GeorgeF's Television thread got me thinking about real tube pedals for lower gain sounds. Anyone know of any? I'm not thinking as low gain as George was after just nice lower gain OD sound, most clips i've seen of real tube pedals only seem to offer high gain/metal tones.
Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 1:13 pm
by George
YES JOHNNY! Totally relevant to my interests.
Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 1:57 pm
by Ro S
Some of examples of real tube overdrive/distortion:
Other than the more expensive Radial Tonebones and Butler's...
- Nady TD1 (the recent one, not the 80s one) (doscontinued? but still available on closeout deals);
- Aria Platinum Drive (discontinued?);
- the newish Seymour Duncan one;
- Coopersonic Valveslapper;
cheaper options:
- Behringer VT911;
- Behringer VT999
Dunno whether any above will do low enough gain for what you want though.
However, Blackstar do a range of real tube gain pedals, ranging from 'Overdrive' to higher gain ones. Might be worth investigating them?
And also: the discontinued Vox Cooltron series might suit. There's a 'Big Ben Overdive', a booster one I think, and a 'Over the Top Boost' (last one based on a Vox AC30 amp)
Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 2:01 pm
by Fran
The Aria Platinum Drive is very high gain, even after changing the pre-amp valve for a 'cleaner' type. I struggled to get any decent crunch sounds from mine, it was just balls out Distortion and loud.
Pretty sure two of the above are not real tube pedals.
I forgot to mention in my last post the Ibanez Tube Kings. They do an Overdrive and a Distortion.
edit:
Also - Biyang do a couple of real tube gain pedals. Probably fairly cheap.
Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 2:18 pm
by Simon
Vox Cooltron Big Ben is a great pedal, nice tube overdrive pedal and not too expensive if bought second hand, they're discontinued now though. Sold mine to Mr Person a while back...
Pretty sure two of the above are not real tube pedals.
I forgot to mention in my last post the Ibanez Tube Kings. They do an Overdrive and a Distortion.
edit:
Also - Biyang do a couple of real tube gain pedals. Probably fairly cheap.
Tube King OD looks like a good shout, can't quite find a demo on youtube though! Except some strung out looking dipstick
[youtube][/youtube]
Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 2:31 pm
by George
This video gives good signs! Think it's the HT version.
[youtube][/youtube]
Disgusting toes on display though.
Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 2:42 pm
by Ro S
^
I think that's the earlier, discountinued version (before the current 'lozenge' shaped white and red ones). I think production took places in two different counries; one my be fancied more than the other. Good chance of getting one of them second hand. Maxon also did a version.
Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 3:24 pm
by Gabriel
Waiting for the Winter wrote:Vox Cooltron Big Ben is a great pedal, nice tube overdrive pedal and not too expensive if bought second hand, they're discontinued now though. Sold mine to Mr Person a while back...
its a really nice pedal, I'd recommend one if you can find one.
They have quite a nice range of drive, from a fairly clean boost up to a fairly heavy overdrive.
Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 3:29 pm
by Progrockabuse
i missed out of one of those Big bens ages ago. really nice pedal.
PM'd J7
Posted: Wed Nov 24, 2010 5:33 pm
by SGJarrod
Talk to Mike of MBM......on freestompboxes.org there is a scheme for a pedal designed and made by a member named BajaMan..... real tube, suppose to be superb and I am sure Mike could slap one together....just an idea
its a really nice pedal, I'd recommend one if you can find one.
