Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

[kaligula11]

I've been playing a Proco Turbo Rat for a few days and I'm shocked. I've read so many praising reviews and now I wonder if I'm the only one who doesn't get this thing? I think it's usable only when you're a punk/indie guitarist. Works for chords and nothing more. Any kind of solo is impossible - I've never played a unit with such a weak sustain. Tone is ok, a bit fuzz-like, but my Big Muff does the same thing and what's more is much more versatile. I can't say I don't like the Turbo Rat because it definately has its own character but it's very limited. Maybe I need some time to understand it, don't know.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

Is it a new one? If so that's part of the problem. The new ones use a completely different chip.

I've got an 80s Rat 2 and LOVE it! The original Turbo Rat was very similar but with more gain, if memory serves.

Luke

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

I've played a rat or a Rat Ii or a turbo rat that I felt didn't have sustain...

Im wondering what you want in the sustain department...

 

[apj]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

I wasn't incredibly impressed with it either. A lot of people like boosting with them though I believe

 

[soundgardener75]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

I had two friends that had the Rat and the Turbo Rat. I tried 'em both and clearly the TR was the better unit. Way more musical than the Big Muff imo.

But I'm curious kaligula11. What are you using this through?

 

[kaligula11]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

But I'm curious kaligula11. What are you using this through?

Fender Strat (JB bridge; Hot Rails formerly, now Quarter Pound neck) and Marshall AVT 50. It's not my dream amp but I don't expect a pedal to patch amp's disadvantages. I think Turbo Rat would be good if I played rhythm mainly but I don't. Anyway this tone works for chords and this makes me keep it (not sure about tomorrow though).

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

Fender Strat (JB bridge; Hot Rails formerly, now Quarter Pound neck) and Marshall AVT 50. It's not my dream amp but I don't expect a pedal to patch amp's disadvantages. I think Turbo Rat would be good if I played rhythm mainly but I don't. Anyway this tone works for chords and this makes me keep it (not sure about tomorrow though).

How old is the pedal? Is it a newer one?


Luke

 

[kaligula11]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

How old is the pedal? Is it a newer one?


Luke

I'm not the first owner but I think it's a newer one. It's even got an internet registration paper in the box (and a nice sticker ) People often mention that 308 chip, I'm not an expert at pedals construction but I looked for this chip and didn't find it. So maybe that's the problem.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

I'm not the first owner but I think it's a newer one. It's even got an internet registration paper in the box (and a nice sticker ) People often mention that 308 chip, I'm not an expert at pedals construction but I looked for this chip and didn't find it. So maybe that's the problem.

That's a BIG part of the Rat tone. Something in that chip just makes the Rat sound great into a clean OR cranked amp.

Luke

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

I never got the RAT either. I've never played a vintage one, only a 90's one. Obviously people can get good tones with them, but it's just not my cup of tea. It always seemed too harsh and grating, and this was through a Bassman. Same Bassman that sounded killer with a clean boost!

 

[JohnnyGuitar]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

I use it. It can actually sound good but it depends A LOT on the amp and guitar. It's on the harsh grungy side with a lot of mids and it gets a little brittle with brighter pickups (like the bridge pickup on my Strat and probably the JB) - try filtering out more highs, although then it might get muddy for you. Is it the trouble you're experiencing?

Not sure this pedal is what you need considering your setup...

 

[soundgardener75]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

Fender Strat (JB bridge; Hot Rails formerly, now Quarter Pound neck) and Marshall AVT 50. It's not my dream amp but I don't expect a pedal to patch amp's disadvantages. I think Turbo Rat would be good if I played rhythm mainly but I don't. Anyway this tone works for chords and this makes me keep it (not sure about tomorrow though).

Good call about the rhythm tone. I was a rhythm guitarist back then, '95 to be exact. We used to play Faith No More covers. I was using my N1 with the stock pickups, my friend's Turbo Rat, and a Boss CH-1. I don't remember the amp at the venue, pretty sure it was a Peavey Chorus 212, and it sounded really good.

The single note lines I did with it was pretty meaty, even with that ss amp, imo.

 

[Imp]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

check the battery's not flat

 

[Bludave]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

Turn up your amp. It will start to sing better once you get the volume up. I used one for many years, but it was an original. I got rid of it a long time ago and actually prefer my Tubescreamers.

 

[kaligula11]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

Actually I like it more now. I think I'm learning how to use its best features instead of trying to reach something unreal for this thing. These dirty sounds are pretty impressive... scary sometimes. Now I use tones that seemed to be useless before. Guess it helps you develop. Just wonder if that's a good reason to go everywhere with 3 distortion pedals (and other effects as well of course). Time will show.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

i go everywhere with as many pedals as i can.

dod grunge for grocery shopping

boss ds-1 for the dentist

big muff for my girlfriend's house...

got have one for every situation

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

big muff for my girlfriend's house...

uuuuhhhh..... :scratchch

 

[Fikealox]

Re: Turbo Rat - a piece of junk?

People often mention that 308 chip...

A bit off-topic, but I wonder if that's the same 308 chip that's in a lot of military comm. electronics (even today). If so, it's the most failure-prone chip I've ever come across. Those things were the bane of my existence! :18: