Jhs packrat first impressions

Mikelamury

Mikelamury

New member
Just received my packrat a while ago. I've already tried 3 modes(OG, WHT, BRAT) and I already like it alot more than my boss mz2w. It's alot easier to use. It's very responsive and can cover alot of ground from heavy overdrive to heavy distortion/fuzz. I think I might try to sell the boss metal zone waza craft pedal, it's brand new only used a couple hours still in box, I was just having problems dialing in sounds on it. I'm not experienced with pedals and am liking the packrat alot better for my needs. If anyone is interested in the boss mt-2w let me know I want 100 + shipping. Thanks.
 
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Any Rat ≠ Metal Zone, even a good Metal Zone like a Waza.

Can't wait to hear what LLL has to say! He is the Rat expert now, you know....
 
Aceman said:
Any Rat ≠Metal Zone, even a good Metal Zone like a Waza.

Can't wait to hear what LLL has to say! He is the Rat expert now, you know....
Click to expand...

Posting my experiences and preferences with my very first RAT pedal *does not equal* "I'm a RAT expert"

You're just mad jealous of my RAT Skilz, because my RAT Skilz are... sans precedent. :smokin:
 
Mikelamury said:
Just received my packrat a while ago. I've already tried 3 modes(OG, WHT, BRAT) and I already like it alot more than my boss mz2w. It's alot easier to use. It's very responsive and can cover alot of ground from heavy overdrive to heavy distortion/fuzz. I think I might try to sell the boss metal zone waza craft pedal, it's brand new only used a couple hours still in box, I was just having problems dialing in sounds on it. I'm not experienced with pedals and am liking the packrat alot better for my needs. If anyone is interested in the boss mt-2w let me know I want 100 + shipping. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Congrats on the Pack Rat! I was considering it myself, but the price was too high and I figured the standard one would do the trick for me.

Ace would probably take you up on that Metal Zone; he sure seems to like the Metal Zone.
 
I'm curious about you RAT users out there, what are your favorite settings? Just wondering, I'm experimenting around the modes looking for a good punk rock sound. Please let me know what version your using. Thanks guys.
 
Mikelamury said:
I'm curious about you RAT users out there, what are your favorite settings? Just wondering, I'm experimenting around the modes looking for a good punk rock sound. Please let me know what version your using. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

Since you asked, and since I just bought a new, regular, bourgeois, run-of-the-mill, stock, usual-sized RAT (current ProCo manufactured RAT2):

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/forum/the-pedal-board/6146491-so-about-that-rat

And here's my clip of a famous tune using a RAT:

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/forum/the-pedal-board/6145242-ode-to-a-proco-rat-soundclip
 
Mikelamury said:
I'm curious about you RAT users out there, what are your favorite settings? Just wondering, I'm experimenting around the modes looking for a good punk rock sound. Please let me know what version your using. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

I like my Rat used just over the hard breakup point gassing my pre amp. back the filter to mitigate the sizzle
 
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Mikelamury said:
I'm curious about you RAT users out there, what are your favorite settings? Just wondering, I'm experimenting around the modes looking for a good punk rock sound. Please let me know what version your using. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

Please define "punk." Today, that can mean a range of things...

But honestly, play with it until; you find what you like. Only two knobs to work with. From my era of punk - even asking that question is not very punk!

Also, what guitar/amp are you playing? And is the pedal to push the overdriven amp, or are you getting all of your distortion from the pedal?
 
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Mikelamury said:
I'm curious about you RAT users out there, what are your favorite settings? Just wondering, I'm experimenting around the modes looking for a good punk rock sound. Please let me know what version your using. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...

Mike what are you going for? If you want a NYHC sound like Agnostic Front, Vinnie Stigma's tone should be within reach with a RAT seeing his tone is leaning toward thrash a bit. If you are looking for something even older school like Black Flag or The Pistols I would suggest a Big Muff or something similar.

What kind of amp are you using?
 
Thanks guys, I'm using a boss katana 50 mkii and a Gibson Les Paul (498t/490r) and I'm going for a ninety's punk tone, I actually like to play ska/punk too. I should have clarified that I Know these days with the "pop punk" comeback alot of the new generation are labeling alot of stuff punk that I would not. Pretty classic 90's skate punk/ ska type of sound. I'm trying the different modes with and without amp gain. I was mainly asking to see what settings you guys were using for whatever you play. I was just trying to get a sense of what control ranges typically work best for what type of sounds but I welcome any tips to help me along as well. Thanks alot guys.
 
Aceman said:
They sound the same as they ever did.
Click to expand...

Sure - it's a rock classic. But my tastes may have changed, and the amps my pedalboards run through are different now.
Also, I have & use many different types of ODs these days.
Am thinking maybe what I didn't like was just that it was so different from the TS I'd used all through the 80s.
Others who didn't like Rats before seem to be finding a new appreciation for them.
 
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eclecticsynergy said:
Sure - it's a rock classic. But my tastes may have changed, and the amps my pedalboards run through are different now.
Also, I have & use many different types of ODs these days.
Am thinking maybe what I didn't like was just that it was so different from the TS I'd used all through the 80s.
Others who didn't like Rats before seem to be finding a new appreciation for them.
Click to expand...

I've known about the RAT since the 80's in ads in Guitar for the Practicing Musician magazine, but I never got one nor did I ever try one - just never clicked with me.

Now a week ago or so I got one (30+ years later), and I'd say the "grind" is what hooked me (when the Distortion knob is used judiciously).

It's got a wonderful grind to it.

You should get one, or at least try one at the local yokel guitar store. They're only $80-ish. Then you'll know for sure.
 
eclecticsynergy said:
Sure - it's a rock classic. But my tastes may have changed, and the amps my pedalboards run through are different now.
Also, I have & use many different types of ODs these days.
Am thinking maybe what I didn't like was just that it was so different from the TS I'd used all through the 80s.
Others who didn't like Rats before seem to be finding a new appreciation for them.
Click to expand...

No doubt. I like a lot more things than I used to over the decades too.

But just as a Rat is not a Metal Zone, it isn't a Tube Screamer either. A TS9, a Rat, and a Metal Zone would cover a super wide range of sonic territory.

I don't know that appreciation for them ever stopped though. I have certainly went in and out of Rat phases over the years.

I guess I have three sort of current zones:

The Metal Muff/Metal Mayhem/Metal Zone (rarely) place where I just gots to have the BrOOtUlZZ

The straight ahead rock/metal place: Riot, Rat-Solo, Plexi-drive, SD1M place

The assorted OD/Boosts...SD1's, TS9's, Bad Monkey etc....

Just depends on the mood. They all have a good place. When I want grind I use a Boss HM-2 aka "Mr. Growley"
 
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