Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

[mwalluk]

My pedalboard is solid and not much room for change. However, I want to switch out my Keeley DS1 for something else. Don't get me wrong, the Keeley is an awesome pedal, but my VHT D60 already has an OVERKILL amount of gain on tap. The Keeley just takes away from it and in process over saturates it. I like my distortion tight, but with the Keeley engage regardless of the amount of gain on the amp or drive on the pedal, my tone sounds... well... flubby.

The other guitarist in my band's getting a brand new board, so depending on what he can get, I'm going try to trade my Keeley (which he loves and regrets selling back in the day) for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal.

Any suggestions?

I like Marshall's Blues Breaker. It's a nice, bluesy crunch but also it's a great clean boost.

Heard great things about the OCD.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

So if the amp does great gain, why are you looking for a gain-boosting pedal? I'm confused.
I'd think you'd want a clean boost, maybe, but something to overdrive an already-saturated amp?

 

[redscott131]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

Boss SD-1

 

[jeremy]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

its worth trying a timmy if you can get your hands on one. it is my favorite boost/od pedal. it can be totally transparent and just add more output or it can add some girth or cut or bottom or gain. i play in two bands regularly, both other guitar players have jumped on the timmy/tim bandwagon and it isnt an issue at all since it lets the tone of your gear shine thru without enforcing its own coloration

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

So if the amp does great gain, why are you looking for a gain-boosting pedal? I'm confused.
I'd think you'd want a clean boost, maybe, but something to overdrive an already-saturated amp?

Need it more so for either boosting for leads or adding a lil more girth/texture to rhythm, or adding a lil more bite to my crunch (when the volumes dropped down).

 

[Frogman]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

Cant go wrong with an OD808.

The Fulltone OCD is really nice as well.

Played with both through my RedBear (JCM800)

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

OCDs are better as a stand alone pedal into a clean amp, its good for boosting too but i reckon to match your amp and to do the job you describe i reckon there is better options.
If your amp has plenty of gain then something in the tubescreamer vein is the best bet for a tight focussed solo boost to complemet your amps natural sound.
That includes (obviously) a TS, or a boss SD1, but the MXR GT, the green rhino and the fulldrive are all a cut above those old standbys.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

You might want to look into the MXR ZW-44 (Zakk Wylde Overdrive). I think it's designed for exactly what you're describing, and I've recently started using mine again. The only problem with mine is it's a bit noisy. If you've got a noise gate, problem solved.

It does exactly what you're describing, though, with mine set to level 3 o'clock, gain 9 o'clock, and tone to taste. It just really pushes it to where you want to go. It does the "more of everything" pretty well, but it doesn't tighten up the bass like my modded SD-1.

By the way, if you can pull it off, and if I'm correct, you can buy an MXR Classic Overdrive, open it up, flip the switch at the top left of the PCB, and you've got a Wylde Overdrive.

 

[mwalluk]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

I actually used to own both a tubescreamer and the zw mxr. Looking for somehting different.

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

Rocktron Austin Gold

I've had two of them, and they give you a lot of boost, and bunch more clarity, and no mid hump. There's a bass boost before the clipping stage to dial up the thump, and not much hair on the notes, even with the gain maxed, so it doesn't push the guitar down in the mix.

 

[o.p-i.v]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

danelectro cool cat transparent overdrive

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

If you want to tighten it up some you want a TS/SD-1/variant. I know you said you had one before, maybe you need to try it again, or maybe an EQ adjustment.

 

[Franknfilms]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

Boss sd-1 reigns supreme for leads, but you might have the same issue as your ds1, not very tight. For tight rhythm and to retain strong low end I like the maxon od9.

 

[saladin]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

Need it more so for either boosting for leads or adding a lil more girth/texture to rhythm, or adding a lil more bite to my crunch (when the volumes dropped down).

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

I actually used to own both a tubescreamer and the zw mxr. Looking for somehting different.

but have you tried them with your new amp?
and if so...have to tried flipping the min switch inside the zakk to fatten it up into a GT?

 

[devastone]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

This: http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXR-CL1-Classic-Overdrive-Guitar-Effects-Pedal-105811939-i1524102.gc

Lots of time it's on sale for $30, it is the GT-OD/ZW packaged for GC.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

This: http://www.guitarcenter.com/MXR-CL1-Classic-Overdrive-Guitar-Effects-Pedal-105811939-i1524102.gc

Lots of time it's on sale for $30, it is the GT-OD/ZW packaged for GC.

those things slay when used with a marshall!

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

If you're just looking for a straight up boost pedal, then I'd take a look at the MXR MC-401. I don't have the stand alone pedal, but it's built into my Wah and it's a pretty cool booster.

I'd also suggest the MXR 10 band EQ.

The last thing that came to mind is a Carl Martin Plexitone. It obviously does a lot more than boost your signal, but the boost on that thing is freaking awesome.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

the fulltone GT500 has a killer boost as well as a nice distortion, i think its very much the same as a fatboost, but i have not used the fatboost so i cant be sure. The dirt side is more of a stand alone type dirt tho rather than one thats supposed to interact with preamp tubes.
I have an MI boost and buff too which is a bit too bright.
Eqs are a good concept,but somehow just sound 'hard' to my ears.
But i reckon for boosting an already dirty amp, something that trims down the bass and treble (ala an mxr or a ts) is better for what mwaulluk has described.

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Need Suggestions for a good BOOST/DRIVE/OD pedal

I really liked the Fatboost 2.


Rocktron Austin Gold (like mentioned higher up) is also a great underrated affordable box, so too is the Boss Blues Driver.
Do NOT forget about the MXR MC-402 :fing2: