Favorite TS Clone?

[ruger9]

Originally Posted by zoppotrump

For me threre is just one answer:

Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive

Now THERE'S a TS with clarity... clean blend. The Pork Loin has the same feature (but have no idea if it's a TS-based thing... certainly sounds like it).

[TeleMeYouLoveMe]

Woo! Thanks for all the advice. I guess change my question to favorite OD with low gain and clarity?

[Axis29]

Nobody mentioned the MJM Phantom Drive? That's one I've been pretty curious about.

I recently picked up a Bad Monkey to see if I could get along with Tube Screamers again... Not really that into it. I keep thinking maybe the Phantom is the one I might enjoy...

I was out Tuesday and another guitar player had a TS type pedal and it sounded great. The other guitar player in my band has an 808 and loves it and sounds pretty good with it. But for whatever reason, I just never seem to find a tone I'm happy with...

Maybe I'll keep an eye on this poll?

[bawdyli'lmonkey]

one more vote for sparkle drive. but if you're gonna use "humbuggies" as Gearmanndude would say, I'd seek a transparent alternative with no mid hump. don't get me wrong, the VDLSD does transparent, but by the time you dial in the clean side to even things out with the drive circuit (my HB axes have enough mids thank you very much,) you lose most of the dirt... I like dirt AND my own EQ. but for standard teles and... what's that other single coil based axe?.... oh well... sparkle drive is great!

[ruger9]

Originally Posted by TeleMeYouLoveMe

Woo! Thanks for all the advice. I guess change my question to favorite OD with low gain and clarity?

In THAT case, Fulldrive. Or Barber LTD/LTD-SR, or Timmy.

[LawDaddy]

Not exactly a "clone", but the Vox Ice 9 has a nice vintage TS mode, but with a bass control. Cleans up real nice with the volume knob, as well.

[1300 E Valencia]

Originally Posted by SlideGuy123

Don't forget the MI Audio Blue Boy Deluxe -- highly tweakable TS.

This.

[audiohatemchine]

Funny, I always thought the Ibanez 808 was a re boxed Maxon 808... Voted for the Maxon. I like it more than the Bad Monkey and there's no luther drive in the equation.

[11 Gauge]

I like the "original clone," which is the Boss SD-1.

It arguably pre-dates the 808, since the OD-1 came out around the same time, or even just before. But that was back when the "tone control concept" was really just starting to evolve with drive pedals, and the OD-1 was simply a SD-1 without the tone control.

...And IMO, Boss does it just a little better than Maxon/Ibanez with some of their circuit variations. If you look at "newer" TS clones, many borrow elements from the SD-1, like the "asymmetrical clipping" that is found in TS clones like:

- the Fulldrive pedals
- most Landgraff variations
- someone mentioned the Xotic variations (both the RC and BB have it IIRC)
- many of the Lovepedal "Son of Screamer" clones all have it
- the Gristle King has a variation of it
- the Tim(my) has switches that allow it
- the Zendrive has an "evolution" of it

...and the Sparkle Drive alters an interstage component or three that are more similar to the SD-1 as well.

I realize that since SRV didn't get "the ugly yellow OD" on his trip to the pawn shop that day, that lots of folks will always pass on the SD-1, and that it is much less perceived as a blues/hot country pedal, and more of a "rock overdrive," but IMO it is "the better original clone that isn't."

Kinda like a Ford vs. Chevy/Coke vs. Pepsi thing. Or maybe Fender vs. Peavey is more accurate.

[TylerHier]

My favorites are the Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive and the Maxon OD808.

[telerocker1988]

I have a few TS types on my board but I do give the nod to the Green Rhino. The RI is a fantastic and versatile pedal especially in the EQ department. Also the new MXR Modified OD is a great Rhino in a MXR sized enclosure along with a more transparent mode that is shockingly close to a Tim(my).

[LakePlacidBlue]

Maxon OD9...

[ruger9]

Originally Posted by 11 Gauge

I like the "original clone," which is the Boss SD-1.

It arguably pre-dates the 808, since the OD-1 came out around the same time, or even just before. But that was back when the "tone control concept" was really just starting to evolve with drive pedals, and the OD-1 was simply a SD-1 without the tone control.

...And IMO, Boss does it just a little better than Maxon/Ibanez with some of their circuit variations. If you look at "newer" TS clones, many borrow elements from the SD-1, like the "asymmetrical clipping" that is found in TS clones like:

- the Fulldrive pedals


I realize that since SRV didn't get "the ugly yellow OD" on his trip to the pawn shop that day, that lots of folks will always pass on the SD-1, and that it is much less perceived as a blues/hot country pedal, and more of a "rock overdrive," but IMO it is "the better original clone that isn't."

t

Couldn't have said it better myself!!

[Weaselcoon]

Since it was brought up, I like the Boss SD1 as well. I pulled the C3 and it opened it up a bit.

Also not in the original list...The Boss BD2 Blues Driver has always been good to me as well.

I guess Im just old school....but I like Boss pedals pretty well. Some are better than others though...Ill give ya that.

[Chiogtr4x]

^^ the Blues Driver IMO is a great OD, but it is NOT a Tube Screamer clone- it's an original original Boss design (more of an attempt at a "cranked Fender amp"?) , with a flatter EQ, cleaner at low Gain, and much more output and gain (available) than a TS.

[Mad Kiwi]

TS 7 for me but I can only compare my ts7 with my Bad Monkey (no other experience..).

I do have a Digitech RP1000 with many "models" of pedals....and I must admit the comments above have spiked interest in playing around with the SD 1 more...but even on the RP 1000 I always come back to the ts9 (though sometimes the 808...)....and Rat but thats another story

[Weaselcoon]

Originally Posted by Chiogtr4x

^^ the Blues Driver IMO is a great OD, but it is NOT a Tube Screamer clone- it's an original original Boss design (more of an attempt at a "cranked Fender amp"?) , with a flatter EQ, cleaner at low Gain, and much more output and gain (available) than a TS.

No def not a TS clone. Didnt mean to imply it was. Just sayin I liked it quite a bit. Guess since its a TS thread I should have not brought up the BD.

[Chiogtr4x]

Originally Posted by Weaselcoon

No def not a TS clone. Didnt mean to imply it was. Just sayin I liked it quite a bit. Guess since its a TS thread I should have not brought up the BD.

No biggie I'm a fan of both, and a Blues Driver next to a Tube Screamer type as they are different and sound great boosting each other: say pushing the BD-2 (at high Gain) with the TS (@Low Drive, Level wherever) to produce a real distortion, but with mids, or pushing a TS grind with a clean boost (BD-2 at low Gain). Two great affordable OD tools.

[TeleMeYouLoveMe]

I'm looking for any suggestions to a low-med drive with clarity! Doesnt have to be TS clones anymore.

[artdecade]

Seriously? No Visual Sound Route 808?