sparkle drive mod?

mojodave · June 22nd, 2008, 10:32 PM

I was thinking of the Keeley mod. Anyone have any input? What about indianaguitarman?

tonewoods · June 22nd, 2008, 11:11 PM

I have the Keeley mod, love it, but have nothing to compare it to...

It's the only version of the SD I've heard...

Tim Bowen · June 23rd, 2008, 01:21 AM

I've been using a Keeley-modded Sparkle Drive at a rehearsal studio with a band for about the last year. The info at the Keeley site is fairly accurate; more gain on tap, a bit more organic sounding than the stock model, slightly better bass response as TS circuits go. If you play traditional tele bridge single coil pickups, that additional gain can induce a case of the squealies, even with the stomp's tone knob rolled back; it's not unmanageable for the gonzo gains, you just need to be fairly deft with your muting and articulations.

guitarzan13 · June 26th, 2008, 02:46 PM

I have the Keeley mod and it is my go-to overdrive.

ruger9 · June 26th, 2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonewoods

I have the Keeley mod, love it, but have nothing to compare it to...

It's the only version of the SD I've heard...

+1.

Also, I have heard several people compare it to the Klon... not so much in tone, but in function. The mix knob on the SD works like the gain knob does on the Klon. On the Klon, the gain knob is a 2-ganged pot, and turning it up actually blends the OD circuit into the clean circuit. That's exactly what the mix knob does on the SD.

The SD isn't on my board right now, but it's unique enough that I'm keeping it around... at least for awhile.

Big Lug · June 26th, 2008, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Bowen

... The info at the Keeley site is fairly accurate; more gain on tap, a bit more organic sounding than the stock model, slightly better bass response as TS circuits go...

+1 My experience exactly.

I did, however, replace it with a MI Audio Blues Pro. Just found that pedal much more natural sounding then the Keeley-modded Sparkle Drive. Still, quite a decent pedal if you like a TS sound.

teleRemy · July 4th, 2008, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Bowen

If you play traditional tele bridge single coil pickups, that additional gain can induce a case of the squealies, even with the stomp's tone knob rolled back; it's not unmanageable for the gonzo gains, you just need to be fairly deft with your muting and articulations.

I just picked one of these up at GC (for $99, btw, not bad!) and was already thinking of sending it to Keeley...does this mean it's more difficult to get a clean sound out of the bridge once you get the mod? Or can it still be set as clean (and squeal-free) as the original un-modded pedal?

June 22nd, 2008, 10:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
mojodave NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: stow, ohio,usa Age: 55 Posts: 4	sparkle drive mod? I was thinking of the Keeley mod. Anyone have any input? What about indianaguitarman?

June 23rd, 2008, 01:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
Tim Bowen Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Age: 48 Posts: 3,319	I've been using a Keeley-modded Sparkle Drive at a rehearsal studio with a band for about the last year. The info at the Keeley site is fairly accurate; more gain on tap, a bit more organic sounding than the stock model, slightly better bass response as TS circuits go. If you play traditional tele bridge single coil pickups, that additional gain can induce a case of the squealies, even with the stomp's tone knob rolled back; it's not unmanageable for the gonzo gains, you just need to be fairly deft with your muting and articulations. __________________ "Everyone is different in how they learn, but for me, it's turning the pegs and just playing." - BB

June 26th, 2008, 02:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
guitarzan13 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: LaGrange, GA Age: 43 Posts: 1,263 8 Photos	I have the Keeley mod and it is my go-to overdrive. __________________ Practice make permanent!!!!....Perfect practice makes perfect!!! Chris B. Current Band www.productoffaith.net Last band as a bass player www.neonjones.com

June 22nd, 2008, 11:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
tonewoods Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Orcas Island, Washington Age: 57 Posts: 676 18 Photos	I have the Keeley mod, love it, but have nothing to compare it to... It's the only version of the SD I've heard...