Turbo Rat or Sansamp GT2?

#1 06-19-2009, 08:23 AM

Turbo Rat or Sansamp GT2?

I'm in the market for a quality dirt pedal. Heard good things about both of these.

I want a nice edge of grit, not an industrial, buzz-saw, or super-fuzz distortion. I was seriously considering the GT2, but there's just too many knobs and switches for me. I'm not a tweaker. I want to find one or two settings I like, stomp, and go. Plus I really don't care for amp/cab sim. I like the sound of the GT2, but it seems like overkill - and it's expensive.

I currently use a Boss ODB3. I actually like this pedal, but I think I could do better. Wish there was a mod to get rid of the noise.

Tks.

Thanks.

dannybuoy · #2 06-19-2009, 09:13 AM

Not sure why you've just limited yourslef to those 2, but I reckon they're both good pedals. Maybe a little bit of low end loss from the Turbo RAT, not sure about the GT2.

I just got my Xotic BB Preamp which is a tubescreamer clone for bass, sounds like what you're looking for. A subtle grit to throaty roar, but not buzzsaw like the ODB3.

I got it to replace my Humphrey modded Digitech Bad Monkey, which has been my main overdrive for over a year now. I wanted something smaller, better looking, better sound quality and true bypass so got the Xotic. But they sound VERY similar, pretty hard to tell apart, so if cost is an issue check the Monkey out!

vegas532 · #3 06-19-2009, 09:22 AM

The GT-2 is a lot more versatile than the RAT. The RAT is somewhat of a one-trick pony...albeit a GREAT trick!

TimmyDX · #4 06-19-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegas532

The GT-2 is a lot more versatile than the RAT. The RAT is somewhat of a one-trick pony...albeit a GREAT trick!

have to agree there, i actually kind of regret selling mind and REALLY wish i could get ahold of an FKR

bigchiefbc · #5 06-19-2009, 10:15 AM

I can only go by clips I've heard, but I think the GT-2 loses more low-end than the Turbo Rat. As long as you keep the filter knob up past noon, the Turbo can keep a decent low-end. And yes, I would say all of the Rats are 1-trick-ponies, and it is a fantastic trick.

vegas532 · #6 06-19-2009, 10:48 AM

With the GT-2, low end loss depends on how you set it. Believe me, you can get some beefy low end out of it. The settings I use on the GT-2 are like a RAT on steroids.

gillento · #7 06-19-2009, 10:55 AM

+ 1 on the GT2 and the Xotic BB preamp.

I have both. They are on different boards though but are used to the same effect:

karter2000 · #8 06-20-2009, 12:10 AM

I just finished a GGG DIY "Rodent" rat kit, and to my ears, it seems to have a great low end. I'm not sure if it's the quality components or the layout...but it seems to have a fairly flat frequency range. Mine has been modded with the "Ruetz" rat mod, which replaces one of the resistors with a 500 ohm trimpot.

Lyle

G0rilla · #9 06-20-2009, 03:53 AM

Personaly i chose Turbo Rat, but only because i run 2 signals - chorus (always on) with Rat for growl and grit, and blend it with mid boosted signal.
But in your place i would choose Tech 21 XXL bassdrive. It is as simple and cheap as rat, dont have any low loss, and also sounds as great as GT-2 can.

#10 06-21-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G0rilla

Personaly i chose Turbo Rat, but only because i run 2 signals - chorus (always on) with Rat for growl and grit, and blend it with mid boosted signal.
But in your place i would choose Tech 21 XXL bassdrive. It is as simple and cheap as rat, dont have any low loss, and also sounds as great as GT-2 can.

I actually have the Tech21 XXL and although the distortion is great, I find it really noisy compared to other pedals. Also, it doesn't seem to be capable of just a slight edge of grit. It's either full on distortion or no distortion at all. I've tried every Tech21 product except for the GT2, in fact, and I'm just not impressed.

Really, I guess what I'm saying is that I'd love a pedal that gives me just a slight edge of grit. I can compensate for loss of bottom by switching to the graphic EQ section of my amp.

dannybuoy · #11 06-21-2009, 09:33 AM

The Way Huge Pork Loin and Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive both let you blend in your clean signal so you can end up with just a hint of grit behind your clean tone.

Also, without a blend but will still do what you want: VT Bass, Xotic BB, Barber LTD SR, DHA VT1

JohnDavisNYC · #12 06-21-2009, 09:37 AM

i really like the GT2... i have been experimenting with it in a post fx/parallel situation, and it is awesome... i use stuff weird, so it might not be everyone's cup of tea if you are looking for classic bass drive, but there are a TON of sounds in that thing.

john

jufros · #13 06-21-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybuoy

The Way Huge Pork Loin and Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive both let you blend in your clean signal so you can end up with just a hint of grit behind your clean tone.

Also, without a blend but will still do what you want: VT Bass, Xotic BB, Barber LTD SR, DHA VT1

+1 For Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive. It's been my main OD since the day I got it and I haven't really wanted to try anything else out that badly.

Nikoubis · #14 06-21-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillento

How do you like/use the Paradriver-Bass BB Combo? I have a Paradriver as well (currently using settings almost identical to yours in this pic) and have been wondering if I could use it along with the Xotic or go with the BB into a JDI.

Cool Mini BTW.

dannybuoy · #15 06-21-2009, 10:52 AM

BB into a VT Bass is awesome if that's anything to go by. Much better OD tone than either pedal by itself!

#16 06-21-2009, 10:53 AM

I'll have to check out the Sparkle Drive as well. Heard a lot of good things about it.

#17 06-21-2009, 11:02 AM

BTW - thanks for the input everyone!

G0rilla · #18 06-21-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhan

I actually have the Tech21 XXL and although the distortion is great, I find it really noisy compared to other pedals. Also, it doesn't seem to be capable of just a slight edge of grit. It's either full on distortion or no distortion at all. I've tried every Tech21 product except for the GT2, in fact, and I'm just not impressed.

Really, I guess what I'm saying is that I'd love a pedal that gives me just a slight edge of grit. I can compensate for loss of bottom by switching to the graphic EQ section of my amp.

Then go RAT, you wont miss with that.