Barber LTD V2 - Review

EricF · #1 05-23-2008, 10:44 AM

I'd been hunting for an overdrive for a little while, and although my heart was set on a Cream Pie, none were to be found.

After scouring through the pages of this forum (yes, folks, the "search" function is useful!), reviews of the Barber LTD caught my attention, and a hot ball of burning GAS quickly lodged itself in my loins. Not one to tolerate GAS pains for long, I hurried on over to www.pedalgeek.com and put out the fire.

Giving it a first try at band rehearsal last night gave me nothing but joy. Unfortunately, I was not able to run through the full range of settings, but I very quickly found what I was after - warm overdrive. In a word...YUMMY!

Just so there's not mistake, this pedal is an overdrive - not a distortion, not a fuzz. It is subtle. If you want to melt faces, this is not the pedal for you.

For warm, natural overdrive, this thing is lovely - much like making power amp tubes sweat, without the need for huge volume to get it. It also works very well as a clean boost. I detected no loss of bottom end. I would not consider the sound of the LTD to be the grinding, gritty kind of sound you'd get from an English Muff'n (preamp tubes) or a Bass Drive.

My rating:

(5 out of 5)

Manufacturer's info: http://www.barberelectronics.com/LTDv2.html

(Sorry, I'm not set up to record any sound clips at the moment.)

nad · #2 05-23-2008, 10:50 AM

I've had a cautious eye on this one for a spell, along with said Cream Pie. Might have to pick one up, although my light overdrive needs are currently more than covered.

wazzel · #3 05-23-2008, 10:52 AM

Sweet, mine will be here next week and that is what I am looking for.

EricF · #4 05-23-2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nad

Might have to pick one up, although my light overdrive needs are currently more than covered.

Has that ever stopped you before?

nad · #5 05-23-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricF

Has that ever stopped you before?

Nope!

But for now I have to place a self-embargo on equipment, with a new amp + new bass arriving soon. Can't blame me for a tanking economy, both handmade US of A stuff. Unless they outsource.

Mr. Pickles · #6 05-23-2008, 07:31 PM

Lovin mine as well (LTD Silver). Just finished my meat-n-taters tone shaping outboard: LTD Silver > Tone Press > Linden EQ. Pedalgeek and Dave Barber have done me well!

bongomania · #7 05-23-2008, 07:39 PM

Mr. Pickles, if you continue to love that setup then you'll want to talk to Barber about his custom shop. They have housed two or even three of their effects into single (large) custom enclosures on a custom basis.

OhThePeacock · #8 05-24-2008, 01:43 PM

I've had my eyes on the LTDs for a while. What's the difference between the LTD, LTD silver and LTD V2?

ihateusernames · #9 05-25-2008, 05:30 AM

i too have been longing for a barber by patiently awaiting a used ltd to pop up anywhere. an sr for this kid!

opivy3056 · #10 05-25-2008, 08:39 PM

i have the barber LTD SR, and i find it a very usable pedal. Sounds like the SR has more mids though, it can get pretty grindy.

Mr. Pickles · #11 05-25-2008, 09:07 PM

From what I understand, the original LTD has a mid-present character. The Special Recipe is supposed to be the flattest sounding LTD. The Silver falls somewhere in between. I've never actually a/b'ed them as I only own the Silver. Dave was blowing them out for $99 on his website and I couldn't pass that up!

Thanks again, Bongo for the heads-up. I did see Dave's custom Tone Press/Linden unit on the custom work page. And believe me, I've contemplated a custom job, or should I say, I am contemplating one. Though, I think the wife would castrate me if I spend any more on gear...

OhThePeacock · #12 05-26-2008, 12:21 PM

Looks like if I were to get one I'd be buying either the original or silver, thanks for the info.

EricF · #13 05-26-2008, 04:11 PM

I don't think the original exists any more. The standard model is now "Version 2" which claims to have more bass and less mids.

OhThePeacock · #14 05-26-2008, 07:02 PM

Hmm maybe I'd better go for the silver then if I decide to pull the trigger.

Mr. Pickles · #15 05-28-2008, 12:32 PM

Mr. Peacock-
I'm sure the differences between LTD versions are subtle. You won't regret your decision, whichever one you choose. Let us know what you think!

OhThePeacock · #16 05-28-2008, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Mr. Peacock-
I'm sure the differences between LTD versions are subtle. You won't regret your decision, whichever one you choose. Let us know what you think!

Well if I decide on ordering one it won't be for a while since funds are a little short right now.

I'll definately let you know if I pull the trigger.

**BassIsFun17** · #17 06-05-2008, 11:06 AM

what is the harshest sound the LTD V2 can get? will it get any kind of dirt sound at all? like very very light dirt?

EricF · #18 06-05-2008, 11:26 AM

I'm not sure what you mean by "dirt", but cranking the tone knob up certainly adds more high end grit to the tone.

**BassIsFun17** · #19 06-05-2008, 11:43 AM

by dirt i mean not full on distortion but not super subtle sounding drive.
maybe heavy overdrive i guess would be the term.

EricF · #20 06-05-2008, 11:54 AM

The LTD is on the subtle side. I'd describe it as ranging from clean boost to moderate overdrive. Heavy overdrive and up into the distortion part of the spectrum, you'll want to look elsewhere. One of my favorites for that range of sounds is the Fulltone OCD.