2009 TDPRI Giveaway Winners List is available HERE

Rock on · December 28th, 2006, 11:37 PM

I'm thinkin of some bardens in my tele and wanted a OD pedal.

What is the best one that you can buy that is very versitile.

I play rock, classic rock, some blues, metal, and heavy metal. Basically all ends of the music spectrum.

I dont know too much about pedals.

I will be playing out of a tube amp too. Probably a marshall, vox, or fender.

Price isnt really a problem but nothing really outragious.

Thanks
Rock on

bug music · December 28th, 2006, 11:53 PM

Bardens + Bad Monkey =

Don't let the cheap price fool you, check out the Bad Monkey.
Just my $.02, YMMV.

- Jay

fancychords · December 29th, 2006, 12:03 AM

the monkey in my opinion sounded good in my livingroom but on the gig i was forever tweaking it i just couldn't get into it outside of my living room, using my les paul with p90's and my tele through a drri..however i bought a sparkle drive, it took me two minutes to get a couple of good sounds out of it and in my living room and on the gig i couldn't be more satisfied but again that's my taste...

ramseybella · December 29th, 2006, 01:54 AM

That will be a long road!!

RomanS · December 29th, 2006, 05:54 AM

I have an old Marshall DriveMaster that would be great for most of these generes (maybe a bit gritty for blues, and not mean enough for the heavier kinds of metal) - these aren't made any more, but the Marshall Guv'nor is a newer version of that one.

stax · December 29th, 2006, 06:18 AM

I like a pedal I can set up so you can hardly tell when its on or off, you then have the option of adding a bit of dirt or boost without changing the core sound to much.
The Pro Co Rat is my favourite for this type of od.
But as always its about how all parts work together, try as many as you can with your own rig.

Rocker AK · December 29th, 2006, 06:57 AM

If price is not a factor, check out the Hermida Zendrive. I heard one about 6 months ago and my jaw dropped. My god they sound good! It's just a matter of time and It will be mine! The audio clips will give you a good idea of it's capabilities. It's not cheap but not out of anyone's reach either. I have spent more money on crappy OD's than I care to think about. This thing is the real deal.

Unfortunately, there is a waiting list for new orders...

ozzyphil · December 29th, 2006, 07:56 AM

I recently was in the same situation and plumped for a Tube Zone (??- the silver one...) from MI here in Australia. I wasnt specifically looking for an australian made OD but once I tried it there was no competition. Just does that lovely thing of keeping the original tone but gently distorts. Ive heard it does major high gain stuff too but thats not what i bought it for....

I have no affilation blah blah blah...

Colo Springs E · December 29th, 2006, 07:57 AM

....Ibanez Tube Screamer, snot green.

No mods, mo magic voodoo dust sprinkled in it for $100 xtra or anything like that.

I use it with the overdrive setting very low (9 or 10 o'clock) and the volume dimed.

It's a great boost. I rely on my amp's gain on channel 2 for my basic overdriven tone.

Spidercaster · December 29th, 2006, 08:00 AM

Analogman King of Tone is great as well.

Sarge · December 29th, 2006, 08:46 AM

I'm currently REALLY enjoying a Washburn Bad Dog pedal.

BoB/335 · December 29th, 2006, 09:02 AM

Fulltone Fulldrive 2 "Mosfet Edition". Two overdrives in 1 pedal! Nice crunch to silky overdrive and sustain.

I don't think you will find a pedal that does all that AND Heavy Metal though.

spameister · December 29th, 2006, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocker AK

If price is not a factor, check out the Hermida Zendrive. I heard one about 6 months ago and my jaw dropped. My god they sound good!

Amen! I think I just fell in love with the Zendrive 2 with tube.

Bopcat · December 29th, 2006, 11:51 AM

+1 Analog Man King of Tone.

Raymund · December 29th, 2006, 01:36 PM

My favourite is MI Audio Tube Zone.

Ignatius · December 29th, 2006, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock on

I'm thinkin of some bardens in my tele and wanted a OD pedal.

What is the best one that you can buy that is very versitile.

I play rock, classic rock, some blues, metal, and heavy metal. Basically all ends of the music spectrum.

I dont know too much about pedals.

I will be playing out of a tube amp too. Probably a marshall, vox, or fender.

Price isnt really a problem but nothing really outragious.

Thanks
Rock on

Too many variables here to recommend anything to you, not the least of which is what your own ears hear and will want to hear. First of all, it doesn't sound like you have your Bardens yet. You might want to get used to them a bit - they have a really distinct tone that may further dictate what you'll want in a pedal. For what it's worth, I never warmed up to my Bardens and ended up selling them. I found them to be too strong and almost harsh for anything but pure clean tone.

Secondly, it doesn't sound like you know what amp you'll be playing through. Marshall, Vox, and Fender amps are all very, very different beasts.

It's probably a better idea to get your Bardens, decide which amp you'll be playing, and then ask for more specific recommendations based on the type of overdrive you're after.

Dad Gad · December 29th, 2006, 06:45 PM

fulltone ocd.

Jeff Mason · December 29th, 2006, 06:56 PM

Marshall Bluesbreaker BB2 Pedal. Its got 2 settings, boost & blues with drive, tone & volume.
Its one of the most versatile OD pedals I've had IMO.

zepplin_275 · December 29th, 2006, 07:10 PM

i agree with the ibenez tube screamer works perfect with a tube amp

mudshark · December 29th, 2006, 07:33 PM

Ibanez TS-9

Jason R. · December 30th, 2006, 12:10 AM

Ibanez TS-9 with the Keeley mod. You can buy it online...just Google Keeley electronics. It's worth the extra $$. I sent him my old one and he upgraded it. I could tell the difference and he repaired a failing footswitch. He offers two upgrades. One returns the pedal to an original design spec with a chip replacement. The other ("Baked") gets dirtier sooner when you dial it up.

Highly recommend. It's one of my only two pedals.

franchelB · December 30th, 2006, 12:23 AM

Others prefer other pedals, but for what you're looking for, I'd suggest a Boss DS1.

mojohen · December 30th, 2006, 10:15 PM

Overdrive...
TS808
Rat
OD250
Big Muff
These are the main classics. I do really like the Voodoo Labs Sparkle drive which gives you the Tubescreamer tone but allows you to mix the unaffected tone in as well for a great big Texas Blues tone.Cool...

mojohen

red57strat · December 30th, 2006, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stax

I like a pedal I can set up so you can hardly tell when its on or off, you then have the option of adding a bit of dirt or boost without changing the core sound to much.
The Pro Co Rat is my favourite for this type of od.
But as always its about how all parts work together, try as many as you can with your own rig.

I use a clone that I built of an early ProCo Rat for mild overdrive. It sounds great!

marc sosnoff · December 31st, 2006, 09:53 AM

the best overdrive pedal that is so easy its the pedal that does overdrive the way u like u have to try many good to start with a real
ts808 or ts-9 take to from there so are to soft or to hard any not aggresive enough etcetc find our way that way also i may find like many have you need two overdrives i use a landgraff and a texas two step

trandy16 · January 1st, 2007, 02:14 PM

Light overdrive - Maxon OD808

Heavier overdrive - Lovepedal Eternity

Got 'em both....love 'em both.

T3L3CAST3R scr33nag3r · January 1st, 2007, 05:48 PM

RAT
RAT
RAT

playanotherchord · January 2nd, 2007, 01:34 AM

I'm not sure there's any "one" best overdrive pedal per se, because in trying to emulate amps they fail in the manner that most only have 1 gain stage, as opposed to multiple gain stages in a good tube amp. The best combination of OD pedals I've used is a Boss SD-1 with very slight gain running into a Marshall Guv'nor 2 with only slightly more gain. The SD1 helps to put some bite into a slightly muddy Guv'nor. There probably are some better combinations out there.

Big White Tele · January 2nd, 2007, 02:24 AM

Yeh, the best Overdrive on the planet is..........the one that sounds and feels best to you, with your guitar, your amp, and your playing style. You'd probably hate my favorite OD pedal. Ive had pedals that I thought sounded horrible, then tried them with another amp, and loved it.

PostoronnimV · January 2nd, 2007, 05:20 AM

playanotherchord , let's see... ts-9 into an OD-3... ts-9 into a rat, ts-9 into a BigMuff and the winner is the rat into the muff. Makes some weird sounds :)

Oops , I almost forgot... Muff into a ts9 or OD3 :)

Texsunburst59 · January 2nd, 2007, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocker AK

If price is not a factor, check out the Hermida Zendrive. I heard one about 6 months ago and my jaw dropped. My god they sound good! It's just a matter of time and It will be mine! The audio clips will give you a good idea of it's capabilities. It's not cheap but not out of anyone's reach either. I have spent more money on crappy OD's than I care to think about. This thing is the real deal.

Unfortunately, there is a waiting list for new orders...

These 4 overdrives are on my gigging pedal board. Here's what they sound like through my '70 modded Princeton Reverb. Here's the link:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page...?bandID=633883

ravindave_3600 · January 2nd, 2007, 04:08 PM

Blues to metal to heavy metal? I think you're talking about TWO pedals, not one. Here's what I'd do

* Get the Bardens in. When you play with 'em for awhile you'll really know what they do for you, and what you more you need.
* Get the amp you want - "Marshall, Vox, or Fender" doesn't really say that much, because they all have different sounds, and diff amps by the same manufacturer will have different sounds, too. Play your bardens through your amp, and you'll know what you're working with.
*THEN go on your pedalquest. You want to find pedals (whether classic TS-9 tones or raunchy digitech metal stuff) that work for YOUR rig. If one pedal worked well for everyone, well....

OK, enough preaching. You asked for pedal recommendations:
I use a Reverend Drivetrain II (TS-9ish plus extra tone control) for basic overdrive needs.
It runs into an old Ibanez SD-9 ("sonic distortion"=TS-9 on steroids) for something a little more heavy.
Look around for them and you'll have a nice setup for under $200. If they don't go far enough you can add something designated "metal" and you'll have your range covered for $250-300.

dmt101proof · January 2nd, 2007, 04:23 PM

I've got two pedals on my board at present. One is MXR/Custom Audio Electronics unit (can't remember the reference off the top of my head). This has a clean boost and/or an overdrive that I have set to add just a bit of grit to the sound. The other pedal is a Keeley modified RAT. As well as upgraded components this has 3-way mini-switch that, in addition to the stock RAT sound, gives a slightly dirty boost that will push your amp into natural drive easily, and what thgey term "Phat RAT". This seems to provide (in addition to a bit higher level than stock) a bit more clarity and definition to the fiercest of didtortions. With the two pedals (and the Boogie's channel switch) I can get anything I want from a nice, subtle, clean boost to absolute filth!!

Charlie Bernstein · January 2nd, 2007, 04:30 PM

As the above suggestions suggest, the number of good pedals is equal to the number of ears of guitarists who use them divided by two.

Keep trying them until you find one (or two or three or ten) that YOU like.

And remember, getting there is the fun of the trip.

December 28th, 2006, 11:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rock on Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Barrington, RI Posts: 753 1 Photos	What is the best overdrive pedal? I'm thinkin of some bardens in my tele and wanted a OD pedal. What is the best one that you can buy that is very versitile. I play rock, classic rock, some blues, metal, and heavy metal. Basically all ends of the music spectrum. I dont know too much about pedals. I will be playing out of a tube amp too. Probably a marshall, vox, or fender. Price isnt really a problem but nothing really outragious. Thanks Rock on __________________ Jimmy Page = God

December 28th, 2006, 11:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
bug music Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2004 Location: Taxachusetts Posts: 896 5 Photos	Bardens + Bad Monkey = Don't let the cheap price fool you, check out the Bad Monkey. Just my $.02, YMMV. - Jay __________________ "When I die they're gonna say He couldn't play sh*t, but he sure made it sound good" - Hound Dog Taylor

December 29th, 2006, 12:03 AM	#3 (permalink)
fancychords Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: staten island ny Age: 62 Posts: 396	the monkey in my opinion sounded good in my livingroom but on the gig i was forever tweaking it i just couldn't get into it outside of my living room, using my les paul with p90's and my tele through a drri..however i bought a sparkle drive, it took me two minutes to get a couple of good sounds out of it and in my living room and on the gig i couldn't be more satisfied but again that's my taste... __________________ "There are no bad notes,only bad resolution.."

December 29th, 2006, 07:57 AM	#9 (permalink)
Colo Springs E Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 5,932 5 Photos	I use just a plain ol ....Ibanez Tube Screamer, snot green. No mods, mo magic voodoo dust sprinkled in it for $100 xtra or anything like that. I use it with the overdrive setting very low (9 or 10 o'clock) and the volume dimed. It's a great boost. I rely on my amp's gain on channel 2 for my basic overdriven tone. __________________ "Enjoy your life, be good to kids, don't do meth..." -Colin Cowherd

December 29th, 2006, 08:00 AM	#10 (permalink)
Spidercaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York Posts: 1,321 5 Photos	Analogman King of Tone is great as well. __________________ ".................what daily routine?" - Sol Philcox www.LiveFromMyLivingRoom.com

December 29th, 2006, 01:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
ramseybella Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Santa Fe New Mexico Posts: 1,427 39 Photos	That will be a long road!!

December 29th, 2006, 05:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
RomanS Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Vienna, Austria Age: 37 Posts: 4,119 22 Photos	I have an old Marshall DriveMaster that would be great for most of these generes (maybe a bit gritty for blues, and not mean enough for the heavier kinds of metal) - these aren't made any more, but the Marshall Guv'nor is a newer version of that one.

December 29th, 2006, 06:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
stax Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Brentwood U.K. Age: 53 Posts: 407 9 Photos	I like a pedal I can set up so you can hardly tell when its on or off, you then have the option of adding a bit of dirt or boost without changing the core sound to much. The Pro Co Rat is my favourite for this type of od. But as always its about how all parts work together, try as many as you can with your own rig.

December 29th, 2006, 06:57 AM	#7 (permalink)
Rocker AK Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Virginia Age: 43 Posts: 963	If price is not a factor, check out the Hermida Zendrive. I heard one about 6 months ago and my jaw dropped. My god they sound good! It's just a matter of time and It will be mine! The audio clips will give you a good idea of it's capabilities. It's not cheap but not out of anyone's reach either. I have spent more money on crappy OD's than I care to think about. This thing is the real deal. Unfortunately, there is a waiting list for new orders...

December 29th, 2006, 07:56 AM	#8 (permalink)
ozzyphil TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: sydney Age: 47 Posts: 20	I recently was in the same situation and plumped for a Tube Zone (??- the silver one...) from MI here in Australia. I wasnt specifically looking for an australian made OD but once I tried it there was no competition. Just does that lovely thing of keeping the original tone but gently distorts. Ive heard it does major high gain stuff too but thats not what i bought it for.... I have no affilation blah blah blah...

December 29th, 2006, 08:46 AM	#11 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 54 Posts: 3,550	I'm currently REALLY enjoying a Washburn Bad Dog pedal.

December 29th, 2006, 09:02 AM	#12 (permalink)
BoB/335 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Long Island Posts: 496	Fulltone Fulldrive 2 "Mosfet Edition". Two overdrives in 1 pedal! Nice crunch to silky overdrive and sustain. I don't think you will find a pedal that does all that AND Heavy Metal though. __________________ BoB/335

December 29th, 2006, 11:51 AM	#14 (permalink)
Bopcat Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: California Age: 57 Posts: 211	+1 Analog Man King of Tone.

December 29th, 2006, 01:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
Raymund TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia Age: 52 Posts: 28	My favourite is MI Audio Tube Zone.

December 29th, 2006, 06:45 PM	#17 (permalink)
Dad Gad TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Albuquerque,NM Posts: 72	fulltone ocd.

December 29th, 2006, 06:56 PM	#18 (permalink)
Jeff Mason Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cheltenham. UK Posts: 318 20 Photos	Marshall Bluesbreaker BB2 Pedal. Its got 2 settings, boost & blues with drive, tone & volume. Its one of the most versatile OD pedals I've had IMO.

December 29th, 2006, 07:10 PM	#19 (permalink)
zepplin_275 NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: montrose Age: 23 Posts: 9	i agree with the ibenez tube screamer works perfect with a tube amp

December 29th, 2006, 07:33 PM	#20 (permalink)
mudshark Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Groover's Paradise Age: 58 Posts: 1,404	Ibanez TS-9 __________________ mudshark Klaatu barada nikto

December 30th, 2006, 12:10 AM	#21 (permalink)
Jason R. Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2006 Location: Purcellville, VA Age: 36 Posts: 318	Ibanez TS-9 with the Keeley mod. You can buy it online...just Google Keeley electronics. It's worth the extra $$. I sent him my old one and he upgraded it. I could tell the difference and he repaired a failing footswitch. He offers two upgrades. One returns the pedal to an original design spec with a chip replacement. The other ("Baked") gets dirtier sooner when you dial it up. Highly recommend. It's one of my only two pedals. __________________ Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. Psalm 33:3 Fly Navy! www.hsl49.navy.mil

December 30th, 2006, 12:23 AM	#22 (permalink)
franchelB Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Irving, United States of Texas! Age: 44 Posts: 2,314	Others prefer other pedals, but for what you're looking for, I'd suggest a Boss DS1.

December 30th, 2006, 10:15 PM	#23 (permalink)
mojohen Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NY Posts: 177 12 Photos	Overdrive... TS808 Rat OD250 Big Muff These are the main classics. I do really like the Voodoo Labs Sparkle drive which gives you the Tubescreamer tone but allows you to mix the unaffected tone in as well for a great big Texas Blues tone.Cool... mojohen __________________ " Time to get ready for the storm"

December 31st, 2006, 09:53 AM	#25 (permalink)
marc sosnoff Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: new jersey Age: 56 Posts: 580 10 Photos	the best overdrive pedal that is so easy its the pedal that does overdrive the way u like u have to try many good to start with a real ts808 or ts-9 take to from there so are to soft or to hard any not aggresive enough etcetc find our way that way also i may find like many have you need two overdrives i use a landgraff and a texas two step

January 1st, 2007, 02:14 PM	#26 (permalink)
trandy16 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Camdenton, Missouri Posts: 393	Light overdrive - Maxon OD808 Heavier overdrive - Lovepedal Eternity Got 'em both....love 'em both. __________________ "Won't you pour me a Cuban Breeze...Gretchen?..."

January 1st, 2007, 05:48 PM	#27 (permalink)
T3L3CAST3R scr33nag3r Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: London Age: 22 Posts: 130 9 Photos	RAT RAT RAT

January 2nd, 2007, 01:34 AM	#28 (permalink)
playanotherchord Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Singapore Age: 23 Posts: 246 2 Photos	I'm not sure there's any "one" best overdrive pedal per se, because in trying to emulate amps they fail in the manner that most only have 1 gain stage, as opposed to multiple gain stages in a good tube amp. The best combination of OD pedals I've used is a Boss SD-1 with very slight gain running into a Marshall Guv'nor 2 with only slightly more gain. The SD1 helps to put some bite into a slightly muddy Guv'nor. There probably are some better combinations out there.

2009 TDPRI Giveaway Winners List is available HERE

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January 2nd, 2007, 02:24 AM	#29 (permalink)
Big White Tele Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Canadian Rockies Posts: 259	Yeh, the best Overdrive on the planet is..........the one that sounds and feels best to you, with your guitar, your amp, and your playing style. You'd probably hate my favorite OD pedal. Ive had pedals that I thought sounded horrible, then tried them with another amp, and loved it.

January 2nd, 2007, 05:20 AM	#30 (permalink)
PostoronnimV Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2005 Location: H Age: 26 Posts: 149 6 Photos	playanotherchord , let's see... ts-9 into an OD-3... ts-9 into a rat, ts-9 into a BigMuff and the winner is the rat into the muff. Makes some weird sounds :) Oops , I almost forgot... Muff into a ts9 or OD3 :)

January 2nd, 2007, 04:08 PM	#32 (permalink)
ravindave_3600 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boise, USA Posts: 1,230	Blues to metal to heavy metal? I think you're talking about TWO pedals, not one. Here's what I'd do * Get the Bardens in. When you play with 'em for awhile you'll really know what they do for you, and what you more you need. * Get the amp you want - "Marshall, Vox, or Fender" doesn't really say that much, because they all have different sounds, and diff amps by the same manufacturer will have different sounds, too. Play your bardens through your amp, and you'll know what you're working with. *THEN go on your pedalquest. You want to find pedals (whether classic TS-9 tones or raunchy digitech metal stuff) that work for YOUR rig. If one pedal worked well for everyone, well.... OK, enough preaching. You asked for pedal recommendations: I use a Reverend Drivetrain II (TS-9ish plus extra tone control) for basic overdrive needs. It runs into an old Ibanez SD-9 ("sonic distortion"=TS-9 on steroids) for something a little more heavy. Look around for them and you'll have a nice setup for under $200. If they don't go far enough you can add something designated "metal" and you'll have your range covered for $250-300. __________________ Want my guitar to sound like BBQ tastes!

January 2nd, 2007, 04:23 PM	#33 (permalink)
dmt101proof TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: UK Age: 44 Posts: 88	I've got two pedals on my board at present. One is MXR/Custom Audio Electronics unit (can't remember the reference off the top of my head). This has a clean boost and/or an overdrive that I have set to add just a bit of grit to the sound. The other pedal is a Keeley modified RAT. As well as upgraded components this has 3-way mini-switch that, in addition to the stock RAT sound, gives a slightly dirty boost that will push your amp into natural drive easily, and what thgey term "Phat RAT". This seems to provide (in addition to a bit higher level than stock) a bit more clarity and definition to the fiercest of didtortions. With the two pedals (and the Boogie's channel switch) I can get anything I want from a nice, subtle, clean boost to absolute filth!! __________________ Faster horses, Younger women, Older whiskey, More money www.101proof.net

January 2nd, 2007, 04:30 PM	#34 (permalink)
Charlie Bernstein Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Augusta, Maine Posts: 4,129	You've got to be kidding. As the above suggestions suggest, the number of good pedals is equal to the number of ears of guitarists who use them divided by two. Keep trying them until you find one (or two or three or ten) that YOU like. And remember, getting there is the fun of the trip.