Author Topic: Big 'D', Keeley SD-1 5 Star, Maxon OD-9, MXR ZW44? (Read 10423 times)

indysmith · « **Reply #15 on:** May 16, 2006, 05:14:55 PM »

Quote from: Crazy_Joe

The Zakk Wylde pedal is very overpriced, mainly because it says Zakk Wylde on it, i'm sure you can find better ones or one more or less of the same for much cheaper.

I actually really liked how it sounds, and i know a few others on the forum do too. i think it was HJM that told me that it was probably the best value for money overdrive out there a while ago...?

lifted · « **Reply #16 on:** May 16, 2006, 07:06:31 PM »

I tried out a line 6 Ubermetal and it turned a single coil strat into DIMEBAG. The Zakk didn't seem to have enough gain, even when drive channel was on. THe Uber, on the other hand, did Dime on the clean chennel. It has three different gain settings, and It it weaighs and looks like a Panzer Tank

indysmith · « **Reply #17 on:** May 16, 2006, 08:26:30 PM »

Quote from: lifted

I tried out a line 6 Ubermetal and it turned a single coil strat into DIMEBAG. The Zakk didn't seem to have enough gain, even when drive channel was on. THe Uber, on the other hand, did Dime on the clean chennel. It has three different gain settings, and It it weaighs and looks like a Panzer Tank

yu know the zakk is designed to be run in front of an already overdriven amp right? I'm not digging the ubermetal. I'm thinking a more jcm800 sounding thing. i don't want to mask the raw jcm800 sound - just enhance it...

carlaz · « **Reply #18 on:** May 17, 2006, 11:21:47 AM »

Quote from: _tom_

Hunter, that Dialbo sounds amazing! Cheers for showing that link, really want one now :D

+1! I've long nurtured lust for an Analogman Maxon mod, but the Diablo sounds pretty smokin'! Plus, it's named Diablo ... 8)

Oh, mierda, I just checked out the Basstard pedal, too .... I'm a sucker for overdriven bass! :twisted:

Jappse · « **Reply #19 on:** May 17, 2006, 02:21:17 PM »

Zakk first uses the active preamped pickups, through the ZW pedal, and then into a JCM800 thats madly overdriven.

The amp is also fitted with 6L6`s that sounds a bit more "fuzzy", While the cabinet is fitted with his signature EV speakers.

So the ZW pedal is made exclusively for Zakk`s rigg.

FELINEGUITARS · « **Reply #20 on:** May 17, 2006, 03:09:05 PM »

I thought Zakk had 6550 valves in his amps

they are big and beefy sounding - same as used in the Ampeg SVT amp

ibanez4life SZ · « **Reply #21 on:** May 17, 2006, 03:40:33 PM »

IMO, the ZW overdrive is very poor for the money. I was looking for an overdrive to both boost, and to work well alone also.

I bought the ZW, played it for two days, and then returned it. It was noisy, and it made a very annoying popping noise whenever turned on and off (not at all usable to smooth gigging). I actually didn't like the overdrive very much either.

I tried the stock Boss SD-1, and it was like every other boss pedal.....good, but missing a few things.

Then, I stumbled upon Keeley, and I've never turned back. The keeley SD-1 is an amazing overdrive, and really pushes my rectifier into crazy overdrive at low volumes. It's an amazing boost, and works perfectly on its own too, for a very smooth and creamy overdrive.

IMO, Keeley is the way to go!

hunter · « **Reply #22 on:** May 17, 2006, 03:46:11 PM »

Dunno whether you guys speak any German, but there is this guy in DE who has tested them all, a real geek, and he's a big fan of the Okko Diablo>

http://www.dietside.de/OVERDRIVETEST.htm

Brow · « **Reply #23 on:** May 17, 2006, 03:58:11 PM »

Quote from: FELINEGUITARS

I thought Zakk had 6550 valves in his amps

they are big and beefy sounding - same as used in the Ampeg SVT amp

You are correct :)

As far as OD pedals go I really like the Fulltone Fulldrive 2, G2D Custom Overdrive and a modified Ibanez TS9 which kicks out alot more gain and better tone than a stock Tubescreamer :)

Jappse · « **Reply #24 on:** May 17, 2006, 05:38:06 PM »

Ahh, sorry guys, 6550 tubes are correct. Im mixing all these tubenames, 6l6, EL34, ECC......

indysmith · « **Reply #25 on:** May 18, 2006, 04:44:34 PM »

apparently Tubescreamers really tighten up the sound of a JCM800 - this sounds good. Will the Keeley SD1 have the same effect? Bearing in mind that it now comes with both the Burr-Brown chip and the TI RC4558P which is in the TS-808...

Underground_Player · « **Reply #26 on:** May 18, 2006, 07:02:07 PM »

I'm not sure about this, but I'd reckon that TS pedals appear to 'tighten up' JCM800s because of the bass drop off. If that's true, then whether or not the modded SD-1 does the same would depend on whether mr. Keeley has 'improved' the bass response of it.

indysmith · « **Reply #27 on:** May 18, 2006, 07:10:40 PM »

Quote from: Underground_Player

I'm not sure about this, but I'd reckon that TS pedals appear to 'tighten up' JCM800s because of the bass drop off. If that's true, then whether or not the modded SD-1 does the same would depend on whether mr. Keeley has 'improved' the bass response of it.

the jcm800 has very loose bass; i think mr.keeley said the TI RC4558P chip is supposed create a more focussed sound. I'm pretty much settled on a keeley sd-1 and a danelectro fish'n'chips. Thanks for all your help guys - i'll tell yu how it turns out at the end of july (after my birthday, lol).

indysmith · « **Reply #28 on:** May 21, 2006, 07:51:00 PM »

Anyone tried the Barber Electronics Direct Drive? this clip that _tom_ sent me is delicious http://barberelectronics.com/SShamer.mp3
they're also handmade, with true-bypass, double sided circuit board, full size pots, and ONLY $120

dave_mc · « **Reply #29 on:** May 21, 2006, 08:46:14 PM »

I've heard some good things about the barbers (particularly with engls), but alas I haven't tried them, since Northern Ireland sucks for gear... I think stringsdirect is the only place to get them in the UK...