Recommend me an OD!

fuzzyratfarts

New member
I am looking for a different OD. I want one that sounds unique, not like most OD's out there that are made to emulate a certain tone...I dont want pimped out Tubescreamer (already have an Analogman Maxon Silver Mod TS), dont want a low gain transparent OD (have a Barber LTD), I want something different, something to set me apart. I am tired of OD pedals that make you instantly think of a song or artist, because then I just feel like I am copying someone's tone.
I use an American Strat (maple board, 63 Chubtone pickups neck & middle, Little 59 in the bridge), and I am looking for a tight yet full overdrive capable of low to higher gain sounds (when I say high gain, I DO NOT mean mesa or hot rodded marshall, i just mean gainier and thicker). I want the lows to be tight and creamy (but not mushy), the mids to be complex and responsive but no upper mid spike (like the JB pickup), and the highs to be crisp and tight but NOT piercing...No harsh overtones/undertones! I want it to be sustainful too, no dying notes. I really want the volume control on the guitar to be able to change the sound too, I love pedals that have dynamics with the guitar controls, not just the pedal controls. I want to use this pedal for jazz (both cleaner jazz and for more electric or funky jazz) and jam type stuff and smooth blues.
 
Re: Recommend me an OD!

Banzai Coldfusion. It's like a toothier, crunchier Klon Centaur, and it's tone is thicker than the unison uneffected tone. It's not a highgain pedal, but it's good for adding some chunk to a driven tube amp.
 
Re: Recommend me an OD!

I guess I shoudl say that the Brown Soruce (and all other Lovetone) pedals are no longer being made and they were not cheep when they were still in production but if you can find one they are amazing...

Check out www.lovetone.com for sound clips
 
Re: Recommend me an OD!

HomeBrew Electronics Big D

HBE1.jpg


HBE4.jpg


www.homebrewelectronics.com

Hear mine in action here -- http://streamer.soundclick.com/speedY_DL/05/06/freemp3/twilightodyssey+neoclassicalclip1.mp3
 
Re: Recommend me an OD!

the guy who invented fire said:
Ben,
I was under the impression that the Big D was more of a stand alone distortion with quite a bit of gain...is that not true?
It can be; it's a bit more complicated than that. There are 5 different settings that affect the amount and type of gain that you get:

1. There are 5 different diodes ranging from very mild to very hyped. I personally use diode #4, which is a mild distortion.

2. You can choose hard and soft clipping for each diode position. This setting determines whether the pedal operates more as an OD or a distortion pedal. (I usually use soft clipping)

3. You have the actual Gain control; at 12:00 you have some serious gain on tap, but if you roll it back, you can get a very mild, transparent overdrive, too.

4. The Bigger control is a very small gain stage that also boosts the high and low end a bit.

5. You can actually keep the diode very mild as well as very low gain, and just use the Level to push your amp into overdrive.

It is also a very reponsive pedal, so a little bit goes a long way. The Gain and Level, in particular, have a LOT of push behind them!

So, you can use the Big D as a clean boost, overdrive, or all out distortion pedal!!
 
Last edited:
Re: Recommend me an OD!

Xotic BB preamp
Landgraff

I use an xotic AC booster, not as much gain as the new BB but plenty enough for my classic rock style, the pedal is virtually transparent meaning it's not adding/changing/eliminating any frequencies from the output of your guitar. If you choose to EQ them they have controls for bass and treble giving you the ability to tailor your tone. The single note definition is excellent even with the gain up all the way, cleans up like a dream with the volume on the guitar. I really love this pedal, all the others are gone (except my barber direct drive with I still like).

Landgraff - I used one for the first time last weekend, borrowed it from a friend, I loved it - very rich and thick, very expensive, long wait. I may pick one up someday but I'm in no hurry to spend $300 plus dollars.
 
Re: Recommend me an OD!

Thanks for these great suggestions!!! I am especially interested in the Xotic AC, and while I was looking at it, my interest was also sparked in the Rc booster for jazzier stuff...But back to the thread, keep the suggestions coming!!!
 
Re: Recommend me an OD!

Danelectro FAB Overdrive :arms:
159258.jpg

THAT'S A BIG PIC SO YOU CAN ENJOY IT MORE!
 
Re: Recommend me an OD!

LesStrat said:
Ben, have you tried the Compressor from HBE? It sounds interesting.
Les, I have an HBE CPR winging its way to my office as I type this, actually. It's slated to arrive via FedEx tomorrow. (I'm getting one with a custom colour scheme) Expect a full report on it soon!

(Also, check out my "Godly Tone" thread in this forum from a few days ago for details on how I'm using the HBE Dos Mos & Big D in my current setup)
 
Back
Top