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Good Overdrive Pedal

J

Jayice

Sep 22, 2010
29
4
#1
Hey was wondering a good Overdrive pedal at a decent price that will work for my new SX bass that is on the way.

Would also like to use it for my guitar

Looking for one that just adds some crunch and fuzz to the sound.

Something like Tim Commerford of RATM for example
 
#4
If you're looking for RATM style tones, why not look at the Catalinbread SFT or Tech21 VT Bass pedals, both of which are modeled to do the Ampeg thing. You could also look into using a Marshall Guv'nor in a blend loop for distortion-y goodness without the loss of low-end.
 
#6
I own the Tech21 XXL, the Aguilar Agro, the Tech21 Bass VT, a Xotic BB preamp, the EHX Bass Big Muff and borrowed a Proco RAT from my guitarist.

I would recommend using a clean blend with the RAT and the XXL since they will lose some low end. In some situations (boomy room, etc) though, that low end loss can do wonders to clear things up and make the bass sit in the mix very well.

That said, you can get a GREAT sound with all of them. Different sounds, but all very usable. Some are very easy to dial in (Agro), some take a little more patience (XXL).

If possible you should use the 30-day-return policy of some online shop and check out different pedals until you find one that matches your "idea" of crunch/fuzz/etc.

EDIT: I also own the Boss ODB-3. It has it's uses for certain things/styles, but it sounds very artificial to my ears.
 
#7
Hey Jayice,

What bass did you end up with? I can't say anything about guitar compatibility but if I was going to buy a pedal to get some grind and I had the money for it, I would go Aguilar Agro. Here is a video link
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

They run about $200 though.

Some people on a budget swear by the Behringer BDI21. Just be carfeul with it. Buy it from somewhere that you could return it if it breaks.

Also, the electronics in the SX are good enough for now. get some good tone going first and then try to find an experienced bass tech in your area. They could get all the pots and wiring right for you. Especially if you don't have experience with electronics. However, SX basses are usable as is. Replace the strings andget it groovin'.
 
#8
JoeVictim said:
Hey Jayice,

What bass did you end up with? I can't say anything about guitar compatibility but if I was going to buy a pedal to get some grind and I had the money for it, I would go Aguilar Agro. Here is a video link
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

They run about $200 though.

Some people on a budget swear by the Behringer BDI21. Just be carfeul with it. Buy it from somewhere that you could return it if it breaks.

Also, the electronics in the SX are good enough for now. get some good tone going first and then try to find an experienced bass tech in your area. They could get all the pots and wiring right for you. Especially if you don't have experience with electronics. However, SX basses are usable as is. Replace the strings andget it groovin'.
Click to expand...

Judging from the sound samples of the agular agro distortion pedal, it's possible to get that rage against the machine sound with that pedal. the pedal sounded pretty cool. too bad it's a little expensive.
 
#9
Hi Jayice,

another good pedal to try (and not at all expensive) is the Boss ODB-3. It has
level and gain controls as well as high and low frquency filters (very useful!).

This means you can add or subtract highs/lows, as well as tinker with your gain and overall output - PLUS! it can be used as a clean high/low eq pedal if you don't need the overdrive at times - haha.

Hope this helps!
JOHN
 
#10
jg919 said:
Hi Jayice,

another good pedal to try (and not at all expensive) is the Boss ODB-3. It has
level and gain controls as well as high and low frquency filters (very useful!).

This means you can add or subtract highs/lows, as well as tinker with your gain and overall output - PLUS! it can be used as a clean high/low eq pedal if you don't need the overdrive at times - haha.

Hope this helps!
JOHN
Click to expand...

ODB!

odb.jpg


I never get tired of posting this when people say ODB.
 
#16
JoeVictim said:
Hey Jayice,

What bass did you end up with? I can't say anything about guitar compatibility but if I was going to buy a pedal to get some grind and I had the money for it, I would go Aguilar Agro. Here is a video link
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

They run about $200 though.

Some people on a budget swear by the Behringer BDI21. Just be carfeul with it. Buy it from somewhere that you could return it if it breaks.

Also, the electronics in the SX are good enough for now. get some good tone going first and then try to find an experienced bass tech in your area. They could get all the pots and wiring right for you. Especially if you don't have experience with electronics. However, SX basses are usable as is. Replace the strings andget it groovin'.
Click to expand...

I've noticed that some people said good thing about the behringer bass bdi21. even though it's cased in plastic. I've heard how that tube-emulation pedal sounds and it's not too shabby. personally, I've always liked how the hartke vxl bass attack preamp pedal sounds. not only doe it provide tube-emulation sounds, it also has a great eq boost(of course I am talking about the shape control button). also it's cased in metal. so it's gig-worthy. I honestly would recommend this preamp pedal to anyone looking for a decent preamp pedal.
 
#19
The bass drive and OCD are both TS clones, so they have a very mid forward sound. I'm really digging the WH Pork Loin. The OD on it is very warm and it sounds like your bass or guitar with some dirt on it. I use mine on a low setting as a preamp into a DI for running direct into a PA. The blend on it is also a great feature it blends the clean very well and doesn't just sound like buzzing on top of a clean signal.
 

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