Distortion Pedals: Fender Strat/Tele & DRRI

[FenderGuy53]

Guys, I tried the Barber Direct Drive LG Custom Shop overdrive pedal with my Fender Strat and DRRI. It just didn't get it done for me - not enough gain/crunch.

I want to cover Blues and Classic Rock, and I want to keep the costs under $150, so I chose the following 3 overdrive/distortion pedals:

Barber Direct Drive
Fulltone OCD
MI Audio Blues Pro

Do you have any experience or thoughts regarding these pedals?

Thanks.

[Nub]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

Guys, I tried the Barber Direct Drive LG Custom Shop overdrive pedal with my Fender Strat and DRRI. It just didn't get it done for me - not enough gain/crunch.

That's because the "LG" means Low Gain... Maybe you can swap it for a regular version?

[Del Pickup]

Have a listen to the various video demos of the pedals on Proguitarshop.com . I was listening to them a couple of days ago and it sounded like the the Direct Drive had plenty gain available for most blues/classic rock tones.

[bluende]

Originally Posted by Nub

That's because the "LG" means Low Gain... Maybe you can swap it for a regular version?

+1

Plus I still think the Catalinbread SilverKiss MKII is worth a look (I think there's one for sale at the gearpage boards right now (not mine, no affiliation, etc.))

[Silverface]

First a question:

Are you looking for a "distortion" pedal that gives you breakup when your amp is turned down?

OR are you looking for an "overdrive" - that will push the amp (specifically a tube amp) into natural overdrive/saturation when the amp is already cranked?

They are completely different animals...fuzz being a third one.

Many players try to use "overdrive" units on something like a Twin turned up to "3" and wonder why it sounds so bad. That's because a true overdrive adds very little breakup on its own - it's designed to push the AMP into breakup.

A "distortion" pedal, however, is just that - something that provides a distorted signal at any volume level.

The lines have become somewhat blurred over the years, but *most* overdrives are meant to be used with a cranked-up tube amp, or one running at least loud enough that it's starting to bloom and get a full, warm tube sound. Probably the best know of the true overdrives is the Klon Centaur, which will provide some distortion at low amp volume but really doesn't sound very good that way - however, in front of a cranked-up amp it really shines (and into a clean amp with the controls set flat it's a fairly transparent "clean boost").

This is one reason web-based "sound bites" can be good...but mostly bad. Unless you know what every setting is and what amp is used, you'll have NO idea how an overdrive demo'd that way will sound with *your* rig. And even if all the settings are given, amps vary - you really have to try overdrive and/or distortion units with your own equipment; it's not as critical with distortion units, but is essential with overdrives.

Back to "distortion" units, though; the best one I've found is the BJF Dyna Red. I've used it with everything from a DR to a Twin, and amp volume levels from "3" or so to dimed, and it consistently gives you warm, strong, tube-like distortion sounds. It'll even pull it off with SS amps, although you lose some warmth right out of the starting blocks due to the amp.

Hope that helps.

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by Silverface

First a question:

Are you looking for a "distortion" pedal that gives you breakup when your amp is turned down?

Yes. Absolutely. I want a distortion pedal that can go from slightly gritty blues to fat, crunchy classic rock, at bedroom levels as well as club levels. I'd also like that pedal to sound good on the Normal AND Vibrato channels of my DRRI.

Can you offer any solutions under $175?

Thanks.

[Webfoot]

I really like the regular Direct Drive with the extra mods (not sure the extra mods are needed). The LG model was heading in the opposite direction of what you want.

[Nub]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

I want a distortion pedal that can go from slightly gritty blues to fat, crunchy classic rock, at bedroom levels as well as club levels.

OD/Dist pedals usually sound much different at gig levels, than they do at bedroom levels, as do amps. It sounds like you're trying to find one pedal that'll do everything perfectly... good luck! It might be easier for you to get what you want with two separate pedals, an OD AND a Dist, or at least a single pedal that has a switchable boost section (Pedalworx Texas Two Step, HBE Power Screamer, HBE Big D, Barber Burn Unit, TCJ Gristle King, etc). I've owned all of those except the Gristle King, and they're all excellent pedals; any one of them can get the sounds you're looking for... it comes down to what you like.

I'm curious, FenderGuy53, what's the rest of your rig & what other OD/Dist pedals have you owned (or tried out)? That info will help folks with their recommendations... but in the end, you just need to try out a bunch of pedals with your rig, keep what you like & get rid of the rest!

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by Nub

OD/Dist pedals usually sound much different at gig levels, than they do at bedroom levels, as do amps. It sounds like you're trying to find one pedal that'll do everything perfectly... good luck! It might be easier for you to get what you want with two separate pedals, an OD AND a Dist, or at least a single pedal that has a switchable boost section (Pedalworx Texas Two Step, HBE Power Screamer, HBE Big D, Barber Burn Unit, TCJ Gristle King, etc). I've owned all of those except the Gristle King, and they're all excellent pedals; any one of them can get the sounds you're looking for... it comes down to what you like.

I'm curious, FenderGuy53, what's the rest of your rig & what other OD/Dist pedals have you owned (or tried out)? That info will help folks with their recommendations... but in the end, you just need to try out a bunch of pedals with your rig, keep what you like & get rid of the rest!

My current setup is Strat > DRRI. My other amps are a Fender SCXD and a Fender BJr, which are both Master/Volume amps, so I'm accustomed to getting my grit from the amp. I like simple and I prefer a Strat > amp rig. This pedal thing is actually quite new to me.

The only pedal that I've tried with the DRRI is the Barber Direct Drive LG (which is headed to San Fran in the morning). Today, I picked up a Bad Monkey for $40 at GC's Labor Day sale, but I haven't had the chance to try it.

I ventured to the DRRI based on rep alone, never having played one. Had I known that the Normal and Vibrato channels were not switchable and that the footswitch has to be connected to get Vibrato, I probably would have steered clear and went in the direction of a BDRI. I still may do just that. Keep your eyes peeled for a 6-month old DRRI for sale! :-(

[Beerts]

with luck you'll find (like a lot of us here have) that the Bad Monkey is the best 40 bucks you've ever spent.

[Nub]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

The only pedal that I've tried with the DRRI is the Barber Direct Drive LG (which is headed to San Fran in the morning). Today, I picked up a Bad Monkey for $40 at GC's Labor Day sale, but I haven't had the chance to try it.

The Bad Monkey is a cool pedal, and should cover the "slightly gritty blues" tones pretty well. I used to stack mine with a Barber Small Fry (set for med. gain), and the combination produced some excellent tones.

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

I ventured to the DRRI based on rep alone, never having played one. Had I known that the Normal and Vibrato channels were not switchable and that the footswitch has to be connected to get Vibrato, I probably would have steered clear and went in the direction of a BDRI. I still may do just that. Keep your eyes peeled for a 6-month old DRRI for sale! :-(

My buddy, PapaDave, used a simple A/B switch to switch between the channels on his DRRI, and it worked out really well.

Also, when I bought my used DRRI, the Fender footswitch was plugged in & laying in the back of the amp; I've never taken it out. I leave the reverb & vibrato both switched on all the time, and I just set them with the knobs on the front (I very seldom use the vibrato); I don't switch between the channels, usually just plug into the vibrato channel. The DRRI is a great amp (and loves Strats!), don't give up on it too quickly.

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by Nub

"The Bad Monkey is a cool pedal, and should cover the "slightly gritty blues" tones pretty well."

I hope so. Plan to check it out tonight.

Originally Posted by Nub

"My buddy, PapaDave, used a simple A/B switch to switch between the channels on his DRRI, and it worked out really well."

I'll check around and see if I can find one. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Nub

"Also, when I bought my used DRRI, the Fender footswitch was plugged in & laying in the back of the amp; I've never taken it out. I leave the reverb & vibrato both switched on all the time, and I just set them with the knobs on the front (I very seldom use the vibrato); I don't switch between the channels, usually just plug into the vibrato channel."

You don't use the Normal channel at all? Do you have a clean setting on the Vibrato channel? What's your signal path?

Originally Posted by Nub

"The DRRI is a great amp (and loves Strats!), don't give up on it too quickly."

I want to believe it, too. You're a good guy, Nub. Thanks for the encouragement.

[rondillonmusic]

After owning all of those pedals, IMO the Blues Pro is the most usable out of all of them.

[Nub]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

You don't use the Normal channel at all? Do you have a clean setting on the Vibrato channel? What's your signal path?

I like the warmth of the normal channel, but tend to mostly use the vibrato channel as I like a touch of reverb. There's a fairly simple mod to allow the reverb to work on both channels... guess I should do it. I'm most comfortable with single channel amps, and then using pedals to change things up if I need to. Occasionally, though, I force myself to gig with just guitar > tuner > amp, and maybe a clean boost, to keep things simple. Even when I do use a pedalboard, I don't do much tap dancing... my balance isn't that good.

I usually have my DRRI on 3-4 at home, 5-6 at a gig & most of the time I mic it. At 6, it's still clean unless I hit the guitar hard. I have an Emi RWB speaker in it, too, which helps.

So, did you try the Monkey yet?

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by Nub

I like the warmth of the normal channel, but tend to mostly use the vibrato channel as I like a touch of reverb.

I like some reverb, too. It adds body to the tone.

Originally Posted by Nub

There's a fairly simple mod to allow the reverb to work on both channels... guess I should do it.

At this point, I'm reluctant to change anything that will affect the 4.5 years remaining on my warranty!

Originally Posted by Nub

I'm most comfortable with single channel amps, and then using pedals to change things up if I need to. Occasionally, though, I force myself to gig with just guitar > tuner > amp, and maybe a clean boost, to keep things simple. Even when I do use a pedalboard, I don't do much tap dancing... my balance isn't that good.

I like single-channel amps, too, for the same reason: simplicity. Going a step further, I prefer to get my grit from the amp, if possible (which isn't the case with the DRRI).

Originally Posted by Nub

So, did you try the Monkey yet?

I won't be trying the BM until later tonight. I got it late yesterday afternoon and when I got home, the wife and I went out to dinner, then picked up my mother-in-law and went to the river for an evening of Big Band music. :-)

I'll send my report on the BM later tonight...

In the menatime, I have an opportunity to snag a MI Audio Blues Pro for a nice price. Would the Blues Pro pick up where the BM left off and get me to higher gain, crunchy classic rock land?

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by rondillonmusic

After owning all of those pedals, IMO the Blues Pro is the most usable out of all of them.

How so?

[rondillonmusic]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

How so?

In my opinion, the OCD was cool, but didn't really cut through the mix. I've tried to like it...had all the different versions, and it had either too much treble or too much bass, or not enough of something. IN any case, it just didn't work for me.

The Direct Drive is a great pedal. Barber makes some cool stuff, but I think the DD is just a glorified Tube Screamer. Way too much compression. Some call it a Marshall in a box....but I disagree.

I love the Blues Pro's EQ. It's flat. There's no mid bump or scoop. You can go from light breakup type overdrive to some really nice thick overdrive tones and nice crunch. It's got a fuzz switch on it...but I've never used it that way. Running it at 9v was cool, but I've been running it at 18v lately. It gives me a little more headroom. It actually cuts though the mix nicely, and it stacks well with the MI Audio Blue Boy Deluxe. It stacked well with a Crunchbox as well....but I actually prefered the Blues Pro over the Crunch Box. Again, it's the most usable in my opionion, esp at 18v. Cranking it up give you more OD, but it's not harsh. It can actually get "throaty" if that makes any sense. There's a little compression in the pedal....but not too much, making it usable for my music.

Play in a worship band and do alt-country stuff on the side. Guitar is a Tele Custom into a Bassman LTD.

[rondillonmusic]

You gotta check out the PGS demo of the BP. It's really spot on as far as what the pedal can do:

[rondillonmusic]

I just saw you want distortion, and not overdrive. If that's the case, I'd look into the MI Audio Crunchbox. Lots of gain available in that little box. LOTS. When I had mine, again I ran it at 18v as well.

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by rondillonmusic

In my opinion, the OCD was cool, but didn't really cut through the mix. I've tried to like it...had all the different versions, and it had either too much treble or too much bass, or not enough of something. IN any case, it just didn't work for me.

I agree. The OCD seems either muddy or fuzzy and I don't like either sound.

Originally Posted by rondillonmusic

The Direct Drive is a great pedal. Barber makes some cool stuff, but I think the DD is just a glorified Tube Screamer. Way too much compression. Some call it a Marshall in a box....but I disagree.

The Barber DD is definitely a much smoother pedal than the OCD. I don't think that it has the mid-range hump of a TS, but it also doesn't have enough gain to make me comfortable.

Originally Posted by rondillonmusic

I love the Blues Pro's EQ. It's flat. There's no mid bump or scoop. You can go from light breakup type overdrive to some really nice thick overdrive tones and nice crunch. It's got a fuzz switch on it...but I've never used it that way.

The OD is weak for my needs and the Fuzz is really fizzy. I was very disappointed in the PGS demo.

Originally Posted by rondillonmusic

It stacked well with a Crunchbox as well....but I actually prefered the Blues Pro over the Crunch Box. Again, it's the most usable in my opionion, esp at 18v. Cranking it up give you more OD, but it's not harsh. It can actually get "throaty" if that makes any sense.

You may be on to something here. The 9v version of the BP doesn't cut it for me, but maybe the 18v version would.

I like the crunch of the Crunch Box at the lower gain levels, but it doesn't go far enough at the upper levels, IMHO.

Thanks for sharing, brother. <><

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by rondillonmusic

I just saw you want distortion, and not overdrive. If that's the case, I'd look into the MI Audio Crunchbox. Lots of gain available in that little box. LOTS. When I had mine, again I ran it at 18v as well.

After you read my previous post, tell me more about the Crunchbox! I'm all ears.

[rondillonmusic]

First off, MI Audio pedals don't have different voltage versions. I think they've tested each pedal up to 25v. You just buy the pedal, then run it accordinly. I have Y cables for my 18v pedals that plug into 2 outputs on my PP2+.

Anyway....

The Crunchbox is more of a JCM800 type of high-gain distortion, where IMO the OCD is voiced more towards a Plexi/JTM45 sound depending on if you're running it in HP/LP mode.

What I liked about the CB, and all MI Audio pedals, is the ability to cut through the mix. I never had the gain past 9 oclock when at 9v or when at 18v past 12noon. There's LOTS of gain in that pedal. It's also got an internal presence control. I REALLY loved this pedal, but for me loved the Blues Pro more. It was too much gain for what I needed, even at a higher voltage. Not that alot of gain is bad....just for my needs, it was too much.

Lots of harmonic overtones with the crunchbox. I'd say it would do Classic ROck covers really well. Even with my Tele, the sound was full. Not full like a Les Paul...obviously....but the tone wasn't thin, that's for sure. You can score a Crunchbox used for between $90-$105 right now on various forums and ebay.

Another pedal you might want to try out is the MI Audio Tube Zone. VERY versatile overdrive, but it does get into Mesa Recto distortion territory, and it does it well. The bass response on this pedal is incredible. Very tight bass, even with an open-back combo/cab. Not sure if it's what you'd want....but still another pedal to look at if you want versatility. Some are intimidated by all the knobs....but it just takes some time to tweak, but once you figure out the pedal...you're golden. Again...it's an OD pedal...but its circuit will get you into distortion territory.

[octatonic]

I am adoring the Durham Sex Drive at the moment, but it is more of a clean boost- not sure how it will work with a DRRI.

Keeley modded RAT is lovely also.

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by rondillonmusic

First off, MI Audio pedals don't have different voltage versions. I think they've tested each pedal up to 25v. You just buy the pedal, then run it accordinly. I have Y cables for my 18v pedals that plug into 2 outputs on my PP2+.

Anyway....

The Crunchbox is more of a JCM800 type of high-gain distortion, where IMO the OCD is voiced more towards a Plexi/JTM45 sound depending on if you're running it in HP/LP mode.

What I liked about the CB, and all MI Audio pedals, is the ability to cut through the mix. I never had the gain past 9 oclock when at 9v or when at 18v past 12noon. There's LOTS of gain in that pedal. It's also got an internal presence control. I REALLY loved this pedal, but for me loved the Blues Pro more. It was too much gain for what I needed, even at a higher voltage. Not that alot of gain is bad....just for my needs, it was too much.

Lots of harmonic overtones with the crunchbox. I'd say it would do Classic ROck covers really well. Even with my Tele, the sound was full. Not full like a Les Paul...obviously....but the tone wasn't thin, that's for sure. You can score a Crunchbox used for between $90-$105 right now on various forums and ebay.

Another pedal you might want to try out is the MI Audio Tube Zone. VERY versatile overdrive, but it does get into Mesa Recto distortion territory, and it does it well. The bass response on this pedal is incredible. Very tight bass, even with an open-back combo/cab. Not sure if it's what you'd want....but still another pedal to look at if you want versatility. Some are intimidated by all the knobs....but it just takes some time to tweak, but once you figure out the pedal...you're golden. Again...it's an OD pedal...but its circuit will get you into distortion territory.

The Crunch Box is worth another look. I know they love it over on the FDP forum. Between the BM and the Crunch Box, I should have it covered, yes?

[rondillonmusic]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

The Crunch Box is worth another look. I know they love it over on the FDP forum. Between the BM and the Crunch Box, I should have it covered, yes?

I would think so. I've never tried a BM, but everyone seems to love them. The Crunchbox is always a win, especially when you need nice thick distortion. Worse case scenario you get the Crunch Box and don't like it, you can always sell it. But, I'd try to buy used, as you can save a few bucks....as long as you can find one.

[rondillonmusic]

Wanted to also mention that the online demos of the CB don't really show what the internal presence control can do. It's on v2 of the pedal. I know some guys that dime the internal control, or roll it back a bit, so their tone is affected a little differrently with the pedal's tone knob. I use to run it with the internal trimmer turned up a bit, and the tone knob at about 10 oclock.

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by rondillonmusic

I would think so. I've never tried a BM, but everyone seems to love them. The Crunchbox is always a win, especially when you need nice thick distortion. Worse case scenario you get the Crunch Box and don't like it, you can always sell it. But, I'd try to buy used, as you can save a few bucks....as long as you can find one.

The more I hear the Crunch Box, the more I like it for the over the top stuff. Now, I just need an OD that will take me from Robben Ford Bluesville to the mountaintop!

Which OD pedal would match up best with the Crunch Box: Bad Monkey, Blues Pro or Direct Drive?

I haven't tried the Bad Monkey yet, but I have 30 days to return it.

Thanks.

[Nub]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

The more I hear the Crunch Box, the more I like it for the over the top stuff. Now, I just need an OD that will take me from Robben Ford Bluesville to the mountaintop!

Oh, man, mentioning Robben Ford tone is going to open a whole 'nuther can of worms... and a different list of pedals.

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

Which OD pedal would match up best with the Crunch Box: Bad Monkey, Blues Pro or Direct Drive?

I haven't tried the Blues Pro, but the Direct Drive & the Crunch Box cover similar ground. My experience with the CB was a little different than Ron's; I thought it wasn't very articulate as the gain was turned up, and was kind of fizzy sounding. To me, the Direct Drive has a fatter "grind," and it stays more articulate throughout the gain range; it also is more touch sensitive than the CB. My buddy, Lance, picked up a CB shortly after I got rid of mine, and it's become his favorite pedal... different strokes!

[rondillonmusic]

If you're going to get the CB, I'd say get the Blues Pro to stack with it. The Direct Drive MIGHT be cool with the CB, but since the DD is really compressed, much like the CB, I'm not sure how they'd work together.

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by Nub

Oh, man, mentioning Robben Ford tone is going to open a whole 'nuther can of worms... and a different list of pedals.

Click this link:

Robben Ford Tone

then click "Video" in the menu, then click "He Don't Play Nothin' But The Blues".

Now, THAT'S what I'm talkin' about...

How can I get THAT sound AND cover the crunchiest Classic Rock with the fewest amount of pedals?

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by rondillonmusic

If you're going to get the CB, I'd say get the Blues Pro to stack with it. The Direct Drive MIGHT be cool with the CB, but since the DD is really compressed, much like the CB, I'm not sure how they'd work together.

This is tough stuff, folks. I'm getting a real education regarding overdrive and distortion pedals and it's starting to hurt my tiny little brain! What is "compression", anyway?

All I want to do is get from Blues to Classic Rock in 2 pedals or less, and under $260!

[rondillonmusic]

The Crunchbox can begin to sound "squishy" at certain gain levels. The Direct Drive is "squishy" by nature....so IMO putting the 2 together might give you an overcompressed signal, which is why I recomend the Blues Pro. Far less compression than the DD, with a flatter EQ. Trust me....the 2 pedals together sound amazing.

[rondillonmusic]

These might help:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XYi4sEVrD4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl4JTxI0bhU

[Nub]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

Click this link:

Robben Ford Tone

then click "Video" in the menu, then click "He Don't Play Nothin' But The Blues".

Now, THAT'S what I'm talkin' about...

How can I get THAT sound AND cover the crunchiest Classic Rock with the fewest amount of pedals?

Robben used to just use his Dumble amp, now mostly uses a Zendrive through various Fenders. Zendrives are $188 shipped from the builder, slightly more used since there's no wait. It's a very cool pedal; there are a bunch of others that get that sound, too, all of them nice & all of them a little different. While I don't think a Zen & a Crunch Box would sound all that good stacked (both on at the same time), you could get a new Zen & a used CB for pretty close to $260.

Also, you might check out a Rat pedal for your higher gain sounds. The Rat definitely has it's own sound, but with the gain below 1 o'clock, it crunches with the best of them. And with the gain cranked, it gets into fuzz territory... lots of classic rock tones in it.

[bluende]

Originally Posted by Nub

Also, you might check out a Rat pedal for your higher gain sounds. The Rat definitely has it's own sound, but with the gain below 1 o'clock, it crunches with the best of them. And with the gain cranked, it gets into fuzz territory... lots of classic rock tones in it.

+many

I think an old Rat (or vintage reissue rat) can do more than just one trick...people tend to overlook them for low-to-mid crunchy sounds, but I think they're useable for that. Of course, with the gain cranked, like Nub says, they'll do distortion/borderline fuzz, too. There's quite a range in the gain and "filter" (ProCo's term for tone) sweeps.

In addition to the Zendrive, the Jetter GainStage Red might be worth a look for something in the smoother Dumble-ish OD category. They seem to pop up on TGP used fairly often.

[FenderGuy53]

Originally Posted by bluende

+many

I think an old Rat (or vintage reissue rat) can do more than just one trick...people tend to overlook them for low-to-mid crunchy sounds, but I think they're useable for that. Of course, with the gain cranked, like Nub says, they'll do distortion/borderline fuzz, too. There's quite a range in the gain and "filter" (ProCo's term for tone) sweeps.

In addition to the Zendrive, the Jetter GainStage Red might be worth a look for something in the smoother Dumble-ish OD category. They seem to pop up on TGP used fairly often.

I checked out the Rat and it doesn't roll my socks down.

The Zendrive sounds great, but won't cover all my tone needs.

Now... I checked out Jetter's web-site. Wow! The new GS3 looks and sounds awesome, not to mention its versatility, and it's not too expensive, at $289. I'll have to look further, but it looks like it will do soup to nuts.

Thanks for the heads up!

[bluende]

Originally Posted by FenderGuy53

I checked out the Rat and it doesn't roll my socks down.

The Zendrive sounds great, but won't cover all my tone needs.

Now... I checked out Jetter's web-site. Wow! The new GS3 looks and sounds awesome, not to mention its versatility, and it's not too expensive, at $289. I'll have to look further, but it looks like it will do soup to nuts.

Thanks for the heads up!

I'm not sure that there is one pedal that can cover the full range of what you're looking for.....you might have to get at least a couple, as others have mentioned.

I don't know anything about the GS3, but a quick look at the website description confirms that it's essentially 2 pedals in 1, which could be really handy.

Good luck in your search!

[FenderGuy53]

Great stuff here, guys; it's all filed in my "steel trap" memory banks! ;-)

I'd like to kill this thread, since I've now started a new one, seeking a "one pedal" answer to cover my needs.

Thanks for all the help.