Good Transparent Overdrive?

fuzzyratfarts

New member
I've been looking for a good low-medium gain OD pedal that is transparent. I've been checking out the Fulltone OCD, H&K TubeFactor, Banzai Fireball, and some others. What are some good options, preferably inexpensive. Ideas?
 
Re: Good Transparent Overdrive?

The Mxr ZW-44 is great.You can turn the gain way back and get a great clean boost without tone suck.But once you crank it up you'll like it even better and they dont cost $200+. :fing2:
 
Re: Good Transparent Overdrive?

Im looking for a tone similar to Rid's distortion on his new track with his Highway one strat. Anyone know what pedal that is?
 
Re: Good Transparent Overdrive?

You can't go wrong with Fulltone. I've been using a Full-Drive 2/Fat Boost combo for a couple of years now, and I love it!!
 
Re: Good Transparent Overdrive?

The Tim and Timmy are made by Paul Cochrane. He doesn't have a website or anything, but his pedals are 'all that and a bag of chips.' I'd suggest doing a search for the Tim and Timmy at The Gear Page forums or the forums at Musictoyz.com for more info on how to get one. I got my Tim about a month ago, and it's a keeper for sure. It and the OCD.
 
Re: Good Transparent Overdrive?

Cool, I found lots of info now that I know what to look for :). Thanks.
 
Re: Good Transparent Overdrive?

Well, I hate to be such a whore for this website, but apparently some of the better transparent overdrives are made by Analog Mike at

http://www.analogman.com

He does various different mods on Boss distortion pedals and Ibanez Tubescreamer pedals. His Silver mod is supposed to be a REALLY transparent overdrive sound that doesn't suck away the tone, low end, and is not harsh or overly "effect-like." The mods aren't terribly expensive (i think about 70-80 bucks to mod a pedal). I think he's got sound samples for the Silver mods, too. Plus he's got links to other awesome sites.

Also, Fulltone is awesome, but some of the pedals are a little mid-rangy for some people's tastes... not me, though. ;)
 
Re: Good Transparent Overdrive?

Unfortunately, if you want something really transparent and dynamic, you will have to pay for it (cheap products just won't cut it). The Pro Analog Dual Drive is the most transparent pedal I have ever used (actually two pedals in one, it's a clean boost and overdrive), reacts like a tube amp, but the $300 price tag won't work for everyone.
 
Re: Good Transparent Overdrive?

There is one trouble with transparent drives(strange expression really)
If your amp is no good...well there went the sound.
Sometimes it is best just to use your ears, and go with what works with your setup, and never mind the brand and what others think.
It does not need to be bloody expensive to work great!
 
Re: Good Transparent Overdrive?

The Duncan Pickup Booster is a great overdrive/boost pedal and has a very transparent tone. It's the best I've used. For more overdrive and a ballsier tone, it's hard to beat a properly set up Boss DS-1. Those are my two faves: Duncan Pickup Booster and MIJ Boss DS-1. Lew
 
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