So your main rig goes down...

[VH4_BigRig]

...and you need to turn to a backup rig that consists of a few pedals into the solid state house amp that's kicking around. You only get to choose one high gain distortion pedal to use as your backup rig for a hard rock/metal cover band (Metallica, AIC, STP, Tool, Alter Bridge, Disturbed, etc). What pedal do you choose and why?

I'm re-evaluating my backup rig at the moment and some new pedals have come out that have my attention, so very curious to see what you guys would go with! Thanks in advance!

 

[ElectricVoodoo]

I voted XTC Red for a very good reason.. I've used it with my old cover band. Worked fine, sounded great and cut through.
Theres always a better option somewhere else, but my vote comes from the experience that it gave me. Very good pedal imo.

I also owned the EVH and sold it not long after I brought it which was last February. Imo, the XTC Red was a both a much better sounding and much more versatile pedal.

The EVH did not clean up well enough for what I wanted it to do.

 

[sleewell2]

the verellen skyhammer preamp pedal looks sweet. if I had the money I would go that option since there typically isn't an extra amp lying around at the places we play so having the option of going direct would be sweet.

 

[Oblivion DC]

I'd grab an AMT P2 and use my existing boost a Maxon od808 to drop in front of it. It wouldn't be perfect but it's better than nothing.

 

[Hung Huy Tran]

Another vote for AMT. One out to the FX loop return and the cab sim out to the house, if needed. The S1 is my favorite of the bunch.

 

[Marshall Freak]

I have a marshall dsl100 I keep in the trailer in case my other amp has a problem.

 

[spanny]

I bring a Mesa Mini Rectifier with just in case. Takes up next to no room, super lightweight and the sound quality is great, especially if you're in a pinch.

 

[billboogie]

Quilter Mini 101 in my gig bag and a three button Plexitone or Friedman BE OD. Both are available on my board.

 

[gokart mozart]

The poll results furthers my justification on why I need a BE-OD.

 

[mystixboi]

Tech 21 fly rig 5 richie kotzen

 

[Ryandistortion]

Train wreck. Because everything else is too high gain for me.

 

[Gsxrbusa]

I choose this because it's pretty dang awesome.

 

[lukeburke1]

I'd use a Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret with a Tube Screamer in front of it. I used this combo for a while, and it sounded fantastic.

 

[Terex]

My vote goes to the VH4

 

[maddnotez]

Probably the Diezel. The MXR would be a second choice.

I actually really do want a backup like this. Quilter power amp and Diezel VH4 in case of emergency or laziness.

Would consider others as well but I have really dug into this topic and while all that I have are videos to go off of, the Diezel to me sounds like the best pre amp pedal for high gain/metal which is what I play.

The 44 Magnum I had and it was awesome but between the giant power supply, no headroom at all and the reviews from Jerevil I think the Quilter would be a better choice.

 

[RockyStar]

Always have a backup amp.

 

[splatter]

I don't use distorsion pedals so your poll is invalid. I have a backup amp . If for some reason my pedal board goes on the fritz i can survive the night without it

 

[Badronald]

Tech 21 fly rig 5 richie kotzen

+1. Great backup into an amp or directly to a p.a. in case there is no amp available.

 

[GtarLover]

Voted for the BE-OD, because it's AMAZING.
However, the VH4 pedal is also excellent as well...I would use there BE-OD mainly because the bands I currently play in are more "classic" tones oriented and the Diezel has a more modern flare. However, I totally dig the VH4 pedal. The ONLY thing is it's a bit large...takes up some real estate on the pedal board, yet also VERY light.

Both could easily finish a gig with my Quilter power amp. BOOM!!

 

[sg guy]

-I'm completely screwed!.. -(haven't used a pedal for gain in over 10 years, I've never even tried any of the pedal options, so I'll through a hissy fit, smash some gear, scream obscenities and blame other band members<----that--part--is--critical,--learned--it--from--lead--singer's--<<<<
and stomp out with my SG-(usually the audience likes it enough they don't mind the band not playing and the sound man playing songs