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Post by fenderzig on Oct 18, 2009 18:11:33 GMT -7
Hey guys,
Well, I need some advice again so I thought I would tap into the Rt. 66 fraternity right here.
I'm trying to decide on an overdrive pedal to put in front of the 66. I like a crisp, tight, articulate overdrive. What I don't like is a muddy, mushy overdrive. When I strike a chord I want to be able to clearly hear all six strings including the high "E" string. Right now I have an OCD (version 4) and I'm fairly happy with it but it just sounds a little mushy to my ears.
I'm just looking for some opinions. Tell me what pedal you recommend and why you recommend it. Zendrive, BB Preamp, Timmy . . .?
Thanks in advance!
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Post by iggs on Oct 19, 2009 8:12:11 GMT -7
I spent countless hours and $$$$$$$ trying to find something I like with the '66. It's not that it's a hard amp to find a good pedal for but it seems to "expose" all the weaknesses of anything you stick in front.
Two pedals that are on my board right now that I use for main rhythm sounds are: Skreddy Screwdriver: low-mid gain, very crunchy and articulate. Lovekraft Chupacabra: RAT clone but modded with some extra switches ... AMAZING pedal, tons of gain but I only have it set at around 11 o'clock and it pushes the amp beautifully for some serious modded Marshall style crunch.
Another pedal that is incredible with the amp is Retroman Sybil, which is a Fuzz but very unique as it has blendable Ge and Si "channels" ... it is not a high-gain super saturated fuzz by any means but very crunchy and articulate, it works amazingly well with Route 66!
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Post by ripple on Oct 19, 2009 10:35:19 GMT -7
It took me a while to find a grinder pedal I loved with the 66 as well, and eventually settled on a Fulldrive 2, because it was the best compromise I could find for the variety cover band I play in.
However, I just finished building a BYOC OD2 pedal, (which was unimpressive initially with the stock RJ4558 chip installed), but after swapping the IC for a Burr Brown chip and modding for MOSFET clipping, I've fallen in love with this little thing. I have about 11 o/d, distortion and fuzz pedals from all sorts of mfrs (old & new) and this one is currently top dog. As a matter of fact, I'm gonna build another to keep as a spare in my gig bag.
Small footprint (125 sized enclosure) and close switch orientation can be a disadvantage if you have Herman Munster feet, but you can always build it in a larger enclosure (1590, etc) if pedal board real estate is not at a premium.
Great transparency as you roll back the volume knob, and good string to string articulation. Plus the clean boost kicks major arse. I leave it on almost all the time.
If you're handy w/ a soldering iron, you should try "rolling your own". Careful - it's addictive! I've built almost 24 different pedals now in the last 11 months.
The GAS never ends...
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Post by fenderzig on Oct 19, 2009 18:37:48 GMT -7
Thanks for the information, guys. I'm not much of a pedal modifier but I'm willing to try anything. Ripple, your pedal sounds interesting. I'd hadn't considered "rolling my own" pedal but that's a pretty cool idea. Iggs, I checked out the lovekraft stuff on their website. The audio clip sounds real good. Thanks for the direction.
Any other suggestions?
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pzaxtl
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by pzaxtl on Oct 19, 2009 22:44:06 GMT -7
I've used a number of dirt boxes with my 66 -- all of them were good, but the 2 that stay on my board are a Keeley modded BD2 and a Hiwatt Custom Tube Overdrive. Those two cover everything from light OD to near Fuzz high gain mayhem
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Post by The Fifth Column on Oct 20, 2009 12:52:32 GMT -7
Hey thought I'd just add a +1 for the Skreddy Screwdriver.
Until I got my SRZ, it was my main overdrive for my 66. Since getting the SRZ the 66 only sees fuzz though... it's an awesome fuzz amp IMO.
The Screwdriver has a great range and a neat feature that allows you to control how much bass goes through the distortion circuit, which can really help keep it from getting too muddy or mushy. If you can though, get the one with all the knobs on the front. Makes dialing it in a little bit easier.
Good luck on the search.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2009 17:24:04 GMT -7
IMO, fuzz is a must through the Route 66. I love my AM high-gain nkt-275. ;D She's on all the time. If I want clean I just turn down the guiitar. It works out good for me anyways.
Unfortunately I have not found an OD pedal I like yet. Hopefully you'll have more luck then I have in that area.
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Post by fenderzig on Oct 22, 2009 17:28:36 GMT -7
Doc, my dilemma exactly! ;D Brad737 and I only live about 35 minutes apart so we're gearing up for a shootout between the Interstate 66 and his newer 66. He also has some nice OD pedals so I'm hoping for some "real world" experience with some pedals.
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llc55
New Member
Posts: 24
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Post by llc55 on Oct 23, 2009 7:06:28 GMT -7
I currently use a Lovepedal COT50 and a AM NKT-275. Both are excelent with my RT66. The COT is like a natural extention to it... if I use the amp on 6 and the COT on "11 o'clock" its like using the amp on 8 with no pedals.
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Post by hendrixbeano on Oct 25, 2009 17:32:15 GMT -7
Fulltone OCD/Fulltone 70's/MJM Dallas boost are my fav pedals through this. Kanji for the ezg50.
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Post by gnizak on Oct 26, 2009 13:38:46 GMT -7
Try the Analogman King of Tone. The KoT is a nice mix of warm OD and clean boost, transparent enough for an amp like the 66 but also giving it a warm crunch.
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Post by fenderzig on Oct 26, 2009 19:34:23 GMT -7
Again, thanks guys! I've been taking each of your suggestions and doing some research. The trouble is that I don't have access to all the pedals mentioned, at least access at a local dealer. I was impressed with Brad737's Zendrive II when I tried it out over the summer but I really want to try out some of these other pedals you are recommending. I need to plan an "over the road" trip to a shop that carries more boutique grade stuff. I live in Cincinnati and our local GC and Sam Ashe don't consistently carry this kind of quality. They carry Fulltone and an occasional used pedal but nothing consistent.
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Post by fenderzig on Nov 2, 2009 18:22:33 GMT -7
Thanks Corey!
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Post by Telemanic on Nov 18, 2009 22:13:25 GMT -7
Late post man, but i gotta say i went thru all of the pedals (i think) mentioned wit the 66. And well, i'm kinda old school anyway but what kicked all their butts was ....... ta da! A humble old DOD 250 overdrive preamp, .... an original yellow or if ya can a Grey box. NOT the re-issue unless you send it to Analog man for the Grey mojo mod. This pedal was THE most open, dynamic, transparent, and most Muscular of any!!! Love pedal,OCD , what ever ..... the only drive pedal i could stand in front of that amp! Just my H.O. - Peace
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Post by Dr.T on Nov 19, 2009 1:29:33 GMT -7
KoT and OCD here, boosted with a Flying Dragon. But many pedals sound well with the route.
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Post by Telemanic on Nov 19, 2009 9:29:20 GMT -7
The wise Dr.T's post has reminded me to revise my prior post, ..... Yes it IS true that many other pedals sound good with the excellent 66, ..... just for what i was trying to achieve, the Dod won out big. Of course it's soo subjective and so many other factors involved. Just wanted to point out that sometimes the most unlikely simple thing works!
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Post by miroslav on Nov 19, 2009 14:43:43 GMT -7
I sleeper OD pedal, that IMO sounds great...is the Lovekraft Mojo Drive. That is a VERY *useable* OD pedal, as it seems to sound darn good with just about any guitar/amp I plug it into. Very interactive Drive/Tone/Volume knobs…and the three-position toggle give you basically three OD flavors… Marshall Crunch, Clean Boost, Tube Screamer.
On the pricier side...my Dirty Boy Ball Buster can get some unbelievable tones going! My only "issue" with it is that it REALLY KICKS HARD!!! You can turn your amp down to 1...then kick in the Ball Buster with a higher Drive setting, and your amp will jump like it's set on 11! ;D But it has tones to die for...so it's great in the studio where you may not need to transition from no-boost to boost levels. For live playing...you have to watch where you set it, otherwise your boost can be substantially louder than your non-boost. But like I said...it has tones to die for....
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Post by fenderzig on Nov 20, 2009 9:15:42 GMT -7
Thanks so much guys! What's funny is that I just don't want to abandon the OCD "fix" yet so I bought a version 3 off another member and did a shootout between it and my version 4 with my Mayer strat straight into my 66. I know there is a lot of preference out there for the version 3 but to my ears it sounded slightly "muddier" with less articulation and clarity. So . . .back to the drawing board and I'm about ready to abandon the OCD fixation I have altogether. . .but being OCD myself I suspect that will be difficult
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Post by mosesmusic on Nov 20, 2009 14:17:54 GMT -7
The HBE Dos Mos is great with ANY ef86 platform, especially the route 66
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Post by fenderzig on Nov 20, 2009 14:52:08 GMT -7
Thanks moses! I'll check it out and if anyone wants an OCD version 3, it's up for sale in the classifieds
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Post by fenderzig on Nov 21, 2009 6:19:08 GMT -7
I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Diaz Texas Ranger pedal? I have a friend who's done some recording and his last recording had a great overdrive sound. When I asked him what it was he referred me to this Diaz Texas Ranger. I've looked it up online but I was curious to know if any of you have ever messed around with one. Here's a link to the Diaz page if interested ... www.diazmusicalproducts.com/vmchk/pedals.htm
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Post by fenderzig on Nov 21, 2009 12:09:12 GMT -7
Thanks Brad! Great info!
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Post by black335 on Dec 1, 2009 22:48:01 GMT -7
I use a Div13 DynaRanger( treblebooster) to kick up my OCD and dig it through the RT66...Fuzzes are really great though...I think the DR ( or any good TB) gives it a little germaniun edge that makes the OCD work
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Post by fenderzig on Dec 2, 2009 6:46:35 GMT -7
I just traded my OCD version 3 for a Mosferatu. So far I like it. It has a great open sound to it and remains real articulate throughout the whole chord. The only small issue that I'm having is that there seems to be some bleed-through of my clean tone even when the pedal is on. I know that sounds weird but I swear I'm hearing the "twang" of the cleans ever so slightly when the Mos is on. It's as if the Mos doesn't quite overdrive the whole signal . . .even as I' typing this I realize that it sounds really strange but anyone else have this problem? Could it be that my pickups are too hot and sending to much oomph through the Mos?
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Post by jimfog on Dec 2, 2009 12:03:30 GMT -7
Ok.....back again. I'm on my THIRD 66!! LOL, can't stay away.
Recent find.....the Zvex Box of Rock just bonds perfectly with the RT. Has a separate boost for just slamming the front end of the amp nicely, and the OD section can make it sound like you're rocking the magical "all on 3" setting, when you ave to keep it down a wee bit.
Highly recommended!
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Post by fenderzig on Dec 3, 2009 8:58:00 GMT -7
Thanks Jimfog . . .3rd 66 eh? That's good to know Just bought a Zvex Box of Rock this morning. Actually I traded a TRex Moeller on it. After messing around with the BOR it is a great pedal. I would recommend it.
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jrossjams
Full Member
Closet Bluesman- Maz 18 Jr Combo
Posts: 138
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Post by jrossjams on Dec 30, 2009 20:26:00 GMT -7
Jeresy Girl Fulltender keeps it all pretty tight- I like them- a little pricey but a good pedal- I also have the BB you mentioned - another fine pedal....Maybe I can post some utube pretty soon
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Post by troutstrat on Dec 30, 2009 21:01:18 GMT -7
So far, I really like my Airbrake and guitar volume knob and the 66 just around 4 O'Clock.
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Post by jbriggs13 on Dec 31, 2009 15:44:50 GMT -7
I've had my Mad Professor SHOD for about a week and all i can say is WOW!!! Sounds amazing with the Route!
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Post by GarTunes on Jan 20, 2010 4:29:21 GMT -7
I use either a ZenDrive2 or a HooCheeMama OD, usually with the AirBrake.
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