overdrives for stacking

[SadFuzz]

Looking for an amplike overdrive i can use infront of a heavier distortion. I've been looking at the TC Electronic Tube Pilot, Blues Driver, Behringer Vintage Tube Monster, DOD 250 or perhaps an IVP clone.
I've been enjoying the sound of my amp cranked with the master volume low and wants something similar.
Anyone had any experience with these/clones of these or has a better suggestion?

Thanks.

[HH1978]

Which kind of gain range do you want?

I use a Spaceman Saturn V for this. It was a limited edition and the used prices are ridiculous, but the Saturn VI is basically the same circuit minus the vintage mojo components, but with the adition of a tone control (not needed, but probably useful), and they can be found relatively cheap on the used market. Or if you can build your own clone, DeadendFX has a PCB for the Saturn V called the Flint. I've breadborded the circuit using their schematic, and it sounds identical.

It's a boost that can go to low gain overdrive. It's also very dynamic. I use it post fuzz, before overdrives either to push my amp or my overdrives. I've mentionned either here or on another forum that it's my desert island pedal, and I truly mean it. I almost never switch it off.

But it won't act as a medium gain overdrive, if that's what your after. And on that matter, i can't really help. I don't have experience with the ones you mentionned, and the ones I tried all leaved something to be desired. The Catalinbread formula 5 feels really amp-like, for instance, but it's a 5E3 emulation, not really useful to push something else. The MI Audio super Blues Pro is a wonderful sounding and extremely versatile overdrive, and it stacks well, but it's not really touch sensitive... and so on... I used to have a KOT, which is essentially a Bluesbreaker, but that was a long time ago and by then, I didn't stack overdrives.

Have you considered a germanium fuzz face? Backing your guitar volume will get you in overdrive territory (and a really nice one), and unless your amp is already cranked, you will want another drive after it.

That said, it's difficult to give advice without knowing exactly what sound you're after, or even the guitar and amp you are playing (if you play humbuckers in a fender amp, the fuzz face is probably NOT a good choice.)

[s_mcsleazy]

my favorite combination of overdrives is taking my MuLove pedal and running it into a tube overlord set for medium gain. really punishes the toobs

[Singlebladepickup]

Or if you can build your own clone, DeadendFX has a PCB for the Saturn V called the Flint. I've breadborded the circuit using their schematic, and it sounds identical.

This might have to be my first attempt at pedal DIY. Have you tried the Fairfield Circuitry Barbershop, Hudson Broadcast, or Benson Preamp? I've heard these might fit the bill for stackable overdrives, and I'd love to DIY one of them or a Smallsound/Bigsound Mini to stack with Saturn V if you have any pcb clone suggestions for those.

[jvin248]

.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ho45_yq0s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLjLBNmuO9c

.

[HH1978]

No sorry, I haven't tried any of them. I'll look for PCB's. the Benson is recent, so not sure... but the Broadcast has been out there for a while, so there are probably clone PCB somewhere, maybe the barbershop too. All three get rave reviews, so I suppose you can't go wrong.

Now if you're going to build two circuits, I'd recommend the Flint (Saturn V) into the Anticarus (Aphelion), both from Deadendfx. It's a perfect match and the most amp-like drive I've ever got from pedals. I don't have an original Aphelion (prices are really crazy), so my opinion on this is only from the clone I built.

Both are easy enough projects. The only thing is I would recommend getting a couple of CA3080E chips from various suppliers for the Anticarus, and use a socket. I had to try 3 before I got one working. But once it works, it's an incredibly touch sensitive medium gain overdrive, with a truly unique voice. If you like them smooth, it's probably not the one, but if you like an OD with tons of sparkle, harmonics, and punch, it's really worth a try.

[Singlebladepickup]

Awesome, thanks! I'll definitely check demos on Aphelion, but the description sounds good. I'm definitely not into "smooth", I love punchy and harmonic, as well as drives with bias controls and stuff that makes them sound ragged, fuzzy, and sputtery.

[SadFuzz]

Yeah these sound good but a bit outside my price range. Don't want to go too far above £100. And yeah, i'd like to get some range out of whatever i use. I like what i've heard with the blues driver cos it has enough gain i could use it either in addition to or seperate from my other distortion. I was only concerned that it would colour the tone too differently than my clean sound.

[MechaBulletBill]

ssbs mini is probably the perfect thing, but if you're looking for something cheaper
distortion+ or another mxr
od250
rat? i've never liked a rat but many do!
those joyo/harley benton sansamp clones

[HH1978]

Awesome, thanks! I'll definitely check demos on Aphelion, but the description sounds good.

Most of the youtube videos don't do it justice IMO. The demos of JustNickMusic and Sean Gibson are worth looking though.

[HH1978]

I like what i've heard with the blues driver cos it has enough gain i could use it either in addition to or seperate from my other distortion. I was only concerned that it would colour the tone too differently than my clean sound.

Sorry, I realized I confused the blues driver with the Blues Breaker. I had a Blues driver back in the days. It was good I remember.

[Bradley-Jazz]

No sorry, I haven't tried any of them. I'll look for PCB's. the Benson is recent, so not sure... but the Broadcast has been out there for a while, so there are probably clone PCB somewhere, maybe the barbershop too. All three get rave reviews, so I suppose you can't go wrong.

There are these -

https://www.jedspeds.co.uk/product-page ... ger-preamp

https://www.jedspeds.co.uk/product-page/birdstrike

https://www.jedspeds.co.uk/product-page/harolds

No affiliation. I built the Sullenberger and I like it a lot.

[redchapterjubilee]

ssbs mini is probably the perfect thing

Agreed. Gigantic range of gain, a lot of volume so you could use it either to punch something else downstream or use it stand alone for anything from light overdrive to howling fuzz/distortion.

[HH1978]

There are these -

https://www.jedspeds.co.uk/product-page ... ger-preamp

https://www.jedspeds.co.uk/product-page/birdstrike

https://www.jedspeds.co.uk/product-page/harolds

No affiliation. I built the Sullenberger and I like it a lot.
Stop me if you think you've heard this one before....
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Excellent!

[stevejamsecono]

Don't discount compressors for this role as well. Especially if they have a clean blend. I'm currently using one like this now to give my guitar sound more girth and grit.

Current chain:

Seymour Duncan Vise Grip > Boss SD1 > Chicago Stompworks Mr. Vermin (Rat)

Basically gets me from "kinda dirty" to "WOOOF" with no problems.