Since you want something with a little extra top end zing, an EHX Hot Wax would probably suit you nicely and give you a bit of extra versatility in the bargain.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Looking for my first OD pedal
- Thread starter AppalachianBen
- Start date
I’ve used them all, save for the Terraformer, but I’ve heard enough clips and testimonials, not to mention had enough other Broughton drive pedals, to know it’s the bomb (and only a matter of time before I get one).
I have the EHX Hot Wax and agree it could be a good option. I like mine. The EHX Nano Battalion might also be one to check out.
I second the Grizzly. As subtle as you like all the way to full distortion.
What I use is so far off the grid it’s not even worth mentioning ... why not a Sansamp since it seems every one here runs direct anyway.
Aftershock Bass Distortion
+100 for the SA Aftershock it has ended my search. After owning all the classics, being involved with some boutique builds and going through about 50 bass distortion pedals this ended my search. It comes with three great stock sounds, can hold six with presets (more with a hub) and is easy to edit using computer or phone with the Neuro App. All the major distortion engines are there with lots of parameters to personalize and it is stereo or a dual engine!
+100 for the SA Aftershock it has ended my search. After owning all the classics, being involved with some boutique builds and going through about 50 bass distortion pedals this ended my search. It comes with three great stock sounds, can hold six with presets (more with a hub) and is easy to edit using computer or phone with the Neuro App. All the major distortion engines are there with lots of parameters to personalize and it is stereo or a dual engine!
No mention of the Pork Loin yet? I guess I'll be the first to recommend it, then...Can do subtle to nasty, and most importantly it sounds great in a band context. Killed my GAS for other OD/dist/fuzz boxes.
I have been using a Bearfoot Blueberry for about 8 years. I keep trying other distortion pedals just out of curiosity but I keep coming back to the Blueberry. The added bonus is it is my favorite distortion pedal for guitar too. Everybody has a certain sound in their head. I don't know if this pedal will work for you but it keeps working for me.
If OP is OK with a wall wart power supply (i.e. not needing 9v for a pedal board), then there are deals on the Creation Audio Holy Fire Classic OD: Invalid Link Removed or you can find many used. This is similar to the Grizzly with one less tone knob. The clean gain 'G' is utterly clean and quiet so it serves as clean boost and as blend with overdrive 'O' and distortion 'D'. The newer Holy Fire 9 is 9v friendly but costs $195 and I don't see any used. These have limited EQ (hi cut only) compared to the Terraformer but lots of bang for the buck if you're OK with the wart. I use a separate EQ with the Grizzly; chained either before or after.
I use an AmpTweaker Bass Tight Drive with the added bass mod (Just a clean blend I think). I always have it on for a bit of dirt but it's capable of some heavy lifting too. I tried a few others (some listed here) but hated the loss of bottom end I got from most of them. I use a Malekko B:assmaster with it occasionally to drive the rest of the band nuts....
I think this makes an excellent first OD pedal choice. You might find what you need in this little treasure chest of a pedal, or it will help you identify what you're searching for. Either way, seems win win to me.
Ditto this. I have almost exclusively boutique dirt, but this box is the single dirt pedal I would keep if I could only keep one. It just simply works in the band context and is incredibly flexible when you get the internal trims set.
For reference, I also use flats and love this box. I modded it for better treble response, but it’s great stock as well.
If you can find a used Darkglass Alpha-Omicron in your price range, you can get some wonderful low gain grit out of it. Don't be fooled by the demos that crank it up to 11. Same for the Damnation Audio MBD-1, but not sure you can find one close to $150. Lastly, the Crazy Tube Circuits Planet B is wonderful. I bet you can find a used one in your price range, especially since they have the Plus version now, which to wouldn't need with what you said about
your needs.
The Nobels ODR-1 is great for the kind of dirt you want.
The Visual Sound “Open Road” is based on the ODR-1 and might be built a little more sturdily.
Either can be found used for well under $100...
I went on a similar tone quest 3-4 years ago; this thread chronicles what I tried and what I thought
of them:
Looking for a dynamic, uncompressed, mild overdrive...
The Visual Sound “Open Road” is based on the ODR-1 and might be built a little more sturdily.
Either can be found used for well under $100...
I went on a similar tone quest 3-4 years ago; this thread chronicles what I tried and what I thought
of them:
Looking for a dynamic, uncompressed, mild overdrive...
SA Aftershock is excellent, but IMO you do have to be willing to faff around programming the thing to make it worth your while. I couldn't make myself get into that. It's a good sounding pedal though. Mad Professor Blueberry is also a great sounding pedal, but I don't see it giving you the extra bit of high frequencies you're looking for. It's a decidedly low middy pedal. Bass Soul Food is very good, in a somewhat similar territory to the Blueberry but not as focused on the low mids.
I still think given what you described that the Hot Wax is a better choice, unless you think playing around with the Aftershock's deep feature set sounds good in which case maybe give that a try.
