So what's everyone's favorite overdrive pedals to use? I actually own the Maxon OD-808 that I use on occasion (mostly as a solo boost). I just came back from Guitar Center where I gave 3 pedals an extensive test drive and comparison:
BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive
MXR ZW-44 Zakk Wylde Overdrive
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer Reissue
I plugged a stock Gibson LP Standard into a Mesa Stiletto that was ran into a Mesa Recto (Oversized, Slant) 4X12 Cab. I used the exact same settings on all 3 and put them through the wringer. The Gain was on "0," the Tone around 9 o'clock, and the Level/Output around 3 o'clock.
I gave the TS-808 a try first, and it didn't sound bad. It added a little extra bite to the amp, and it beefed up the passive pickups some. Only a slight drop in bass when it was on too. The ZW-44 was up next. It seemed to give me a little clearer top end than the TS-808, and the bass response was about the same. It added a little extra grit, and palm mutes were pretty nice sounding. The SD-1 was last. It didn't add much extra grit (about the same as the TS-808), and it actually had a clearer top than the other 2 (which surprised me). You did lose a little more bass woith the SD-1 than with the other 2, but I think I actually liked the tonal coloration it provided more.
Overall, I was suprised that after spending about 20 minutes per pedal side by side, I found myself liking the $49 BOSS SD-1 more than it's more expensive counterparts.
What pedals do you like, and have you done any comparisons?
BOSS SD-1 Super Overdrive
MXR ZW-44 Zakk Wylde Overdrive
Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer Reissue
I plugged a stock Gibson LP Standard into a Mesa Stiletto that was ran into a Mesa Recto (Oversized, Slant) 4X12 Cab. I used the exact same settings on all 3 and put them through the wringer. The Gain was on "0," the Tone around 9 o'clock, and the Level/Output around 3 o'clock.
I gave the TS-808 a try first, and it didn't sound bad. It added a little extra bite to the amp, and it beefed up the passive pickups some. Only a slight drop in bass when it was on too. The ZW-44 was up next. It seemed to give me a little clearer top end than the TS-808, and the bass response was about the same. It added a little extra grit, and palm mutes were pretty nice sounding. The SD-1 was last. It didn't add much extra grit (about the same as the TS-808), and it actually had a clearer top than the other 2 (which surprised me). You did lose a little more bass woith the SD-1 than with the other 2, but I think I actually liked the tonal coloration it provided more.
Overall, I was suprised that after spending about 20 minutes per pedal side by side, I found myself liking the $49 BOSS SD-1 more than it's more expensive counterparts.
What pedals do you like, and have you done any comparisons?
