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Post by bubs42 on Feb 12, 2024 14:56:26 GMT -7
I’ve been thinking of dabbling in Barber Pedals. Really thinking hard about the Burn Unit.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Feb 12, 2024 15:04:52 GMT -7
I've got/had lots. The Direct Drive is an absolute classic OD/distortion pedal (higher gain.. for me). The LTD and its later derivative the Gain Changer are to me the most fabulous low-gain drives available, IMO. Hard to really convey or describe but for me, it's about how Barber handles the low-end in the most natural/transparent way.
I've had the more recent Burn Unit Super Sport (B.U.S.S.) and it's cool although a little bit more shaped/compressed/"pedal" sounding to me. [But the Burn Unit is dead-central to Barber's style, and don't take my opinion as a bad one because I do like the super-transparent and lower-gain end of the spectrum.] David Barber is an O.G. pedal designer, and just like Dr. Z he builds top-level stuff without a lot of flash & flair marketing and all the while at the most reasonable prices possible.
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 12, 2024 17:31:03 GMT -7
The Direct Drive is defiantly on my list. The new unit has all the variant in it and looks to be flexible.
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Post by Seńor Verde on Feb 12, 2024 19:08:52 GMT -7
I have several, some duplicates because I like them so much:
2x B-Custom Dual Discrete pedals, with both sides Direct Drive Super Sports. These are my main pedals that get the most use. 2x Half Gainer. Dual Unlimited. DD/DC Burn Unit EQ 2x Launch Pad. These are first in the pedal chains to buffer the signal.
I've been bugging Mr. Barber to do a dual B.U.S.S. but as yet he has not been receptive to the idea.
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 12, 2024 19:33:19 GMT -7
I think I’m going to give the Direct Drive a spin. I wouldn’t mind finding a used LG Version, but the new one has that built in.
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 12, 2024 20:01:39 GMT -7
What about the LTD?
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Feb 12, 2024 20:14:42 GMT -7
Another Direct Drive owner here. I also have his Gain Changer, two Tone Presses, and a Launch Pad. David Barber’s pedals are first class rock solid products. My Direct Drive is an early model, but brought me that classic plexi crunch I was looking for. Yet it’s so much more.
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Post by tumeniamps (Tom) on Feb 13, 2024 4:04:44 GMT -7
I have almost every pedal David has made. He is, hands down, one of the best pedal builders of all time. I've never had one I didn't like.
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Post by Seńor Verde on Feb 13, 2024 13:55:20 GMT -7
I haven't owned an LTD. It is my understanding there are differences, depending on the graphics etc.
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Post by adam on Feb 13, 2024 17:21:19 GMT -7
fwiw, your glowing reviews prompted my to purchase the direct drive today. If I don't like it, I coming back to complain to you guys when it just gets filed away with the other 100 pedals that don't get used. On the other hand though, I really trust you guys so their's that.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Feb 13, 2024 18:31:45 GMT -7
I haven't owned an LTD. It is my understanding there are differences, depending on the graphics etc. Talking about the older/slightly larger Barber pedals--from roughly the ~2000-2010 time frame, with 3 knobs on them: - Black LTD with gold graphics and black knobs--this is the "standard" LTD with a slight mid bump; it's not a Tube Screamer-level mid boost, but tasteful and useful.
- Silver LTD with black graphics and knobs--this "silver" LTD had a flatter midrange profile than standard.
- Black LTD with gold graphics and CREAM knobs--this is the LTD "SR" (Slight Return) and it's a pretty dead-flat EQ; this was my absolute favorite for its impeccable transparency and super-low-gain rhythm sounds since it's not boosting the mids. [My newer Gain Changer is actually a "Gain Changer-SR" that offers this sound but with the Gain Changer's added features.]
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 14, 2024 5:41:07 GMT -7
Normally I go after the older stuff, but I think Barber has packed so much into the new pedals that this is the way to go. Searching for a Direct Drive and a Gain Changer now. I’ll save the Burn Unit for another time, but it also definitely speaks to me.
Direct Drive OTW
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Post by doctorice on Feb 14, 2024 12:36:06 GMT -7
I've got an original Direct Drive and a Gain Changer. Good stuff.
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 17, 2024 17:13:42 GMT -7
OK I received a used direct drive today and it is amazing! For those of us who own RT66 but can’t turn them all the way up this pedal is the shizz with two Z’s. I have it in low gain setting and in the set in the high harmonic setting (V3). You set the pedal up and when you turn it on and off it the RT66 doesn’t disappear.
I ordered a Burn Unit today direct from Barber and when I get the funds I will buy a brand new Direct Drive and a Gain Changer. I’m hooked.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Feb 17, 2024 18:20:36 GMT -7
I love my original Barber Gain Changer so much I bought another one. It's got a lot of tonal options, the LTD, LTD SR, and unLimiTeD. Hi/Low gain option, 9/18 volt operation.
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 18, 2024 7:15:09 GMT -7
I love my original Barber Gain Changer so much I bought another one. It's got a lot of tonal options, the LTD, LTD SR, and unLimiTeD. Hi/Low gain option, 9/18 volt operation. I’ll get the new Gain Changer and I ask David about the Direct Drive V3 and he said that he will build any version that fits the format he currently uses. So as long as it fits in the case, he will build it. I have a few pedals for sale and when they moved I plan I getting a Tone Pump, Gain Changer, and having him build me another Direct Drive. He will build any pedal that fits his currrent format that he makes even if it’s not on the website. They will be badged with the B Custom Logo.
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Post by adam on Feb 18, 2024 20:50:06 GMT -7
Well, I got my Direct Drive and made a cheesy demo with it. I really, really like it and am totally impressed. Thank you all for all your wisdom! I really expected to hate it, but was very happily surprised.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Feb 19, 2024 2:14:56 GMT -7
Adam, that sounds so good, love the Trower melodies. Hopefully it works with humbuckers too, but it's really impressive how quiet it is with single coils.
I just caved and ordered a Direct Drive V4. I'm without defense when it comes to a great drive pedal.
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Post by adam on Feb 19, 2024 6:12:27 GMT -7
Adam, that sounds so good, love the Trower melodies. Hopefully it works with humbuckers too, but it's really impressive how quiet it is with single coils. I just caved and ordered a Direct Drive V4. I'm without defense when it comes to a great drive pedal. It works very well with humbuckers so far. I did the demo "blind" with a tele/strat/prs and all sounded very good, but it was just way too long to watch (or edit). I might try another one, but I don't really know how to make it short and really be useful. I think you'll like it. Most distortion pedals to me sound and feel fake and have no dynamics. This one doesn't give me that same feeling. Time will tell, but seems like It will always be on a board.
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 20, 2024 5:30:59 GMT -7
My Burn Unit should ship today. The Direct Drive is dynamic feels great under the fingers. I really like the Dynamics switch on V3, but would never use the High Gain Setting. adam let me know if you find the Midrange Switch useful. More than likely I’ll order a V3 just to have the Dynamics switch. It feels like it boosts your input signal or the siignal It just works . LOL
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 20, 2024 5:33:32 GMT -7
If anyone is using a Box of Rock, the DD feels more vintage, but I also think that is will nail the Box of Rock tones too. Again, I did that dynamics switch.
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Post by gbowman on Feb 20, 2024 13:47:11 GMT -7
I have an original Gain Changer as well. It seems to be my go to pedal and seldom leaves my board for very long. I also have a 1/2 Gainer. Although I don't use it that much now, it is a gem. Overall, I find David Barber's stuff thoughtful, useful and well built. The EQ just always seems right on.
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Post by adam on Feb 20, 2024 18:25:38 GMT -7
My Burn Unit should ship today. The Direct Drive is dynamic feels great under the fingers. I really like the Dynamics switch on V3, but would never use the High Gain Setting. adam let me know if you find the Midrange Switch useful. More than likely I’ll order a V3 just to have the Dynamics switch. It feels like it boosts your input signal or the siignal It just works . LOL Midrange switch is incredibly useful, more than that video showed I think. About the only thing I could do without so far is the highest gain setting, but who knows, may change my mind there some day. It really helps make the sound work with whatever the guitar and amp combo is and would be sorely missed if it wasn't there. Put it this way, it's pretty easy to get a good sound on this pedal and I really struggle with that with a lot of other pedals. Maybe it's not the end all be all of pedals, but it's really good.
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 21, 2024 15:56:03 GMT -7
I’m with you adam on the high gain setting. I’m sure someone could use it, but they have a lot of gain on tap. The Burn Unit could use the same option, I received it today and almost run the gain off. Definelty brighter than the Zendrive, more presence. I’m digging both of them, I’ll order a Tone Pump as soon as I sell another pedal or two.
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Post by adam on Feb 21, 2024 19:44:10 GMT -7
Bubs, hope it is useful to you. I think there's a lot of really good tones in there. Another pedal that I feel I can get a decent sound out of that can compliment the amp more than not is the lowly TC Spark. Time will tell for me I guess. There's no real end all - be all for big distortion besides the actual amp. Kind of like screw the pedals and I'd get more milage out of of power station and just let the amp do its thing. Like hello EMS.
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 22, 2024 5:36:24 GMT -7
I use three overdrives and the rotation has been pretty endless until about a year ago. So when I started down the Barber Rabbit Hole, I said, I’m going to target three pedals that are in the same vein as what I know my ear likes.
The Direct Drive replaced Box of Rock or Chainsaw by Visual Sound a sort of Box of Rock’ish pedal. The Burn Unit replaced Vanilla Zendrive or Dtrivetrain by Visual Sound. The Tone Pump will replace the STO by Way Huge which is a Nobles Type.
I try to buy the originals of everything but the Nobles was already too much money before I caught on to that pedal.
BTW: Barber does make on request a LG Burn Unit that I wish I would have know because I’ll never use this much gain. So maybe I’ll order one down the line. Everything is running into my Z28MKII loaded with the Legendary Z12.
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Feb 22, 2024 8:47:47 GMT -7
Bubs, hope it is useful to you. I think there's a lot of really good tones in there. Another pedal that I feel I can get a decent sound out of that can compliment the amp more than not is the lowly TC Spark. Time will tell for me I guess. There's no real end all - be all for big distortion besides the actual amp. Kind of like screw the pedals and I'd get more milage out of of power station and just let the amp do its thing. Like hello EMS. I used to use a Barber Launch Pad at the end of a signal chain into my MAZ18 per David’s recommendation (see article. tinyurl.com/sa52pjp9 ) This provided some of my favorite drive sounds. It got the amp cooking in a most natural way. In the late 60’s and 70’s days of my Plexi Super Bass 1:30 -2:00 was where that amp really started to sound wonderful. Made me want to venture back into those days with an EMS. My ears are probably the better for not going down that road, because that MAZ 18 with a Direct Drive and a Launch Pad got me into some harmful db territory at the house. Outdoors was fine, and it came in handy, but sometimes in the comfort of my studio I’d get carried away. That’s when the power station would make so much sense. www.barberelectronics.com/LaunchPad.htm
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Post by walt on Feb 22, 2024 17:13:08 GMT -7
I use the Gain Changer as a unity volume OD with a Dr Z Therapy.It's like a second channel.IMO the best OD pedal ever.
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Post by LT on Feb 22, 2024 19:05:40 GMT -7
Most of the replies have been about OD's but I used a Tone Press for several years. Great comp/boost. It was the first Comp with a blend control that I was aware of back in the late 90's or so. Loved it!
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Post by bubs42 on Feb 24, 2024 4:32:49 GMT -7
I sold a couple more pedals last night so its time to order another Barber.
BTW for you guys that don’t follow Barber on Facebook or Insta. He has a run of B Stock. It’s not on it website you just have to email him what pedal you want and ask if he has a B Stock.
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