Author Topic: ...yet another distortion fx - choices? (Read 3229 times)

Gazz · « **on:** November 20, 2007, 12:13:43 PM »

I recently purchased myself a Lany Lionheart and a mighty fine amp it is too....great amp for the house. I'm looking to add a decent distortion effects unit (already have a tubescreamer) to emulate a nice punky sound.
The market is a ruddy minefield but I think i am torn between:

ZVEX Box of Rock
DHA Valve Purist (those bright handmade units with a valve stuck in it!)
MXR Distortion III

Has anybody had any experiences with either above OR anything better?
I've heard sound demos of the ZVEX and DHA and both are exceptional and would do the trick

Looking to spend about £100.00 tops

Cheers dudes

Twinfan · « **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2007, 12:41:32 PM »

What about a RAT or a fuzz? Something gritty for punk?

Gazz · « **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2007, 01:00:40 PM »

Yep, maybe...although the RAT seems to be an industry standard I've read many subjective reviews along the lines of the newer pedals haven't the grit / sound of the original chip models.....anyway, ther's several type of RAT aswell, all very confusing. Again, I heard sound samples of the RAT II, You Dirty RAT, and Turbo RAT.....if I were to purchase a "new" RAT, which one would you say, obviously from experience, has the best all round sound....after that punk thing really.

Cheers for the help

Henk · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2007, 01:17:36 PM »

The only pedal which wouldnt work out IMO is one with really heavy bottom end, punk is VERY NOT HEAVY :lol:

So a powerfull overdrive would work aswell, or something like a rat. The turbo rat is quite noisy though.

Ow hey, how about a keeley modded DS-1 or SD-1, would do fine and could be cranked up to those NASTY levels :lol: .

indysmith · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2007, 01:17:49 PM »

I'd bet the Keeley modified rat would be the nicest 'new' one out there nowadays
http://www.robertkeeley.co.uk/distort_ratii.htm

hamfist · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2007, 02:26:42 PM »

MI Audio Crunch Box would definately fulfil your needs. And is well under £100.

Alan

stratguy23 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2007, 09:46:16 PM »

I have several Keeley pedals (DS-1 and Java Boost) and both are excellent. I have only had good experience with Keeley.

stratguy23 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 21, 2007, 09:47:49 PM »

I have several Keeley pedals (DS-1 and Java Boost) and both are excellent. I have only had good experience with Keeley.

gamesandy135 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 21, 2007, 10:04:23 PM »

I'm getting my TS-808 back from Keeley soon with the mod plus and a vintage JRC chip, looking forward to it to say the least.

Oh, on another note not related to this post, my BBE Sonic Stomp arrived today. It definitely makes a difference, and a good one at that. However, I wouldn't say it's absolutely phenomenal and a must buy. Suppose it depends what you're after. I do really like what it does though.

And on another non-related not (sorry), I changed the preamp tubes in my Peavey Valveking to Philips JAN NOS ECC83's. Lower rated mA - 70 instead of 100. They have made a real difference in the sound of my amp. The distortion so much better now that it's actually very usable. Awesome. Getting some Harma STR 6L6's soon too, hopefully there will be similar results.

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #9 on:** November 21, 2007, 10:51:41 PM »

Get a DS-1 and have it modded. I did my own mods - a mate of mine has it at the minute but is (conveniently) keep forgetting to give it back :roll:

Best bit is that they're dirt cheap - get one used on ebay for £25 easy.

edit: here's one for £22.00 buy it now... http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAND-NEW-BOXED-BOSS-DS-1-DISTORTION-PEDAL-DS1-VAI_W0QQitemZ220173477605QQihZ012QQcategoryZ22669QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

:twisted: