Looking for a new distortion.

G

grungeman55

New member
Hey guys, recently I got a pro co rat 2 and I hate to say it but I'm disappointed with the sound I get more of a fuzz sound then I would actually care for.
The reason why I got it is because even though I love my DS-1 I wanted another distortion pedal for some variety.
What distortion pedals would you recommend that are similar to the tonal characteristics, gain amount, and sounds of a DS-1 but is still different.
Don't bother suggesting a Big Muff, I've tried one already and not my thing. I don't like fuzz distortions. Also don't recommend a DS-2 I got rid of one 3 months ago.
I had an Ibanez SM7 once and I got rid of it because I was young and didn't know how to use it but maybe if I find a used one I could make use of it?
Thanks for your help guys!
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

And along with the Distortion FActory, think about the Metal Master also.


Both have a variety of tasty and adjustable sounds.


Rat really is built for into a raging Marshall 800…as is the DS1, for best effect.
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

Aceman said:
And along with the Distortion FActory, think about the Metal Master also.


Both have a variety of tasty and adjustable sounds.


Rat really is built for into a raging Marshall 800…as is the DS1, for best effect.
Click to expand...

I'll check out the Factory.
I'm gonna try to shy away from "metal" distortions. I don't want too much high gain, and the heaviness of them.
I play a lot of Punk, Grunge, Alternative Hard Rock, and a style a couple steps shy of metal.
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

Marshall Jackhammer in overdrive mode.
Cheaper and better than most common dirt boxes. Lots of transparency. Not compressed enough to be a "Metal" distortion, it's more Hard Rock than anything else.
Give it a try.
 
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Re: Looking for a new distortion.

Diego is onto something with the Jackhammer. I found the Guv'nor to be another great drive from Marshall. I suggest either of the MXR "Badass" Distortions. The Super Badass is probably more flexible, and IMO, has better tone. The '78 Custom Badass isn't bad either, it's just a different flavor, and not quite as heavy.
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

Are you handy with a soldering iron? If so, build a General Guitar Gadgets BSIAB (Brown Sound in a Box).
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

grungeman55 said:
I'll check out the Factory.
I'm gonna try to shy away from "metal" distortions. I don't want too much high gain, and the heaviness of them.
I play a lot of Punk, Grunge, Alternative Hard Rock, and a style a couple steps shy of metal.
Click to expand...

One of all time faves
b2ac56919ab92bb62d5883ee56b898df.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

Ahh that's right. My bad.
Here:
63f51750a1ae007f30edab7871aa8d39.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

I've listening to the Digitech DF-7. I actually like that versatility of it with it's EQ controls and voicing setting...mm I may look into it...
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

I don't see how anybody can make a suggestion without knowing what kind of amp you're using.

If a Rat sounds fuzzy to you, you're probably running it with the distortion turned up high, and the filter set to the treble side. Some people (myself included) think Rats sound like fuzz pedals that way. Most people run Rats with the gain turned lower and the volume up to drive the amp harder, but this only works on amps that are already a bit overdriven, and sound good when hit harder. It doesn't work in a clean amp.

I hate to encourage it, but stacking ODs can be effective. If you have a clean amp, a Marshall-in-a-box type of pedal can give it a good basic overdrive sounds, and then a distortion (DS-1, Badass, Rat) can be used in front of the MIAB to push it over the top.
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

I've always wanted to try one of the new Boss Adaptive Distortions.
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

I know some of the cork sniffers are going to look down their noses at a digital box but I strongly suggest trying out Source Audio's Classic Distortion Pro. There is nothing digital sounding about the unit and it is the most versatile distortion I have ever used.
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

My suggestion would be some sort of overdrive into the DS1

but not with both of them cranked
Roll the overdrive back a bit just to hit it a bit

Don't go DS1 into the overdrive
That just sounds like crap

*(Sent from my durned phone!)*
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

I've had a lot of great OD/distortion pedals over the past 30 years, and the two that I currently have are by far my .favorites #1) Carl Martin Plexitone, and #2) Option 5 Destination Overdrive. I've also got a Carl Martin Hot Drive & Boost, but am using that for more of a "hairy" country lead tone than distortion. Anyways, the two pedals that I mentioned are very natural and amplike (roaring Marshall in a box). I love them both, and have owned two Plexitones. I would also add the Fulltone OCD and Bogner Red or Blue pedals to my list of favorites that I've owned and really liked. The other highly-regarded OD pedal that I owned worthy of note was Wampler Pinnacle Deluxe, but I really didn't care for it myself.
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

As a great sounding distortion into a clean amp - Bogner XTC Red

As a distortion to take a mid gain amp into heavy territory - Cmatmods Brownie is a great one.
I did my own shootout with a bunch of pedals at Trutone Music, and the Brownie rose above a bunch of them.
 
Re: Looking for a new distortion.

grungeman55 said:
What distortion pedals would you recommend that are similar to the tonal characteristics, gain amount, and sounds of a DS-1 but is still different.
Click to expand...
an ocd. more definition and less fuzz than a rat. Still in the same gain ballpark.
 
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