So, what high gain pedals are the real deal?

[GtarLover]

There’s really a variety of decent pedals to choose from these days.

+1 on the VH4, first time I plugged it in...wow, sounds like Diezel.

I really like the Friedman pedals. I’ll just say they ALL have their uses and strengths. Not all are “HIGH GAIN” options. Yet the trim pots in BE-OD and DS are a very nice feature/option.
I saw a video where the DS with the trim pot turned all the way up, gets the amount of gain of the factory setting of the BE-OD (which is internal pot at 12noon). That’s WAY more gain than I need, yet really wanna try the DS tone controls, so I have one on the way.

+1 Suhr Riot, another nice flavor
+1 Boss DS1X

Would really like to try the Wampler Pinnacle, as Andy mentioned.

Have fun trying them ALL

 

[Play Guitar]

i like that Wampler pinnacle a ton.

Because of you saying so much good stuff about the Pinnacle Deluxe V2 and using it in your new video I actually got me one. And what can I say? Totally dig it.
While I had the old Pinnacle Deluxe in the past but didn´t really bond with it this one is a totally different animal.
Sag-switch, TMB controls and having an actual tubesceamer circuit as footswitchable boost are really floating my boat.
We´ll see how it fares after the honeymoon phase is over but currently I´m floored. I can even cop some of my favourite BE-OD sounds, but with even more tightness via the TS-boost and (dare I say it) more mids should I need them, as well as a much lower noise floor.
Plus the unit seems to get along with every amp, no matter how dull or bright via the vintage/modern switch and the ridiculous range of the tone controls.
Add to this the generous amount available gain, the nicely compressed feeling that makes playing really easy while still retaining an very healthy attack on the notes and allowing expressive playing by letting dynamics and volume knob manipulations come through and it looks like a winner to me.

 

[glassjaw7]

Bogner Red is still working for me. It's very much in the amp realm when it comes to feel and tone. The only thing is that the high end can be a bit tricky to dial in so that it cuts without being too harsh but luckily it's very doable with all of the eq and presence switches.

I still prefer the Red into my Mark IV's RHY 1/2 channels to the Mark's lead channel itself for almost any rock/metal tone unless I need precision thrash type tones (which isn't often these days). I think that says a lot about the pedal! The new mini versions of the blue and red announced at NAMM look cool. Wonder if they have some new tricks up their sleeves?

 

[Spaceboy]

I was holding out for NAMM to wrap up before placing any orders and it looks like Friedman made a dual-side BE-OD with a lower gain side, internal trimpots, and both sides now have a mids knob. That might be EXACTLY what I need. I've not really been into the VH4 Pedal demos despite all the suggestions here. It doesn't sound bad, but something about Diezel in general has never struck me as my thing. the suer Riot apparently has a tiny version released at NAMM too, maybe that'll make used prices take a hit. I'll probably choose 3-4 over the next month and see which sticks around.

 

[nevusofota]

I've had a couple Menatone pedals before, and always regretted selling my Red Snapper. Does The King get into that hotrodded JCM800 territory? I never fully checked it out, assumed it was more vintage-flavored.

I've been checking out demos of the Amptweaker pedals. They all seem to have this certain buzz to them. The BigRock Pro looks incredible, but still has that character in everything I've heard. It certainly seems amp-like and with a 3-band EQ could probably do well with any clean channel. The BE-OD seems cool, but needs more mids, and has less tweakability than the Amptweaker.

What your getting with the BE-OD is one of the best (if not THE best) amp-like modded Marshall high gain tone and feel in pedal form. I've owned and played many but the BE-OD has stuck. I'm not understanding why you need a mid control, just crank the amp's mid knob . The newly released BE-OD sounds like it may fit your bill but probably at a substantial cost and real estate increase. I've seen used BE-OD's going for as low as $130.

 

[Beyond Black]

I've got a Wampler Dracarys on the way that I needed like I need a hole in the head. Thank for that, guys.

 

[Moshaholic]

The JHS ANDY TIMMONS ANGRY CHARLIE. the best of all the angry Charlie pedals. Has a more flagon and tone. I boost mine with an 808 pedal. Anything else IMO is playing with yer jimmy.

 

[Mudder]

Big fan of the MI Audio Crunch Box 2. Very good in front of a clean amp.

 

[O731]

I'm also looking for a new OD pedal to boost my VH4 channel 3. I love the gainstage on the VH4, but I just wanted something for when I want to play something more tighter. I currently have a TS808, but I find it kind of creamy. I've been looking at the Keeley filaments, empress heavy, or a Maxon ST9 Pro +. Has anyone had experience with any of these pedals?

 

[Random Hero]

Loads.

Suhr Eclipse, Friedman Dirty Shirley, JHS Angry Charlie, lots of Wampler stuff.

So many options nowadays.

 

[Omega1397]

Loads.

Suhr Eclipse, Friedman Dirty Shirley, JHS Angry Charlie, lots of Wampler stuff.

So many options nowadays.

Exactly, which is why the decision is overwhelming :/