OD Pedal with Fender BF Crunch?

[FenderGuy53]

Guys:

I play Blues and Classic Rock (using a Fender DRRI) and I'm searching for an under $200 "one-pedal solution" to serve my clean -> moderate crunch needs.

I've read about true bypass pedals which provide transparent OD, but most have a British or Marshall-type crunch at the upper gain end.

Are there any OD pedals under $200 for a Fender DRRI that have an American-type (or at least unique) type crunch at the upper end?

Thanks for any help.

[vjf1968]

Ok. I have a DDRI and have been using the Fulltone Fulldrive 2. I love it as an OD and I recently purchased a DC Brick so I can now run the FD2 at 18volts. Some other ones are the Fulltone OCD, Maxon 808, Barber LTD or Line Driver Boss Blues Driver, even a Keely Katana or Java Boost. You will probably want to try the Keeley boosters and see how that works for you. All they basically do is just give you more of your amps tone at a louder level. You can check them out at www.proguitarshop.com

[Nub]

I really dug the Pedalworx Texas Two Step... killer OD for blues/rock, with a boost channel that'll put you in ZZ Top territory. George Blekas designed it for use with a Twin Reverb, so it's a perfect match for Fender amps.

That said, the best thing you could do is start trying out some OD pedals for yourself, and weed out what you like/dislike about them. What works for someone else might not work for you, since everyone's playing style & gear setup is different... buying pedals based on other's recommendations is always still going to be a bit of a crapshoot, no matter how many times you ask the question. But that's part of the fun of messing with pedals- trying 'em out- as there are so many excellent ones out there these days, and it's pretty tough to find a "bad" one... It's just whether or not they're a good fit for you & the music you're making.

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by vjf1968

Ok. I have a DDRI and have been using the Fulltone Fulldrive 2. I love it as an OD and I recently purchased a DC Brick so I can now run the FD2 at 18volts. Some other ones are the Fulltone OCD, Maxon 808, Barber LTD or Line Driver Boss Blues Driver, even a Keely Katana or Java Boost. You will probably want to try the Keeley boosters and see how that works for you. All they basically do is just give you more of your amps tone at a louder level. You can check them out at www.proguitarshop.com

I've listened to demos of the Barber LTD and it doesn't seem to cover as wide a territory as the Direct Drive.

I tried a Fulltone Full-Drive 2, but it was noisy in the GC and I couldn't really get a good feel for the sound. The OCD sounds too grainy for me.

[StankyUncleJ]

The Keeley Blues Driver with the phat mod is a great pedal. It covers alot of basis and will really give you a good low end crunch. I have even gotten some modern sounding crunch on it. I would think all you would need is one of these pedals. I do not work for Keeley, but they certainly work for me.
(Yes, I am hoping that will be in an advertisement for them someday.)

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by Nub

the best thing you could do is start trying out some OD pedals for yourself, and weed out what you like/dislike about them. buying pedals based on other's recommendations is always still going to be a bit of a crapshoot, no matter how many times you ask the question.

I would never buy a pedal without "live testing" it; but I don't want to reinvent the wheel, either.

I trust that what works for others will work for me, but I'd rather limit my "live testing" to 3-4 pedals; that's all my tiny brain can handle.

Of course, it helps if I can be as definitive as necessary, so that folks can understand my needs. When I began listening to demos of the previously recommmended pedals, it became apparent that many favor a British, or Marshall crunch. I prefer the American or USA crunch, or perhaps a hybrid.

I apologize if I sound redundant.

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by StankyUncleJ

The Keeley Blues Driver with the phat mod is a great pedal. It covers alot of basis and will really give you a good low end crunch. I have even gotten some modern sounding crunch on it. I would think all you would need is one of these pedals. I do not work for Keeley, but they certainly work for me.
(Yes, I am hoping that will be in an advertisement for them someday.)

Actually, I like the tone of the BD with the Phat Mod, but when you put it up against a Barber Direct Drive, for example, it sounds thin.

[Nub]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

I would never buy a pedal without "live testing" it; but I don't want to reinvent the wheel, either.

I trust that what works for others will work for me, but I'd rather limit my "live testing" to 3-4 pedals; that's all my tiny brain can handle.

Of course, it helps if I can be as definitive as necessary, so that folks can understand my needs. When I began listening to demos of the previously recommmended pedals, it became apparent that many favor a British, or Marshall crunch. I prefer the American or USA crunch, or perhaps a hybrid.

I apologize if I sound redundant.

Nah, it's cool... I meant it jokingly... Hence the . I'm sorry if it sounded like I was gettin' "snarky" with you.

I do think, though, that you have to take everyone's recommendations (including mine!), AND the demo clips, with a big grain of salt. I really dig the PGS demos, but I've owned some of the pedals they demo, and I think many times they sound very different in person from what's on the video. The Direct Drive & Small Fry videos are a good example; I don't think they sound very good at all in those videos, and wouldn't buy them based on those demos. Yet, I've owned both of them & thought they sounded fantastic. As always, YMMV.

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by Nub

Nah, it's cool... I meant it jokingly... Hence the . I'm sorry if it sounded like I was gettin' "snarky" with you.

I really dig the PGS demos, but I've owned some of the pedals they demo, and I think many times they sound very different in person from what's on the video. The Direct Drive & Small Fry videos are a good example; I don't think they sound very good at all in those videos, and wouldn't buy them based on those demos. Yet, I've owned both of them & thought they sounded fantastic. As always, YMMV.

No need to apologize, Nub. I just don't want folks to get the impression that I'm trying to take advantage of them. I certainly appreciate all the help that I get here on TDPRI.

Anyway, you make an excellent point re: here vs. there sound. Unfortunately, it's much more difficult for me to A-B boutique pedals locally, because there isn't the same inventory as there is for BOSS and Digitech pedals. It's quite frustrating, actually.

[Blues Hurler]

I have to say I've purchased a few over the years, and I've recently come back to the good ol' Boss Blues Driver. Haven't tried a Keeley version, but would like to. I think it's a good pedal (though I like them in moderation at relatively low gain settings) and can sound quite good if you play with the tone control.

[vjf1968]

For me trying pedals in a store is not for me. I have to take it back to my house and try it with my amp and guitars. If I don't like it I just take it back. As you said there are pretty slim pickens at some of the larger stores when it comes to boutique effects hence I just order them online if the site has a pretty liberal return policy. For example I would never order a Jangle Box direct from the company to try it because of this:

Return Policy: If you are not satisfied with your JangleBox, contact us within 48 hours after receiving it, either by phone or e-mail. Once we receive the unit in undamaged condition, we will refund your money, minus the shipping fee and a $20 restock fee.

48 hours? Come on guys. PGS and Sweetwater have a great return policy as long as you return the item with everything it came with.

[Blues Hurler]

I don't think you can get a good idea of a pedal or an amp in a store. I've been shopping at a good chain up here that has a 30-day-money-back policy, no questions asked. I have returned a few things that didn't work out, but I always end up spending more money there!

[meyekel]

What happened to the Pearl Drive you were stoked on?

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by meyekel

What happened to the Pearl Drive you were stoked on?

Well, yesterday I met a session player from Connecticut who sold me on the Barber Direct Drive. He uses one with HIS DRRI and loves its natural tone, transparency, versatility and touch dynamics. In fact, he says it actually sounds like a DRRI that has been pushed over the edge. I already liked the demos and positive feedback that I had heard, so I decided to go for it. Plus, it was much less money than a new Pearl Drive.

I also know that the Barber DD has a market. If it doesn't work for me, I can easily sell it and move on (to the Pearl Drive). ;-)

[nevadacalifornia]

I also would say Fulldrive 2. I have the DRRI. Really like the boost channel on the FD2. If you run the overdrive channel at about 10 oclock, it gives a nice mild crunch for Black Crowish type sounds. Then dial up the boost side for a lead sound that is a little hairier with more sustain.

[Uma Floresta]

OLCircuits Professor Tweed - not blackface per se, but awesome Fender sound.

[Nub]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

Well, yesterday I met a session player from Connecticut who sold me on the Barber Direct Drive. He uses one with HIS DRRI and loves its natural tone, transparency, versatility and touch dynamics. In fact, he says it actually sounds like a DRRI that has been pushed over the edge.

The Direct Drive is a very cool pedal, and it's got some great sounds in it; it's definitely more Marshall grind than BF Fender, though. Be sure to let us know how you like it! Also, if you get a chance, check out a Barber Small Fry... you might like that one, too.

[rhinocaster]

You want a great Fender amp in a box? This will get you there. Just amazing Fender Blonde sounds come from this little guy. It's an early Menatone and you can find mint versions like this one for under $200. Menatone is well known for building pedals that transform the sound of your amp. Really great stuff!

[Del Pickup]

Having listened to the videos on the Proguitarshop site, I must admit to being very tempted with one of the Barber units - I already love the Tone Press which I've had for several months now.

The Direct Drive seems to be a bit more versatile having what seems to be a wider tonal and drive range than the LTD which is more of a limited vintage OD type pedal.

I already have a TS9 reissue and Crowther Hot Cake which I tend to set slightly differently for differing tones but wonder whether I could get one of the Barber pedals to cover all bases and then sell the other 2.