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NEEDED:Distortion like the ODB-3 but better

gastric

gastric

Professional product tester for hire
Jun 8, 2009
3,459
728
Raleigh, NC
www.cgraham.com
#1
I have a BOSS ODB-3 that I just about almost like. It's crisp and defined without becoming fuzz, plenty of low end, smooth though almost too scooped. Overall really great. Except the high end is just way, way too brittle and harsh. If I dial it down with a high cut it loses it's edge. I just cannot seem to dial it into what I want.

I've tried a real vintage Rat and a Rat2 neither of which I much cared for. The Rat with the gain dialed down lost too much intensity, gain dialed up it gets into fuzz territory IMO. I haven't tried a lot of distortion boxes other than digital multieffects most of which never sound that good as distortion boxes.

I already have the light-ish overdrive covered with an Ultimate Tube Screamer and a Way Huge Pork Loin. And I run into a MESA 400+ which has plenty of warmth and general gain by itself. I have a Chunk Systems Octavius Squeezer which can do all sorts of fuzz and gated fuzz tones.

What I need is a cutting, distinct, somewhat bright (helps with the previous descriptors), but still smooth distortion.

Will be used with a Lakland jazz, picked, into the MESA 400+ for some high BMP punk-ish rock.
 
#2
Sounds like you need a B3k - and no, not because it's "in fashion" right now.

You said a bright, cutting overdrive...with punch, right? That sounds like the B3k.

I did get decent results with my old OBD-3, though - if I had heard this clip with the ears I have now...a few years back, I probably would have kept it. I used a crappy old solid state Crate amp to record this, too:

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#3
#5
FaithNoMan said:
Sounds like you need a B3k - and no, not because it's "in fashion" right now.

You said a bright, cutting overdrive...with punch, right? That sounds like the B3k.

I did get decent results with my old OBD-3, though - if I had heard this clip with the ears I have now...a few years back, I probably would have kept it. I used a crappy old solid state Crate amp to record this, too:

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Click to expand...

this track is SICK!!!:bassist::bassist::bassist:
 
#8
Aside from the b3k, the older dod bass grunge will worth a go.
I'm told it predates the odb, but it is IMO actually better in a lot of ways.
The cm2 might work for you too, loads of eq available, but no blend.
The dod fx91 also springs to mind. Has loads of useful top end available, and a lovely sound. It's currently my always on grit, and adding the b3k for more filth when necessary :)
 
#10
FaithNoMan said:
I did get decent results with my old OBD-3, though - if I had heard this clip with the ears I have now...a few years back, I probably would have kept it. I used a crappy old solid state Crate amp to record this, too:

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Click to expand...

That's awesome sounding. When I crank the ODB-3 through my rig it's way too bright but has that same general distortion tone. I think part of my issue is that my MESA layers on more gain and dirt above and beyond.

I think I'll give it a couple more tries.

Some of the other suggestions are more overdrive. I have overdrive covered. I need searing, cutting distortion.
 
#12
gastric said:
When I crank the ODB-3 through my rig it's way too bright but has that same general distortion tone.
Click to expand...

What Mesa head are you using and with which cabs? I'm wondering if you'd like the sound of your ODB-3 more if you just attenuated some highs. If you have cabs w/ a tweeter or other hi-freq driver, does it have variable output or an attenuation pot? If so, you might want to think about ducking that down a little. I have a Mesa Walkabout combo and usually all it takes for me to dial in an OD tone that I'm happy with is just to reach around and turn down the tweeter.
 
#13
meursault42 said:
What Mesa head are you using and with which cabs? I'm wondering if you'd like the sound of your ODB-3 more if you just attenuated some highs. If you have cabs w/ a tweeter or other hi-freq driver, does it have variable output or an attenuation pot? If so, you might want to think about ducking that down a little. I have a Mesa Walkabout combo and usually all it takes for me to dial in an OD tone that I'm happy with is just to reach around and turn down the tweeter.
Click to expand...

MESA 400+ all tube head, no aggressive high end dialed in, GK 4x12 neo with the tweet fully off.

I'll try to get some recordings in the next couple weeks.
 
#14
mmbongo said:
Digitech Hardwire CM-2 Tube Overdrive

Scary good sounding pedal, especially for the price. I went through about 15 OD's before this one toasted them all.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ampl...ries-cm-2-tube-overdrive-guitar-effects-pedal

I did a quick clip of it with some others"
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f36/tc-mojomojo-overdrive-surprisingly-good-fuzz-pedal-883502/
Click to expand...

Big +1 to the CM-2. Got one recently for my Bday, and I love it! And I've tried many, many, many overdrives. :hmm:
 
#15
Aguilar Agro, Pigtronix Fat Overdrive or Hao Rust Ride.

If you like one knob wonders, the Hao would be my recommendation.
The Fat Overdrive can be very bright with the switch in the up position.
The Aguilar Agro might be the least plug and play but it is a great sounding pedal.

I own these three pedals and own two more distortion pedals. So I have a pretty wide range of tonal experience.
 
#16
gastric said:
That's awesome sounding. When I crank the ODB-3 through my rig it's way too bright but has that same general distortion tone. I think part of my issue is that my MESA layers on more gain and dirt above and beyond.

I think I'll give it a couple more tries.

Some of the other suggestions are more overdrive. I have overdrive covered. I need searing, cutting distortion.
Click to expand...

Thanks!

I still vote for the B3k for a "cutting" distortion. It seems incapable of fizz on my 4003, which has hot pickups and high resistance pots.

I record direct mostly(I have an old Mesa 400 and a GK800RB, though:confused:), so I use my Tech21 Oxford as my "amp and cab", basically making the mix sound warmer and more "tubey".
This is the B3k on "thin" setting, into my Oxford:

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It's not extremely distorted(capable of a LOT more), but may give you can indicator of its' character.
 
#17
The B3K is a great suggestion. Dr Scientist The Elements is another (cheaper, more versatile) one you can look in to.....I'm actually playing around with five of them, right now. Seeing which one I'm going to stick with and recording/reviewing them in the process. I'm using a Mesa Bass 400+....might give you an idea of how these pedals sound through your rig.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f36/msus-epic-od-battle-b3k-b-peg-elements-grombass-883770/
 

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