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Having hard time choosing my first distortion pedal

#21
Ok. So I'm going to tell you something you may not like. I wouldn't start with either of those. I would start with a multi-fx and a Boss LS-2. The multi-fx will give you many many sounds to mess around with to figure out what you really like and the LS-2 honestly can make any pedal sound good because you will be able to blend in as much clean and affected signal as you want. Zoom's B3N and MS-60B are great multi-fx. I believe doing this can save you time and money because it'll get you to really figure out what you really want and what sounds you're cool with just using a multi with. I no longer have a multi-fx only because I've moved on. However, somedays I miss it.

So, all that said, I'm a big fan of Darkglass. They truly make incredible pedals.

I would also consider a fuzz and if I had to pick between getting a distortion or fuzz first I would go fuzz first but that's a matter of taste. Many fuzzes are decent and you can read lots of reviews and opinions on here. After owning about a half dozen, I've landed on the Way Huge Russian Pickle. It's more than their Swollen Pickle but seriously worth the cost. It's my favorite fuzz ever.
 
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#22
KansasCityBassDude said:
Ok. So I'm going to tell you something you may not like. I wouldn't start with either of those. I would start with a multi-fx and a Boss LS-2. The multi-fx will give you many many sounds to mess around with to figure out what you really like and the LS-2 honestly can make any pedal sound good because you will be able to blend in as much clean and affected signal as you want. Zoom's B3N and MS-60B are great multi-fx. I believe doing this can save you time and money because it'll get you to really figure out what you really want and what sounds you're cool with just using a multi with. I no longer have a multi-fx only because I've moved on. However, somedays I miss it.

So, all that said, I'm a big fan of Darkglass. They truly make incredible pedals.

I would also consider a fuzz and if I had to pick between getting a distortion or fuzz first I would go fuzz first but that's a matter of taste. Many fuzzes are decent and you can read lots of reviews and opinions on here. After owning about a half dozen, I've landed on the Way Huge Russian Pickle. It's more than their Swollen Pickle but seriously worth the cost. It's my favorite fuzz ever.
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You may have a point there. I've approximated the AO and other drives using guitar distortion models on the Helix. Digital modeling is improved enough now that using a small multifx like a Zoom B3n and/or the Aftershock with multiple drive options to test may help the OP find what type of distortion(s) are preferable, get an ear for it, learn what works, then start looking in that direction
 
#23
I'm a big fan of both brands. However, somehow, whatever I do, my Darkglass B7K and alpha omega just end up working out better during rehearsals and live for me. I don't know why, but somehow the darkglass pedals seemed to fit my band's mix better, the aftershock kept getting lost and requiring a lot of tweaks. But maybe someone with a much better understanding of sound, or with a less thick band mix (I'm working with heavily distorted guitars and huge synth) would do better with the aftershock.

Think it really depends on your specific purposes though. If you don't need the metal grind, I'd still suggest going for the aftershock if you like it.

Also agree with those guys suggesting a multi. It can be cheaper and you'll get to try a lot of different things to find what works for you. I personally am a fan of the zoom ms60b.
 
#25
KansasCityBassDude said:
Ok. So I'm going to tell you something you may not like. I wouldn't start with either of those. I would start with a multi-fx and a Boss LS-2. The multi-fx will give you many many sounds to mess around with to figure out what you really like and the LS-2 honestly can make any pedal sound good because you will be able to blend in as much clean and affected signal as you want. Zoom's B3N and MS-60B are great multi-fx. I believe doing this can save you time and money because it'll get you to really figure out what you really want and what sounds you're cool with just using a multi with. I no longer have a multi-fx only because I've moved on. However, somedays I miss it.

So, all that said, I'm a big fan of Darkglass. They truly make incredible pedals.

I would also consider a fuzz and if I had to pick between getting a distortion or fuzz first I would go fuzz first but that's a matter of taste. Many fuzzes are decent and you can read lots of reviews and opinions on here. After owning about a half dozen, I've landed on the Way Huge Russian Pickle. It's more than their Swollen Pickle but seriously worth the cost. It's my favorite fuzz ever.
Click to expand...

That sounds like the most sensible approach. That's what I initially thought of, except with the cheapest possible multi-fx. I'll look into B3N and MS-60B, thanks for the hint.
 
#26
+1 B3N or MS 60B

I started with a multi effects unit. Then when I understood what was going on and what sounds I liked, I went for individual pedals. Out of the 15 or so pedals I have, theres only been one I have sold. Those multi effects units have a wide selection of distortion effects. The LS 2 is a very good utility pedal too. Good advice by @KansasCityBassDude
 
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#29
jbybj said:
By the time you get to your 15th dirt pedal it will be much easier to choose.
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Totally agree...

Honestly, it all depends on what type of sound do you use and what you're going after.

I'm not a big fan of the Darkglass tone. I feel like the distortion is overcompressed and processed. I like a more grainy and raw drive.
But those are my personal preferences. Some guys that I know get a great tone of those pedals.

Drive is very connected with your personal taste and the way that it interacts with the band that your playing and the kind of music.

I vote Aftershock just because it's a tool that will alllow you to try diferent types of drive and find what suits best you personal taste.

And if you find out that the type of distortion that you're looking for is a DK, then go for it.
 
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