I'm bored with my current ODs.
Currently I've got a Tube screamer, a Marshall govn'ner, a TC Nova drive, Mesa V-Twin and a Zendrive clone.
I use the V-Twin as an alternative pre-amp to the Eganator pre-amp, all switchable via a G-System.
The Nova drive is as noisy as hell, the Tube screamer and the Marshall need retiring as they are battered to hell and back.
Although it was fun building the Zendrive, I can't be bothered with the faff in getting it working perfectly and want something reliable,
although I do like the sound (tis a bit hissy mind).
I've already got my mind set on a Spark Boost, so looking to replace the TS, the Marshal and the Zendrive. So what am I looking for
TS Replacement. ---> Like the TS but more (bit more gain and a bit more bass)
Marshal Replacement --> Want something a bit more late 60s rather than JCM 800/900 sounding, Think Hendrix stack at full blast about to blow up.
Zendrive Clone--> A budget alternative and readily available.
I'm going to stick the Boost in front of the ODs, so the pedals should go from nice crunch to creamy distortion with the boost engaged.
All the Pedals should work well in a buffered loop.
Also any suggestions on a Germainium style fuzz that works well in a loop?
Comments
Have you considered the Hardwire CM-2 Tube overdrive? If not you should, way better than most....
And about as close as I've found to a Mk1 Guvnor, without being a Mk1 Guvnor.......
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)
Don't refuse MXR's either, I have a couple, and they're awesomes for a mid-gain dirt.
I have a Distortion3 and a custom Badass'78, both are excellent for low-mid gain stuff, and although both are distortions, neither has massively high-gain.
The Distortion+ is fantastic as a boost, which tightens the bottom end and add a sparkle to the top end.
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
Thomann does the VS Route 808 for ~£50 as well. That's also worth considering.
Basically (and to my ears) the route 808 is more or less a tubescreamer with a bass boost and a bit more level boost on tap.
The CM2 can be dialled in to sound more or less like a TS (but not exactly 100% nailing it) but does a lot more.
Just depends on what you want- if you still want to get the bang-on tubescreamer thing, I'd go with the visual sound. If you want a lot more versatility I'd go with the Hardwire.
There might be other options (especially dearer ones ) ) which I haven't tried which might also do what you want, of course.
EDIT: Bad monkey would work as well on the cheap.
I also haven't tried them in a loop. I always run ODs in front of the amp.
I've got a Tech21 Double Drive for sale in the classifieds that might do the job for you on the Marshall side of things....very flexible pedal that simulates both Class A and Class A/B power tube drive..lots of boost on tap if needed too.
Here's a link to the Tech21 page, including sound samples.. http://www.tech21nyc.com/archive/doubledrive.html
I also really like the Ibanez Jet Driver, Great for a clean-yet-dirty sound. Sustains nicely yet note are clear, even with my shite playing and the gain on 11.
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)
I have an Ibanez Jet Driver, I just haven't bonded with. If you'd like it, it's yours for £40. I dont have a box or manual. It's a chinese model.