Need overdrive pedal advice!?

ecsong187 · July 2nd, 2008, 07:42 AM

I am looking for an overdrive pedal to push my Dr. Z Prescription ES, because the thing is so dang loud even with an airbrake. But i dont know what overdrive pedal to get? I'm foing for a Brad Paisley, real smooth overdrive sound. Think songs like "She's Everything" or "Time well wasted". I've heard the Zendrive, Sparkledrive, and TS9 are good choices? Help me out here guys.
Thanks
Edwin Song

vjf1968 · July 2nd, 2008, 10:24 AM

Well there are a couple factors to consider.

First: What are you looking to spend?
Second: What have you tried already?
Third: Have you considered stock pedals that have been modded?

You should check out www.proguitarshop.com. They give really good demonstrations of some of the latest stuff on the market and this is helpful in making an informed decision.

Telegazer · July 2nd, 2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecsong187

I'm foing for a Brad Paisley, real smooth overdrive sound. Think songs like "She's Everything" or "Time well wasted".

Hmmm....A lot of me really wants to recommend the Durham Sexdrive, as a lightly compressed boost into your Dr Z, moderately attenuated no doubt..

noisemedia · July 2nd, 2008, 10:50 AM

hi everyone
id like to recommend the MXR Micro Amp.
im sure all you pros know about them, but basically its a boost pedal that will allow you to give your self a substantial clean boost...or when turned up even more, a great overdrive pedal with a substantial volume boost as well.

super simple operation: one giant volume knob varies the amount of boost and eventually gain that you get from the thing. i love it!

ive been using one for about 7 years now and in my opinion its one of the best pedals ive ever used.

examples can be heard here:
http://www.myspace.com/goodbyebluemonday
http://www.myspace.com/calicohorsemusic

jonzer · July 2nd, 2008, 11:24 AM

If you just want a little taste, or a push for your amp into slight OD, I recommend a Boss Blues Driver. You can make it do more than just a natural type of overdrive....but it's really a simple inexpensive pedal for what I think you're trying to achieve.

Yoni · July 2nd, 2008, 01:50 PM

I've heard a lot of good thing about the blues driver. I use a TS9dx and I love it and even though I play with some mild overdrive the extra levels are nice to play with.

iim7v7im7 · July 2nd, 2008, 05:22 PM

Hi,

While I am not familiar with Brad Paisley's tone, I can recommend two lower gain overdive pedals, both of which drive my amplifier well to create smooth OD sounds at reasonable volumes:

- Jettergear Gain Stage Red
- Analogman King of Tone Version 4

The GSR has a more pronounced mid range emphasis in terms of EQ and is great for a creamy smooth style of OD. The KoT is more neutral in it's sonic signature and sounds more like your amp + guitar sounds like at higher volumes. Both pedals are dynamic in terms of how they respond to pick attack. A soft pick can sound totally clean and a hard attack quite distorted and compressed.

Good Luck,

Bob

franchelB · July 2nd, 2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecsong187

I am looking for an overdrive pedal to push my Dr. Z Prescription ES, because the thing is so dang loud even with an airbrake. But i dont know what overdrive pedal to get? I'm foing for a Brad Paisley, real smooth overdrive sound. Think songs like "She's Everything" or "Time well wasted". I've heard the Zendrive, Sparkledrive, and TS9 are good choices? Help me out here guys.
Thanks
Edwin Song

According to Keeley's ads, Brad tends to use Robert Keeley's modified pedals and/or some of Robert's own creations. But I'd suggest trying out a Digitech Bad Monkey first.

Jenix · July 2nd, 2008, 07:07 PM

a friend of mine whos a paisley freak said he uses alot of keeley pedals. I wouldnt buy a TS9 and I have one. I got it modded keeley and it sounds alot better now so that might be a route for you. There are just so many good ts clones out there.

ecsong187 · July 2nd, 2008, 07:52 PM

Well I've come to the conclusion that I need to lug my amp and setup to a shop and just try out as many pedals as i can and decide on the one i like? It seems logical because everyone has their opinion of what is good for certain sounds, but everyone's ears are different.
Thanks for the input
Edwin

Radspin · July 6th, 2008, 08:13 PM

If you want a mild-to-moderate overdrive, I like the Fulltone Fulldrive II MOSFET. I use it with various Fender amps and it's terrific.

Gilamnstr · July 6th, 2008, 08:23 PM

The Zendrive is one of the pedals that BP uses. Lots of guys on the 'Z board absolutely love them. I just got mine and haven't had a lot of time to play with it yet, but it definitely has a different sound than a TS-type pedal. Much smoother, and a way flatter EQ - none of that TS mid-hump.

studio1087 · July 6th, 2008, 09:58 PM

Best cheapo on the block.....nice smooth middle with a little mid boost that helps the smooth quality. Try one......

Boss SD-1 Demo

$49 everywhere.

ecsong187 · July 7th, 2008, 07:58 PM

thanks for all the input guys. I ended up gettin a used Sparkle Drive for $50. I love that pedal
thanks again
edwin

randysmojo · July 8th, 2008, 12:50 PM

The sparkle Drive is a good choice to ge you near the BP tone without to much cost. He uses a Keeley moded TS9 top push his Dr. Z's. The Sparkle Drive does a few things a little different than a stock TS9 that actually voices it a little closer to what Keeley does with his. It won't be the same, but closer than a stock TS9.

July 2nd, 2008, 07:42 AM	#1 (permalink)
ecsong187 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Seattle,WA Age: 20 Posts: 68	Need overdrive pedal advice!? I am looking for an overdrive pedal to push my Dr. Z Prescription ES, because the thing is so dang loud even with an airbrake. But i dont know what overdrive pedal to get? I'm foing for a Brad Paisley, real smooth overdrive sound. Think songs like "She's Everything" or "Time well wasted". I've heard the Zendrive, Sparkledrive, and TS9 are good choices? Help me out here guys. Thanks Edwin Song

July 2nd, 2008, 10:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
vjf1968 Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Philadelphia Age: 40 Posts: 771 6 Photos	Well there are a couple factors to consider. First: What are you looking to spend? Second: What have you tried already? Third: Have you considered stock pedals that have been modded? You should check out www.proguitarshop.com. They give really good demonstrations of some of the latest stuff on the market and this is helpful in making an informed decision. __________________ "the cult aesthetic of liking only what's obscure is just as sick of being mindlessly led around by the nose" -Mark Mothersbaugh

July 2nd, 2008, 11:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
jonzer Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,035	If you just want a little taste, or a push for your amp into slight OD, I recommend a Boss Blues Driver. You can make it do more than just a natural type of overdrive....but it's really a simple inexpensive pedal for what I think you're trying to achieve. __________________ http://816rocks.com/

July 2nd, 2008, 01:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
Yoni Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Arizona Age: 25 Posts: 421	I've heard a lot of good thing about the blues driver. I use a TS9dx and I love it and even though I play with some mild overdrive the extra levels are nice to play with. __________________ Fall in Love it's Fun-EV Check out my band at www.myspace.com/agent355

July 2nd, 2008, 05:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
iim7v7im7 TDPRI Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 45 23 Photos	Hi, While I am not familiar with Brad Paisley's tone, I can recommend two lower gain overdive pedals, both of which drive my amplifier well to create smooth OD sounds at reasonable volumes: - Jettergear Gain Stage Red - Analogman King of Tone Version 4 The GSR has a more pronounced mid range emphasis in terms of EQ and is great for a creamy smooth style of OD. The KoT is more neutral in it's sonic signature and sounds more like your amp + guitar sounds like at higher volumes. Both pedals are dynamic in terms of how they respond to pick attack. A soft pick can sound totally clean and a hard attack quite distorted and compressed. Good Luck, Bob __________________ BLUES: CS Nocaster NOS>Vovox Cables>AM KOTv.4>AM OD-9 Silver>AM Mini Chorus>T-Rex Replica>Allen Accomplice>1 x 12" Open Back w/ Scholz Sugarcone JAZZ: Heritage Sweet 16> Zaolla Cable>Acoustic Image Clarus IIR>Raezers Edge Nighhawk 10 ER

July 2nd, 2008, 10:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
noisemedia TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: san diego, ca Age: 30 Posts: 47	hi everyone id like to recommend the MXR Micro Amp. im sure all you pros know about them, but basically its a boost pedal that will allow you to give your self a substantial clean boost...or when turned up even more, a great overdrive pedal with a substantial volume boost as well. super simple operation: one giant volume knob varies the amount of boost and eventually gain that you get from the thing. i love it! ive been using one for about 7 years now and in my opinion its one of the best pedals ive ever used. examples can be heard here: http://www.myspace.com/goodbyebluemonday http://www.myspace.com/calicohorsemusic

July 2nd, 2008, 07:07 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jenix Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Illinois State University Age: 18 Posts: 287	a friend of mine whos a paisley freak said he uses alot of keeley pedals. I wouldnt buy a TS9 and I have one. I got it modded keeley and it sounds alot better now so that might be a route for you. There are just so many good ts clones out there. __________________ USA Ovation * (Big Baby Taylor - SOLD) MIM Telecaster * Vox AC15CC Takamine Classical G series Martin 000C-16RGTE Aura Some people sing in the shower, I play guitar...

July 2nd, 2008, 07:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
ecsong187 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Seattle,WA Age: 20 Posts: 68	Well I've come to the conclusion that I need to lug my amp and setup to a shop and just try out as many pedals as i can and decide on the one i like? It seems logical because everyone has their opinion of what is good for certain sounds, but everyone's ears are different. Thanks for the input Edwin

July 6th, 2008, 08:13 PM	#11 (permalink)
Radspin Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: East Northport, NY Age: 53 Posts: 209	If you want a mild-to-moderate overdrive, I like the Fulltone Fulldrive II MOSFET. I use it with various Fender amps and it's terrific.

July 6th, 2008, 08:23 PM	#12 (permalink)
Gilamnstr Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Southern CA Age: 46 Posts: 507 6 Photos	The Zendrive is one of the pedals that BP uses. Lots of guys on the 'Z board absolutely love them. I just got mine and haven't had a lot of time to play with it yet, but it definitely has a different sound than a TS-type pedal. Much smoother, and a way flatter EQ - none of that TS mid-hump. __________________ Mac

July 6th, 2008, 09:58 PM	#13 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 3,768 36 Photos	Best cheapo on the block.....nice smooth middle with a little mid boost that helps the smooth quality. Try one...... Boss SD-1 Demo $49 everywhere. __________________ JLG Carry On

July 7th, 2008, 07:58 PM	#14 (permalink)
ecsong187 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Seattle,WA Age: 20 Posts: 68	thanks for all the input guys. I ended up gettin a used Sparkle Drive for $50. I love that pedal thanks again edwin

July 8th, 2008, 12:50 PM	#15 (permalink)
randysmojo Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boerne, TX Age: 33 Posts: 376	The sparkle Drive is a good choice to ge you near the BP tone without to much cost. He uses a Keeley moded TS9 top push his Dr. Z's. The Sparkle Drive does a few things a little different than a stock TS9 that actually voices it a little closer to what Keeley does with his. It won't be the same, but closer than a stock TS9.