by me and my setup it so simple it's ridiculous...my warmoth strat with a JB bridge and virtual vintage solo neck, into a Tonebone Hot British, then into a Roland Cube 30 set clean on the blackface setting. (mind the sloppy playing in parts, but it's a cool little track that we wrote)
 
Re: Getting a new pedal for lead, but which one?

Emma Reezafratzitz
And then boost is with a nosy ts style pedal....and then use a Tele and a Fender amp.....and then get it all modded with EMG's on the inside:D
Muaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahaha
hehe og Ynklie stinker;)
 
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