Aguilar Agro - what's similar?

topo morto · #1 09-27-2011, 02:49 PM

The most usable dist pedal I've found so far is the Aguilar Agro - Too many OD type pedals are nice in a small 'sweet spot' but get too buzzy when you push them too hard, and don't do much when you pull back. But the Agro consistently grinds - I think I prefer that kind of modern sound...

Anyone can think of anything else that might fit the bill, in case the Aggie wants to take a holiday?

FaithNoMan · #2 09-27-2011, 04:05 PM

I find the Tech 21 Oxford gets a metallic grind I like a lot. Very up front in the mix and yet still sits in there nicely.

topo morto · #3 09-27-2011, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaithNoMan

I find the Tech 21 Oxford gets a metallic grind I like a lot. Very up front in the mix and yet still sits in there nicely.

Yep, this video @ 31 secs is the kind of sound I'm after! Having to have the bass knob dimed would wrinkle my tootsies though...

Having said that, the Agro isn't the bassiest pedal either... I'm running it with an EQ after to put some of the lows back in, and it's a really usable sound for me. I wonder if the lack of really strong bass response is what stops it getting too buzzy...

FaithNoMan · #4 09-27-2011, 04:32 PM

The Ox can get much grindier than that. I have a lot more mids dialed up on mine, and the bass isn't near being dimed.

http://www.soundclick.com/player/sin...&q=hi&newref=1

Here's the settings I used(picture):

mild to wild od distortion

topo morto · #5 09-27-2011, 04:36 PM

Hmm, nice. Many thanks for the clip. I shall look out for one!

I've also been wondering if I should get a VT Bass (again... for the THIRD time...) which went kind of grindy with the character knob to the right too...

Anything else chaps?

Smurf-o-Deth · #6 09-27-2011, 05:11 PM

If you like the AGRO, you'll probably also like a good Rat. I used to swear by my AGRO--until I got my Rusty Box, which ate the AGRO for breakfast and then banged the prom queen on a California King-sized bed filled with one hundred dollar bills.

FaithNoMan · #7 09-27-2011, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smurf-o-Deth

...until I got my Rusty Box

I still wanna get the Rusty Box, but from the samples I heard recorded direct on here, I think the Oxford does just as well at that metallic hi end clank from S.S. amps(Peavey/Traynor).

Crappy clip, but lots of clear grind on this pedal:

http://soundcloud.com/grinere/orange-ox-v

topo morto · #8 09-27-2011, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smurf-o-Deth

If you like the AGRO, you'll probably also like a good Rat.

Actually I have a RAT... I thought it was a bit bass-light on bass, but that was before my 'hmm maybe it's better to have a bass boost after the dist' idea... I'll dig it out. (not in the 'By 2 a.m.' sense)

Smurf-o-Deth · #9 09-27-2011, 06:08 PM

What a strange twist of coincidence...I was thinking about Ghetto Bird earlier today.

topo morto · #10 09-27-2011, 06:17 PM

I stick it on every time a chopper is buzzing my house (and they never catch anyone... police here can't afford a chopper AND a ground unit!)

blastjv · #11 09-27-2011, 06:48 PM

I tried a LOT of pedals trying to get the sound I finally found in my Agro. I'd say the runner up would probably be the Landmine (though the pots have VERY easily broken plastic shafts).

I tried a rat reissue recently and hated it. For what that's worth.

-JV

alexa. · #12 09-28-2011, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smurf-o-Deth

If you like the AGRO, you'll probably also like a good Rat. I used to swear by my AGRO--until I got my Rusty Box, which ate the AGRO for breakfast and then banged the prom queen on a California King-sized bed filled with one hundred dollar bills.

Agreed on both. But I'm using the RB as a preamp, and I want that insane Karnivool/Stu Brooks grindy sound. Have any ideas? I've got my ears set on a turbo rat (with a few cap changes), FEA DBD, the B3K, and the sparklemotion. But I really have no clue where to start or what else to look for. (didn't like the sansamps when I tried them)

andrew · #13 09-28-2011, 01:06 AM

I really like dialing in RAT style tones with the AGRO, but the nice thing is you can up the high end and get a different style top end grind out of it.

I really like the Rusty Box too because I'm a sucker for the top end bite it gives, but the Rusty Box and AGRO are apples and oranges to me. Both have their place and I use both regularly.

enricogaletta · #14 09-28-2011, 03:34 PM

The SWR Interstellar overdrive is pretty similar as sound design!
Cheers. Enrico
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basey · #15 09-29-2011, 01:14 AM

I bought Smurf-o-Deths AGRO preamp. It is awesome, but its been acting up lately and I have to send it in to get fixed. I borrowed a Fuzzrocious Rat Tail from my buddy AMPEGFUZZ for the studio and also for a show last week. It has a real cool worbly sound when you dig in or get real low (kinda compressory sounding). It's on my GAS list for after I get the AGRO fixed.

Eric! · #16 09-29-2011, 01:23 AM

Rusty Box eats it for breakfast. YMMV.

G.Bisson · #17 09-29-2011, 06:49 AM

Tech21 XXLB has a tone similar to the AGRO, although with more mid-range tonal coloration. I've read on here that Karnivool's bassist uses the XXLB too. I can get pretty close to his tone using it.
BUT, I prefer the AGRO over the XXLB for it's lack of coloration. The AGRO also compresses my signal a bit more than I prefer, but it still sounds good.

andrew · #18 09-29-2011, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric!

Rusty Box does not eat it for breakfast. YMMV.

Mileage varied.