Need Help Picking a Distortion/OD Pedal (Not this thread again)

So I play rhythm guitar in my band and right now I use a RAT2, Swollen Pickle, TS9 and Blues Driver. However, Blues Driver is waaaaay too shrill and sharp, it doesn't sound good for rhythm. I always keep my TS9 on, with a little crunch. I want something that will take me from crunch to mild distortion without affecting the color that much. I don't want something as warm as ts9 but nor do I want something as sharp and trebley as Blues Driver.

What kind of OD/Distortion pedal should I get? What distortion pedals sound good at low settings?

My budget is around $100. I was thinking maybe an OCD, MI Audio Crunchbox, or a GFS pedal. Anyways, help pl0x.

Sounds like you've already got several staple tonal possibilities when it comes to dirt.

Could always get your BD modded.

This guy may offer the solution you may be looking for, and I know he does good work:
http://www.jhspedals.com/jhspedals/Boss_BD2_BluDrive_Mod.html

A few thoughts:

1. You've already got a lot of dirt boxes. Maybe the solution lies in using dynamics and your guitar's volume knob more.

2. Timmy or Tim pedals are nice transparent overdrives. You can sometimes find used Timmys in the $100 range. If you can't, the Danelectro Cool Cat Transparent OD (V1) is supposed to be a Timmy clone. Maybe, maybe not, but it's a nice transparent OD. (And cheap too, as they're only available used now.)

3. I know what you mean about the BD-2. Turn the gain all the way (or nearly so) down and use it as a clean boost to push your amp into overdrive territory. What amp are you using?

4. You can have your BD-2 modded -- the MHP Galaxy mod is highly thought of here (I have no experience with it...)

In re-reading your post, I see you leave the TS on. Try what I wrote before about using the BD-2 with the gain all the way down and stack the two pedals. I think that'll do what you want.

A few thoughts:

1. You've already got a lot of dirt boxes. Maybe the solution lies in using dynamics and your guitar's volume knob more.

Nah, because it fluctuates your volume. Not only that but I want to be consistent, you might not always turn the volume knob the same amount everytime. Also I sing and I like the convenience of just stepping on a pedal to get dirtier, not twiddling a knob.

2. Timmy or Tim pedals are nice transparent overdrives. You can sometimes find used Timmys in the $100 range. If you can't, the Danelectro Cool Cat Transparent OD (V1) is supposed to be a Timmy clone. Maybe, maybe not, but it's a nice transparent OD. (And cheap too, as they're only available used now.)

I'll check out the Timmy. I've heard good things about it.

3. I know what you mean about the BD-2. Turn the gain all the way (or nearly so) down and use it as a clean boost to push your amp into overdrive territory. What amp are you using?

Deluxe Reverb. Not really useful because it will change my volume. I don't want my volume to fluctuate because I practice without a PA system. Volume changes are incredibly noticeable.

4. You can have your BD-2 modded -- the MHP Galaxy mod is highly thought of here (I have no experience with it...)

If I'm going to pay the price of a pedal to get my old pedal modded, I'd rather get a new pedal. I'm selling my Blues Driver for a good amount of money too.
bold in quotes

… what amp are you using

Read my comments. I said Deluxe Reverb. I play at around 2-3ish so yeah, pushing my amp would have to make me play around 5ish to reduce volume fluctuation.

In re-reading your post, I see you leave the TS on. Try what I wrote before about using the BD-2 with the gain all the way down and stack the two pedals. I think that'll do what you want.

Sounds like you've already decided to move out the BD-2, but if you haven't already, the above is good advice. The BD-2 can work really well as a booster into another overdrive pedal (like boosting an amp as someone else suggested, but without the high volume).

You might find that the BD-2 with the vol around 2:00 and the gain set low is just the right amount of boost to push the TS9 into a rich overdrive. Or try a lower volume setting but with some gain dialed in. The Tone knob can have a big effect here--try everything from very low settings up to say, 1:00 or 2:00 on the tone knob--it functions much like a treble booster pedal that way.

For using the BD-2 on its own, try keeping the Tone knob down around 9:00 (yes, set that low). It works pretty well as a low-gain OD that way--say, gain around 11:00, volume set to around unity levels. It should be a fair bit more transparent than the TS9, so useful for some different rhythm tones.

For a single-pedal distortion tone, doesn't your RAT2 fit that bill pretty well?

Sounds like you've already decided to move out the BD-2, but if you haven't already, the above is good advice. The BD-2 can work really well as a booster into another overdrive pedal (like boosting an amp as someone else suggested, but without the high volume).

You might find that the BD-2 with the vol around 2:00 and the gain set low is just the right amount of boost to push the TS9 into a rich overdrive. Or try a lower volume setting but with some gain dialed in. The Tone knob can have a big effect here--try everything from very low settings up to say, 1:00 or 2:00 on the tone knob--it functions much like a treble booster pedal that way.

For using the BD-2 on its own, try keeping the Tone knob down around 9:00 (yes, set that low). It works pretty well as a low-gain OD that way--say, gain around 11:00, volume set to around unity levels. It should be a fair bit more transparent than the TS9, so useful for some different rhythm tones.

For a single-pedal distortion tone, doesn't your RAT2 fit that bill pretty well?
That's basically how I've been using my BD2 this whole time. I stack it onto my TS9 whenever I want to get into that dist zone. I even keep the tone that low as well. But for me, it doesn't sound good, especially since I play out of the vibrato channel, which is a bit trebler and thinner.

Yes RAT2 fits the bill pretty well for what I want. However, I currently use my RAT2 with its gain pretty much maxed out as a hi gain/mild fuzz distortion. I need something inbetween distortion and Crunch and BD2 isn't sufficing. I don't like messing with knobs between songs either so I don't want to adjust my RAT knobs. I could buy another RAT2 but I'd rather get another pedal to explore more options.

The way I setup my pedals is like this TS9 --> BD2 --> RAT2 --> Fuzz. Basically whenever, I want to get to a higher level of distortion, it's really easy i just step on the next pedal. But yeah BD2 isn't working for me.

To me it sounds like the best idea would be to mod your BD-2. I know you said that you don't want to buy a mod when you could spend that much and get a new pedal, but... I believe the MHP galaxie mod is around 60 dollars and the kit is about half of that. There must have been something about the BD-2 you liked when you got it, and to me the sounds you're describing would be well suited for a modded BD-2. People around here really seem to dig their galaxie mod, I mention that mainly because it at least addresses the things you dislike about your BD-2.

If you have the GAS bug and insist on buying a new pedal I'd second the timmy recommendation above, although I've never played it through a Deluxe Reverb and have read before that they don't sound very good through blackface amps. Between a tele and a VOX though, timmy's really shine.

To me it sounds like the best idea would be to mod your BD-2. I know you said that you don't want to buy a mod when you could spend that much and get a new pedal, but... I believe the MHP galaxie mod is around 60 dollars and the kit is about half of that. There must have been something about the BD-2 you liked when you got it, and to me the sounds you're describing would be well suited for a modded BD-2. People around here really seem to dig their galaxie mod, I mention that mainly because it at least addresses the things you dislike about your BD-2.

If you have the GAS bug and insist on buying a new pedal I'd second the timmy recommendation above, although I've never played it through a Deluxe Reverb and have read before that they don't sound very good through blackface amps. Between a tele and a VOX though, timmy's really shine.
Yeah I'm getting $70 for my BD-2 and a mod is $60. I'd rather get a pedal for $130 instead like an OCD or a used HotCake instead of having my BD-2 still. BD-2 is one of my first pedals, I bought it without knowing what I really wanted. I don't play blues, I play rhythm guitar in an indie rock band and it just doesn't fit for me. It sounds better on my Normal channel of DRRI but since I've moved onto vibrato channel (mostly because TS9 sounds amazing on it), it sounds way more shrill.

It sounds better on my Normal channel of DRRI but since I've moved onto vibrato channel (mostly because TS9 sounds amazing on it), it sounds way more shrill.

That's probably a "bright cap" issue, right (I think the cap is only on the vibrato channel)?

I believe a lot of OD pedals are going to sound a bit fizzy into the vibrato channel if the bright cap is there and the volume isn't cranked up. But a BD-2 is probably a worst-case match for that -- it's relatively bright and fizzy to begin with.

Personally, I agree with the "don't mod" approach. There are too many great OD pedals out there, so if the BD-2 isn't working for you, sell it and get one that does.

If you want a relatively transparent low-gain OD, similar to the BD-2 but smoother, without the fizz and excess brightness, a Barber LTD might be a good choice. Still might be a bit fizzy into a bright-cap'd DR though. And in any case, it sounds like you want something with more OD than that, rather than just a "better BD-2".

As for a higher-gain pedal that falls between the TS9 set low and a RAT set high to use in place of the BD-2, well, there's a zillion choices, and pretty much everyone is just going to list their favorites!

As for a higher-gain pedal that falls between the TS9 set low and a RAT set high to use in place of the BD-2, well, there's a zillion choices, and pretty much everyone is just going to list their favorites!

I'll check out the barber. And that's what I want people to do; to post their favorite pedals within that range. However, if an OD is gonna color my sound, I'd prefer it to be in the midrange area since my TS9 and RAT are pretty mid rangey, which is good for rhythm guitar. I had to replace my Little Big Muff with a Swollen Pickle because LBM had no mid-range and swollen pickle could let me dial more in.

No need for your sarcasm, just trying to offer my thoughts. Plenty of people around here think that's a great deal.

Yeah I'm getting $70 for my BD-2 and a mod is $60.

No need for your sarcasm, just trying to offer my thoughts. Plenty of people around here think that's a great deal.

I don't get how I was sarcastic...

+1 on getting the bright cap clipped (if your DR is a reissue). If you're not using super hot pickups I'd recommend a Red Llama. Mine sounds great into a DR and if you use the guitar's volume control, you can pull a whole range of usable tones out of it.

+1 on getting the bright cap clipped (if your DR is a reissue). If you're not using super hot pickups I'd recommend a Red Llama. Mine sounds great into a DR and if you use the guitar's volume control, you can pull a whole range of usable tones out of it.

I'm not gonna clip my bright cap on my vibrato channel just for the sake of my Blues Driver sounding better because I still like the way all my other pedals sound on the vibrato channel, just not BD-2.

I'll look into the Red Llama, I like Way Huge pedals.

I'm sorta learning toward an OCD. Would you consider it more warm or trebley? I want a warm OD but I don't want another TS9 just for the sake of more tonal capabilities.

Use the tone knob on the BD-2. It doesn't have to be shrill.

And while you're at it, mess with all your volume and gain knobs on your pedals. I'd say experiment with order, but the order seems good.

If everything is maxed out, it's just going to sound like mud.



If you really want a new pedal, get an EQ or a wah.



Currently using a wah, Rat2, Big Muff, EQ, and a MicroPog.

And I have more than enough tones at my disposal, for a variety of genres.

Use the tone knob on the BD-2. It doesn't have to be shrill.

And while you're at it, mess with all your volume and gain knobs on your pedals. I'd say experiment with order, but the order seems good.

If everything is maxed out, it's just going to sound like mud.



If you really want a new pedal, get an EQ or a wah.



Currently using a wah, Rat2, Big Muff, EQ, and a MicroPog.

And I have more than enough tones at my disposal, for a variety of genres.
Yeah I would use the tone knob but it still seemed like when I had the tone all the way low, it scooped the mids out and it was only bass and treble. I use a wah. I'm sort of considering getting an EQ pedal. My other thread regarding EQ pedals has sort of made me want to try one out now.

Magna,


Get an EQ pedal as soon as you wake up tomorrow.



I'm not kidding, it will blow your mind

Magna,


Get an EQ pedal as soon as you wake up tomorrow.



I'm not kidding, it will blow your mind
I'm so close to pulling the trigger on a GE7 for $40 but idk maaaaaan.

If you want to push buttons instead of twiddling knobs for ease and consistency.... I can't believe I'm suggesting this.... have you tried any of the multi or modelling fx? Sounds like something to consider.

If you want to push buttons instead of twiddling knobs for ease and consistency.... I can't believe I'm suggesting this.... have you tried any of the multi or modelling fx? Sounds like something to consider.

Have you lost your mind bawdy? LOL

If you want to push buttons instead of twiddling knobs for ease and consistency.... I can't believe I'm suggesting this.... have you tried any of the multi or modelling fx? Sounds like something to consider.
No but I don't really want to for obvious. I meant I don't wanna mess knobs around on my guitar live while singing.

If you're set on pulling the BD-2 from your board (I'm not the biggest fan of that pedal anyway), I'd highly recommend the Digitech Hardwire CM-2. It's essentially an upgraded Bad Monkey (a highly underrated pedal), it has a LOT of range and a 2-band EQ. You can either use it as a boost or a standalone distortion. It also retails for $99.

I nearly bought one, but it was narrowly beaten by a Green Rhino. I did end up getting the Hardwire SC-2 which has a lot more gain.

Buying yet another pedal may not be the solution. And for low gain, OCD and crunchbox are NOT it. You don't really need an EQ pedal either. Save your money.

My advice is to throw out all your old ideas about how to set your amp, your guitar, and your pedals and start fresh. Plug straight into your amp and dial in a clean sound you like, one that sounds good to you with either pick-up (assuming you play a tele). That alone can be complicated enough depending on what you are working with. Then add pedals, one at a time. Take your time and experiment, and don't try to do it in one marathon session, or ear fatigue will mess with your perceptions. Also, what sounds good at home at bedroom levels may not sound good with the band. If you can persuade the band to help, experiment with them playing - it's for everyone's collective benefit.

On the subject of an "always on" dirtbox, you may have better results with the rat or blues driver, as I think they are more full frequency (not much experience with a BD though). A tubescreamer is notorious for a mid bump - meaning it accentuates the middle frequencies (and cuts a lot of bass, that could be the real source of the shrillness). A mid bump can be handy when it comes time to step out in front of a mix for a solo or lead, but it may just be sonic clutter otherwise IMO. If you like a mid-heavy sound, get it at the amp, and set your pedals to work with that.

Bottom line, you have a decent selection of dirt - pretty much all classic, respected pedals - so if you aren't happy with your sound, I don't think adding another one to your board will do much more than further complicate things....

JMO. Good luck man!

Yeah well I sold my BD-2 already. I'm just gonna see how life is without that extra OD pedal and sorta reevaluate my sound, like you said.

Yeah the whole bedroom vs band thing is what made me realize that BD2 was not really working for my rig. Neither was my Little Big Muff (which I sold), since it lacked midrange. As a rhythm guitarist, I like to occupy the midrange frequencies while the lead can occupy mid - treble.

I play a Jaguar in the band, I use my tele in demo recordings though (my tele is too neck heavy to play live). I know that I have 3 really good pedals that can basically cover all bases. However, I just feel like in a live setting 3 is not enough to do all the tones of distortion I want without messing with the knobs in between songs. I guess for now I'll just play without that extra OD :(.

Fulltone OCD hands down the best

In re-reading your post, I see you leave the TS on. Try what I wrote before about using the BD-2 with the gain all the way down and stack the two pedals. I think that'll do what you want.

+1

This is how I currently use my BD-2.

EDIT: Nevermind...I just saw that you sold yours.

I want a Timmy or Barber LTD SR now :(

I just purchases a Boss SD-1. I think this may fill your need. I purchased it for use similar to what you are describing.

Okay, so I ended up getting an OCD v4 on craigslist for $80 bucks! If I don't like it, I can always sell it for higher :)