ShortScale.org

I'm thinking a bit further ahead than usual (I'm ordering that 2x12 cab in a couple of weeks, then a new amp after that...) but I was wondering what the consensus was on these things. All I know is, it's based on the old LM308-chip RAT circuit but it has a three-way toggle to do lower saturation/higher volume. Which sounds quite cool, because you'd effectively have both a RAT and an OD/boost in one pedal at the flick of a switch.

So, is this a cool-sounding new design, or a rehash of an older RAT mod that's been doing the rounds on the DIY community for years? I like the idea of something that can do what two of my dirt boxes can do, but only taking up the board space of one. Plus, it's a UK company so I'd avoid customs nonsense when ordering one.

Thoughts?

Yeah the 3-way will be to select different clipping diodes. If you like it, get it. However I think £129 is too much for a Rat clone, and I'd like to see some gut shots on the site to check the quality of the workmanship.

Saw this this morning - perhaps a similar option?

Mike, what's 'texture'?

@Tim: those were my thoughts. Sure, it sounds good and *looks* well-made on the outside, but you'd want close-up pics before putting down that sort of cash. We've discussed the fors and againsts of paying three figure sums for stompboxes on here before I know, but at the end of the day it's a simple-ish circuit. The description of the toggle switch just sounded very similar to the Keeley mod which, again, is cool-sounding but not really difficult to do yourself with a soldering iron and Google close to hand.

It says more about the industry as a whole than an individual builder when you look at something like this with a bit of scepticism. I'm all for supporting another UK gearhead, but it's hard to make a guess when there's little info floating around online.

@moog: that's why I'm so hesitant about this - I already have a RAT that Mike made to vintage specs, and it nails that old-school sound to a T. If the Moondriver is indeed just a tweaked Rat circuit, it would make more sense from my personal POV to mod the pedal I already own instead of getting another one.

The Ruetz mod on its own, if controlled with a toggle switch, would make it a more OD-like sound that gives more volume, more bass and less drive. Which would cover the ground that my OD-3 does when pushing a Muff or amp. Whether the Moondriver does this, or its own thing entirely, I'm still not sure.

timhulio wrote:Mike, what's 'texture'?

1K in place of the Reutz resistor.