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Post by gwayne on Feb 19, 2006 20:41:55 GMT -7
Anybody tried the OCD with their Maz? I was at a friend's house this weekend and tried it with a BF Super Reverb and it SMOKED. I have a Fulldrive 2 that really complements the Maz well, but the OCD is an entirely different animal. The OD is more glassy and defined, not as smooth as the FD. Any input appreciated before I take the plunge.
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Post by telecopter on Feb 20, 2006 6:03:25 GMT -7
I had an OCD, but since I got a MI Audio Blues Pro, I sold the OCD. The BP was half the price too! It's a tad more TS-9 sounding than the OCD with less mid hump than a TS-9 and lot's more gain than a TS-9.
That said, you can't go wrong with an OCD either. I just prefer the BP.
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Post by tjstrat on Mar 25, 2006 5:45:48 GMT -7
I've been messing with the OCD and my new Maz. As you said, a little glassy and harsh to me, but I'm working it. Will have it on my board tonight and see what happens at gigging volume. I'm looking for the elusive Warren Haynes tone of Doom, or something close to it...
I WILL say that Tim Jauernig's Diabolical Gristle Tone Manipulator with the gain dimed and straight into the amp witha G&L Comanche on the business end made my hair stand on end and start thinking of ways to wire up a DGTM/tuner/solo boost only pedalbord. As a longtime multiple stomp guy, it's a shame to put ANYTHING in front of these amps...
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Post by gwayne on Mar 25, 2006 15:55:03 GMT -7
tjstrat, I picked up an OCD last week. I like it a lot with the Maz Jr, but I keep the gain rather low; 9 o'clock or less, tone straight up. On that setting it's kind of like a clean boost where it makes my tone larger, with just a hint of edgy overdrive. I don't get that great greasy OD like the Super Reverb had, but it's a nice effect regardless. With my Bogner XTC on the Plexi mode - oh my!! Incredible crunch tone with the drive around 2 o'clock. I know these pedals were hyped heavily, but I think Mr. Fuller hit a grand slam with this one. Unless I find something better, it's a keeper for sure and a nice match to my Fulldrive 2.
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Post by tjstrat on Mar 26, 2006 11:42:38 GMT -7
I actually wound up using the OCD last night with my 38 Studio Lead, which seems to be a little sweeter than the 18... Still honeymooning, so that's not definitive. But the effects ran: Analog Man MBC to a funky old DOD powder blue FX60 (which HAS GOT to be the circuit Sweet and Love Pedals have cloned for their low priced Univibe pedals), Teese RMC1, Fulldrive II and then the OCD. Zoom 508 delay and Everman Pot in the loop. And at live volumes the OCD sounded big and thick by itself, very nice, without much buzz. The 38 was set with the volume at 3:00, so the OCD was goosing a fair amount of amp gain already. My settings were a little higher than yours, but backing the gain down is a big key for the Warren tone, so I'll be playing with the gain a lot more. Next week we do a Friday AND a Saturday so I'll have a chance to a/b the two Zs as well as a newly arrived Banzai Fireball with the Fulldrive. The 18 seems to be a little more intense than the 38 (like a little dog vs a big dog, one brash, one a little more easy going), but hopefully the OCD interacts as well with it as it did with big brother. I'll dial both the amp and pedal gains back a bit and see where that gets me...
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Post by Telemanic on Mar 26, 2006 12:56:21 GMT -7
For me, i'm all about the OCD. I think it gets pretty mixed reviews, partly because any pedal that gets as much hype about it as it did upon its release, is bound to not please everyone, and therefore naturaly suffer some rebuke. I too find it Smokes with my 65 vibrolux reverb!! Very Roy Buchanan-y (spelling?) in the lp mode and Killer Robben ford Dumble tone in HP. But.. as all blackface fenders have that kind of sunken midrange notch, the pedal can accentuate that. Thats not the fault of the OCD. Kills with my RT.66 as well. A/B ing it with numerous other GREAT boutiques, Menatone Red Snapper, barber's, MJM blues devil (incredible!!), Keeley's etc. i find it to be more like plugging straight into the amp than any other. Headroom, Air !!! Infact i normally use 1 pedal on the floor and thats it. I leave it on all the time, and use guitar volume only. If it's brite, turn down the treble/gain and your good! Just my Humble take on it
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Post by mazmaster on Apr 7, 2006 11:04:53 GMT -7
Anybody tried the OCD with their Maz? I was at a friend's house this weekend and tried it with a BF Super Reverb and it SMOKED. I have a Fulldrive 2 that really complements the Maz well, but the OCD is an entirely different animal. The OD is more glassy and defined, not as smooth as the FD. Any input appreciated before I take the plunge. I was using two FD2s (with the middle toggle) with my Maz 18 NR and loved 'em. Tried the OCD a few weeks ago and now have THREE of them on my board! The FD2s are collecting dust. The OCD is totally amazing. Have had more compliments on my tone during the last two OCD gigs than during the last 20 gigs, some of which were done with my Hot Cat 30R! The only problem I have with the OCD is that it is so articulate and responds so much like a real cranked tube amp that it shows all your flaws. I have to work harder on my technique than with the FD2. But, that's a good thing! The tone alone makes it worth it.
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Post by mazmaster on Apr 7, 2006 11:10:26 GMT -7
One "secret" to getting great pedal tones out of the MAZ is maxing out the Cut, running the Mid well above noon (1:30 or so), the Volume around 12:00 and then running the Treble down around 9:00-11:00 to control highs. Use the high gain input too. I never have problem will shrill high end with these settings. The tone is ful, very fat and very articulate. Ironically, people have commented that the OCD into this setup sounds like the Ford Dumble tone, just like a another poster said...
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Post by (8^D) on Apr 13, 2006 22:55:28 GMT -7
Another for running the OCD w/the tone around 10:00, gain between 8-9:00. Will get you a fairly unity tone with that just-clipping amp character. Pedal really shines as designed - to get you that light clip amp tone/character w/o diming the amp. Turning the drive up delivers a pretty harsh OD...
OCD likes most amps I've tried...really sounds good with the Z's (Maz Jr and R66). It definately performs as advertised.
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Post by mazmaster on Apr 18, 2006 10:44:34 GMT -7
Turning the drive up [on the OCD] delivers a pretty harsh OD... Wow, I disagree with this statement completely, at least when running the OCD into the Maz 18. You do need to adjust the OCD Tone knob appropriately, but I am getting beautiful, smooth, rich, singing tones out of the two OCDs I have dedicated to lead tones. One is set to LP mode (for low gain "Fender" style lead) and is set to HP mode (for high gain "Marshall" style lead).
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Post by (8^D) on Apr 21, 2006 21:24:21 GMT -7
Turning the drive up [on the OCD] delivers a pretty harsh OD... Wow, I disagree with this statement completely. Understandable, everyone has different tastes. That's why there are so many 'toys' on the market.
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Post by mazmaster on Apr 22, 2006 9:19:27 GMT -7
Wow, I disagree with this statement completely. Understandable, everyone has different tastes. That's why there are so many 'toys' on the market. I agree completely, but this isn't a taste issue at all. Turning up the OCD drive level will not produce anything resembling harsh tones by anyone's standards if the amp and pedal are adjusted in a way to avoid that. I do agree that not all amps take well to the OCD. In fact, my Flexi does not sound good with it at all...no matter how you adjust the amp or pedal!
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Post by mentalray on Apr 24, 2006 0:58:49 GMT -7
I used to play the OCD together with the MAZ Jr. but I changed to a Frantone Booklyn. I think there are two problems with the pedal: It´s hights let it sound realy harsh with the MAZ (it is working better with Fenders) and the other thing is, that the OCD just sounds right when you play it alone. But it does not cut through the mix when you are playing with a whole band: there are just not enough midds the give the sound enough balls. When I switched it on during gigs for soloing, my sound became much thinner and weaker. For me the Frantone is by far the better pedal.
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Post by mazmaster on Apr 24, 2006 8:58:13 GMT -7
I used to play the OCD together with the MAZ Jr. but I changed to a Frantone Booklyn. I think there are two problems with the pedal: It´s hights let it sound realy harsh with the MAZ (it is working better with Fenders) and the other thing is, that the OCD just sounds right when you play it alone. But it does not cut through the mix when you are playing with a whole band: there are just not enough midds the give the sound enough balls. When I switched it on during gigs for soloing, my sound became much thinner and weaker. For me the Frantone is by far the better pedal. Wow, what version of the OCD were you using? I've heard similar descriptions about the earliest models, but just the opposite about the latest model, which is what I have. Mine cuts through a band mix better than anything I've owned (FD2, MI Audio Tube Zone, Tonebone, Sparkle Drive, Distortion Pro, Boss OD3, DS1, SD1, Blackstone MOSFET OD, Barber Tone Pump, Barber Burn Unit and many others I can't even remember) and is an absolutely heavenly match with the Maz 18 (which can't be said for other amps, like the Flexi). Never tried the Frantone though!
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Post by mentalray on Apr 24, 2006 14:50:11 GMT -7
Wow, what version of the OCD were you using?
I´m not realy sure. I ordered it last october and recived it in december (I´m living in germany). I know there was a modification with the tone pot on the newer models; maybe it is working better now. I just think, that the characteristic of the Frantone is more like a Z-Amp; for me the OCD is maybe more Marshall like. I also own a Fender Pro Junior which is sounding much better with the OCD; it IS a picky pedal....
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Post by (8^D) on Apr 29, 2006 14:56:35 GMT -7
Update: Ran the OCD/Maz Jr last night and wasn't really all that thrilled. The OCD sounds great live with the AC30 and DC-3 (and all the Fenders I've owned/used) but seemed to really have a bit of a harsh top end live with the Jr. Wasn't a chimey bright but a biting bright. Have the EQ set basically to a unity tone but it still adds a bit of harshness to the top end w/the Jr. Going to tweak on it some more but for the time being will use the Keeley BD-2 for those light clip tones w/the Jr (already covered, but the Keeley BD-2 is a great, great pedal!).
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Post by billyguitar on Apr 29, 2006 16:12:15 GMT -7
drweller: That's what I heard from the OCD when I tried one out. I played thru the store's '57 Tweed Twin Reissue. That amp is really revealing and that's what it did, revealed the edge/rasp that I didn't want to hear. I was also going for the low gain tones. Higher gain kind of dudes will like the OCD better. The Keeley modded BD-2 is a more natural pedal to me. Not the best I'm sure but more usable. I could get by with one if I wanted to.
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Post by (8^D) on Apr 29, 2006 17:00:08 GMT -7
billyguitar: that's what I love about the z's, they just don't hide anything - tone or playing. Off Subject: We did a 4-band country jam at the Beaumont last night - 3 groups from KC area and one from St. Louis called Spur. If you have the chance, check out Spur. Believe they're back thru the area opening for Little Big Town in June. Great, great stuff - reminded me a lot of the folks I was working with in the TX circuit (Womack, Randy Rogers, others). Kind of a rocked up TX/American/Country. Did some really cool arrangments of a couple country standards for grins. Lots of sound for a 4-piece band!
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Post by billyguitar on Apr 29, 2006 19:40:20 GMT -7
I don't think I've ever been to the Beaumont. Well once, some years ago when it was in a different location so I guess that doesn't count. I went to see Los Lobos and they were fabulous! I wish I could get into the contemporary country thing. I could sure play a lot more often and I'm sure for more money. Unfortunately for me, I can't go there. I'm glad you other guys are into it. There's also a lot more for the guitar to do in your music. The stuff I play is more for the horns and piano than guitar but I carve out my little niche.
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Post by mazmaster on Apr 30, 2006 19:26:40 GMT -7
Man, I'd like to find out what Maz and OCD EQ settings you guys are using. My bandmates, who I've been playing with for 11 years now, claim my overdrive tones (from light breakup through heavy, singing high gain) are the best ever with the OCD and Maz 18, better than any high gain channel switcher I've ever owned (from Guytron through Hot Cat 30R). But, I'm using far different Maz 18 settings (and tubes) than I think most people gravitate towards. (See above.) A couple comments also make me wonder why people are so afraid to turn knobs to positions much beyond 12:00 (in either direction). One guy above commented that the OCD was too bright, even at "unity tone", which I assume means 12:00. Hey, if 12:00 is too bright, you still have the whole left side of the pot travel to turn it down and get the perfect balance with your amp!!! How can anyone claim any pedal (or amp, for that matter) is too bright when they won't even turn the Tone (or Treble ) pot below noon?!!! That's what the hell that pot is there for, mang! I found it pretty easy to get beautiful warm, creamy tones out of the Maz 18 and OCD. It's an incredible combination.
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Post by mentalray on May 2, 2006 1:56:00 GMT -7
mazmaster, I agree. For lower drive the OCD would be my first choice -don´t get me wrong: I realy think the OCD is a superb pedal. But normaly I don´t need such a low setting with the MAZ because this sound is already covered by the amp and for lead I need it at about 11 o´clock. I think the tone-pot does not realy influence these hights, which make the pedal sound harsh (I set it somewhere between 10 and 12 o´clock). Last sunday we played a gig and I compared the OCD with my Brooklyn... no more words.
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Post by (8^D) on May 2, 2006 10:05:04 GMT -7
One guy above commented that the OCD was too bright, even at "unity tone", which I assume means 12:00. Unity is where the effected signal (pedal engaged) is as close as possible to the uneffected signal (pedal off) - volume, tone, drive, etc. In this case, it essentially means setting the eq flat - not 12:00 flat like a mixing console, but where the effect doesn't influence/color the natural tone...basically shooting for transparency. On a number of stomps, including the OCD, that could be a tone setting anywhere from 9:00-1:00 (or more either way) depending on the chosen gain & level, signal path, guitar (single/hum), etc.
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Post by JChance on May 2, 2006 13:23:21 GMT -7
One "secret" to getting great pedal tones out of the MAZ is maxing out the Cut Wow, I bet that's bright. I think the OCD another one of those that, you either dig it or you don't. I don't. The ones I've fooled with I didn't peticularly care for, especially for higher gain sounds. Thought they were a little spikey & brittle. They do sound pretty good for lower gain stuff, though. Hey, different strokes for different folks... J
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Post by mazmaster on May 6, 2006 19:18:35 GMT -7
One "secret" to getting great pedal tones out of the MAZ is maxing out the Cut Wow, I bet that's bright. I think the OCD another one of those that, you either dig it or you don't. I don't. The ones I've fooled with I didn't peticularly care for, especially for higher gain sounds. Thought they were a little spikey & brittle. They do sound pretty good for lower gain stuff, though. Hey, different strokes for different folks... J Not bright at all because you run the Treble down to compensate. Maxing the Cut makes the OD pedal tones much fatter and actually warmer! Try it.
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Post by billyguitar on May 7, 2006 7:46:36 GMT -7
That wouldn't work too well on my Maz 38, too bright. But, I naturally favor a darker tone than a lot of guys so whatever sounds good - is good! It's an individual thang.
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Post by mazmaster on May 7, 2006 12:44:56 GMT -7
That wouldn't work too well on my Maz 38, too bright. But, I naturally favor a darker tone than a lot of guys so whatever sounds good - is good! It's an individual thang. All I'm saying is that you should try it. When maxed, Cut seems to do the opposite of what you might think, especially with OD pedals out front. Combined with reduced Treble and a pair #4 GT-EL84-S (which are warmer and softer than the #6s), I'm getting very warm, round, fat tones, which sustain like a mother with OD pedals out front. There was one guy on the board here who was having trouble getting enough gain and sustain with his particular OD pedal (can't remember what it was) and he tried the maxed Cut trick and could not believe his ears. He was gonna' get a different pedal but didn't need to after trying this. As for the OCD, have the people who think it's harsh experimented with the LP mode? It's not as aggressive as the HP mode. Just a thought.
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Post by gwayne on May 7, 2006 20:50:57 GMT -7
"Cut seems to do the opposite of what you might think, especially with OD pedals out front. I'm getting very warm, round, fat tones, which sustain like a mother with OD pedals out front. "
I gotta agree with Mazmaster here. I was skeptical, but I maxed the Cut and reduced the Treble to 9:00. Put the gain on the OCD around 3:00. The tone was wonderful - definitely round and fat, great sustain and not at all too trebly. (Guitar used was LP Custom and OCD in the HP mode). This made me realize 1) How versatile the Maz Jr is and 2) the range of tones from the OCD.
Great tip Mazmaster - thank you.
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Post by mazmaster on May 11, 2006 10:16:43 GMT -7
"Cut seems to do the opposite of what you might think, especially with OD pedals out front. I'm getting very warm, round, fat tones, which sustain like a mother with OD pedals out front. " I gotta agree with Mazmaster here. I was skeptical, but I maxed the Cut and reduced the Treble to 9:00. Put the gain on the OCD around 3:00. The tone was wonderful - definitely round and fat, great sustain and not at all too trebly. (Guitar used was LP Custom and OCD in the HP mode). This made me realize 1) How versatile the Maz Jr is and 2) the range of tones from the OCD. Great tip Mazmaster - thank you. You're welcome! Thanks for confirming that I'm not hallucinating!
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Post by cheycaster on Nov 1, 2006 23:46:20 GMT -7
Man all I can say is that I love the OCD pedal. I run it at almost full gain in both the HP and LP settings and the tone knob to taste mostly depending on what volume I can get away with from the amps and which guitar I'm playing (PRS Custom 22, Bluesbird, various Strats, 51 CS Nocaster, and it kills. I use the guitars volume knob for cleaner tones. I dig the distortion from it and think it is the tone I've been after for years. Trower tunes and attitude never sounded so good and rich. I was loaned an ealier version from a Z forumite and tried it out for a couple of weeks and wasn't floored by it at all then I borrowed a newer version from a friend here and I always borrow it now all the time. I'm getting one bought for me for laying down a few tracks on a Worship album and cant wait till I actualy am the owner! It works great with my Strats, Bluesbird, and PRS. I'm wondering about Fullers new GT-350 pedal now. I do stand in a more "rock" tone over a "blues or country" tone but think the OCD works great for blues and rock really really well. I can see your having three of them as being useful. I also have the infamous BB and RC set up and I think they sound awefull at "really low amp volumes" by far . I cant use them for the "bedroom" type of stuff. The OCD to me can sound great at lower and/or at bedroom-ish volumes. It lets me actually play more than always twiddling with the knobs and thats worth the price of admisson alone. Cheycaster
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Post by gwayne on Nov 2, 2006 13:44:19 GMT -7
Since Cheycaster kind of resurrected this thread, I just wanted to add that I'm still blown away by the OCD in general, and I still use it heavily with the Maz Jr. GREAT pedal!!
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