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The many colors of distortion...

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by sloppysubs, Nov 4, 2005.

  1. Nov 4, 2005 #1
    sloppysubs

    sloppysubs

    Nov 24, 2002
    Tarboro, NC
    Ok, so I have my fuzz (PE Depth Charge) and I love it. I do, however, plan on trying out a few of the Frantones (The Sweet, Peach Fuzz and Lo-Tone) when I get a chance. Also an EHX Big Muff just because.

    On to the point, I have my fuzz. But I've been searching for the OD and distortion I want.

    I've had my eye on a Budda PhatBass for sometime. I really looking at getting it. I also thought abotu a Mesa V-twin, but there is just so much crap on it. The OD tone I am looking for is similar to Ben Shepherd's (Soundgarden) or Chris Chaney's on the last Jane's Addicition record. Any suggestions or comments on the two I have mentioned?


    For distortion I've been looking at a Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal distortion. I loved my old Rat, but it would fuzz out and well, I already have a fuzz. So I am looking for a distortion that does distrotion and won't fuzz out. Also have my eye on a SansAmp GT-2. But when I owned one ages ago I couldn't seem to get any distortion out of it unless I had it in the Mesa Setting (California?). Similar tones are like that of Billy Gould's or Justin Meldal-Johnson's. Again, any suggestions or comments on the one I mentioned.

    If you all need any other info., let me know (gear, bass, etc...). Thanks!


    edit: GT-2 thing.
     
  2. Nov 5, 2005 #2
    sloppysubs

    sloppysubs

    Nov 24, 2002
    Tarboro, NC
    Bump, for the cause. Help someone!
     
  3. Nov 5, 2005 #3
    screamingdaisy

    screamingdaisy

    May 29, 2005
    South of Heaven
    Dude....keep your shirt on.....it's Saturday morning in North American and 3/4 us are probably still in bed.

    I know you said you're not after fuzz, but I use a vintage Big Muff, 80s Rat2, Effector 13 Sacred Fuzz, and a Fender Blender.

    For overdrive, nothing beats a fully tube amp. All overdrives are basically either signal boosters, or mild distortion boxes....but all have the same objective of pushing a tube amp for more gain. I've never found a pedal that convincingly simulated real power tube overdrive.

    For distortion, there's so many different flavors of distortion on the market that you'll have to play around to find what you like.

    For my distortion I either use the Rat, or I plug into my Dual Rectifier. I had a EHX Double Muff distortion, which I also though was good, and it kept more bottom end that many of the dirt boxes I was trying at the time. Come to think of it, it might be capale of the sawtooth sound you're after.

    Alot of people who like the Rat also like the Crowther Hot Cake. It has a similar sorta sound, the tone section is better EQ'd from what I'm told.
     
  4. Nov 5, 2005 #4
    David Wilson

    David Wilson Supporting Member

    Oct 14, 2002
    Lower Westchester, NY
    +1

    I believe Chris Chaney used a Fulltone bassdrive on the last Janes record.

    The Tech21 XXL is an excellent distortion pedal for bass, it's not mild though. You don't say what type of distortion you're after
     
  5. Nov 5, 2005 #5
    sloppysubs

    sloppysubs

    Nov 24, 2002
    Tarboro, NC
    A little upper mild to saw-tooth distortion. That's about what I am looking for.

    My shirt is on. Thanks for the advice gents, I'll be hitting the guitar stores soon.
     
  6. Nov 6, 2005 #6
    Josh Ryan

    Josh Ryan - that dog won't hunt, Monsignor. Supporting Member

    Mar 24, 2001
    I get good distortion out of the sans amp TRI-AC.
     
  7. Nov 6, 2005 #7
    bass-shy

    bass-shy

    Jan 11, 2005
    Around
    Tech 21 XXL works for me.
     
  8. Nov 7, 2005 #8
    sloppysubs

    sloppysubs

    Nov 24, 2002
    Tarboro, NC
    Bass version or guitar version?
     
  9. Nov 7, 2005 #9
    bass-shy

    bass-shy

    Jan 11, 2005
    Around
    I use the older, silver, does-it-all version. The newer bass edition might be better, I haven't been able to try one out. The silver one does the job for me, though. I also run it into my SABDDI.......this makes a HUGE difference. Good luck.