Tronographic Rusty Box or DHA VT1-EQ Bass Drive

Lunatic_Pandora · #1 09-29-2009, 03:20 AM

I'm looking for a pre stompbox with 3 band eq. and distortion, and after a long search, I've found that the choose will be between the Rusty Box and the DHA.
Which one would you choose between them??

http://www.davehallamps.co.uk/Produc...s%20Drive.html

http://www.tronographic.com/

bigchiefbc · #2 09-29-2009, 08:49 AM

Never played the EQ version of the DHA, but I am absolutely in love with my standard VT1. It will never leave my board. No experience with the Rusty Box. But I can vouch that DHA provides the thickest, warmest OD I've ever tried.

Oh! Henry · #3 09-29-2009, 10:09 AM

+1 to all big chief said!!!

I just got the standard VT-1 and it's the OD I've been searching for. Nice fat warm natural tube like grind. It's my "leave it on all the time" pedal.

I can imagine the EQ version being that much better!

bongomania · #4 09-29-2009, 10:25 AM

FWIW the DHA excels at "vintage" tone, and the Rusty Box was designed for a more modern industrial tone.

Pitbull Growl · #5 09-29-2009, 10:33 AM

Of the 2 I'd personally go w/the DHA since Mr Hall is a member here and would be easy to get ahold of for any product support. Plus, he seems like a really nice guy and his customers rave about his products. Also, should you decide to go in a different direction later on down the line, the DHA stuff that pops up in the classifieds here usually moves fast.

speak_onion · #6 09-29-2009, 11:19 AM

Those 2 sound SOOOO different. You should listen to some clips and also re-read bongo's post. Once you hear both the choice will be obvious dependign on what kind of sound you're going for.

Re: service, Trono also has great service.

vegas532 · #7 09-29-2009, 11:23 AM

I just took the plunge on the Tronographic, has anybody else here? I saw the youtube vids and I really dig that Industrial/Noise Rock tone. What do other peole who already took the plunge think? The feedback on TB seems to be minimal on this piece.

Thanks in advance, and apologies for the slight derail.

karter2000 · #8 09-29-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegas532

I just took the plunge on the Tronographic, has anybody else here? I saw the youtube vids and I really dig that Industrial/Noise Rock tone. What do other peole who already took the plunge think? The feedback on TB seems to be minimal on this piece.

Thanks in advance, and apologies for the slight derail.

I had one briefly late last year, but had to sell it cause' I needed the money. I really wish I didn't have to, as I really liked it. Like yourself, I'm into that "tone" as well for lack of a better description. When I have the cash, I would likely get another one, as it's a great overdrive in addition to a great preamp. The builder is a good guy, and if you go to the forums on http://www.electrical.com/, you will find lots of info and even some history.

I did however, find an old Traynor 120B combo on my local craigslist. It was cheap and in good shape. Basically the same tone as the Rusty Box.

Hope that helps!

speak_onion · #9 09-29-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegas532

I just took the plunge on the Tronographic, has anybody else here? I saw the youtube vids and I really dig that Industrial/Noise Rock tone. What do other peole who already took the plunge think? The feedback on TB seems to be minimal on this piece.

Thanks in advance, and apologies for the slight derail.

I've had mine for a while and have nothing but good things to say. It does what it's supposed to do and does it just right.

Lunatic_Pandora · #10 09-29-2009, 05:00 PM

I understand that the DHA has a more warm, maybe classic sound and the Rusty box a more modern, edgy or sharp sound?

bongomania · #11 09-29-2009, 09:03 PM

That's the idea.

rosstanium · #12 09-29-2009, 09:41 PM

I have the DHA EQ...it's fantastic. And the DHA crew here in the states take fantastic care of their customers. Top notch outfit over there.

Extras are good too: The headphone amp is nifty and fun, and the DI is decent on it as well. Great little box.

Lunatic_Pandora · #13 10-02-2009, 04:40 PM

Thanks for your opinions!

More?

mikkejohansson · #14 10-03-2009, 12:17 AM

I'm completely in love with my Rusty Box. Alongside my tube head and other dist/od-pedals (Bogdan, Hjärt Müller...) it's definitely a different sound than "standard" tube-y od.

gnasher1993 · #15 10-03-2009, 03:53 AM

I'm thinking of checking out the DHA. I'm getting rid of my DI-EQ to get something with the OD circuit built in...