Good pedal to put in front of a Mesa to overdrive it?

[bowery969]

I've got a Studio Caliber DC-2.

Currently my only OD pedal is a Fulltone GT-500. Using that on top of my gain channel doesn't do much to give it an overdriven sound. (in fact, it actually clips it a little).

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good overdrive pedal to put in front of a Mesa?

 

[domct203]

That’s like asking what brand chocolate ice cream is best LOL.

Can’t go wrong with a Tube Screamer IMO.

I’m suprised the GT-500’s boost side is not working for you, drive down low and level up high. You don’t want to add any substantial drive, just boost the volume going into the amp.

Dom

 

[green_henry]

A bit pricey, but a Mesa Grid Slammer would be worth checking out.

 

[bowery969]

That’s like asking what brand chocolate ice cream is best LOL.

Can’t go wrong with a Tube Screamer IMO.

I’m suprised the GT-500’s boost side is not working for you, drive down low and level up high. You don’t want to add any substantial drive, just boost the volume going into the amp.

Dom

Thanks, I'll tweak it.

And possibly get a TS9.

A bit pricey, but a Mesa Grid Slammer would be worth checking out.

Excellent, I'll check that out.

 

[blueshurler]

I've got a Studio Caliber DC-2.

Currently my only OD pedal is a Fulltone GT-500. Using that on top of my gain channel doesn't do much to give it an overdriven sound. (in fact, it actually clips it a little).

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good overdrive pedal to put in front of a Mesa?

I love my soul food and my OCD. Both excellent pedals. In fact I've been using the OCD for about 15 years now, although the soul food is just as good, but in a different way. Not as much gain but I really love the tone.

 

[clutch71]

It should have a decent level of overdrive on the lead channel. If it does not it may be time for a tube change and if that does not fix it maybe take it in for servicing.

 

[JPBoogie]

I've got a Studio Caliber DC-2.

Currently my only OD pedal is a Fulltone GT-500. Using that on top of my gain channel doesn't do much to give it an overdriven sound. (in fact, it actually clips it a little).

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good overdrive pedal to put in front of a Mesa?

I tried and kept a Laney Tonny Iommi boost and it rocks! It has an EQ that can be turned on or off. Plumes from Earthquaker Devices is also very versatile in front of the amp.
Let us know your pick!
Cheers

 

[bowery969]

That’s like asking what brand chocolate ice cream is best LOL.

Can’t go wrong with a Tube Screamer IMO.

I’m suprised the GT-500’s boost side is not working for you, drive down low and level up high. You don’t want to add any substantial drive, just boost the volume going into the amp.

Dom

I toyed with the GT-500 and got decent results.

A few days ago I took ownership of an J Rockett Archer Overdrive.

My god. I love this pedal. It fits my DC-2 so nicely.

 

[Dave47857]

For the money if you are in HIGH GAIN Territory NOT EDGE OF ELDERLY BREAKUP OVERDRIVE. The Sd-1 is probably the best overdrive pedal mxr custom bad *** od is probably 2nd but I feel like they are the same pedal but the bad *** has a 100hz control which can be helpful.

 

[DECEMBER]

I use a Tube Screamer, Horizon Devices Precision Drive, Wampler Belle, and Friedman Buxom Boost in front of a Mark V. They all work well in front of channels 2 & 3, each giving a different flavor. All but the TS work with the clean channel. TS just doesn't sound good on its own to me. Buxton Boost is just a clean boost, so won't make any distortion on its own. The Belle is the best for low gain and can take 9-18V for more clean headroom.

 

[blueshurler]

I love my soul food and my OCD. Both excellent pedals. In fact I've been using the OCD for about 15 years now, although the soul food is just as good, but in a different way. Not as much gain but I really love the tone.

Those were the two I was going to suggest. I've had them for quite a while. Excellent choice!

 

[swbo101]

I have an old 80's Pro Co Rat that I have in front of a Mark IV A. The gain is set low but the volume is up. I only use it for some boost in Ch 1 & 2.

 

[Dave47857]

I

I have an old 80's Pro Co Rat that I have in front of a Mark IV A. The gain is set low but the volume is up. I only use it for some boost in Ch 1 & 2.

I have never tried a rat. I have been considering a rat pack for my Marshall rig so I can slam some obituary riffs. It’s never been on my radar but I think I can get some interesting Death Metal tones with it. Or maybe a regular rat I think you can get one pretty cheap.

 

[Allen Velasquez]

I've got a Studio Caliber DC-2.

Currently my only OD pedal is a Fulltone GT-500. Using that on top of my gain channel doesn't do much to give it an overdriven sound. (in fact, it actually clips it a little).

Does anyone have a suggestion for a good overdrive pedal to put in front of a Mesa?

I have a Rectoverb 50 combo that I run with a 2x12 Horizontal Rec Cab and the I have been using an OCD along with the Mad Professor Golden Cello for addtl drive into channel 1 with just a little breakup and it pushes my tone and drive beautifully. Couldn't ask for more. I'll occasionally use a compressor for more sustain and a small graphic equalizer if I'm in a hard to nail venue. Always just push the volume on the OCD with drive down.