Solo Boost for Express 5:25 - Tubescreamer?

[rdm]

I'm playing with my Strat straight into Mesa Boogie Express 5:25 1x10. Killer amp, but I want a pedal as a solo boost. Tried an OCD, and the **** thing is too bassy with this amp. I'd like to just try a TS pedal, but not really sure where to go. Thinking of maybe an FD-2, but that might be overkill for me.

Then the Maxon OD808 and TS9's caught my eye. Thoughts?

Just looking for something to cut through for solos....and I don't want an EQ pedal or Compressor. One more catch...I'd like it to be something that I can pickup at my local GC, only because I have store credit there too use.

 

[espresso]

I have the same amp and played it with a TS9 tube screamer this weekend and I didn't like the sound at all. It was a little to harsh for my ears. I also plugged the pedal into my Gibson Skylark and lost alot of bottom end. Maybe the pedal is ill suited to those amps or it's just a matter of personal taste.

 

[Newysurfer]

I'm playing with my Strat straight into Mesa Boogie Express 5:25 1x10. Killer amp, but I want a pedal as a solo boost. Tried an OCD, and the **** thing is too bassy with this amp. I'd like to just try a TS pedal, but not really sure where to go. Thinking of maybe an FD-2, but that might be overkill for me.

Then the Maxon OD808 and TS9's caught my eye. Thoughts?

Just looking for something to cut through for solos....and I don't want an EQ pedal or Compressor. One more catch...I'd like it to be something that I can pickup at my local GC, only because I have store credit there too use.

Not surprised - the OCD is not a boosting pedal - it's designed mainly as a standalone distortion pedal.
Most of the Tubescreamers work great as coloured boosters of amp distortion provided you keep the gain low and the volume high on the pedal. I have an Fulltone Mosfet 11 and an Analogman mod'ed Maxon TS-808. Both fantastic boosters and I prefer the Maxon but you can't go wrong with any of the TS-808, TS-9 or OD-9 family of tubescreamers IMO.

 

[fox5150]

Have you considered a clean boost, rather than anything that will introduce gain. I use the Keeley Katana for this and it is excellent. Not sure if it's available at Guitar Center though.

Simon

 

[boswell]

BBE Boosta Grande Clean Boost, in the effects loop for volume boost, in the front of the amp for gain boost.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/BBE-Boosta-Grande-Clean-Boost-Effect-Pedal-104014220-i1124918.gc

 

[soundchaser59]

I saw one for $54 at Amazon, new.

 

[gezza]

Hey Guys,

I also have the same amp. I also tired 2 different tube screamers, hated the tone.

I have found that the clean channel and the Burn channel do not like the same pedals. What works for one channel, sounds totally different on the other.

Now I settled on this, for the Burn Channel.

I have two Boosts, I use the MI-Audio Boost n Buff. Sounds awesome. Has one for gain and one for Volume, gain before 12 o'clock is a flat boost, than from 1 -3 o'clock is a treble boost, then fuzz after that.

I also use a 7 Band eq, allows you to shape the tone and and how much extra volume. I got a cheap one on Ebay with a 7 band EQ and an overall volume.

I also found that the boost only work well in the effects loop, If I place them before the amp, it just adds more distortion, not volume.

So I can hit the Boost and Buff, straight into a solo, than back or hit the EQ.

So far seems to be working for me.

I also have a Xotic BB Preamp, but I am running that as a Small distortion boost, works well on the Burn channel, but the gain must me set really low, or feedback!!!!

MI - Audio Crunch Box sounds awesome on the Clean Channel, I can then use the Boost and buff or Eq for a solo boost.

Hope that helps. Still learning to get a handle on all these pedals.

Gezza.

 

[rdm]

I'm playing with my Strat straight into Mesa Boogie Express 5:25 1x10. Killer amp, but I want a pedal as a solo boost. Tried an OCD, and the **** thing is too bassy with this amp. I'd like to just try a TS pedal, but not really sure where to go. Thinking of maybe an FD-2, but that might be overkill for me.

Then the Maxon OD808 and TS9's caught my eye. Thoughts?

Just looking for something to cut through for solos....and I don't want an EQ pedal or Compressor. One more catch...I'd like it to be something that I can pickup at my local GC, only because I have store credit there too use.

Not surprised - the OCD is not a boosting pedal - it's designed mainly as a standalone distortion pedal.
Most of the Tubescreamers work great as coloured boosters of amp distortion provided you keep the gain low and the volume high on the pedal. I have an Fulltone Mosfet 11 and an Analogman mod'ed Maxon TS-808. Both fantastic boosters and I prefer the Maxon but you can't go wrong with any of the TS-808, TS-9 or OD-9 family of tubescreamers IMO.

I've used the OCD with other amps and pedals as a boost. Yeah...it's made as a standalone OD, but depending on how/where you stack it in the chain you can get some really nice results.

 

[gezza]

Hey RDM,

I didn't want to hi-jack your post.

So have a look at my updated Pedalboard post.

Yeah! I never thought I would have that many pedals. (never say never)

It's all about the tone.

Gezza.

 

[Newysurfer]

Hey Guys,

I also have the same amp. I also tired 2 different tube screamers, hated the tone.

I have found that the clean channel and the Burn channel do not like the same pedals. What works for one channel, sounds totally different on the other.

Now I settled on this, for the Burn Channel.

I have two Boosts, I use the MI-Audio Boost n Buff. Sounds awesome. Has one for gain and one for Volume, gain before 12 o'clock is a flat boost, than from 1 -3 o'clock is a treble boost, then fuzz after that.

I also use a 7 Band eq, allows you to shape the tone and and how much extra volume. I got a cheap one on Ebay with a 7 band EQ and an overall volume.

I also found that the boost only work well in the effects loop, If I place them before the amp, it just adds more distortion, not volume.

So I can hit the Boost and Buff, straight into a solo, than back or hit the EQ.

So far seems to be working for me.

I also have a Xotic BB Preamp, but I am running that as a Small distortion boost, works well on the Burn channel, but the gain must me set really low, or feedback!!!!

MI - Audio Crunch Box sounds awesome on the Clean Channel, I can then use the Boost and buff or Eq for a solo boost.

Hope that helps. Still learning to get a handle on all these pedals.

Gezza.

Interesting Gezza cause you've just highlighted some apparent differences between the 5:25 and the 5:50.
The different power tube types probably accounts for this.
The clean channel & burn channel are both equally compatible with all pedals on the 5:50 and I'm yet to find 1 pedal that's not great thru the 5:50. Tubescreamers also work great as coloured boosters with the 5:50.
EQ pedals and the Crunchbox are great with anything though :mrgreen:

 

[rdm]

I picked up a TS9 and it pretty much sounds like *** with the lead channel and sounds OK with the rhythm channel. Going to most likely try a Boost N Buff.

 

[Wolfboy1]

I really like the Voodoo Labs Sparkle Drive with mine. Clean boost alone or dial in some dirt. I got it at GC by the way.

 

[Donnie B.]

I'm using an Analog Man silver modded TS9 with my 1 x 10 5:25 and it sounds great.

http://www.analogman.com/ts9silv.htm