Opinions wanted.

Envelope · July 1st, 2008, 06:26 AM

So I'm deciding on getting a Fulltone OCD but I'm not sure what version to get. There was a review on youtube before comparing version 2 with version 4 and the differences are pointed out. I'm entitled to shift to the version 4 but I'm not sure yet, since, well, if version 3 is the middle ground of 2 and 4 then it might be the best of both worlds. Thoughts?

I'm also thinking of possibly getting a Maxon OD820 pedal and possibly a phaser, I was hoping for an Arion SPH-1 (I think) but those have been discontinued so I'm looking for any recommendations for a good solid phaser.

Finally, if I'm right, my pedal board would look like this.

BOSS TU-2 Chromatic Stompbox Tuner
(Phaser)
BOSS DD-6 Digital Delay
Maxon OD820
Fulltone OCD

Just 5 pedals really.

Though, I have another question. Is the Fulltone OCD a distortion pedal or just an overdrive pedal? And if so, if I do play with it on, would I have to have a distorted channel to get the best sound out of it?

Doc Leon · July 1st, 2008, 06:50 AM

I purchased a new OCD a week ago, and I'm sending it back. I don't know if I got a bad one or what, but it doesn't sound anything like the sound samples or what everyone has described. It sounds very muffled and has no clarity no matter how I set the controls. It sounds almost like a Big Muff with the tone control off. Still trying to decide if I want to try another or not.

Axis29 · July 1st, 2008, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Leon

I purchased a new OCD a week ago, and I'm sending it back. I don't know if I got a bad one or what, but it doesn't sound anything like the sound samples or what everyone has described. It sounds very muffled and has no clarity no matter how I set the controls. It sounds almost like a Big Muff with the tone control off. Still trying to decide if I want to try another or not.

Doc,

You must have a bad one! Muffled is the very last way I would describe mine! I've got a version 3, but I really doubt they're THAT different!

I would describe mine as dynamic and sparkly while still retaining the lows cleanly. Muddy or muffled? Not even if I crank the tone all the way to the left!

Doc Leon · July 1st, 2008, 07:14 AM

Axis.

Your description of yours is what I was expecting. I even tried running it at 18 volts, but it didn't make a difference. I tried it with my tele and twin and it was still nasty (in a bad way). Unfortunately, there's no dealers around here to try any at. I won't have any trouble returning it, it's just disappointing when you have something back ordered and it's not right when it finally arrives.

IronJoe · July 1st, 2008, 12:34 PM

I would consider it an overdrive with a moderate amount of dirt available. I don't own one, though, so others may have more experience with it.

If you're looking for a distortion pedal, consider the Crunchbox or Small Fry. There are others that are more costly like the Box of Rock that look cool, too.

Envelope · July 1st, 2008, 04:26 PM

Can you guys still recommend me a good phaser? I've been using a BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone as my distortion pedal at the moment, sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not. To be honest with you, once I get an amp, I'm planning on selling this thing and working from the amp's distortion. I still consider getting a Fulltone OCD a main goal of mine but for the Maxon OD820, I'm not so sure, is it worth it?

vjf1968 · July 2nd, 2008, 10:20 AM

Have you considered the FullDrive 2? It has the Tubescreamer-type OD plus a Boost function.

Envelope · July 8th, 2008, 04:44 AM

I don't get what you mean by that, so sorry. A tubescreamer? Can you tell me what that is? You mean that as a replacement for Fulltone OCD and Maxon OD820 right?

I'm still looking for any opinions on a good phaser.

As I said before my pedal board will look like this:

BOSS TU-2 Chromatic Stompbox Tuner
BOSS DD-7 Digital Delay
Fulltone OCD Version 4
Maxon OD820
A Phaser

What are your guys thoughts?

I'm thinking of just sticking it with one overdrive and getting something else, but I don't know what pedal to get really. Any ideas?

vjf1968 · July 8th, 2008, 08:57 AM

It would help to give us an idea of what you are willing to spend. What kind of budget are we talking here? $300, $500, $1,000.00? But to answer your question:

Most overdrives (if not all) are based on the Tubescreamer (ts 808) circuit design. Maxon has 6 different overdrives available due to the demand. The OD820 is a nice pedal but also expensive. If money is not a problem then get that. It is really all you need in an overdrive pedal.

The Fulldrive 2 has a decent overdrive plus a second switch for boost plus two toggle switches for more tonal variety. So it would be a 2 stage pedal. At $169.00 it is cheaper but if you do not want to futz around than don't get it.

Maxon has a pretty flexible and expensive phaser that is part of the Vintage Series called the PH-350 Rotary Phaser and allows you to change stages (wave forms) so you can go from 70's sounding phase to a Leslie speaker type effect but at $300.00 it will put a serious dent in your wallet but it seems to be on of the best on the market.

Envelope · July 8th, 2008, 12:40 PM

So you're telling me to stick with the Maxon OD820 over getting the Fulltone OCD or getting both Maxon OD820 and a possible Fulldrive 2 instead of a Fulltone OCD?

vjf1968 · July 8th, 2008, 01:49 PM

Stick with Maxon OD820 if that is the sound you want. I assume you already experienced the Maxon OD820 firsthand?

The difficult part of suggesting pedals is that everybody tastes are different so one has to generalize. You should check out www.proguitarshop.com and check out what they have in video demos. I know most of the Maxon pedal line are represented but you should really try them out first and make an informed decision. These things are really expensive.

Envelope · July 8th, 2008, 03:04 PM

Oh, thanks for the link! That site looks really helpful. I haven't experienced the OD820 at all and only decided it since my idol uses it. I think it's safe to say that if I like what I hear and that's what he uses, then it's a good choice kind of thing.

July 1st, 2008, 06:26 AM	#1 (permalink)
Envelope TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 22	Opinions wanted. So I'm deciding on getting a Fulltone OCD but I'm not sure what version to get. There was a review on youtube before comparing version 2 with version 4 and the differences are pointed out. I'm entitled to shift to the version 4 but I'm not sure yet, since, well, if version 3 is the middle ground of 2 and 4 then it might be the best of both worlds. Thoughts? I'm also thinking of possibly getting a Maxon OD820 pedal and possibly a phaser, I was hoping for an Arion SPH-1 (I think) but those have been discontinued so I'm looking for any recommendations for a good solid phaser. Finally, if I'm right, my pedal board would look like this. BOSS TU-2 Chromatic Stompbox Tuner (Phaser) BOSS DD-6 Digital Delay Maxon OD820 Fulltone OCD Just 5 pedals really. Though, I have another question. Is the Fulltone OCD a distortion pedal or just an overdrive pedal? And if so, if I do play with it on, would I have to have a distorted channel to get the best sound out of it?

July 2nd, 2008, 10:20 AM	#7 (permalink)
vjf1968 Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philadelphia Age: 40 Posts: 771 6 Photos	Have you considered the FullDrive 2? It has the Tubescreamer-type OD plus a Boost function. __________________ "the cult aesthetic of liking only what's obscure is just as sick of being mindlessly led around by the nose" -Mark Mothersbaugh

July 8th, 2008, 08:57 AM	#9 (permalink)
vjf1968 Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philadelphia Age: 40 Posts: 771 6 Photos	It would help to give us an idea of what you are willing to spend. What kind of budget are we talking here? $300, $500, $1,000.00? But to answer your question: Most overdrives (if not all) are based on the Tubescreamer (ts 808) circuit design. Maxon has 6 different overdrives available due to the demand. The OD820 is a nice pedal but also expensive. If money is not a problem then get that. It is really all you need in an overdrive pedal. The Fulldrive 2 has a decent overdrive plus a second switch for boost plus two toggle switches for more tonal variety. So it would be a 2 stage pedal. At $169.00 it is cheaper but if you do not want to futz around than don't get it. Maxon has a pretty flexible and expensive phaser that is part of the Vintage Series called the PH-350 Rotary Phaser and allows you to change stages (wave forms) so you can go from 70's sounding phase to a Leslie speaker type effect but at $300.00 it will put a serious dent in your wallet but it seems to be on of the best on the market. __________________ "the cult aesthetic of liking only what's obscure is just as sick of being mindlessly led around by the nose" -Mark Mothersbaugh

July 8th, 2008, 01:49 PM	#11 (permalink)
vjf1968 Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philadelphia Age: 40 Posts: 771 6 Photos	Stick with Maxon OD820 if that is the sound you want. I assume you already experienced the Maxon OD820 firsthand? The difficult part of suggesting pedals is that everybody tastes are different so one has to generalize. You should check out www.proguitarshop.com and check out what they have in video demos. I know most of the Maxon pedal line are represented but you should really try them out first and make an informed decision. These things are really expensive. __________________ "the cult aesthetic of liking only what's obscure is just as sick of being mindlessly led around by the nose" -Mark Mothersbaugh

July 1st, 2008, 06:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
Doc Leon TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: N.W. Ohio Posts: 65	I purchased a new OCD a week ago, and I'm sending it back. I don't know if I got a bad one or what, but it doesn't sound anything like the sound samples or what everyone has described. It sounds very muffled and has no clarity no matter how I set the controls. It sounds almost like a Big Muff with the tone control off. Still trying to decide if I want to try another or not.

July 1st, 2008, 07:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
Doc Leon TDPRI Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: N.W. Ohio Posts: 65	Axis. Your description of yours is what I was expecting. I even tried running it at 18 volts, but it didn't make a difference. I tried it with my tele and twin and it was still nasty (in a bad way). Unfortunately, there's no dealers around here to try any at. I won't have any trouble returning it, it's just disappointing when you have something back ordered and it's not right when it finally arrives.

July 1st, 2008, 12:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
IronJoe Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 33 Posts: 413	I would consider it an overdrive with a moderate amount of dirt available. I don't own one, though, so others may have more experience with it. If you're looking for a distortion pedal, consider the Crunchbox or Small Fry. There are others that are more costly like the Box of Rock that look cool, too.

July 1st, 2008, 04:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
Envelope TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 22	Can you guys still recommend me a good phaser? I've been using a BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone as my distortion pedal at the moment, sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not. To be honest with you, once I get an amp, I'm planning on selling this thing and working from the amp's distortion. I still consider getting a Fulltone OCD a main goal of mine but for the Maxon OD820, I'm not so sure, is it worth it?

July 8th, 2008, 04:44 AM	#8 (permalink)
Envelope TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 22	I don't get what you mean by that, so sorry. A tubescreamer? Can you tell me what that is? You mean that as a replacement for Fulltone OCD and Maxon OD820 right? I'm still looking for any opinions on a good phaser. As I said before my pedal board will look like this: BOSS TU-2 Chromatic Stompbox Tuner BOSS DD-7 Digital Delay Fulltone OCD Version 4 Maxon OD820 A Phaser What are your guys thoughts? I'm thinking of just sticking it with one overdrive and getting something else, but I don't know what pedal to get really. Any ideas?

July 8th, 2008, 12:40 PM	#10 (permalink)
Envelope TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 22	So you're telling me to stick with the Maxon OD820 over getting the Fulltone OCD or getting both Maxon OD820 and a possible Fulldrive 2 instead of a Fulltone OCD?

July 8th, 2008, 03:04 PM	#12 (permalink)
Envelope TDPRI Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 22	Oh, thanks for the link! That site looks really helpful. I haven't experienced the OD820 at all and only decided it since my idol uses it. I think it's safe to say that if I like what I hear and that's what he uses, then it's a good choice kind of thing.