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Hi,
I started a thread asking about what my first pedal purchase should be, but now that I've had more time to research and think it over, I figured I would create an
updated thread.
Ok..basically I'm looking for a gain pedal of some sort (fuzz, distortion, or overdrive...or even boost..havent figured it out yet)
I use a 72' tele thinline style guitar (the kind with two humbuckers) into a Fender Twin clone.
I know that some gain pedals can sound uncomfortably bright/harsh through this kind of rig, as it is already pretty bright to start with.
Ideally I'd like a pedal that will tame the harsh upper-range, without addings loads of bass.
Tentatively, I have narrowed my search down to a few pedals, namely the Ocean EFX Pearl Drive and some of the GreenHouse Effects line..not sure which one though.
Any advice?

Do you like the sound of your amp's drive? If so, maybe look into a Super Duper 2-in-1 clone? Then you've got an overdrive and a boost available, and from there you can branch off into fuzz or specialty types of stuff.

If you only like your amps clean sound (or it's just way too loud to drive at a reasonable volume), that's another story. If you're worried about brightness, maybe try something with a tone knob. For an all-purpose no-nonsense overdrive, I like the Cmatmods Signa Drive

[biased] Or you can track down a 3-knob Singing Tree cause it's the best pedal ever muahahahaaa [/biased]

All depends what you're looking for really. Low gain bluesy / high gain metal (unlikely I know) / gnarly garage grunge / something else?
Colorsound Power boost/Overdriver is versatile -- if you like your drive sound but want more, set as a boost, add gain and treble/bass to taste.
Sonic Titan is really good too, goes from low to insane gain with a tone filter.



Once you hit the world of fuzz, all bets are off. Telecaster + MkII Tone Bender is a winning combination though...

i agree with thee tone bender
it crosses overdrive to fuzz ish territory

To answer all of these questions..My amp is way too clean to really distort, unless I crank it WFO, but I can't really do that..sooo...
As far as Overdrive/distortion goes..I really like Will Dailey's tone..kind of chimey, but thickens up when he digs in more.
However, I'd prefer a drive that isn't *too* touch sensitive...I tend to have a lighter touch, so sometimes I have a bit of trouble getting pedals to respond to the way I pick.
I realize I can't really get all the tones I want in one pedal..so I'm thinking probably
Pedal 1=low/mid gain overdrive-to-distortion range.
Pedal-2=FUZZ
Leaving other spots open for more fun stuff down the line

StudioShutIn wrote:Pedal 1=low/mid gain overdrive-to-distortion range.
Pedal-2=FUZZ

Pedal 1= 3k Singing Tree (or Rat maybe?)
Pedal 2= Algal Bloom

sevenSHARPnine wrote:

StudioShutIn wrote:Pedal 1=low/mid gain overdrive-to-distortion range.
Pedal-2=FUZZ

Pedal 1= 3k Singing Tree (or Rat maybe?)
Pedal 2= Algal Bloom

Pedal 1=I was kinda looking into the mini Singing Tree for this..or possibly the mini booster/overdrive that Mellowtone offers.
Pedal 2=No disrespect to Tom, but I'm not sure this is the fuzz flavor I'm really looking for...

Tonebone classic or trimode; Timmy's good for what you want too. So's the Barber stuff. TGP's really the place to go for OTT OCD overdrive talk though
I always think of Rats as being pretty high gain distortion, but Jeff Beck used em so my prejudice is probably unfounded.

Fuzz? Try a a few types, see which you like.

A decent attenuator might not be a bad idea either, so you can crank the amp without deafening yourself.

For #1, get something with a good tone control (or controls). Timmy does have incredibly useful tone controls with the bass and treble cut knobs, but doesn't get very distortion-y; it is definitely a transparent overdrive. Perhaps look into the Liquid Sunshine or White Light OD; each has a more trebly and a more bassy gain stage so you can dial in what you want. The Mantra seems to have pretty great tone controls, but I've never played one.

There are so many flavors of fuzz out there that you should really try them in person, as I think we can all agree that youtube videos don't do the best job of highlighting their differences. Tonebender, Muff, Fuzz Face, more modern stuff like the Devi's, Fuzz factory; are there any sounds you have in mind? Even within each of these categories there are a lot of choices, so be prepared to trade/flip/buy in the future

it's funny you should mention the liquid sunshine..was kinda looking in that direction.
as far as fuzz goes...the absolute best-sounding fuzz I've heard (based on youtube demos, mind you) is the GreenHouse Remedy fuzz.
It's got the sound I am looking for in a fuzz..but I fear that it may be too treble-y in my rig, as i've only heard it with strat-thru a laney and les paul-thru a Laney

For a good OD that can branch out into some fuzz/distortion territory, I can't say enough good things about the Mantra. Seriously awesome pedal, it's been my go-to for dirt since I got one a couple of months ago.

Seems like the monarch could be chimey, yet thick.

I'd also second the Rat, or even a Hotcake for your OD need.

And for fuzz, the Fix'd fuzz is SO awesome. It's by far my favorite fuzz, and I've played a TON. It's got loads of flavors and sounds JUST right with my setup. The tone sweep is insane on it.

sevenSHARPnine wrote:

StudioShutIn wrote:Pedal 1=low/mid gain overdrive-to-distortion range.
Pedal-2=FUZZ

Pedal 1= 3k Singing Tree (or Rat maybe?)
Pedal 2= Algal Bloom

I'd suggest the same, but if you dont like the AB...I can suggest maybe the EQD Dreamcrusher? Can get a light OD...might be a bit trebly, but crank it and have thick thick fuzz.

Theres always a green russian BMP...

After a little more research and thought, now i'm kinda leaning towards the Green Russian idea.
Although, I may go for the Civil War, by Stomp Under Foot for the "green russian" sound, and something like the Liquid Sunshine or possibly the Flash Drive by PiggyFX for OD/Dist?
hmmm decisions, decisions...but I'm getting closer

StudioShutIn wrote:After a little more research and thought, now i'm kinda leaning towards the Green Russian idea.

(in fact, this one (not mine, no affiliation): viewtopic.php?f=44&t=12415)