Tube overdrive recommendation

celticelk · 09-28-2011, 08:25 AM

I'm pretty pleased with the clean tone I'm getting from my rig these days (Tech 21 Blonde into a Peavey KB100 - it's unorthodox, but it works), but I'd like to upgrade my dirty sounds. Ideally, I'd like to have a Mesa V-Twin, but they're out of production and hard to get without mortgaging your firstborn child. Can anyone recommend an equivalent tube-bearing pedal for that singing, saturated-Marshall sound?

There's a catch: it has to be made in the USA. Not made overseas by a US-owned company, not engineered here and made in China - made in the USA. Let me forestall any tangential comments by saying that this is *not* a comment on the Chinese political system, or on the merits of Chinese manufacturing. In the current economic climate, I figure my neighbors need whatever help I can provide, and I can afford to pay a premium for American-made. That limitation automatically rules out the Seymour Duncan and Blackstar pedals. What else have you got?

petereanima · 09-28-2011, 08:49 AM

That unfortunately also rules out Hughes & Kettner, because the Tubefactor and Tubeman are awesome.

You could find out where AMT builds their pedals, and then check out this thing here. (or one of the others)

celticelk · 09-28-2011, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petereanima

That unfortunately also rules out Hughes & Kettner, because the Tubefactor and Tubeman are awesome.

You could find out where AMT builds their pedals, and then check out this thing here. (or one of the others)

They're made in Russia. Nice try, though - I've heard good things about their stuff.

MaxOfMetal · 09-28-2011, 09:33 AM

Does it have to have tubes, or can it sound like it has tubes?

I'd take a look at a lot of the Z.Vex stuff, depending on just what kind of tone you're looking for.

celticelk · 09-28-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxOfMetal

Does it have to have tubes, or can it sound like it has tubes?

I'd take a look at a lot of the Z.Vex stuff, depending on just what kind of tone you're looking for.

I would prefer actual tubes, because I like the feel (despite the tubelessness of my Tech 21); I'll take a look at the Z. Vex stuff, though. Thanks!

petereanima · 09-28-2011, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by celticelk

They're made in Russia.

Makes sense, good to know (couldnt find info on it so fast).

The USA should invade and overtake Canada..you could then buy and play proudly the Radial Tonebone.

EDIT: got one! Fuchs makes a tube-overdrive, and its made in USA.

Fuchs Audio Technology | Handcrafted Tube Boutique Guitar Amplification | Products | Plush Pedals | The Valve Job

celticelk · 09-28-2011, 10:02 AM

^^^^ Not yet willing to dictate US foreign policy based on my desire for better pedals. Give it a few months. =)

Nice catch on the Fuchs! I'll check that out.

MaxOfMetal · 09-28-2011, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by celticelk

I would prefer actual tubes, because I like the feel (despite the tubelessness of my Tech 21); I'll take a look at the Z. Vex stuff, though. Thanks!

Be careful, a lot of pedals with a single 12AX7 built in use it as more of a gimmick, having it perform extremely limited functionally, and relying on the analog solid state circuits for most of the tone shaping. Not surprising, the most "tube sounding" pedals I've ever used have had no tubes, and some of the most boring sounding have had them.

You might also want to consider tube preamps like the ENGL e530 and Peavey Rockmaster.

celticelk · 09-28-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxOfMetal

Be careful, a lot of pedals with a single 12AX7 built in use it as more of a gimmick, having it perform extremely limited functionally, and relying on the analog solid state circuits for most of the tone shaping. Not surprising, the most "tube sounding" pedals I've ever used have had no tubes, and some of the most boring sounding have had them.

You might also want to consider tube preamps like the ENGL e530 and Peavey Rockmaster.

Yeah, I'm keeping an eye out for underpowered tube pedals. Fortunately there's quite a bit of chatter about that on the Web, so it's fairly easy to get a good read on individual pedals. (But strangely, not enough to easily find a good list of made-in-USA pedals. Guess tone freaks aren't too concerned with country-of-origin.)

Given my current setup, I would vastly prefer pedals; adding rack gear makes everything much more complicated at this point.

Mordacain · 09-28-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxOfMetal

Be careful, a lot of pedals with a single 12AX7 built in use it as more of a gimmick, having it perform extremely limited functionally, and relying on the analog solid state circuits for most of the tone shaping. Not surprising, the most "tube sounding" pedals I've ever used have had no tubes, and some of the most boring sounding have had them.

You might also want to consider tube preamps like the ENGL e530 and Peavey Rockmaster.

The only one that springs to mind for me is the Chandler Tube Driver, which is best used in David Gilmour fashion...not to mention its just as expensive as a Mesa V-Twin.

Albionic · 09-28-2011, 11:01 AM

How about an Ibanez tube king the new ones are High voltage apparently. not 100% sure they made in USA but I think they might be.

celticelk · 09-28-2011, 11:13 AM

^^^^^ I highly doubt it: the manual says "printed in China," and I can't imagine a situation where it makes economic sense to manufacture your pedal in the US but outsource your printing to China.

Albionic · 09-28-2011, 12:17 PM

Ok then the only other one I can think of off the top of my head is the ehx English muffin. Supposedly made in the us not huge gain but maybe with a tube screamer in front?

Albionic · 09-28-2011, 12:51 PM

Damage control pedals just came to mind but all their valve pedals are discontinued.might find a used one

Edit: seen a few left in shops quite expensive though demonizer is $299 solid metal $199 both high voltage and USA made

celticelk · 09-28-2011, 02:50 PM

In the absence of tubes (/clever_album_reference), the ZVex Box of Rock is looking pretty interesting, as are the Amptweaker pedals. Of course, if I'm accepting !tubes, then the higher-gain Tech 21 Character pedals are in play as well. Need to keep thinking about this. Darn. Applications are still being accepted....

(And I'd jump *all over* the AMT SS-11, if it weren't made in Russia and almost as expensive as a used V-Twin. But damn, that sounds good!)

troyguitar · 09-28-2011, 06:43 PM

Mesa Boogie V Twin Pedal

celticelk · 09-28-2011, 07:24 PM

Emailed! Is that your pedal?

troyguitar · 09-28-2011, 07:29 PM

Nope I'm in Farmington, just happened to notice your location and remember I saw one on CL earlier today.

celticelk · 09-28-2011, 07:34 PM

^^^^^^ +1 rep to you for your community spirit!

celticelk · 10-08-2011, 05:30 PM

Missed the boat on that V-Twin, but I tried out a Fryette SAS while at Guitar Center, and that's jumping to the head of the list - very musical, and can be dialed in for a sweet, fat-tube tone or something with more teeth in it. Bonus: discovered after the fact that David Torn was involved in its development and now has one on his board. Winner!

Thanks for the input, everyone!

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09-28-2011, 08:25 AM	#1
celticelk Rogue intellectual Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,759 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Tube overdrive recommendation I'm pretty pleased with the clean tone I'm getting from my rig these days (Tech 21 Blonde into a Peavey KB100 - it's unorthodox, but it works), but I'd like to upgrade my dirty sounds. Ideally, I'd like to have a Mesa V-Twin, but they're out of production and hard to get without mortgaging your firstborn child. Can anyone recommend an equivalent tube-bearing pedal for that singing, saturated-Marshall sound? There's a catch: it has to be made in the USA. Not made overseas by a US-owned company, not engineered here and made in China - made in the USA. Let me forestall any tangential comments by saying that this is not a comment on the Chinese political system, or on the merits of Chinese manufacturing. In the current economic climate, I figure my neighbors need whatever help I can provide, and I can afford to pay a premium for American-made. That limitation automatically rules out the Seymour Duncan and Blackstar pedals. What else have you got? "There's only one real freedom in music: freedom from the tyranny of trying to sound good." -Kenny Werner "Whatever technique you have on your instrument at any given time is always good enough to say something. If you can't find the thing to say, that's what you've got to work on." -David Torn "Don't be afraid to let go of the things you know. Defy your weaker, safer self. Create. Make music." -Sonny Sharrock "Do your thing. Follow your heart." -David Fiuczynski

09-28-2011, 08:49 AM	#2
petereanima Br00tal Bubbly Mofo Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austria Posts: 5,433 Thanked: 103 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	That unfortunately also rules out Hughes & Kettner, because the Tubefactor and Tubeman are awesome. You could find out where AMT builds their pedals, and then check out this thing here. (or one of the others) Djentsters will hate this! my band on: facebook reverbnation myspace

09-28-2011, 09:33 AM	#4
MaxOfMetal Likes trem wankery. • Super Moderator • Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 21,504 Thanked: 93 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	Does it have to have tubes, or can it sound like it has tubes? I'd take a look at a lot of the Z.Vex stuff, depending on just what kind of tone you're looking for. Need help with setting up a trem? Need info on your Ibby? Live in Milwaukee? Please feel free to message me. New Rules. Read Them.

09-28-2011, 10:02 AM	#7
celticelk Rogue intellectual Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,759 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	^^^^ Not yet willing to dictate US foreign policy based on my desire for better pedals. Give it a few months. =) Nice catch on the Fuchs! I'll check that out. "There's only one real freedom in music: freedom from the tyranny of trying to sound good." -Kenny Werner "Whatever technique you have on your instrument at any given time is always good enough to say something. If you can't find the thing to say, that's what you've got to work on." -David Torn "Don't be afraid to let go of the things you know. Defy your weaker, safer self. Create. Make music." -Sonny Sharrock "Do your thing. Follow your heart." -David Fiuczynski

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09-28-2011, 11:01 AM	#11
Albionic Warrior of tru metal Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: London uk Posts: 1,082 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	How about an Ibanez tube king the new ones are High voltage apparently. not 100% sure they made in USA but I think they might be.

09-28-2011, 11:13 AM	#12
celticelk Rogue intellectual Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,759 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	^^^^^ I highly doubt it: the manual says "printed in China," and I can't imagine a situation where it makes economic sense to manufacture your pedal in the US but outsource your printing to China. "There's only one real freedom in music: freedom from the tyranny of trying to sound good." -Kenny Werner "Whatever technique you have on your instrument at any given time is always good enough to say something. If you can't find the thing to say, that's what you've got to work on." -David Torn "Don't be afraid to let go of the things you know. Defy your weaker, safer self. Create. Make music." -Sonny Sharrock "Do your thing. Follow your heart." -David Fiuczynski

09-28-2011, 12:17 PM	#13
Albionic Warrior of tru metal Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: London uk Posts: 1,082 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Ok then the only other one I can think of off the top of my head is the ehx English muffin. Supposedly made in the us not huge gain but maybe with a tube screamer in front?

09-28-2011, 12:51 PM	#14
Albionic Warrior of tru metal Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: London uk Posts: 1,082 Thanked: 9 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Damage control pedals just came to mind but all their valve pedals are discontinued.might find a used one Edit: seen a few left in shops quite expensive though demonizer is $299 solid metal $199 both high voltage and USA made

09-28-2011, 02:50 PM	#15
celticelk Rogue intellectual Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,759 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	In the absence of tubes (/clever_album_reference), the ZVex Box of Rock is looking pretty interesting, as are the Amptweaker pedals. Of course, if I'm accepting !tubes, then the higher-gain Tech 21 Character pedals are in play as well. Need to keep thinking about this. Darn. Applications are still being accepted.... (And I'd jump all over the AMT SS-11, if it weren't made in Russia and almost as expensive as a used V-Twin. But damn, that sounds good!) "There's only one real freedom in music: freedom from the tyranny of trying to sound good." -Kenny Werner "Whatever technique you have on your instrument at any given time is always good enough to say something. If you can't find the thing to say, that's what you've got to work on." -David Torn "Don't be afraid to let go of the things you know. Defy your weaker, safer self. Create. Make music." -Sonny Sharrock "Do your thing. Follow your heart." -David Fiuczynski

09-28-2011, 06:43 PM	#16
troyguitar SS.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bloomsburg, PA Posts: 7,412 Thanked: 63 $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 10 reviews	Mesa Boogie V Twin Pedal American Metal with real singing!

09-28-2011, 07:24 PM	#17
celticelk Rogue intellectual Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,759 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Emailed! Is that your pedal? "There's only one real freedom in music: freedom from the tyranny of trying to sound good." -Kenny Werner "Whatever technique you have on your instrument at any given time is always good enough to say something. If you can't find the thing to say, that's what you've got to work on." -David Torn "Don't be afraid to let go of the things you know. Defy your weaker, safer self. Create. Make music." -Sonny Sharrock "Do your thing. Follow your heart." -David Fiuczynski

09-28-2011, 07:29 PM	#18
troyguitar SS.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bloomsburg, PA Posts: 7,412 Thanked: 63 $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ $troyguitar is rather kvlt and tr00. \m/$ Feedback Score: 10 reviews	Nope I'm in Farmington, just happened to notice your location and remember I saw one on CL earlier today. American Metal with real singing!

09-28-2011, 07:34 PM	#19
celticelk Rogue intellectual Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,759 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	^^^^^^ +1 rep to you for your community spirit! "There's only one real freedom in music: freedom from the tyranny of trying to sound good." -Kenny Werner "Whatever technique you have on your instrument at any given time is always good enough to say something. If you can't find the thing to say, that's what you've got to work on." -David Torn "Don't be afraid to let go of the things you know. Defy your weaker, safer self. Create. Make music." -Sonny Sharrock "Do your thing. Follow your heart." -David Fiuczynski

10-08-2011, 05:30 PM	#20
celticelk Rogue intellectual Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,759 Thanked: 15 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Missed the boat on that V-Twin, but I tried out a Fryette SAS while at Guitar Center, and that's jumping to the head of the list - very musical, and can be dialed in for a sweet, fat-tube tone or something with more teeth in it. Bonus: discovered after the fact that David Torn was involved in its development and now has one on his board. Winner! Thanks for the input, everyone! "There's only one real freedom in music: freedom from the tyranny of trying to sound good." -Kenny Werner "Whatever technique you have on your instrument at any given time is always good enough to say something. If you can't find the thing to say, that's what you've got to work on." -David Torn "Don't be afraid to let go of the things you know. Defy your weaker, safer self. Create. Make music." -Sonny Sharrock "Do your thing. Follow your heart." -David Fiuczynski

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