New Pedals Day.
OK, long story short: I acquired a PRS McCarty but have a firm one in, one out guitar policy so my original Telemaster build had to go. I came to an arrangement with Mr Juansolo of this parish to do a swap, the guitar for one of his new Klones and a Darkside pedal. Both arrived on Friday and I've been able to get them attached to the board and given the once over this morning:
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6337431738_e0d7fb008e_z_d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_atrocity/6337431738/in/photostream)
Both sound awesome in very handily different ways. The Klone is really a pretty transparent overdrive and the way it responds to your touch and drives the amp is just lovely. I think I may have just effectively retired my trusty old TS-808. The Klone allows much more of the amp's qualities to shine through as well as the guitar's, it's really good. You can add just a bit of grit with the guitar volume rolled off or you can max out the guitar volume for some serious oomph, albeit with a lot of clarity in the notes. Top notch.
The Darkside pedal is much more 70s Marshall, more mid-range and a very thick tone. In the wee small hours when I regret selling my Plexi 7 amp (had to, not enough room in new flat but still...) I miss that fat brown sounding tone. I think that this pedal gets me back where I need to be when the call to play early Van Halen arises. It's also great for some Zeppelin and Trower stylings too plus the famous Gilmour connection of the G2.
I've tried both pedals with the PRS, a Tele, a Strat my, my remaining Telemaster and my Epiphone Wilshire and all sound great, and all sound more "like themselves" than they did through any other distortion or OD pedals I've tried. Very happy indeed. :)