Overdrive Recommendations

BruceBass3901 · #1 02-24-2010, 02:02 PM

I am looking to get an overdrive, but would like something that is going to last a while on my board. Idealy, I would like to be able to dial in both a nice warm overdrive as well as something a little more 'raw' and distorted. I know that a VT Bass would achieve the warmer, tubey sounds, and I am looking into getting one soon, but I would like to be able to have something a little harsher as well.

Currently I am running a Bass Big Muff and I love it to bits, but I would like something a little less fuzz and a little more overdrive.

Currently in my rig is a Boss TU-2, a Boss CEB-3, the BBM, a Dunlop Wah and a Boss BF-2. Getting a Bassballs and a Memory Boy soon (fingers crossed).

Any suggestions? Price range is roughly $100 and I am currently into playing a little bit of everything.

Bermel · #2 02-24-2010, 03:46 PM

The VT will also give you that harsh/distorted sound, similar to Chris Squire's or alternative/grunge bands. Just crank the character above 12 o'clock, till you like it.

Also boost the lows, because it seems like the character knob drops the low end when you crank it.

For example, I use this setting with my passive jazz bass:

- Mids: 10
- Character: 4-5
- Drive: 12
- Low: 4-5
- High: 10

I know this kind of setting of the vt is not very common, but I think you could like it.

Valerus · #3 02-24-2010, 03:53 PM

Have you ever considered the Fulltone OCD, Zvex Distortron and the Way Huge Pork Loin?
I've owned all three and they can go from subtle OD to ballsy stuff. They are really diverse.
Out of the three, I love the Pork Loin the most (its the only one I still have left)

Also, check out the Catalinbread SFT. It's also on my board. It slays

crapusername · #4 02-24-2010, 05:14 PM

have you tried the digitech bad monkey or badder monkey ( a modded version which is more bass friendly)?
the perfect bass OD is like a holy grail for me - i quest but am still searching for the right one!

RickenBoogie · #5 02-24-2010, 06:31 PM

The OCD is capable of all that, and sounds good doing it. I like it more than alot of "bass specific" o/d pedals.

tomhanzo · #6 02-24-2010, 08:59 PM

The Bad Monkey is good, but warm/ tuby sounding. TS9 is great, but cuts some lows.

For harsh i would try any valve EHX pedals. I have Tube Zipper and Hot Tubes. They both are great. I had a English Muff'n and sold it cause im stupid.

fly_ricky · #7 02-24-2010, 10:37 PM

MXR M-80 may be one to look at. It's more of a thick, warm "buzzy" type of OD vs. the VT, which I also own and like alot. The blend on the m-80 is a usefull feature to me, I like being able to dial in the sweet spot where the OD is present yet the midrange still cuts (enough of the clean tone blended with the distortion). Very easy to use pedal, has a xlr out, plenty of usable feature, very durable box.

fivestringgecko · #8 02-24-2010, 10:54 PM

+1 to Valerus.

I picked up a Pork Loin recently and it's a great pedal. Nice and warm, it can go from fairly smooth to pretty grindy. The company classifies it as a "British style overdrive." It's quite dial-able too, there are the controls on the outside, but there are also three trim pots on the inside, too. It's earned a spot on my board even with my Sansamp BDDI.

Another great overdrive is a Keeley modded Sparkle Drive. The pedal is good to begin with but the mod REALLY opens it up. Easily twice the gain as the original! I've been able to pull off a very convincing Slang (Jaco) sound with it. It's not as warm as the Pork Loin, but it's a bit crunchier.

Both are great pedals, I won't be able to part with either one any time soon.

5sg.