The story so far:
What I'm looking for is an amp channel or an amp-in-a-box type overdrive, specifically for crunchy chords for rhythm parts. Amp is Deluxe-derived, AB763 (ish) with a Fane Medusa speaker to allow relatively heavy overdrive without sounding shrill. What I've tried: TS and Klon types, both of which are fine for lead playing but for rhythm stuff they add so much midrange that everything ends up really honky. Once either has enough gain to be overdriving internally I lose the attack I need. The amp is up at about 1/3 on the volume control, making plenty of noise but not close to breaking up on its own, so adding volume to get it to overdrive is not the solution.
I've also tried a couple of other approaches: the best sounding has been the Bad Cat Two Tone, which all other things being equal would be an easy choice. But it's the size and weight of a small pedalboard all on its own. I've also tried my Correct Sound Black Sunn, which sounds great, but for a completely different sound compared to the one I'm going for. The closest I've come in a small 9V pedal is the AMT Soldano S-Drive, but the gain in that circuit is so high that it doesn't respond to volume or pick attack at all. I'd like that balance, I suppose, of BMT (even though the pedal is only a tone control), with the ability to run it at much lower gain without choking out the sound. To do that on the S-Drive is practically impossible as the gain kicks in straight away as you crack the control open. So, suggestions please... Preferably:
9V
Small pedal format (not necessary micro or mini)
Ideally 3-band tone control
Relatively low gain
not mid-pushed
crisp and crunchy rather than smooth
allows the front-end of the attack through
Bonus points for it being UK-made.Extra bonus points for it being (relatively) affordable.
To all on TFB: I’ve posted the same question on TheGearPage, but because I’ve asked for specific recommendations rather than just people’s favourite pedal, I got literally one reply. Let’s put the final nail in the coffin of my participation in effects threads over there…
Comments
I have a C+ that I'm using and I also have a regular C that I'm probably selling. One will sell and I'll keep the other, just using the C+ because of board space but that can change easily enough. If you think you might need one give me a shout but I actually suspect that whet you really need is a RAT.
Lightspeed
Dane
Joyo make a version of it for under 50 quid
Zvex Box of Rock
The Sunn thing has a Rat in it, which is a good base sound for some things. It’s a touch too smeary for what I want here, even at the lower gain settings (although I can get there with both it and the Model T preamp on). I also think it cuts a fair amount of low end, although I might be over sensitive to that because of where I’m standing…
On the ODR, can’t remember hearing one in person but it’s much closer on (for example) That Pedal Show than a TS type.
For those interested, I use a thick, hard pick, usually close to the bridge, and hit the thing fairly hard.
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