help please-Overdrive or Distortion Pedal with a tube amp

[Risen Ashes]

Firstly, I apologize if this has been asked before I went through thread after thread before posting, but I just could not find a thread answering my question.

Ok here's the situation, My Ampeg SVT II does not have a drive knob and I would really like to get some grit out of my tone. I know I can 'drive' the amp by pumping up the volume-but my amp gets LOUD...and I'd like to have a pedal.

-think Rex Brown of Pantera and Mike Inez from Alice in Chains...

I have been looking at the
MXR M80, Sansamp BDDI, MXR Blowtorch, Ibanez Tube Screamer, Ibanez Turbo Tube Screamer(are the Ibanez pedals exclusive for guitar?), RAT Juggernaut and others that don't come to mind now but I'm confused and just overwhelmed...
my two main concerns are:
1- losing my low end
2- getting that fuzz sound (no fuzz)
I want a gritty sound

Thanks!

[dannybuoy]

Actually, the Big Muff will get you fuzz while the English Muff'n may be exactly what you're looking for - it can do mild gritty overdrive very well. Your gonna get a ton of responses here, but check out said English Muff'n, EBS Multidrive/Valvedrive, DHA VT1, Cream Pie, Barber LTD SR, Digitech Bad Monkey (Humphrey modded version), Fulltone Bass Drive, Polish Love Pedal, Tech21 VT Bass... Search around (use the built in Google search) and you'll find clips of these pedals and more.

[derelicte]

fulltone bassdrive?

[fretlessman71]

If you like the drive tone from your amp, you can get a Marshall Power Soak (or whatever they're really called) and run it inline; this will let you drive the amp and keep the volume down.

Otherwise, it's going to be hunt and peck. Even the crappy ones have a tone to them; one may fit your needs. I had a lot of fun with a student's "Bad Monkey" pedal a few months ago. Ya just never know. Load up the elephants! The hunt commences!

[bassteban]

I really like my Danelectro Daddy-O, but the plastic jacks wore out. I ran it into a D-180.

[Risen Ashes]

This feedback is great so far guys thanks! I hadn't heard or read about some of the pedals mentions so far! keep it coming!

[RickenBoogie]

My #1 choice for gritty overdrive, the EBS Valve Drive. Since I've had it, I quit looking and trying others, and it was about the 10th overdrive I bought.

[Risen Ashes]

Originally Posted by dannybuoy

Actually, the Big Muff will get you fuzz while the English Muff'n may be exactly what you're looking for - it can do mild gritty overdrive very well. Your gonna get a ton of responses here, but check out said English Muff'n, EBS Multidrive/Valvedrive, DHA VT1, Cream Pie, Barber LTD SR, Digitech Bad Monkey (Humphrey modded version), Fulltone Bass Drive, Polish Love Pedal, Tech21 VT Bass... Search around (use the built in Google search) and you'll find clips of these pedals and more.

I checked out the different pedals you mentioned, especially the Barber LTD SR. I hadn't even heard of this company so I looked them up and called them up today. I must say that the service was outstanding. I believe I ended up tyalking to Mr. Barber himself-the guy said that the only pedal that he had for bass was a bass EQ pedal. He said he the comapany used to make a pedal call the deep fryer (or something very close to that name) but they pulled out of production 5 years ago. He said they meant to redesign it but they got caught up with other projects.

He also said they will be coming out with a new Bass Overdrive pedal in late 2008, probably in the fall. Anyway I just wanted to say that because they seem like a company that's more interested in the muscian and his/her needs than some other companies.

I'm doing research on the other pedals. The EBS Valve Drive and the Ashdown have great reviews but hurt the bank, I'm going to keep looking but in this department I may need to dish out the cash for the tone I want.


Thanks again for the feedback guys

[mattq]

this is a different type of answer, but you might think about it. if you want the gritty tone of your amp and you want it all the time, why not a thd hotplate? it would have to be a "dirt tone all the time" kind of scenario though. just a thought

[brucebruce]

I like the Sansamp Tech21 Bass Edition XXL... some say it is not the most flexible overdrive/distortion but I think it sounds great, definitely gets that gritty/crunchy sound...

[DaveF]

You could hit the front end with a strong signal using a EHX Line Booster (LB-2). They cost $50 and are amazing. That way you'd get all-tube drive straight from your amp.

[rodl2005]

Originally Posted by DaveF

You could hit the front end with a strong signal using a EHX Line Booster (LB-2). They cost $50 and are amazing. That way you'd get all-tube drive straight from your amp.

Forgive me- I'm a relative noob when it comes to FX. been playing for 30 yrs+ BUT.................

Don't these things-(LB-2) actually boost the actual volume as well? Or do they just feed some grunt to the amp without actually increasing ur volume.
I've an SVT2 also...... would LOVE to be able to access the overdrive outta it but as OP the vol has to be at least 1/2 b$ any OD starts ...& Thats LOUD!

[Mytola]

I'd like to reccomend the EBS MultiDrive. Soundclips can be heard here.

No low-end loss whatsoever, and a really badass tone!

[TaySte_2000]

I use a Mojo Hand Cream Pie into my Mesa 400+ and it is just stunning, I think with tube amps the trick is to boost instead of add gain and things get the natural sound sound out of it.

The Barber LTD SR is also very good, you might want to check out the Xotic BB Bass Preamp.

But to me the Cream Pie rules them all.

[roflol]

Originally Posted by TaySte_2000

I use a Mojo Hand Cream Pie into my Mesa 400+ and it is just stunning, I think with tube amps the trick is to boost instead of add gain and things get the natural sound sound out of it.

The Barber LTD SR is also very good, you might want to check out the Xotic BB Bass Preamp.

But to me the Cream Pie rules them all.

+1

[Risen Ashes]

Originally Posted by brucebruce

I like the Sansamp Tech21 Bass Edition XXL... some say it is not the most flexible overdrive/distortion but I think it sounds great, definitely gets that gritty/crunchy sound...

From all the one's you guys have introduced me to this Tech 21 XXL one of my top options to try out...not too steep in price with some pretty decent reviews...

mattq-Thanks for the info on the Hot Plate it sounds interesting-I'd definately have try something like this out at a store...does it function as a power conditioner as well? If it does that would be very convenient!


TaySte_2000- I looked up the Cream Pie but it's seems to e difficult to find in the U.S. and on Mojo Hands website they don't mention it so it may be discontinued.

You guys have been great! thanks and keep it up!

[Risen Ashes]

Originally Posted by TaySte_2000

I use a Mojo Hand Cream Pie into my Mesa 400+ and it is just stunning, I think with tube amps the trick is to boost instead of add gain and things get the natural sound sound out of it.

The Barber LTD SR is also very good, you might want to check out the Xotic BB Bass Preamp.

But to me the Cream Pie rules them all.

Your amp is fairly similar to mine...it'd be cool to try that pedal out

[rodl2005]

Originally Posted by rodl2005

Forgive me- I'm a relative noob when it comes to FX. been playing for 30 yrs+ BUT.................

Don't these things-(LB-2) actually boost the actual volume as well? Or do they just feed some grunt to the amp without actually increasing ur volume.
I've an SVT2 also...... would LOVE to be able to access the overdrive outta it but as OP the vol has to be at least 1/2 b$ any OD starts ...& Thats LOUD!

BUMP...... . I'm REALLY interested in this- can anyone tell me?? If U use a Line Booster(like a LB-2) doesn't it actually push UP the volume of yr amp OR does it give U the Overdrive at a LOW/lower volume?????????????????????

[rodl2005]

BDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBDBD (bump w/ Overdrive!-)

[Risen Ashes]

bump for rodl2025