My favorite version of the Fulltone OCD

[Edgar Allan Presley]

For several years I used a Fulltone OCD version 1.4 that belonged to a friend. I loved that pedal, using it mostly for some low gain and a boost to the mids. When my friend moved away and took his pedal with him, I bought a new OCD, version 2, to replace it. It had more bass, and more volume and gain at comparable settings. To me, it didn't have the magic of the old pedal. So I bought another 1.4 to see if I was misremembering. In the picture, the version 2 is on the left, the 1.4 on the right.

It turns out, I remembered correctly. The 1.4 has less bass, is much more present and tight. With the switch on HP, it's like a Proco Rat with headroom.

I know we all like different sounds, but I thought I'd put it out there for anyone thinking of getting an OCD, if you like a full, bassy sound, get the new version. If you like your midrange popping and the bass tight, get the 1.4. It's surprising to me how different they sound.

 

[dukewellington]

People still play those things?

 

[Edgar Allan Presley]

People still play those things?

What, guitars? A few of us.

 

[Chiogtr4x]

People still play those things?

Boy, I have memories ( years ago, now) of pages/threads right here, about the OCD, 'OCD vs. ??', and ' which OCD version?'
And until right now, I'd forgotten about it!

The closest I came to even trying one ( always wanted to, but low on $$...) was buying ( and later selling) the Danelectro CO-1 Drive.
It was actually a 'more modern,' harder rocking pedal, than what I seemed to prefer- but still good

 

[Edgar Allan Presley]

Boy, I have memories ( years ago, now) of pages/threads right here, about the OCD, 'OCD vs. ??', and ' which OCD version?'
And until right now, I'd forgotten about it!

The closest I came to even trying one ( always wanted to, but low on $$...) was buying ( and later selling) the Danelectro CO-1 Drive.
It was actually a 'more modern,' harder rocking pedal, than what I seemed to prefer- but still good

I remember those threads, too. I don't cycle through pedals very fast, and a lot of the pedals I've kept around are now kind of old. The OCD is a keeper, though. I really like how it sounds and behaves.

 

[Sax-son]

I had and OCD and liked it, I don't remember what version it was. I traded it for a TS-9 Tubescreamer as I also had a Plimsoul that covered a lot of the same ground the OCD did.

 

[bluesholyman]

It's surprising to me how different they sound.

I went down this rabbit hole sometime back (My OCD about the OCD,) but with all versions, except for 1.1 which I could not get at a reasonable price. 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7. 2.0, 2.0-Ge - tried them all. While the 1.2 was my favorite at the time, I ended up with the 1.6 and presently have two.

Yeah, they all sound different.

 

[D_Malone]

I went through a few versions years ago and also preferred the v1.4. Haven’t tried the new one, but more bass is a dealbreaker so I have no interest.

 

[igor5]

I've had v1.7, it's on sale. I've always struggled to handle with too much bass on LP mode and too much high on HP mode. IMO the tone control is unable to solve that properly.

 

[E5RSY]

Would someone mind answering an inquiry from someone (me) who is of the OCD-ignorant?

Why so many versions? What are they chasing?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Chiogtr4x]

Would someone mind answering an inquiry from someone (me) who is of the OCD-ignorant?

Why so many versions? What are they chasing?

Thanks,
Scott

That's a good question!
( Where's 11 Gauge when you need him!)
I'm maybe too cynical- maybe Fulltone marketing?

 

[Edgar Allan Presley]

Would someone mind answering an inquiry from someone (me) who is of the OCD-ignorant?

Why so many versions? What are they chasing?

Thanks,
Scott

I don't know, it's puzzling. I don't know if Fuller is reading the whiners on these forums and trying to please them, or responding to big players with endorsements giving suggestions, or changing as parts get more and less expensive or available? I'm glad he labels them as different versions when they change. Some companies (looking at you, Mike Matthews) just change their circuit and call it the same thing and make us wonder what we're buying.

 

[sanfi4u]

It's surprising to me how different they sound (OCD v.1.4 vs 2.0).
View attachment 908688

Well, v. 2.0 is a very different build. It comes as no surprise it sounds different. Personally I won't recommend to go 2.0 and above.
I have OCD v.1.6. It's a very nice, pick sensitive overdrive.

 

[Guitarteach]

Used a 1.4 for years… will be keeping it.

I am not (or try not to be) mercurial marketing fodder. You can barely tell the differences live and at volume through a cranked amp. Good gear sticks.

 

[sanfi4u]

Would someone mind answering an inquiry from someone (me) who is of the OCD-ignorant?

Why so many versions? What are they chasing?

Thanks, Scott

First of all it is meant to drive your GAS. Mike promised v.1.7 to be the ultimate version, best OCD ever. Then comes 2.0...
Sure there are some differences. For example, v.1.4 uses Ge diode in its clipping engine. On the other hand I had a chance to compare my OCD v.1.6/2012 and v.1.7/2016 from the local shop nearby. Driven by curiosity I've done part-to-part comparison and failed to find any difference.

 

[naveed211]

The OCD is still my go to overdrive with a Tele. I think it’s perfect for it, especially with a small amp like a Pro Junior. That’s a match made in heaven. Just sounds right to me.

I believe I’ve had a 1.4 and 1.7 over the years. I found the differences subtle, the core tone was still there.

 

[ScottJPatrick]

I have the OCD 1.4 on my board and I'm not planning on changing it anytime soon, no idea what the other versions sound like, just happened to be the 1.4 on offer when I bought it. Use it live through a Rivera Super Champ on mid to low settings but use a Tube Screamer to boost it for some songs/solos, great combination.

 

[985plowboy]

I have one. I don’t remember what version. The light is red. I like it.

 

[wulfenganck]

I bought my OCD second hand. It was sold as a 1.4 - no idea if it'S correct.
I also nnever bothered to compare, because my OCD did exactly what I wanted - low gain as stand-alone break-up-tone and adding nice sustain stacked with fuzz or amp-overdrive.
There were some stories of Mr. Fuller behaving rather unpleasant, so I used an Elektro Harmonix The Glove.
Worked nicely, but i switched to an Earthquaker Devices Palisades on my main board.
The OCD now sits on my jam session board. It's still a wonderful pedal with great dynamics and tone.

 

[nocastermike]

I have a v.2 and a ge. The GE is really excellent. If I had not tried it the v.2 would have been just fine. The GE is not as bass heavy and sounds more open.