Pedals ..

[pedro]

The Zendrive thread got me thinking about pedals again.

I have a love/hate thing going on with pedals with regard to fine tube amp circuits. On te one habd I like the added palette they give the and boost facility, but on the other hand I just want an amp that gives me the tone I'm looking for.

Ive built MANY MANY OD pedals for my own use and probably the best I have and use is the MOSFET booster from Jack Orman's site - and a pedal called the Blue Magic, which has a great sound. I built a few versions of the Shaka as well but it didnt feel as good as the simpler mosfet booster.

Ive built all the germanium based stuff but the MOSFET booster is probably the one which has been most useful.

Now, I havent tried any of these pedals in front of my ODS yet, but I'm going to.

After reading round today it sounds like some of the best rated Boutique pedals at the moment are using FETs anyway. Any ideas what the Zen is based on ? Or is anyone esle using Fet boosters with their ODS or fenders ? I also saw from the Zen site that there is a DIY section not yet implemented. That sounds interesting.

Any pedal thoughts ?

cheers
Pete C

[Normster]

I confess to trying a pedal or two in front of my ODS. So far my favorite is a *gulp* Boss DS-1! It does sound processed, but not offensive by any means. What I like about it is the sustain and feedback at low volumes.

However, now you've got me thinking about repurposing the FET circuit. It might be cool to modify the FET board to include a couple of clipping diodes.

[pedro]

Careful Norm ,

I nearly got flamed to death on 18watt once for mentioning clipping diodes - even if they were germaniums !

cheers
Pete

[Icetech]

What i dont get is, why cant we just make our amp do what a zendrive does for it?

[groovtubin]

I confess to trying a pedal or two in front of my ODS. So far my favorite is a *gulp* Boss DS-1! It does sound processed, but not offensive by any means. What I like about it is the sustain and feedback at low volumes.

However, now you've got me thinking about repurposing the FET circuit. It might be cool to modify the FET board to include a couple of clipping diodes.

Normster, ever try a EH LPB-1 booster, the old one that plugs into amp? In front of a Marshall MV model, it was MAGIC.. Fat open and SUUUSTAIN...

[pedro]

when I was 17 that was my rig !!!! .....that with an EH screeming tree treble boost for solos

those were the ( hissy ) days

Pete C

[groovtubin]

when I was 17 that was my rig !!!! .....that with an EH screeming tree treble boost for solos

those were the ( hissy ) days

Pete C

if we can get rid of the hiss..my what a sound! LOL! That isn`t too far from the FET on a Dumble ya think? I`m sure the Dumble has a TAD less gain! LOL!

[pedro]

Hi Jim,

have you checked out the mini booster circuits from AMZ - Jack Orman's site.
They are really nice in front of a tube amp.
I've built a couple and use them regularly with my 18watters.
Its like the LPB but without the hiss and gives a lovely smooth overdrive.
Loads of control - One gain knob !!!

would love to know whats going on inside the Zendrive though.....

still havent got round to trying the CF circuits yet !!

cheers
Pete