Overdrive questions

[Murry]

Hi all, I would like some help/recommendations on a few overdrive pedals for versatility, useability, and quality. I have been contemplating (1). Fulltone FD 2 (2). Fulltone OCD (3). Visual Sound Route 66 (4). Voodoo Lab Sparkledrive.

First off, I realize each is different in it's own way and I've listened to various sound clips, but I want to hear from some users as to the best bang for the buck. I play a 2006 HWY 1 Tele with Keystones through a Blues JR. just to give you an idea of what I'm working with. Thanks for any insight and other recommendations that I maybe haven't considered.

[jjkrause84]

As an "left field" option have you considered a Vox Big Ben? Most people never mention it but anyone that ever does LOVES it. I have one and think it is one of the warmest and most responsive ODs out there. I seriously do not like the sound of MOST ODs....a lot sound fake to me...the Big Ben sounds like a natural extension of my guitar > amp sound. the only thing I wish I'd done differnetly is I wish I'd found a Duel Overdrive which is essentially two Big Bens in one (you can switch between two different levels of gain). Then again I got my Big Ben more than 50% off....couldn't find that for a Duel Overdrive

[Murry]

I have not considered that one. Does it give a Vox amp-like tone?

[Jellyroll]

Again from left field, the Barber Tone Pump EQ, 2 overdrives in one box, independent vol and drive controls. I never turn it off it is VERY natural sounding and feeling, and because it is a 2 in 1 OD, your volume boost for solos or just an extra drive channel is covered. Went through several drives including the Barber ltd silver and sr. The Tone Pump is the last drive I will ever need.

[Murry]

I see a lot of Barber pedals on the forum but unfortunately there is no place locally that carries them so I am not too familiar with Barber. Another question or concern I have is that the Fulltone pedals are not fully optimal unless used with an 18v power supply. Is this true?

[Whoa Tele]

I own a tele,Blues Jr. and all of the pedals in your list. You really can't go wrong with any of them but the OCD V1 was my least favorite. I could never make it sound smooth enough. The Route 66 is cool but the compressor was a bit noisy. Again, I had the first version so maybe the new one is quieter. I like the sound of the Sparkle Drive as you can blend the clean back in but I do think the FD 2 is more versatile. If I had to narrow it down I'd pick the Route 66 or the FD 2. Hope this helps.

[Murry]

Thanks Whoa Tele, those are probably the two at the top of my very short list here but do you have any insight about the voltage requirements for the FD 2?

[jjkrause84]

Originally Posted by Murry

I have not considered that one. Does it give a Vox amp-like tone?

the "Over the Top Boost" is essentially an "AC30 in a box", but that's not what I wanted so I went for the Big Ben which is basically just "more of what you've already got"....so, EXACTLY what I wanted in an OD. Don't shape my tone (I've chosen what I've chosen for a REASON) just give me extra hair when I need it. That is what the Big Ben is good for

[Murry]

I like how it is a "real" tube overdrive pedal. What tube do you use in it? Seems to have quite a bit of bite.

[jjkrause84]

I just use the tube it came with since money is kind of an issue.

Make no mistake: the pedal DOES NOT drive the tube to create overdrive. Instead the tube warms up the signal so....in a loose generalization (God, am I likely to get flamed for this) OD pedals can be rated kinda like amps.

Solid State: Barber pedals, OCD, etc. (not to say that these are bad pedals....I especially like the Barbers)

Hybrid: The Vox Cooltron series

Tube: Actual tube overdrive pedals....these tend to be VERY expensive

[jjkrause84]

Maybe this will help? Harmony Central did a proper review of the Cooltron series

http://www.harmony-central.com/artic...oltron_review/

[Murry]

Tube Depot here in Memphis makes one called "The Button".It is powered by a 12ax7. Runs about $225 and sounds amazing. I'd like to hear from anyone that owns one.

[Jackie Treehorn]

Hey Murry,

Out of the four pedals mentioned in your original post my pick would be the FD II. Sounds great at 9 volts too. What style of music is your focus? Would help in making a decision. I've not owned the Route 66. FD II is not the best for living room playing. That one needs to be played live in a band mix.

[Murry]

I play roots rock or alt-country mostly. Son Volt, James Mcmurtry, Gourds type stuff. Just looking for something versatile and worthy of the hype.

[cletus]

Originally Posted by Murry

I play roots rock or alt-country mostly. Son Volt, James Mcmurtry, Gourds type stuff. Just looking for something versatile and worthy of the hype.

Xotic AC booster. Hands down. But as always ymmv.

cletus

[Whoa Tele]

Originally Posted by Murry

Thanks Whoa Tele, those are probably the two at the top of my very short list here but do you have any insight about the voltage requirements for the FD 2?

The paperwork says you can run it anywhere between 9-18 volts as long as the center pin is neg. I've only used mine at 9 volts though. I'll also add that my 2 favorite drive pedals are the Jetter Gain Stage Red and the Analogman KOT V4. Both of these seem to warm up the Blues Jr./Tele combo while allowing me to keep a little twang as well. It doesn't cost anything to get on the KOT waitlist and you'll have a while to save up for it.
Good Luck

[Charlie Bernstein]

Originally Posted by Murry

Tube Depot here in Memphis makes one called "The Button".It is powered by a 12ax7. Runs about $225 and sounds amazing. I'd like to hear from anyone that owns one.

What are the two knobs - volume and drive?

[redstringuitar]

Originally Posted by cletus

Xotic AC booster. Hands down. But as always ymmv.

cletus

Just checked out the plus version here, all I can say is wow, I want one!

[Murry]

Originally Posted by Charlie Bernstein

What are the two knobs - volume and drive?

Yeah, I believe that's it. Simple yet so effective.

[Murry]

Originally Posted by cletus

Xotic AC booster. Hands down. But as always ymmv.

cletus

cletus,

Just checked that one out on their site. Very nice indeed...just so happens that a store here in town carries the Xotic brand. Looks like I'll have to go try that one out.