Overdrive and boost pedals...what you folks know about these and what are you using?

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Dogsinplastic

avuncular to no one
So, I've been looking at getting an overdrive/boost (single pedal that con do or be used for both). Based on research and clips, I initially landed on:
  • MXR Duke of Tone
    and then the
  • Wampler Tumnus
Looking further into options in the $100 - 125 range on Reverb (generally used):
  • Way Huge Conspiracy Theory
  • MXR Sugar Drive
  • Keeley Oxblood (pushing closer to $150 used)
  • Keeley Blues Disorder
Then pedals that may not fit into the Klon or BB mold:
  • Boss BD-2W
  • Exotic RC or AC booster
  • Keeley Super Phat Mod
  • Seymour Duncan 805 Overdrive...the only TS-inspired pedal in the group.
I have a DS-1 and a FF Mini Band og Gyspys for dirt/overdrive, gain, and even the rolled back "clean" tones they can provide. The DS-1 is rarely used this way, but I've found it's pretty good for this as well.

Anyway...too many choices, which is as likely as not to lead to adding nothing...
 
My PT Nano board…

AM Sunface (fuzz) > AM KOT (BB derivative) > VFE Merman (Klone)

Even though the Sunface is a fuzz, I use it as a clean boost often, rolling back the volume on the guitar. It amazes me how much boost the SF has with low output pickups and guitar volume rolled back. When the SF is switched off the, the guitar is barely giving the amp signal with volume rolled back.

The KOT yellow side is a boost. The red side od.

The VFE has controls for compression, bass, midrange and treble. It can be used as a boost or od. It’s an incredibly versatile Klone. In fact, I’m planning to sell my Klon KTR.

Effectively, I have 3 boosts on that board. The result from stacking them makes for a lot of tonal possibilities.
 
I have the RC boost and used to own a Tumnus. I also have a standard issue BD-2.
The Tumnus is a great pedal. The1000k nose on it is good for boosting int oa dirty amp. It also works well as a boost into another OD or as a lead/vol boost at the end of your gain stages. But there a lot of gain on tap too, enough that it was all the "distortion" I needed if wanted to use it for that. I just kinda got tired of the pokey gritty Klon character of its clipping and eq is the only reason I moved it on.
The RC is just a good clean boost w a nice eq section, not a lot of OD on tap.
The BD-2 is a nice "edge of breakup" always on pedal into a clean amp at low gain, its very touch sensitive. But it gets too fizzy for me with the gain over about 3.

Not knowing you rig or how you intend to use the boost I cant really recc anything. These are just what Ive had on your list. I have a Fender style pretty high headroom "pedal platform" amp, Carr Rambler, 30w 1-12 combo, and use a Tele or an SG Stnd most of the time.
 
It’s really just for me to mess around with at home. Something different.

I think I’m leaning more towards one of Keeley’s 4-in-1 pedals. I think the Mk3 Driver seems like the coolest option. Finding I’m not enamored of both options on the other 4in1s.
 
I used an RC Booster for about 10 years on my live board and now its one of the most useful boosts that I use in the Fractal world. I had an OG Analogman King of Tone and the Prince of Tone but didn't really get on with them. The Blues Break-type pedal that I use in the Fractal that I might just end up buying IRL is the Morning Glory.

Had a Tumnus still have a J Rocket Archer but I just don't seem to get along with Klon-type pedals.
 
I had an AC booster so long ago, I don’t remember what it sounded like, but I remember liking it.

I’m currently using a Walrus Audio Messner for OD and I love it. Not a whole lot of gain on tap, but sounds great. Also love the Timmy.
 
Mark Wein said:
I used an RC Booster for about 10 years on my live board and now its one of the most useful boosts that I use in the Fractal world. I had an OG Analogman King of Tone and the Prince of Tone but didn't really get on with them. The Blues Break-type pedal that I use in the Fractal that I might just end up buying IRL is the Morning Glory.

Had a Tumnus still have a J Rocket Archer but I just don't seem to get along with Klon-type pedals.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm not convinced about the klon types of the bluesbreaker types. It's also really tough to get a real feel for any pedal when everyone's playing through high-end tube amps and adding lots of other effects in as well. Then there's the players...folks that make the cheapest gear sound stellar, so of course the high-end stuff is gonna that much better (on top of being better to begin with...)

And it wouldn't help to hear a mediocre player do the demos, despite that being the level of this consumer.
 
Chad said:
I had an AC booster so long ago, I don’t remember what it sounded like, but I remember liking it.

I’m currently using a Walrus Audio Messner for OD and I love it. Not a whole lot of gain on tap, but sounds great. Also love the Timmy.
Click to expand...

The AC seems really good, esp the new two switch one...

Are you talking real Timmy or the MXR version, which I hear is excellent.
 
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