I need a non tone sucking OD pedal for an EF86 ..

[zone47]

....amp, like the Prescription ES.

For you guys who own or have played one, you know about the nice wide freqency response and how many pedals when engaged, roll off on the lower frequencies. I've noticed this in using my modified Ibanez TS9 and also with a TS808 reissue pedal. The pedals sound ok, but they definately kill the low end. I tried a Mesa V twin preamp pedal too which was better but still not what I am looking for

My idea is to use the amp on the low input for a nice, warm clean tone. Engage an overdrive pedal keeping the warm full band tone intact, but adding a nice crunch, and finally hitting the OD switch for a ripping solo boost.

Are there any pedals that won't mess with the fat tone on an EF86 amp, yet give it a natural sustain and boost?

[Phil (aka Phil)]

The ones you want are the Xotic RC Booster into a BB preamp. You will love that combo with a RxES (or any Z amp).

I don't normally think of the Prescription ES as an "EF86" amp because it's not used as the input tube like in the Z28/KT45/Rt.66/Delta 88/Stangray. The RxES is pedal friendly but not quite as pedal happy as the EF86 input amps. The RxES does have a great "wide bandwidth" sound that exposes any weaknesses in your other gear, but that's mainly due to other factors like the transformer set, split load biasing, and the post EQ gain layout of the EF86 in the circuit.

Have fun!

PDW

[zone47]

Thanks for the good information and that is what I needed to know. I'll have to dish out some cash it looks like.

[Telemanic]

My all time fave OD right now is the "old" yellow Dod 250, or grey if your bold with the $$. You can pick up a re-issue from musicians friend for $39.99 and send it to Analogman for a Grey Mojo mod, for a grand total of about $120.00 !!! pedal and mod. I know and hate to say the "transparent" word, because its so subjective, but i tell ya, ive tried everything out there and this is IT for me. Not in a clean fendery amp mind you, but in a already slightly drivin amp these rule. Very open and dynamic, full range if you will. And it is the strongest of any ive tried, .... no mush, big boost. I must say tho i havent tried one in a Prescription, but it is the bomb in a 66 or 28 or 45!!

[Shannon]

If you're willing to put the cash out, a Landgraff OD is hard to beat. I got mine when John was working in a junked up room in the back of a guitar shop. The price was a little milder than it is now that he works in his own junked up room and went global. He still builds each one himself and tweaks them till he's satisfied. Best OD I've ever owned or played. If mine ever goes missing, heaven forbid, I'd have no second thoughts about spending the money to get a new one. I love it that much.

[Curt]

RXES, Lo imput, OD on, Volume knob on the Guit......pretty dern versatile without boxes.

That said, I agree with a BB>RC along with the volume knob for MANY shades of nasty.

[zone47]

Thanks for the suggestions. After some research it seems there can't be enough good things said about the xotic BB and RC pedals. I ordered one of each and I am betting this will put me much closer to the overdrive tone I'm looking for. I figure I can always ebay the Ibanez and some other pedals to buffer my hit in the wallet..... man, those xotic pedals are expensive.

There is a dual mode BB pedal coming out this summer... it looks interesting and not that much more than the single..... I was tempted to wait, but oh well

[hdahs143]

The BB will definitely get it done for you.

In regards to modified pedals, my Keeley modded TS9 and Boss BD2 have no problems with low end loss at all.

Have fun with the Xotics

[dock66]

I have to agree with the Xotic BB and RC .Works well for me.