Are some ODs better for humbuckers?

[manbearpig]

Are certain overdrives better suited for humbuckers and others better suited for single coils? Or does it not really matter?

If there is a difference, what are some that work better with humbuckers?

[jimbach]

It's a reasonable (and good) question, but you also need to consider your amp. A Marshall amp has more pronounced midrange than, e.g., a Fender, so an OD pedal with a midrange "hump" like the Tube Screamer might not be what you want. YMMV, but I've found that my Boss SD-1 sounds better with my Les Paul, while my single coil-equipped Fenders sound better through the Ibanez TS-9.

The old chestnut of "take your gear into a shop and try out various things that way" seems appropriate.

[manbearpig]

Originally Posted by jimbach

It's a reasonable (and good) question, but you also need to consider your amp. A Marshall amp has more pronounced midrange than, e.g., a Fender, so an OD pedal with a midrange "hump" like the Tube Screamer might not be what you want.

Excellent point that I am glad you brought up because it leads to an additional question.

My amp is a Dr Z Carmen Ghia. Don't know if you are familiar, but it is an 18 watt EL84 amp. Dave Hunter described it as "the Deluxe of the '90s, and better built too" in The Tube Amp Handbook. As you might guess, it is a dirty little amp. So far I have really only played tele's through it. I am wondering if I will even need an OD with humbuckers since they are higher output anyway. Maybe I can get away with just a simple boost? I posted these questions in the Dr Z forum too, but haven't had any replies.

[ASC67]

I would recomend the danelecto Cool cat transparant OD it will go from clean boost to overdrive for you. It works great with my guitar with Hot P-90's and my Blues Jr. I have a Bad Monkey as well but with the P-90's it just won't get clean enough.

[gatego]

I would differentiate in terms of level and tonality.
For instance a P90 sounds completely different compared with a Broadcaster - both as single coils. An overdrive is adding it's own characteristics which will give totally different tonality on the resulting signal. In addition to that, the signal level in increases as well...
For me the Fulldrive 2 is very versatile because the characteristics it adds to the sound can be adapted widely. A 6.4 Ohm single coil can be boosted efficiently and it can be fattened seperately, if desired. A SG 400 on the other hand can get more bite and a defined bottom - going along with less signal boost.

[manbearpig]

Originally Posted by gatego

A SG 400 on the other hand can get more bite and a defined bottom - going along with less signal boost.

What do you mean by "going along with less signal boost?" Do you mean lowering the pedal level below unity gain to clean up the signal?

[manbearpig]

Can anyone else chime in on this? Or do none of the TDPRIers use humbuckers (; ? I was hoping for a few more responses.

[11 Gauge]

Originally Posted by manbearpig

Or do none of the TDPRIers use humbuckers (; ?

They are a necessary evil for me, at times. Some of the stuff I play just doesn't sound right with singles.

The biggest overlooked facet with humbuckers and dirt pedals is that you typically get a much bigger signal pumped through your stomp than you would with a conventional single coil. This isn't completely black and white, however. Some hummers have very low output, and some SC's have very high output.

Amps are critical considerations. I would argue that speakers are perhaps the most critical of all. When I'm playing humbuckers into an OD that adds a ton of gain (as in amplification, not distortion), and it has to come out of only a single or pair of low power speakers, there's a good chance that it may not sound too good. This is when a speaker with later breakup characteristics can open up your OD options immensely. But don't gut your amp - just get an external cab instead.

IMO, one of the biggest obstacles with humbuckers is an OD with a big enough range of tone control adjustment. Luckily, this is a fairly intuitive thing that can be figured out with just a brief time playing with a pedal, or getting some perceptions from folks who have used certain ones.

[hannigan]

I notice a difference but I do not think one is better.
For me humbuckers are like an automatic transmission.
And single coils are like a manual.

[hollowman]

I really have never have considered whether or not a pedal is good or better with a bucker vs single coil, interesting question. My two main teles have buckers in the neck, and of course the single coil in the bridge. I just have bought pedals in the past that I like for both PUPs... that being said, I do find myself using my BD-2 more with a bucker and my SD1 more with a single coil.... And I will also give you the answer you get alot around here, beauty is in the ears of the beholder. One mans tone Nirvana is another mans tone Nightmare. I would experiment, especially if you know someone that has a few OD pedals you can try with your Ghia

Regarding your Carmen Ghia, I have a Maz Jr, and I know that like most Z's, they love being goosed by a good OD pedal. I often will use an OD pedal with my Z when I need some dirt at a lower volume...

Not sure if this is helpful, but let YOUR ears be your guide

[Chrismo]

Certain ones did work better for my Strats/Teles than humbucker guitars.

The MXR GT-OD worked well for all of it, but my new favorite is the Barber Special Recipe LTD.