Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Adam.M on September 06, 2006, 10:05:02 PM

Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Adam.M on September 06, 2006, 10:05:02 PM
I've been looking at many, many tube-overdrive type boxes for a long long time, my aim has been to have a Epi VJ and a valve overdrive pedal as a second channel.

So far most of the pedals have had some major downsides, being that they run in that 'low-wattage' fashion, which never seems to sound right. Or the valve just seems to be just for show...

Either way, i think i've found what i've been looking for, i absolutely love the Soldano SLO tone, for a lead channel nothing can beat it by my ears.

So i'm just wondering if anyone has had any experiences with this pedal at all? or anything similar.

http://www.soldano.com/newsiteapril/html/supercharger.html

Very expencive, but looks sooooooo gooooood.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: DeanS on September 07, 2006, 11:01:00 AM
I too love the sound of the SLO but don't forget that 'its' tone (as with all valve amps) is a combination of the pre amp stage, power amp stage and the interaction between the transformers/speakers.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Ratrod on September 07, 2006, 12:02:27 PM
Wasn't it Shredaholic who has one of these?

The GTO does sound awesome but it is very expensive.

Check out the Hughes & Kettner Tube Factor. Great pedal, I've been using it for years.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: hunter on September 07, 2006, 12:11:09 PM
For the money they ask for the GTO I'd rathe get a SP77 II - they go around 300-500 EUR and provide much better value for the buck.

Hoverver, a Soldano preamp and an EpiVJ amplification stage looks a little "unbalanced" to me - the Epi wouldn't do the Soldano justice I believe.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Tricalibur on September 07, 2006, 09:45:50 PM
im in this same dilema. Just got my epi yesterday and have been tryin to find a suitable tube pedal to drive it with since. The Maxon pedals look intruiging but at the same time im being drawn back to a MSD PD-1 paranoid cause i fricken love Tony Iommi so much its rediculous.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: willo on September 07, 2006, 10:24:57 PM
I like the Damage Control pedals; they look good and sound good too but again the price is an issue.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Tricalibur on September 08, 2006, 01:18:29 AM
^ they look cool n all but I doubt they would sound very good mixing with the VJ's breakup.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: jt on September 08, 2006, 05:10:09 PM
:D Yep i can`t remember the name of the  member who has one of these pedals & swears by them. You might want to check out DHA pedals there on Ebay. I bought his basic tube pedal [VT 1 Purist ] off  of "Steve" who posts quite a bit on this forum.  Great sound very natural just not enough gain on it but he does a bigger one [VT 2 Twin ] which he says can do all the high gain  stuff & it`s only about £230 check `em out.

 :D  8)

http://members.aol.com/davehallamps/home.html

This is his amp page it includes his Email address. just type dha into Ebay on the instrument section & his pedals will come up he will even make them/custom them for you.

EDIT in fact i think i`m right in saying his a member of the forum as well !
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: 38thBeatle on September 08, 2006, 06:22:27 PM
I can vouch for the DHA pedal too- as JT says, not overladen with gain but that is what I want and it does it beautifully.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: DeanS on September 08, 2006, 06:55:17 PM
Quote from: Tricalibur
im in this same dilema. Just got my epi yesterday and have been tryin to find a suitable tube pedal to drive it with since. The Maxon pedals look intruiging but at the same time im being drawn back to a MSD PD-1 paranoid cause i fricken love Tony Iommi so much its rediculous.


If your into Iommi's tone have alook at the BSM RM Metal Booster-its designed specifically to overdrive tube amps AND give Iommi's tone.......

http://www.treblebooster.net
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Tricalibur on September 08, 2006, 09:23:44 PM
^ Yeh I was also looking at that put since It realy only has one knob its hard to tell if it would give the kind of gain I want. I wanna be able to do some high gain shred kinda stuff too ;].
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: TwilightOdyssey on September 08, 2006, 09:42:56 PM
Forum bro (and good friend of mine) withoutwarning (aka, Jay Parmar) uses one.
www.jayparmar.com
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Adam.M on September 08, 2006, 10:09:59 PM
Hmm, i think i may go for one of those DHA pedals... it looks like it's more what i'm after.

Right now i have a Vox AC15 Valvetronics thingy, and just got the perefect settings out of it for my style, and until i get another valve amp again (i'd need a THD Hot Plate to go with it... thin thin walls) i'll be sticking with it, don't think i need the VJ now.

But anyway, what i was really hoping this pedal would do, is give me a soaring awesome leeds, and not so much push the amp, but to push the valves in the pedal. Like having a solo channel, i guess.

I've looked at those Damage Control pedals origionally, and i don't like the sound at all. I'll have to try one myself, but every demo i hear of it doesn't sound right to me.

The Tube Factor pedal, sounds good actually! maybe the solando is a bit overpriced... heh heh.

Cheers for the replys guys. gives me more to think about.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Adam.M on September 08, 2006, 10:20:36 PM
After looking at the DHA VT2 pedal, i think i'm going to go for that one.

" "1 or 2" or "1 + 2" or "by-pass" so providing 4 selectable tone options, such as Clean, Blues, Crunch and Lead."

Just like the ENGL i had for a short while, that turned me into a tube-lover.

Very interesting pedal, and cheaper than the soldano. I'll go for that one! cheers guys.

Theres this Fatgut's too, though, which is single channel version, but it has a tone and colour control too... theres too much gear out there!
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: jt on September 09, 2006, 01:00:24 AM
:D If you get one of the V T 2 `s put a review & sound clips on the forum for us all to hear  :D

 :D  8)
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: DeanS on September 09, 2006, 10:18:43 AM
Quote from: Tricalibur
^ Yeh I was also looking at that put since It realy only has one knob its hard to tell if it would give the kind of gain I want. I wanna be able to do some high gain shred kinda stuff too ;].


Have a chat with Keith Farrow at http://www.lmentryimports.co.uk regarding the RM metal's gain and tone. I use a standard RM (less gain than the metal version) thro a nano and the amount of 'push' is incredible . As you say only one control for level so changes are made in the old fashioned way by adjusting your guitars output/tone. You can go from almost clean to crunch to out and out grindy sizzle.

Just one more thing they only really work when you're amp is already running flat out (pushing the power section into rediculous amounts of saturation) rather than front end distortion like other overdrives/dstortions and have found them to work better with traditional amp gain structures ie non master volume amps
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Tricalibur on September 10, 2006, 08:29:17 PM
I think I have decided on a DHA pedal aswell. Ive been talkin with Dave at DHA for the past couple days and hes gonna custom modify me a VH2 Fatguts so that it will have all the standard fatguts features but with a fat switch, a treble boost switch and a clip switch. Its got two 12AX7's and im gettin a pretty good deal on it. I am still entrigued by the BSM RM-Metal though and i think it would go pretty well with a bigger valve amp (plexi maybe? ) once i can get the money.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: fps_dean on September 22, 2006, 06:02:07 AM
I am interested in one of these for myself as well possibly...
Title: DHA VT2-Fatguts-Custom
Post by: DHA on September 22, 2006, 09:41:47 AM
Quote from: Tricalibur
I think I have decided on a DHA pedal aswell. Ive been talkin with Dave at DHA for the past couple days and hes gonna custom modify me a VH2 Fatguts so that it will have all the standard fatguts features but with a fat switch, a treble boost switch and a clip switch. Its got two 12AX7's and im gettin a pretty good deal on it. I am still entrigued by the BSM RM-Metal though and i think it would go pretty well with a bigger valve amp (plexi maybe? ) once i can get the money.


Hi,

Your VT2-Fatguts-Custom is finished and on its way to our new site in Austin, Texas. I am very pleased with the results and I hope you will be as well.

The design has been improved from the first VT2-Fatguts you saw on ebay as I have added an extra Gain knob so that the user now has control of the gain at each of the 4 stages. So, the new controls are Tone (can be switched off), Gain 1, Gain 2, Gain 3 and Level + I/P Level on Bass versions. There is also a 3 position switch for Colour which provides 2 types of Colour plus off. Colour adds negative feedback to the circuit which adds gain and valve compression, think Marshall plexi.  :twisted:

Your Custom version also has the Fat, Treble Boost and Clip Switches.

I look forward to your comments

Dave
(DHA)  :D
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: fps_dean on September 22, 2006, 10:40:27 AM
What I've been hearing a lot is that the Soldano Supercharger sounds awesome with fatter more Fender voiced amps rather than Marshalls, but I've also heard it sounds awesome with vertical input JCM 800s so I don't know... maybe it's just with new Marshalls they sound harsh?

I'd think my Major (what I'm buying it for) could fit into the Fender category....

Just because I have nothing better to do, here are some links to some audio clips...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Soldano-Supercharger-Distortion-Pedal?sku=159002

http://www.musictoyz.com/guitar/pedals/soldano.php

They all sound very warm and smooth and dynamic... I wonder how much of my amp's tone it will maintain.... probably the best part... the powertube compression :)
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: fps_dean on September 22, 2006, 10:36:07 PM
I did something that was probably incredibly stupid considering my financial situation and ordered one....

I'll let you guys know what I think in a few days when I get it....
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: jt on September 22, 2006, 11:28:20 PM
:D Hi Dave nice to see `ya posting !!

Whats the difference between the Fatguts & the regular VT 2 ?

 :D  8)
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Tricalibur on September 23, 2006, 02:43:34 AM
^ im pretty sure the VT2 is the twin channel version of the fatguts. Which has only one channel. There are several different models of VT 2 though(Twin, Dual, and the Fatguts I believe) so I could be wrong.
Title: VT2
Post by: DHA on September 24, 2006, 10:54:36 AM
Quote from: jt
:D Hi Dave nice to see `ya posting !!

Whats the difference between the Fatguts & the regular VT 2 ?

 :D  8)


Hi,

The VT2-Fatguts is a single channel two valve high gain pedal. So its On of Off.

The VT2-Twin has two channels selectable as 1 or 2 and 1+2 and bypass.

The VT2-Dual is 1 or 1+2 and bypass.

The VT1s are single channel single valve pedals so lower gain and just on or off

Dave
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: jt on September 24, 2006, 12:13:40 PM
:D Thanks Dave

Allready have the VT 1 Purist [ Lovely pedal ] but i`m after a higher gain Pedal. Will get in contact soon.

 :D  8)
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: 38thBeatle on September 24, 2006, 01:48:29 PM
VT1 Purist is a great pedal indeed.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: _tom_ on September 24, 2006, 02:26:42 PM
What kinda voicing does the VT1 Purist have? Ie modern, vintage etc? Also how much gain can get out of it? Guessing not a lot..
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: jt on September 24, 2006, 03:51:34 PM
:D Hi Tom the VT 1 has no particular voicing. It has a Valve [ 12AX7 ] in it which gives natural overdrive. If you have the gain up full on it you`ll be touching AC/DC type gain.Think High Voltage era Rythm guitar & you`ll be close.  IT`s really good for Blues & Blues rock type  styles. If you`ve got your amp set up for a rythm sound But want more saturation & a bit of boost for a solo then this is the pedal.

If you use an amp modeler then putting this infront of it helps to smooth out the sounds slightly.

 :D  8)
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: DHA on September 24, 2006, 04:36:29 PM
Quote from: _tom_
What kinda voicing does the VT1 Purist have? Ie modern, vintage etc? Also how much gain can get out of it? Guessing not a lot..


Hi,

I have a full range of my own pedals on my board but find I use just the VT1-Purist fitted with an NOS Mullard ECC83 most of the time. Now and then I step on the VT2-Twin on 1+2 mode for the big heavy rock solos.

I find with my Strat I can get the SRV type tone on Little Wing and the Les Paul is great for Angus type tones and blues.

It's really just a pre-amp and only at higher gain settings does it add a bit of soft-clipping valve distortion. It is great for controlling the crunch with the guitar, that is hit the strings hard and it distorts more which gives a nice way to be in contact with the amp if that makes sense  :?

Think Fat harmonics  :D

Dave
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: _tom_ on September 24, 2006, 04:38:43 PM
Ah the Twin one sounds like it could be great :D
Title: VT2
Post by: DHA on September 24, 2006, 04:46:52 PM
Quote from: _tom_
Ah the Twin one sounds like it could be great :D


Hi Tom,

There is a review of a VT2-Twin-Purist on the forum http://www.bareknucklepickups.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4446&highlight=dha

It was a one off custom version of a VT2-Twin I did a while back, its a Twin but with tone controls and a few other features.

Check it out.

Dave
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Adam.M on September 24, 2006, 08:35:59 PM
Hello Dave,

Could you give me a clue as to how much something along the lines of that pedal would cost?

I only play in the bedroom right now, but i'm a picky bugger when it comes to sound. What i'm after is getting a low powered valve amp with awesome cleans, like the laney 15, and then using one of your pedals with the dual channel ability, like having my 4 channel engl again, just a lot smaller.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: fps_dean on September 24, 2006, 11:47:48 PM
^^^ Don't rule out the peavey classic 30/50.

I'll make you some supercharger clips when I get mine and you can see how you like it.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: DHA on September 24, 2006, 11:55:29 PM
Quote from: Adam.M
Hello Dave,

Could you give me a clue as to how much something along the lines of that pedal would cost?

I only play in the bedroom right now, but i'm a picky bugger when it comes to sound. What i'm after is getting a low powered valve amp with awesome cleans, like the laney 15, and then using one of your pedals with the dual channel ability, like having my 4 channel engl again, just a lot smaller.


Hi,

If you check out my ebay shop you will get the full range and prices. Search DHA on ebay and you will find it.

I am always happy to do a deal in return for a review  :)

Dave
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: fps_dean on September 25, 2006, 12:17:47 AM
Those DHA pedals look pretty sweet too... if I could ever find them over in the States, I would have considered one of them as well.
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: Tricalibur on September 25, 2006, 01:13:07 AM
^ DHA have a shop in Texas now. I cnat remeber the email adress but Dave should be able to give it to you.
Quote from: DHA
Quote from: Adam.M
Hello Dave,

Could you give me a clue as to how much something along the lines of that pedal would cost?

I only play in the bedroom right now, but i'm a picky bugger when it comes to sound. What i'm after is getting a low powered valve amp with awesome cleans, like the laney 15, and then using one of your pedals with the dual channel ability, like having my 4 channel engl again, just a lot smaller.


Hi,

If you check out my ebay shop you will get the full range and prices. Search DHA on ebay and you will find it.

I am always happy to do a deal in return for a review  :)

Dave

Ill do a review for you once I get the pedal. One here and on harmony central. I might even do sound clips just for the heck of it.
Title: DHA Texas
Post by: DHA on September 25, 2006, 05:12:46 PM
Quote from: fps_dean
Those DHA pedals look pretty sweet too... if I could ever find them over in the States, I would have considered one of them as well.


We are getting the Austin Texas office up and running now. They will be manufacturing, selling and supporting the full range of DHA pedals.

Talk to Sherry at dha_texas@yahoo.com

Dave
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: SliderJeff on September 25, 2006, 07:50:56 PM
Dave,

That's GREAT!  Should be nice and fast shipping to Houston then.  Thanks for all the great info on your stuff.  I look forward to checking your stuff out once I make an amp decision.

BTW, are you looking to start selling in any of the retail stores here in the States or strictly stay a direct-dealer?  Just wondering about having access to the pedals prior to purchase.

Thanks,
Jeff in Houston
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: fps_dean on September 25, 2006, 10:09:55 PM
Quote from: Tricalibur
^ DHA have a shop in Texas now. I cnat remeber the email adress but Dave should be able to give it to you.

Ill do a review for you once I get the pedal. One here and on harmony central. I might even do sound clips just for the heck of it.


Cool, looking forward to hearing it ;)
Title: Re: DHA Texas
Post by: fps_dean on September 25, 2006, 10:11:40 PM
Quote from: DHA
Quote from: fps_dean
Those DHA pedals look pretty sweet too... if I could ever find them over in the States, I would have considered one of them as well.


We are getting the Austin Texas office up and running now. They will be manufacturing, selling and supporting the full range of DHA pedals.

Talk to Sherry at dha_texas@yahoo.com

Dave


Thanks... man I wish I saw this before I ordered the supercharger now :o

Next time I need a pedal or know anyone know does, I know where to look.  The clip on the website sounds awesome too.

There's a bit of demand for such pedals now too and your prices are very good for valve pedals.  Original Chandler Tube Drivers sell for up to $500 a pop for a working one on ebay now (I paid $80 for mine but it doesn't work anymore).
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: DHA on September 26, 2006, 12:00:59 AM
Quote from: SliderJeff
Dave,

That's GREAT!  Should be nice and fast shipping to Houston then.  Thanks for all the great info on your stuff.  I look forward to checking your stuff out once I make an amp decision.

BTW, are you looking to start selling in any of the retail stores here in the States or strictly stay a direct-dealer?  Just wondering about having access to the pedals prior to purchase.

Thanks,
Jeff in Houston


Hi Jeff,

Sherry at Dha_texas is looking at many different options as to where to sell, so shops I know are on her list.

Drop her a line and I am sure she will help if you have a local shop in mind


Dave
Title: Soldano Supercharger G.T.O
Post by: SliderJeff on September 26, 2006, 03:12:40 AM
Dave,

I'd be happy to pass along the names of some area dealers here in Houston if it will help.  I'll email her tonight or tomorrow.

Regs,
Jeff


Quote from: DHA

Hi Jeff,

Sherry at Dha_texas is looking at many different options as to where to sell, so shops I know are on her list.

Drop her a line and I am sure she will help if you have a local shop in mind


Dave