Best EQ Pedal?

[R. Laevinus]

Hey guys - I know 'best' is a terrible term to try to pin down, but bear with me.

Previously, I used a DBX 31-band graphic on my axe, and I really dug the toneshaping ability the graphic offered. I've ditched the rack now (don't really miss any of it except the EQ), and I'm looking for a pedal to fill the void in a more permanent fashion.

To date, I have tried the following pedals:
MXR 6-band
MXR 10-band
BOSS 7-band
Maxon 6-band

All of these pedals I found to be lacking. The MXRs were tone-suckers and noise-inducers. The BOSS was a major tone-sucker. And the Maxon just didn't seem to be doing a whole lot, even with the faders cut or boosted all the way.

So I'm looking for a graphic EQ pedal with 6 or more bands (10 well-placed bands would be ideal), that doesn't suck tone when bypassed and that sounds, well, musical when engaged. A graphic is definitely preferred, but a 3 or 4-band parametric would also work.

Do you guys know of any good makers that are producing an EQ pedal?

Thanks!

[bongomania]

For a graphic pedal, the only good one I've tried is the old blue MXR 10-band with no bypass switch. People say good things about the old Trace Elliott EQ pedal as well.

For parametric, the Carl Martin Parametric Preamp is excellent, and people are digging the new Empress para EQ as well. Check out threads here about both of those.

[gnasher1993]

Originally Posted by bongomania

For a graphic pedal, the only good one I've tried is the old blue MXR 10-band with no bypass switch.

There's a cheap(ish) one here.

[cybersnyder]

CMATMODS has an upgrade for the Boss EQ pedal. I had that done and I don't detect any tone suck. My ears could be shot though...

[audienceofone]

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

CMATMODS has an upgrade for the Boss EQ pedal. I had that done and I don't detect any tone suck. My ears could be shot though...

Their website says they are not doing any mods now

[THSL]

Empress Effects ParaEQ

[scotch]

Originally Posted by THSL

Empress Effects ParaEQ

I love mine, but its a parametric, not a graphic. Still, zero tone suck, true bypass & great sounding!

[Pitbull Growl]

I personally LOVE my Carl Martin Parametric Preamp D.I.

Definitely no tone suck issues, or noise issues to worry about.

[TrevorOfDoom]

BYOC has a 10 band that can easily be modded for bass.

[i2k]

Boss PQ3B, 3 band parametric. I don't feel any tone suck issue on mine but very hard to find nowadays.

[RickenBoogie]

I use a Barber Linden, but it's fairly limited, and a pretty specific tone.