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ProCo Rat 2

#5
after listening to rratajski's modded version, I got really intrigued to try one out. I knew they sucked your low end out but I wanted a really nasty, over-the-top distortion. I tried it out through a Stingray with HH pickups into an Ampeg 115 (same as sig). I was thoroughly depressed right off the bat all the way to ten minutes later. I had listened to a few clips online and nothing seemed to sound like this - it was really nasty, but had a lot of synthyness to it, something I really hate. I dont know, I just got a feeling it was broken...... either way, I was not a fan until..
 
#8
vegas532 said:
Just got back my Rat Re-issue after being modified by Dr. Ratajski and she's a killer. Nasty, mean, and brutal...I like my pedals like I like my women! :D
Click to expand...

I was wondering what you thought of it! Details! Do you notice a difference?

Notes: I added some different diodes, including a germ and an LED (which shows through a drilled hole in the enclosure -- it lights up when a note is played) and a LM308 can to replace the noname IC that was in there.

OP - check my sig.

I would suggest either a real vintage RAT or a vintage RAT reissue over a RAT II.

If you want nasty with no low end, then go for the RAT II...
 
#10
I noticed right off the bat that the low end is increased and it seems to have more volume than it did before. I like the fact that the LED lights up when a note is played...it's like having a Rat with a heart beat or something. I've personally always dug the "rat sound" on a bass ever since I saw The Jesus Lizard open up for Helmet on their "Meantime" tour.

Oops...I think I may have just dated myself. :ninja:
 
#12
No, he used a Rat2 for his distorted tones. It was Memphis Jazz bass->Rat2->GK800rb->3 Dietz 1x15 cabs for live shows.


Sims is still one of my favorite bassists ever. In fact, the main reason I got into Young Widows is that they remind me of The Jesus Lizard at the height of their powers...with better vocals, of course.

Even though David Yow's vocals are part of the charm. :D
 
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#14
Hey hey,
Have a pair of RAT2's - distortion go to fo sure. One vintage without the LED and one with circa '93. Without mods they will loose plenty low end. Swap the caps and the low end is back. Swap caps on the clipping circuit to adjust freq to distort. If you like the turbo - just thow in a switch to a pair of led's in parallel w/diodes and they will clip before the diodes, swith it off an you have back the original.
Love it,
David
 
#15
I had a stock Rat II from the 80's but it got stolen. I got a Keeley Rat II with his two extra mods and it was even better. The mods work pretty well for bass IMHO, whereas the regular sound has to be blended with a clean sound if you want any low end. It has a nastiness that I really like on bass, but I'd probably look for something more optimized for bass because I'm too lazy these days to run a split signal.
 
#18
Mark Olson said:
Just so everyone knows, Vintage Rat totally =/= Rat 2. The vintage Rats are way better, I think.
Click to expand...

Big +1. Keeley is no longer selling the modified Rat. From his site.

Description
IMPORTANT NOTICE:

We’re sorry, but we are not offering new Rat pedals at this time. We’ve had some issues with the quality of the new units from Proco, and they require more work and parts than would allow us to offer them at a reasonable price (we have to replace and re-wire the footswitch and replace some potentiometers in addition to our regular mod). We’re working with Proco to correct these problems

and

ATTENTION OLD RAT FANS!!!! Hey, they don't make them like they use to. Heck, they don't make like they did last year, so if you are hoping our Rat mods will make your pedal sound like the one you remember 10, 15 years ago.... might not be the thing to hope for! These pedals have changed so much over time, and only the Name Badge is the same. They act very differently. So, if you had favorite settings, etc., buy an old one and check it out. Some folks say ours nail it perfectly, others hear some nuances in the old one they are just addicted to.

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