I own a keeley SD-1...do I need a Rat pedal?

Looking for opinions.

I am very happy with my keeley SD1, working with my tube amps.

Is a rat pedal designed to do the same sound as a flat out tube amp with an OD?

Some players I like (Scofield, Frisell) have the rat, but a tubescreamer also?

I was listening to 'History Mystery' and when Frisell uses that brutal lead sound, it kills me. I was wondering which he is using to get that...

Neill

Totally different animals those two. I love my rat and I have a keeley tubescreamer. They both have their places. My Rat is a mid eighties one (86') which is what you should try to get if your serious about buying one. The new ones are nice too but not the same goodluck

An SD-1 (Monte Allums Modded Version) and a RAT have been my main two overdrives for many years. To me, they are the perfect compliment to each other.

I use them both on very low drive settings. I use the SD-1 when I just need a little dirt, and then the RAT when I want to get a little nastier. Like I said I keep the drive set low on both so I can even use them both at the same time for some really good higher gain lead tones.

Go for it!

yes.

Actually, I would recommend the Vodka Mods Rat over the Keely. The VM is just more flexible. Also check out CMATMODS or Freak Show Effects for some boutique versions of the Rat.

Everyone needs a Rat!

My Rat is a mid eighties one (86') which is what you should try to get if your serious about buying one. The new ones are nice too but not the same goodluck

yes, I have heard that the older ones are best. So the new ones are best avoided?

yes, I have heard that the older ones are best. So the new ones are best avoided?

Keeley mentions it a little on his rat mod page if you go to his website. My friend really loved mine and bought a newer one. and it broke shortly there after. I think even ones from 2000 might be a better build quality than the ones they're producing now. I'd ebay it. Beware though the only way to date it is by the pots on the bottom in the inside. Here's a picture of mine.http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj26/jenixisu/Ratfront.jpg

This is a good resource for the rat pedals right here just to get a little info on it. http://www.ratdistortion.com/history.htm

There are some websites for dating pots but I unless your completely obsessed with tone I wouldn't bother getting an older one unless one came by. I mean they're great and I wouldn't trade mine for nearly any other pedal. Goodluck

Thanks Jenix, I might keep an eye out for one on ebay.

I have an MI Audio Fuzz pedal to muck around with still, but I need to put more time in dialling up a tone I like.

NL

build a BYOC mouse. It has 6 settings of distortion/overdrive.

An SD-1 (Monte Allums Modded Version) and a RAT have been my main two overdrives for many years. To me, they are the perfect compliment to each other.

I use them both on very low drive settings. I use the SD-1 when I just need a little dirt, and then the RAT when I want to get a little nastier. Like I said I keep the drive set low on both so I can even use them both at the same time for some really good higher gain lead tones.

Go for it!

Do you place your SD-1 first or Rat first? Just curious - I have the same pedals except my SD-1 is an Analogman modded pedal.

I bought this RAT new, I have tried newer ones with the LED light, they dont seem to be the same.
The ones with RAT in black letters seem to be really good and are getting hard to find.
http://s170.photobucket.com/albums/u265/donsmonarch10ee/?action=view&current=telecaster028.jpg

Do you place your SD-1 first or Rat first? Just curious - I have the same pedals except my SD-1 is an Analogman modded pedal.


I put the the RAT first. The only time it matters is when they're both on (obviously). If I put the SD-1 first, and use both pedals, it seems to be muddier than if put the RAT first. It seems that the RAT doesn't like anything being in front of it.

I have one of the big-box Rats and it's great. It plays surprisingly well with my BYOC large beaver fuzz, as well.