can't decide which OD to keep

[fitz420]

Alright, i've been very happy with my Barber LTD SR for a while now. This was the 4th in my quest for MY perfect OD sound. I found a mint Sparkle Drive on my local craigslist for $65 and now I can't decide which one I like better. The sparkle drive seems a bit thinner to my ears, even with the blend knob. The LTD SR seems more full and rich. I still can't decide because i like the sparkle drive. I cannot keep both. anyone have an opinion on this. usually my ears decide for me, but in this case i'm stumped.

[RCCollins]

Originally Posted by fitz420

Alright, i've been very happy with my Barber LTD SR for a while now. This was the 4th in my quest for MY perfect OD sound. I found a mint Sparkle Drive on my local craigslist for $65 and now I can't decide which one I like better. The sparkle drive seems a bit thinner to my ears, even with the blend knob. The LTD SR seems more full and rich. I still can't decide because i like the sparkle drive. I cannot keep both. anyone have an opinion on this. usually my ears decide for me, but in this case i'm stumped.

if the sparkle drive still sounds thin when using the blend, ditch it!

I think the LTD SR sounds pretty darn good and will probably end up getting one for "lighter" drive tones

[dannybuoy]

You play Lakland/Markbass/Bergantino but you can't afford to keep 2 overdrive pedals?

Only you can decide which one you prefer the sound of, and it seems like you prefer the Barber. I'd keep both and use them both in gigs/practices until you figure out what works best.

[fivestringgecko]

Get the Sparkle Drive modded by Keeley. It really opens up the pedal... twice as much drive and better bass. Worth the money IMO. I've let a couple guitarists borrow it and the look on their face after the first few notes is pretty funny. lol

I did some comparisons here, if you're interested.

5sg.

[fitz420]

its, not that i can't afford it, dannyboy.....i simply can't justify keeping two OD's that sound very similar. I also don't have the real estate on my board.

fivestringgecko...i've thought about that option too. i've never had the chance to try one and have been dying to. maybe i'll send it in. quick question though....if i sent it in, had it modded and didn't like it, do you think that the resale value of a modded one is much higher than an unmodded one....i'd guess so, but i wouldn't want to loose the dough if it wasn't. i buy and sell alot and try to buy things that i can make my money back on if i don't like em. thanks.

[fivestringgecko]

Originally Posted by fitz420

fivestringgecko...i've thought about that option too. i've never had the chance to try one and have been dying to. maybe i'll send it in. quick question though....if i sent it in, had it modded and didn't like it, do you think that the resale value of a modded one is much higher than an unmodded one....i'd guess so, but i wouldn't want to loose the dough if it wasn't. i buy and sell alot and try to buy things that i can make my money back on if i don't like em. thanks.

I bought my Sparkle Drive new ($129.99) and liked it even pre-mod, but sent it to Keeley ($59) and couldn't be happier. From what I know, resale on the Keeley version is definitely better than stock, but I haven't paid attention as I'm pretty sure I'll never get rid of mine. Since you picked yours up for $65, I'm pretty sure that if you got it modded and decided to sell it, you could easily at least break even, probably even make a few bucks.

P.S. As for liking the mod, I'll say this... I'm not really even an overdrive guy and I think it's great.

5sg.