Marshall Amp Forum - View Single Post - Dedicated overdrive/clean boost your Marshall thread.

Hollowbody · 06-01-2009, 01:36 AM

I used an Ibanez tube screamer for years just for distortion. A guy in a really good local band gave it to me. I liked the smooth sound but was missing out on my Marshall's ability to serve up some mean grind like I had before I got the Tube screamer. Then one day I finally decided to back off the "drive" on the pedal to about 9 'oclock and kicked in my lead gain channel on the amp and THERE IT WAS! I discovered the value of a boost pedal.

I did that for a while then years later my friend brought an Xotic RC boost over to my practice room. What an excellent pedal, It had active treble and bass controls that were very musical (if that makes sense) and it was very clean. I could dial in more or less of either depending on the amp or room I was in. It really complimented my gtr/amp combination. I messed around with it for a while but never shelled out the cash for my own.

I regretted that for a year or so and finally decided to research a little and see what else was out there. I got a hold of a zvex sho. It has only one knob for volume boost but it seemed to highlight the good harmonic overtones, like there was less cable between my guitar and amp, it was so cool I bought one and still use it. But it stays on all the time, not for boost but just because I love the sound and the affect it has on my playing. I then sold my tube screamer. It's a classic but it was time to try new things.

So since that one stays on all the time I still decided to get another different pedal to actually boost during solos or special parts. I thought about using my keeley 4 knob compressor and just kranking the "level" and switching it on for solos because I really don't like the idea of yet another pedal and too much between my amp and guitar. But sometimes I use the keeley to sustain during non-solo parts and sometimes I don't want to have a compressor on every time I want to boost my signal.

Yet another excuse for GAS.

So, I was going to finally get an RC boost but I went in to a local store and they had a Fulltone Fatboost FB-2. It is similar to the RC except there is a little more dirt when I turn the "drive" level up and it also sounds really cool. It colors my tone a little but in a very good way. Plus it was only $99 plus tax, they go for a little more online. It was on sale, and I think I am finally happy with my rig for a while.

...but for how long?

I guess I have had mostly positive experiences with boost pedals. I don't really use them for more distortion, just to change the sound a little and give a kick for solos.

Cool thread.

06-01-2009, 01:36 AM	#12 (permalink)
Hollowbody Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Tulsa / Northern Texas. Posts: 271	Re: Dedicated overdrive/clean boost your Marshall thread. I used an Ibanez tube screamer for years just for distortion. A guy in a really good local band gave it to me. I liked the smooth sound but was missing out on my Marshall's ability to serve up some mean grind like I had before I got the Tube screamer. Then one day I finally decided to back off the "drive" on the pedal to about 9 'oclock and kicked in my lead gain channel on the amp and THERE IT WAS! I discovered the value of a boost pedal. I did that for a while then years later my friend brought an Xotic RC boost over to my practice room. What an excellent pedal, It had active treble and bass controls that were very musical (if that makes sense) and it was very clean. I could dial in more or less of either depending on the amp or room I was in. It really complimented my gtr/amp combination. I messed around with it for a while but never shelled out the cash for my own. I regretted that for a year or so and finally decided to research a little and see what else was out there. I got a hold of a zvex sho. It has only one knob for volume boost but it seemed to highlight the good harmonic overtones, like there was less cable between my guitar and amp, it was so cool I bought one and still use it. But it stays on all the time, not for boost but just because I love the sound and the affect it has on my playing. I then sold my tube screamer. It's a classic but it was time to try new things. So since that one stays on all the time I still decided to get another different pedal to actually boost during solos or special parts. I thought about using my keeley 4 knob compressor and just kranking the "level" and switching it on for solos because I really don't like the idea of yet another pedal and too much between my amp and guitar. But sometimes I use the keeley to sustain during non-solo parts and sometimes I don't want to have a compressor on every time I want to boost my signal. Yet another excuse for GAS. So, I was going to finally get an RC boost but I went in to a local store and they had a Fulltone Fatboost FB-2. It is similar to the RC except there is a little more dirt when I turn the "drive" level up and it also sounds really cool. It colors my tone a little but in a very good way. Plus it was only $99 plus tax, they go for a little more online. It was on sale, and I think I am finally happy with my rig for a while. ...but for how long? I guess I have had mostly positive experiences with boost pedals. I don't really use them for more distortion, just to change the sound a little and give a kick for solos. Cool thread.