Author Topic: Stomp Box Frustration... (Read 5488 times)

Skybone · « **on:** December 24, 2005, 07:35:26 PM »

I love the tone from the Vintage RAT, but recently, it's been sounding a bit flat to me. I've tried mucking around with the amp's EQ, the tone pot's (which helps a little, then completely ruins the tone if you go a smidge too far!), and I'm at a bit of a loss.

Are there any pedals out there that have the same/similar aggressive tonality as the RAT (probably looking at boutique stuff I guess), but has a better EQ/Tone control for a bit more top end?

Had a look at the HBE Big D, which looks interesting. Recently got a Fulltone Distortion Pro which is simply far too complex, you'd spend years trying to dial in a great tone (up for grabs BTW). But, I always come back to the RAT...

Help... I need something I can spend my Christmas money on! ;)

Happy Christmas (Your arse...)

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #1 on:** December 24, 2005, 08:34:21 PM »

If you think the Distortion Pro is complex, then stay away from the Big D ... that's 5 overdrives in one pedal!!

You should check out the HBE Power Screamer.

_tom_ · « **Reply #2 on:** December 24, 2005, 08:49:37 PM »

Ever thought of getting your Rat keeley modded? I have a keeley rat 2 and its great! However the Big D seems great.. Theres also the Hermida Audio Zendrive which I think sounds amazing, really amp like - www.hermida.com maybe..

Jp. · « **Reply #3 on:** December 26, 2005, 05:34:46 AM »

what about simply putting a EQ pedal infront of it.....

Skybone · « **Reply #4 on:** December 26, 2005, 02:17:35 PM »

Ben,
The problem with the Dist Pro is that all 8 pots (6 outside & 2 inside) interact, and the minutest alteration to the setting drastically alters the sound. Finally a cirtical review on HC though! Nice one. ;)

_tom_,
I have thought about the Keeley RAT, but I could really do with trying it out first with my gear to see if it's the tone I'm after.

Jp,
I have considered an EQ, but I don't think that'll resolve the issue.

At a bit of a loss at the moment, still experimenting with my amp EQ & tone pot's, but haven't found anything that gets rid of the problem yet (and a Christmas box that's burning a hole in the pocket...Who said GAS was good...? ;) ).

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #5 on:** December 26, 2005, 03:10:21 PM »

Quote from: Skybone

Ben,
The problem with the Dist Pro is that all 8 pots (6 outside & 2 inside) interact, and the minutest alteration to the setting drastically alters the sound. Finally a cirtical review on HC though! Nice one. ;).

That's interesting ... I would still recommend the Power Screamer for it's sheer 'holy sh#t this is fun' factor, but if you want the Big D for the versatility, and you're up for the tweaking challenge, you can't miss. Sonically, both of them are SMOKIN'!!! I think I know about 8 people that have bought HBE products since I've been evangelizing lol

Ratrod · « **Reply #6 on:** December 26, 2005, 04:08:21 PM »

Still waiting for my Power Screamer.

If it's half as good as Ben claims, It's one hell of a pedal.

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #7 on:** December 26, 2005, 04:11:08 PM »

Soon, Ratty! I know that Joel was aware of your order.

Ratrod · « **Reply #8 on:** December 26, 2005, 04:16:55 PM »

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Soon, Ratty! I know that Joel was aware of your order.

Great!

BTW, not to hi-jack the thread but have you heard/tried the new Mimic delay pedal?

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #9 on:** December 26, 2005, 04:19:00 PM »

Quote from: Ratrod

BTW, not to hi-jack the thread but have you heard/tried the new Mimic delay pedal?

Not yet, but I want to try that out as well as the THC chorus pedal, so a trip to 30th St Guitars will probably happen in January ...

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #10 on:** December 29, 2005, 03:47:21 PM »

from looking at the Rat schematic, the tone control just rolls off the treble (hence the 'filter' label). Do you need more treble than the pedal delivers with the tone at full treble settings?

:twisted:

Skybone · « **Reply #11 on:** December 29, 2005, 04:05:26 PM »

Basically, yes.

big steve · « **Reply #12 on:** December 29, 2005, 06:24:51 PM »

lol, for "basically" read "no not really but i have pedal GAS and i have extra money and i really want to by something new..." :lol:

Skybone · « **Reply #13 on:** December 30, 2005, 10:50:45 AM »

Basically, yes. ;)