What are some nice overdrives/Boosters?

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mrkmas

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There are alot out there, and I am not that familiar with all the brands and the variations. Can you guys list some to I start my search for them.

The ones I am familiar with are the stardard Boss and MXR pedals. Fulltone OCD, Tubescreamer and the Xotic effect pedals. I know I am missing alot of them. Anyone care to fill me in on the others out there?
 
I hear the Suhr Koko boost is really good, Tim pedal is very good also. Just a few I know.
 
For mild overdrive and really great boosting, the Barber LTD wins on my board. I've got one of the originals, so I can't comment on all the new versions, but I certainly like the one I have. Anymore, it's the only OD that I own.
 
For a completely clean boost the Pete Cornish NB-3 is the best one I've had, and also the most expensive. Now, for pushing an already distorted amp into metal goodness I couldn't find pedals that make me smile like the good old Boss OD-1 and even a new SD-1, the SD-1 being one of the cheapest OD pedals out there.
 
I do not use one live but for practice I have a Visual Sound Jekyll and Hyde. It is the only distortion/overdrive pedal I have kept.
 
you want an overdrive or a boost? TO ME they are different animals.... I know you can "boost" an amp with an OD pedal yadda yadda but I use them separately.

Boosts: try the Keeley Katana, it's an awesome pedal... I really like it. I've heard great things about the Xotic EP Booster

OD: depends on what you're after? TS type of od? you got the original TS 808, TS9, TS10, Voodoo Sparkle Drive. If you want something more compressed and "liquid" try the Xotic BB Preamp, it's just FANTASTIC.

One pedal that I've gotten setup in a PERFECT way to hit the clean channel of my amp is a Boss FBM-1 (The Bassman pedal)...it hits the front end of the amp in a perfect way (I don't run it hot, I have it dialed as a clean bassman amp with just a slight breakup).
 
In my experience...

BEST CLEAN BOOST:
Creation Audio Labs Mk.4:23Pro - sickest clean on the planet, I know you'll read a lot of people say this about their clean boost of choice, but no shit, check this thing out - and I am sure several owners here on RT will say the same. It's not anything but awesome, http://www.creationaudiolabs.com/mk423

BEST OVERDRIVES:
This is where personal preference plays a huge role, as does the amps you have and the styles of music you play. No one OD is the best, as they all interact differently with different amps AND different ears. Personally, I've likd the OCD and the BBPre, those are the only 2 left after seeing dozens of ODs under my feet. I like 'em a lot, but that's not to say they're better than any others.

Good luck :thumbsup:
 
Both are in a Rocket Fuel...by Majik Box...

Sometimes it depends on the amp you are using...
 
clean boost i have to recommend the ep booster. it just makes things better. for the cheap od side, check out the nobles odr1 reissue. i wasn't expecting much from it, but it's pretty great! I like the way it really doesn't take lows away like some of the other ts's do...i'd call it a "transparent" drive, but then again, i'm not an expert on these things. lol. i think they're like $90 or cheaper.

if you're in the $140-160 range, the catalinbread dls is the best OD I've used to date, and plays well with all my other pedals. made my ocd sound thin and thusly knocked it off my board (although i like the ocd for lo-gain!). the mad prof shod pcb is another good option. just throwing em out there, up to you to figure out what works best with your rig! good luck!
 
I was hoping to find something for the following uses. One is to fatten up a clean tone. The Xotic EP booster looks like it will do this. Next is a nice overdrive. The OCD is something that I liked as an overdrive, buy may want to look into the BB+ since it is a warmer sounding drive and is very different. Just so many choices out with great recommendations by you guys. I have a feeling I am going to be going through 20 pedals ....... :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL:
 
mrkmas":qzv03bg6 said:
I was hoping to find something for the following uses. One is to fatten up a clean tone. The Xotic EP booster looks like it will do this. Next is a nice overdrive. The OCD is something that I liked as an overdrive, buy may want to look into the BB+ since it is a warmer sounding drive and is very different. Just so many choices out with great recommendations by you guys. I have a feeling I am going to be going through 20 pedals ....... :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL:
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There are a ton of options it can be overwhelming. Asking at HC effects or TGP effects you would get even more responses. Its crazy how many pedals there are out there.

A few things to keep in mind. Some overdrives work well into a clean amp, but most sound there best when into a cranked amp. Still another use is to use an overdrive to boost a distortion channel of an amp. When looking at recommendations be sure to list your amp and guitar. Then confirm how people are using it.

I have only used a boost as a clean solo boost and the BYOC tribooster worked great for that.

As far as an overdrive, the OCD, BBpreamp, or Zendrive is a good place to start. I have the Hermida audio Zendrive.
 
I just built a BYOC overdrive 2 with a mosfet conversion and the thing just kicks ass!!!!
 
one of my favorites is the TC electronics Distortion/Booster...the original not the reissue.
 
one of my favorites is the TC electronics Distortion/Booster...the original not the reissue.
 
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