Quick Links To Our Best Overdrive Pedals For Tube Amplifiers Recommendations

• Boss Blues Driver BD-2 – OUR TOP CHOICE!
• Ibanez TS808 Tubescreamer
• Xotic AC Booster
• Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive
• RAT Pro

Our Top Overdrives For Tube Amps Reviews

Boss Blues Driver BD-2

Blues Driver BD-2 is a great, affordable solution for getting an overdrive tone from your tube amp. This pedal has been around for over two decades and is still widely used by guitarists today because it was originally made to replicate the sound of a tube amplifier driven by a tube guitar amp.

It offers seven pre-set tones that suit various styles, including clean, crunch, and blues. The pedal can be easily customized to your taste with its Tone control, which gives you fine control over the tone of the overdrive. It is great for driving both single and dual channel amps effectively because it offers high gain overdrive that is loud enough to drive your entire stack without being too loud for live playing.

The only drawback to this pedal is that it is a bit noisy, especially when it’s turned on. It also has a really low volume knob for controlling the gain level. But other than that, Blues Driver BD-2 is an excellent choice for those looking to obtain a great overdrive pedal that can make your guitar amplifier sing.

Take a look at our Boss Blues Driver vs Tube Screamer post as well.

Check The Latest Price On The Boss Blues Driver BD-2

Ibanez TS808 Tubescreamer

No list of overdrive pedals is complete without at least one of the Ibanez Tube Screamer. The TS808 is a great choice for those looking to control any unwanted distortion and feedback, as well as give power to the gain levels of your amp.

It has a smooth, warm tone that can be easily adjusted to suit your taste and style with its Tone control. It will provide you with a ton of gain overdrive to get any kind of distortion or overdrive tones you want in no time at all. It is an easy pedal to dial in because of its versatile Tone control and can be used for both clean and distorted sounds.

It is one of the most versatile overdrive pedals out there and will come in handy no matter what kind of distortion sounds you want for your guitar. The Ibanez Tube Screamer also works well with both single and dual channel amps. It is known for producing a very warm, full sound that can make your tube amp really sing.

If you are looking for an overdrive pedal that can provide you with a lot of gain and enough power for your tube amp to really chug out some great, heavy blues tones and more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgsRbDcLEd4

Check The Latest Price On The Ibanez TS808 Tubescreamer

Xotic AC Booster

You’re just looking for a simple, effective overdrive pedal to use with your tube amp and you’ve stumbled upon the Xotic AC Boost pedal. This is a great choice for those who want to give power to their tube amps and drive them to produce great overdrive and distortion.

It is a very affordable solution that can be used for both live playing and recording, giving you full control over the kind of tone you want to produce. You can drive your amp with an increased amount of gain, allowing it to really thicken up your tone. This pedal has a very warm sound that is perfect for those who want to produce warm blues, crunchy rock sounds or even modern metal tones. It is very clear and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste with its Tone control.

This pedal is very versatile because it can work well for both clean and distorted sounds, making it a great choice for those who want to produce a wide variety of tones from their tube amp. It’s also great for single channel amps and will allow you to achieve the best overdrive tone possible when used with them.

Check The Latest Price On The Xotic AC Booster

Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive

The Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive is a great overdrive pedal for tube amp that has been designed to work with single channel amps and overdrive them, as well as produce some amazing tones from your tube amp. It features a very simple design that is easy to use and features a gain control, a volume control and an overdrive mix knob.

The reason why it is called “OCD” is because it has been designed with the most insane amount of gain and overdrive you can imagine! It will work for both single channel amps and dual channel amps, giving you incredible amounts of boost when used with them. The jump in volume from clean to overdrive or distortion is incredible, allowing you to get those amazing tube amp sounds you have been looking for.

It is great for producing a wide variety of tones, including blues, metal, or even modern rock. It is also very versatile and can work for both single channel amps and dual channel amps. You can control the overdrive mix using the overdrive mix knob for getting just the right amount of distortion you want.

But be warned that this pedal is known to cause noise with your amplifier when used with it, especially when used at higher gain levels.

Check The Latest Price On The Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive

RAT Pro

Been looking to add a little more character to your sound? You know that feeling when you’re just not quite satisfied with your tone? The RAT Pro is here to take care of all that. With three different modes, you can switch between bass, mid, and treble tones and get the sound you want for your music. It’s also easy to use with its three knobs and simple design.

The RAT Pro is great for single channel amps, giving you the cleanest possible overdrive sounds without getting any nasty distortion or fuzz. It also gives you slightly more gain than most other pedals out there. This pedal is great for live performances and can give you the versatility you need to produce a wide variety of tones from your amp.

This pedal is made with high-quality components, giving you the best sound possible from your tube amp. Its construction also makes it very durable and meant to withstand years of use, making it a great value for money. It also has a very strong metal construction, which makes it very sturdy and durable.

Check The Latest Price On The RAT Pro

Our Conclusion On The Top Overdrives For Valve Amps

Some more quick picks:

• Effectrode Tube Drive
• Ibanez TS9

We hope these recommendations for the best overdrive pedals for vacuum tube amps have helped you in your search. These pedals are great for producing both clean and high-gain sounds, giving you a wide variety of tones to play with. They also have very solid construction which makes them very durable and sturdily built to withstand years of use.

The post THESE 5 Best Overdrive Pedals For Tube Amp Have Sick Tone! appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Quick Links To Our Best Overdrive Pedals For Worship Guitar Recommendations

• JHS Morning Glory V4 – OUR TOP CHOICE!
• Fender Santa Ana Overdrive Pedal
• Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive Pedal
• MXR Timmy Overdrive
• Fulltone Full-Drive 1

Whether you are a beginner guitarist or an experienced worship leader, one of these options is the perfect match for you and your worship pedalboard setup.

Our Top Worship Overdrive Pedals Reviews

JHS Morning Glory V4

If you are a worship guitarist or guitarist looking for a versatile overdrive pedal, the JHS Morning Glory V4 is for you. The Morning Glory offers four sounds to choose from and sixteen levels of boost. Whether you need a little boost for your solos, or if you need some power for your breakdown, this pedal will help you get the sound you are looking for.

This pedal offers a true bypass switch and has an easy to use interface. It is made of quality components to ensure that it will last a long time. The Morning Glory will hold up well during tours and rehearsals with your band. You can control the amount of boost, as well as its intensity thanks to the sixteen levels of boost available.

It has an intuitive design that allows you to access all of the controls quickly. The pedal is also built to be roadworthy. It will withstand the rigors of traveling any distance on tour or during your weekly worship service. The housing is made of die cast aluminum and it has a rubber base for stability in your boot. The switch is top mounted for easy access during performances.

The sound that is produced by this pedal is that of a classic overdrive, but with an edge and a lot more versatility. You can quickly get the sound you want thanks to its intuitive features. The JHS Morning Glory V4 is a versatile pedal that you will use often for many years to come.

Check The Latest Price On The JHS Morning Glory V4

Fender Santa Ana Overdrive Pedal

The Fender Santa Ana Overdrive Pedal is a great choice for guitarists of all levels. The pedal comes with a delay option and 3 band EQ controls to allow you to shape the sound. It has an on/off switch and a toggle switch to allow you to choose one of the two sounds. The pedal is durable and will withstand the rigors of daily use. Even those with broken hands or fingers will be able to use this pedal without any interruptions.

This powerful pedal can deliver a wide array of musical textures, but with a distinct Fender flavor. It has a true bypass design and offers many different tones from classic rock to bluesy cleans and cutting boosted tones. The pedal also has a warm and thick sound that will fill your space with no muss or fuss. You can choose to go from a subtle boost to a full on crushing distortion.

The Fender Santa Ana Overdrive Pedal is a great pedal for anyone looking for a versatile, quality pedal. It offers all of the important features for guitarists at any level. This is one of the better pedals on the market, so you should buy it from your local guitar store or online retailer.

Check The Latest Price On The JHS Morning Glory V4

Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive Pedal

The Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive, or “Super OD”, is a classic pedal that has been used by some of the greatest guitarists in the world. This pedal is great for musicians of all levels. It will react to whatever level of boost or distortion you want, and it will provide the high-quality tone you desire.

The pedal operates on a standard 9V battery, or with an optional AC adapter. It offers a warm and rich sound with a tube amp tone quality. If you are looking for a pedal that will allow you to replicate the sound of an all-tube amp, this is the right choice for you.

The SD-1 is a versatile overdrive pedal. It can deliver a clean boost for solos or a full bodied distortion for rock and blues tunes. The only limitation of this pedal is your creativity. No matter what style you are trying to play, this pedal will give you the sound you need to succeed. This is a pedal that you should own if you are serious about playing guitar.

Check The Latest Price On The Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive Pedal

MXR Timmy Overdrive

This overdrive pedal is perfect for the guitarist who wants to bring out the best in their sound. It has a simple three-knob interface that allows you to control the tone, level, and distortion. The knob design is easy to use, and it is made of a durable material. The Timmy Overdrive pedal is built to last, so it will endure the rigors of daily use.

This pedal has been designed with the user in mind. It is easy to use and sounds great. The TIM control allows you to change from smooth distortion to a more aggressive sound with this switch toggle. With the three knobs set, you are able to easily find the tone you want for any performance or recording session. This pedal is less expensive, but don’t let that fool you. It has a great sound and provides just the right amount of sustain for lead and rhythm guitar parts.

Check The Latest Price On The MXR Timmy Overdrive

Fulltone Full-Drive 1

The Fulltone Full-Drive 1 is a unique overdrive pedal designed for those who want their guitar’s signal to sound like a tube amp. This pedal has lush, thick distortion and beautiful sustain. It will react to your level of boost and provide the sound you need for any performance.

This pedal has a super responsive sound that reacts to your playing speed and your touch. If you pick lightly, the pedal will produce a clean tone. With hard strumming or aggressive picking, the pedal will provide a thick overdrive that is perfect for rock and blues players. The Full-Drive 1 is an outstanding overdrive pedal that is sure to please anyone who wants a warm, natural sounding distortion.

This pedal comes with an AC adapter, so you can plug it in and use it right away. The pedal is also designed to work well with any type of guitar. It will work well on electric or acoustic guitars, including acoustic-electric and semi-acoustic models.

The Fulltone Full-Drive 1 is a great choice for musicians who are looking for a versatile overdrive pedal that will last a lifetime.

Check The Latest Price On The Fulltone Full-Drive 1

Conclusion On The Top Worship Guitar Overdrive Pedals

To help round out your tone, also check out these worship guitar chorus pedals.

More quick picks:

• Klon Centaur
• Fulltone OCD

I hope that this article has helped you to find the top overdrive pedals for worship music for church. These effects pedals will meet your specific needs in terms of quality and price. They will also allow you to achieve the kind of tone that your guitar playing needs for any occasion. They are great pedals for your electric guitar rig and I hope you will buy one or more of them.

The post THESE 5 Best Overdrive Pedals For Worship Music Are NICE! appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Quick Links To Our Best Overdrive Pedals Under $100 Recommendations

• EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder Overdrive – OUR TOP CHOICE!
• BOSS Super Overdrive Guitar Pedal
• Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
• JHS Pedals 3 Series Overdrive
• NUX Morning Star Guitar Overdrive
• NUX Horseman Overdrive
• MXR M77 Custom Badass Modified O.D.
• Caline DCP-11 Andes Boost Overdrive

You will find some great high-quality pedals below $100, and here are our top 8 best overdrive pedal under 100 recommendations:

Our Top Under $100 Overdrive Pedals Reviews

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder Overdrive

Featuring a Boss-style overdrive with clipped asymmetrical waveforms, this pedal is ideal for players seeking a high-gain sound. The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder’s tone control offers a range of mid-scooped beefy drive to a dark overdriven sound.

The EQD Plumes Small Signal Shredder’s level control and clipping mode selector give the user control over the shaping of their tone. This pedal was designed with stacked Low/Hi Z inputs for use with both standard and bass-friendly instrument cables. The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder features an internal voltage doubler for increased headroom and allows the user to use a 9V power supply instead of a battery.

The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder is an excellent choice for all you low-cost pedal aficionados out there. This pedal sounds great for its price and has a simple design that is easy to use.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and durable
• Has two modes (clean and overdrive)
• Simple design
• Great price compared to other pedals in this category.

Cons:

• It doesn’t have a lot of features.

Check The Latest Price On The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder

BOSS Super Overdrive Guitar Pedal

The BOSS Super Overdrive Guitar Pedal is a stomp box effects pedal that delivers classic, smooth, and dynamic overdrive. The overdrive effect offers rich harmonics and touch sensitivity when pushed to the limits.

This pedal’s controls are independent: tone and level. The tone control is a 3-band EQ, so you can improve your sound by adjusting low, mid and high frequencies. This overdrive pedal has soft clipping diodes for natural distortion. The Velcro strap on top of this device offers fast and easy setup and breakdown for live gigs.

The Boss Super Overdrive Pedal is compact and has a low weight. This overdrive pedal is well-constructed and durable, so it can withstand a lot of abuse. This pedal runs on nine volts and has a true bypass circuit.

Pros:

• Easy to use; just plug and play!
• True bypass technology, which means zero signal loss when the device is switched off.

Cons:

• You might experience some noises when the guitar is not plugged in.

Check The Latest Price On The BOSS Super Overdrive Guitar Pedal

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

The name says it all! With a compact, die-cast chassis and 9-volt battery operation, the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer is one of the most trusted overdrive pedals in the world. It is versatile and can deliver both a warm, smooth overdrive and a crunchy, hard-rock distortion.

The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer has a volume control that allows you to control the amount of distortion you want and the tone control allows you to adjust your high-frequency response. This pedal is easy to use, it has an on/off switch, an LED indicator light, and an external voltage selector switch.

It can be used in different ways. You can use it for rhythm or as a lead boost. This pedal will provide you with amazing tones, whether you play blues, country music, or classic rock. It may be small but it is loud and can produce great sounds!

Pros:

• It is a pedal that will last forever.

Cons:

• The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer can produce some noise when in use, especially when combined with an amplifier that is already overdriven.

Check The Latest Price On The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

JHS Pedals 3 Series Overdrive

The JHS Pedals 3 Series Overdrive pedal is packed with innovation and features. This pedal produces a high quality tone, whether you are looking for a light crunch or straight up rock ’n’ roll. You’ll be impressed with the clarity and the wide range of sounds that this pedal offers. The JHS Pedals 3 Series Overdrive pedal is a top-quality overdrive pedal and it will deliver everything you need in a simple but well-designed package.

It is 100{0794a961920d97099aea99cac5a861228867c4461e5cf936a4873e99fb4a0da6} handmade in the USA. This overdrive pedal comes with an internal dip switch, which gives you more control. You can switch the order of the “dirty” and “clean” channels and set the high-scoop tone to your own preference. This pedal is equipped with true bypass circuitry that allows your signal to pass through unaffected when the overdrive pedal is switched off.

Pros:

• It is easy to use.
• The build quality is great.
• It provides you with amazing tones, whether you play blues, country music, or classic rock.

Check The Latest Price On The JHS Pedals 3 Series Overdrive

NUX Morning Star Guitar Overdrive

It’s time for a new Morning Star pedal! The NUX Morning Star Guitar Overdrive is a stomp box effects pedal that delivers classic, smooth, and dynamic overdrive.

The overdrive effect offers rich harmonics and touch sensitivity. You’ll be able to play at low volumes and get a clean sound or crank it up for full overdrive. The NUX Morning Star Guitar Overdrive pedal has a switch that gives you a choice between “rhythm” and “lead” modes. It also features an effects loop that is very convenient to use if you want to apply other effects while using the overdrive pedal.

The pedal is a compact design that makes it very easy to transport. The pedal can be powered by a 9-volt battery or an external power supply. It’s a great choice for guitar, bass, or any instrument that requires overdrive.

Pros:

• The pedal is very easy to use.

Cons:

• There are some distortion noises that you may find irritating when you turn the controls up more than 12 o’clock (about maximum for most players).

Check The Latest Price On The NUX Morning Star Guitar Overdrive

NUX Horseman Overdrive

The Nux Horseman overdrive pedal is designed for guitar. You can use it for soloing, comping, or just to beef up your sound. The pedal has two clean and two dirty channels that you can switch between with the footswitch. The dirty channels produce a range of distortion tones from bluesy to edgy.

The Horseman is made out of aluminum, which is very durable and light. It has a simple design that allows you to use it effectively without being overly complicated. The pedal is powered by an external 9-volt power supply or by a 9-volt battery. It’s compact and easy to transport and it can be used on both bass and guitar.

If you prefer a minimalist pedal that’s easy to use, then the Nux Horseman overdrive might be exactly what you’re looking for. It has multiple channels that you can switch between depending on your mood or the type of music you’re playing. It produces a range of distortion tones which makes it very versatile and it offers quality sound at a low price.

Pros:

• The Nux Horseman overdrive is very easy to use.
• It produces quality sound at low volumes.

Check The Latest Price On The NUX Horseman Overdrive

MXR M77 Custom Badass Modified O.D.

The MXR M77 Custom Badass Modified O.D. is a compact, die-cast pedal with a rugged finish that is capable of producing both clean and high-gain distortion. This analog pedal features the classic LM13700 IC chip for rich harmonics and touch sensitivity as well as an external voltage switch for compatibility with worldwide power sources from 100 to 240 volts.

It has a volume control that allows you to adjust the amount of distortion you want and the tone control allows you to adjust your high-frequency response in order to get the exact sound that you desire. There’s also an on/off switch so that it doesn’t hog up valuable real estate on your pedalboard.

The MXR M77 Custom Badass Modified O.D. is a fantastic option for players looking for high-gain distortion and the tone control lets you get the perfect tone without having to crank up the amp too loud and blow out your speakers. This pedal does not require any batteries, so you can use it with virtually any 9-Volt power supply.

Pros:

• A great option for players looking for high-gain distortion and the tone control lets you get the perfect tone without having to crank up the amp too loud.

Check The Latest Price On The MXR M77 Custom Badass Modified O.D.

Caline DCP-11 Andes Boost Overdrive

This is a booster pedal that makes your pedalboard sound like it has an amp stack. The Caline DCP-11 Andes Boost Overdrive features a level knob for you to adjust the amount of boosting, an input knob to adjust the volume of your guitar, an overdrive knob to adjust the mix of clean and overdriven signals, and an effect switch that allows you to toggle between the clean boost and overdrive modes.

The pedal is well-constructed and durable. It will deliver everything you need in a simple but well-designed package. It is easy to use, it has an on/off switch, an LED indicator light, and easy bypass on-off design.

This device requires a DC 9V power supply (neither one included). It is best used with an amp.

Pros:

• The pedal is very easy to use.

Check The Latest Price On The Caline DCP-11 Andes Boost Overdrive

Our Best Under $100 Overdrive Pedal Conclusion

When it comes to affordable overdrive pedals, the ones mentioned above are the best! They are all great in their own ways. There are other overdrive pedals at this price range with a few features that outdo the ones mentioned above, but overall, all of them produce great tones and they are very easy to use.

The post THESE 8 Best Overdrive Pedals Under 100 Are For You! appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Quick Links To Our Best Overdrive Pedals For Marshall Amps Recommendations

• Fulltone Full-Drive 2 V2 – OUR TOP CHOICE!
• DigiTech DBM Bad Monkey Tube-Overdrive
• Fulltone OCD
• Ibanez Nu Tube Screamer Overdrive Pedal
• Maxon OD808

Top Overdrive Pedals For Marshalls Reviews

Fulltone Full-Drive 2 V2

The Fulltone Full-Drive 2 is the latest incarnation of a classic pedal which has been in production for several decades. Improved features and more tone options than ever before make this new version a best seller.

Those who love the classic Route 66 tone of the original Fulltone Full-Drive will absolutely love this pedal. It has all the characteristic notes and textures of that famous tone, but uses new technology to deliver subtle nuances you may not have heard before. And the new controls on the front panel allows for more options than ever before.

The Fulltone Full-Drive 2 is a simple and exceptionally versatile pedal that can cover all range of tones from bluesy sweet to dirty mean. With its faithful emulation of the original Full-Drive, this pedal will be a joy to use for all players who want that extra bit of tonal quality.

Pros:

• It is a faithful emulation of the original Full-Drive
• The new features and controls allow for more options than ever before.
• This pedal can cover all range of tones from bluesy sweet to dirty mean.

Cons:

• More expensive than similar models

Check The Latest Price On The Fulltone Full-Drive 2 V2

DigiTech DBM Bad Monkey Tube-Overdrive

Ultra-versatile pedal with distortion, boost and tube overdrive settings. The Bad Monkey Tube-Overdrive’s distortion mode is capable of pushing out creamy tones that are perfect for blues, jazz and classic rock. Switch on the Boost mode and gain can be pushed for a more “dirty” sound, or use the Mid-Tone control to add a subtle lead boost in front of your guitar.

The pedal also has a unique Tube Overdrive mode, where the amp’s tone is driven by the output of two JFETs at different gains. This opens up all kinds of possibilities for tube-emulating overdrive, ranging from classic “brown” sounds to crazy distorted metal tones.

Pros:

• Has three modes, overdrive, boost and tube overdrive
• Can create a wide range of sweet tones and heavy distortions.
• Delivers a warm tube-like distortion with excellent note definition.

Cons:

• More expensive than similar models.

Check The Latest Price On The DigiTech DBM Bad Monkey Tube-Overdrive

Fulltone OCD

The OCD® is the most advanced, compact and versatile overdrive pedal on the planet. It allows for a huge range of tonal flavors from subtle, warm overdrive to “Marshall on 10”. The full-range EQ lets you dial in anything from a soft boost to screaming tones – even push the tube emulation into overdrive.

The OCD is voiced like a fine tube amp, with a wide range of tones available from subtle to searing. The added low end control makes it possible to dial in the unit for use with passive basses, while the switchable output attenuator lets you reduce the output level for use with high-gain amps.

Pros:

• Can be used as an effects pedal or an individual channel switcher.
• It can cover all range of tones from subtle to searing.
• Great for basses, acoustic guitars, keyboards and more.

Cons:

• More expensive than similar models.

Check The Latest Price On The Fulltone OCD

Ibanez Nu Tube Screamer Overdrive Pedal

If you’re looking for something new and cutting-edge, then this is the overdrive pedal for you. The Ibanez Nu Tube Screamer Overdrive Pedal, while it may look like a regular guitar stomp box, packs some serious electronics into that little plastic box.

As you can see from the output and controls, this is a very versatile pedal that can be used for almost any type of musical style. The amp mode lets you take the tone through your guitar amplifier while the pedal channels can be used to generate high gain distortion or even overdrive. When combined with pedals like the MXR Phase 100 or Strymon Flint, you’ll have a completely unique set of effects to adjust and tweak when playing guitar.

The precision-made Bourns potentiometers ensure that this pedal will perform consistently over time.

Pros:

• Has three modes, overdrive, amp and tube simulation.
• It can create a wide range of sweet tones and heavy distortions.
• The controls are extremely precise and consistent.

Cons:

• More expensive than similar models.

Check The Latest Price On The Ibanez Nu Tube Screamer Overdrive Pedal

Maxon OD808

The Maxon OD808 is a true bypass overdrive, not a distortion pedal. It offers lots of tonal versatility and can serve as either the basis for your entire sound or an accent to your other pedals. At its heart is an optical gain sensing circuit that produces a warm, smooth overdrive with excellent dynamics.

The tone control, makes the overall sound brighter or darker depending on the position of the knob. Classic for its simplicity, this feature makes it easy to get everything from a mild light crunch to hard rock tones with a fat bottom end.

This is an exceptionally versatile overdrive pedal that will appeal to just about any player who wants a straightforward way to add warmth and gain without spending too much time tweaking effects.

The true bypass operation makes the OD808 less susceptible to signal degradation than most other pedals, making it ideal for stage use.

Pros:

• Can be used either as a boost or overdrive.
• It has a separate control knob to adjust the tone and can be used on its own or blended with other effects.
• Classic but highly functional design with excellent performance.

Check The Latest Price On The Maxon OD808

Our Top Overdrives For Marshall Amplifiers Conclusion

These are our top 5 recommendations for overdrive pedals that pair well with Marshall amps. Each of these pedal platforms has its own unique sound and style, from the classic electric guitar tone of the Tube Screamer to the more modern design of the Maxon OD808.  You can also check out our similar post on the best overdrive pedal for tube amp.

The post THESE 5 Best Overdrive Pedals For Marshall Amp For Great Tone! appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Quick Links To our Best Overdrive Pedals For Telecasters

• Xotic BB Preamp V 1.5 – OUR TOP CHOICE!
• BOSS BC-2
• Boss OD-3
• Wampler Euphoria
• Boss Bluesdriver

Also check out – Overdrive pedals – what are they used for? –
best amp for Fender Telecaster

Our Top Telecaster Overdrive Pedals Reviews

Xotic BB Preamp V 1.5

With the Xotic BB Preamp V 1.5 pedal you can fine tune your sound with a smooth, hearty drive. The boost knob lets you go from transparent to aggressive distortion in the blink of an eye, and the 3-band EQ is perfect for getting precisely the tone you want.

The BB-1.5 is based on the BB-1 preamp, but adds a built-in gain boost circuit.
The preamp is a faithful recreation of the famous BB-1 amp, which was originally created by Eddie Van Halen to use with his guitar, and then later used by Carlos Santana and others. The BB-1 was designed as a preamp to be used with any power amp, as a booster/overdrive or direct box.

The BB-1.5 is very popular with blues, country, classic rock, and funk guitarists. It has a touch sensitive EQ section and is excellent for expressive soloing and single note work. It’s also great for rhythm playing: the BB-1.5 includes a “boost” knob that can bring you from clean to searing lead tones in an instant, and the 3-band EQ is perfect for dialing in that elusive mid-range tone.

The BB-1.5 uses three 9V batteries or can be powered by a standard 9V power supply — negative tip input only! Current draw is less than 50mA. The pedal measures 3.7″ x 2″ x 1.

Pros:

• The Xotic BB Preamp V 1.5 provides flexibility when it comes to getting the desired tone.
• The 3-band EQ is perfect for customizing sound given the types of instruments that are to be used with the pedal.

Cons:

• The pedal was difficult to use for some customers because of its confusing layout and the tough learning curve that came with using it.

Check The Latest Price On The Xotic BB Preamp V 1.5

BOSS BC-2

The BOSS BC-2 is an overdrive pedal that was designed to work equally well with guitar and bass, both live and in the studio. It features a Drive knob which controls the amount of distortion; a tone knob for adjusting highs and lows; and a Level knob controlling the output level of the pedal. The BC-2 also comes with a footswitch that can be used to engage and disengage the built-in boost feature, adjusting the level between clean and overdriven sounds.

In addition to having an overdrive, the BOSS BC-2 pedal is designed to deliver pristine guitar sounds, with no noise whatsoever. Its circuitry is designed to provide a more transparent response, meaning that the pedal will not color the guitar’s sound. This makes it a great pedal for guitarists who want to continue using their amps’ original tone.

The BOSS BC-2 is also perfect for bassists, because it offers a relatively clean boost that can be used at band practice or in performances.

Pros:

• Can be used with a variety of instruments, including guitar, bass, and other instruments such as keyboards, drum machines and synthesizer.
• The pedal’s audio path is designed to enhance the clean sound of the instrument being played.
• The pedal’s circuitry is designed to deliver a more transparent response when compared to similar units.
  + It can also be used to boost bass and other instruments during performances or rehearsals.

Cons:

• Some users have reported that the pedal had a difficult learning curve.

Check The Latest Price On The BOSS BC-2

Boss OD-3

The Boss OD-2 is an overdrive pedal with a limited, gritty sound that is ideal for rock and blues. It has a high level of distortion and even provides a selectable amount of feedback. Its tone knob lets you adjust the highs and lows, while its gain knob controls the amount of overdrive that you want. The OD pedal is also equipped with an on/off switch, which can be used to turn the pedal on and off.

The OD-2 is a great option for those who are looking to add some grit or edge to their sound without sacrificing clarity.

Pros:

• The Boss OD-2 pedal has a wide range of tones that is ideal for any style of music.
• It provides an adjustable amount of overdrive, which can be adjusted to whatever the user prefers.
• The tone knob allows users to obtain a wider range of tones.
• It comes with an on/off switch, making it easier for users to turn the pedal on and off.

Cons:

• Some users have reported that the pedal was a bit difficult to use. Some complained that it was difficult to get a clean sound when using it.

Check The Latest Price On The Boss OD-3

Wampler Euphoria

The Wampler Euphoria Pedal is a tube-amp inspired overdrive that delivers the creamy warm distortion and break-up typically found in an overdriven tube amp. The pedal achieves its signature tone by using a toggle switch to select one of two different input stages, which are designed to replicate the sound of two different types of tubes: the preamp tube or the power section tube. The pedal’s clean blend knob allows users to achieve even more versatility in terms of their tone by combining the characteristics of both sets of tubes.

The Wampler Euphoria pedal is a great choice for those who want to have that classic Fender sound without having to pay for the expensive equipment required to replicate it. The pedal can be used to boost and brighten other guitar sounds, but it also offers users the option of running both pedals in parallel or in series for more options.

Pros:

• Users can select from two different input stages for a wide range of tones.
• The pedal’s clean blend knob provides users with even more tonal options.
• It can be used to brighten or boost guitar sounds.
• The pedal’s tone control is designed to deliver a more dynamic response than most other overdrive pedals.
• It is also designed for smooth operation.

Cons:

• Some users have reported that there was an issue with the pedal’s build quality.

Check The Latest Price On The Wampler Euphoria

Boss Bluesdriver

The Boss Blues Driver Pedal is a versatile, high-quality pedal that delivers both an overdrive and distortion. The pedal’s Level knob controls the output volume; its Tone control lets you fine-tune your sound to get a vintage overdrive or a solid boost; and its Drive knob lets you dial in from a subtle crunch to the edge of distortion. Unlike most other overdrive pedals, this one has an on/off switch, making it more convenient for users to use.

The Boss Blues Driver pedal is one of the most popular overdrive pedals because it delivers good tone at a reasonable price. It is a versatile pedal that can be used both in the studio and on stage, so it’s a good choice for musicians of all skill levels. It has an active/passive switch that makes it easy for users to bypass the pedal altogether when they want to cut down on unwanted noise.

Pros:

• The pedal’s Tone control eliminates the need to keep changing your guitar’s tone settings to access different tones.
• The pedal’s Drive knob lets users choose from near-clean tones to crushing distortion and everything in between.
• The pedal’s on/off switch and active/passive footswitch make it easy for users to control unwanted noise.

Cons:

• Some users have noted that this pedal is not the best choice for low-end guitars.

Check The Latest Price On The Boss Bluesdriver

Our Top Overdrive Pedals For Telecasters

These are our recommendations for the best overdrives for Telecasters. Each has a rich, warm tone that can add lots of personality to the sound of your Telecaster.

The post THESE 5 Best Overdrive Pedals For Telecaster Sound Awesome! appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Quick Links To Our Best Overdrive Pedals For Metal Guitar Recommendations

• Ibanez Tubescreamer TS9 – OUR TOP CHOICE!
• Electro-Harmonix Soul Food
• Maxon OD808
• Friedman BE OD DLX
• JHS Moonshine V2

We’ve put together a list of the best overdrive pedals for metal guitars below.

Our Top Overdrive Pedals For Metal Reviews

Ibanez Tubescreamer TS9 Pedal

The Ibanez TS-9 “Tube Screamer” pedal is a classic overdrive pedal that was originally released in the mid to late 80s. It was prominently used by J Mascis of Dinosaur Jr and many other grunge bands of the era. The TS9’s tone has a thick sound and heavy-metal scooped mid range that makes your guitar cut through and makes your riffs sound tight.

It has two knobs; one adjusts output volume, one adjusts tone. The tone knob has a great range of possibilities, one end of the spectrum is a nice compressed sound that pushes your amp harder, while the other end gives you plenty of headroom for pedals like delay and reverb. It also has a bright switch which adds treble, it can be nice to add in a TS9 towards the end of your effects chain if your other effects are getting muddy.

While the TS9 is great for classic rock, punk, and grunge it can also be used for heavier styles.

Pros:

• It is incredibly versatile; it can be used for classic rock, grunge, punk and heavier styles of music.
• It has a wide range of tone possibilities
• The TS9 is a reliable pedal with years of use

Cons:

• It is not a very subtle overdrive and can cause some distortion if driven hard.
• The TS9 doesn’t have an option to adjust the amount of signal it takes in.
• Sometimes when you have the bright switch on, it can cut out your signal or muddy up your tone a bit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NI5jK_qAXE

Check The Latest Price On The Ibanez Tubescreamer TS9

Electro-Harmonix Soul Food Overdrive Pedal

The Soul Food pedal is an overdrive pedal that has a warm and full tone. It doesn’t really sound like what most people think of when they think of a “distortion” pedal, but it’s an excellent option for guitarists that want to go in a heavier direction.

It has quite an unusual sound, it definitely doesn’t sound like a traditional overdrive pedal. The Soul Food has that satan-esque type of mid range and amounts of gain which gives you a thick metal sound that is reminiscent of the 90’s when grunge and metal were exploding onto the scene. If you’re into metal at all, the Soul Food will make your guitar cut through with a nice and thick distortion tone.

The Soul Food is great for metal music and heavier styles like punk, but it can also be used for classic rock or country.

Pros:

• It has a metal sound that is reminiscent of the 90’s when grunge and metal were popular.
• It has a nice mid range that isn’t too soft or too harsh.
• It can tone down plenty of high frequencies with the treble knob.

Cons:

• It doesn’t have a wide range of tone possibilities
• The Soul Food can get too mid-rangey and muddy up your sound.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Chbw0U2sNo

Check The Latest Price On The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food

Maxon OD808 Overdrive Pedal

The Maxon OD808 is a Japanese overdrive pedal that was first released in the late 80s and has become popular with heavy rocker’s due to its dynamic sound. The OD808 has a bit of an unusual tone, it’s a bit mid-rangey and has a fair amount of gain. But, it definitely has a crunch that is reminiscent of 80’s metal.

The tone knob on the OD808 isn’t very powerful, it’s more subtle which makes this pedal great for being placed in your effects chain. It does have a switch that changes between the USA setting and the Japan setting, so you can choose between two different tones from one pedal. The Jap setting really has that mid-rangey metal sound, while the USA setting is a bit less saturated in the mids and is slightly more treble heavy.

The OD808 is great for death, thrash or heavy rock like the heavier bands of the 80’s but can also be used for other styles of music.

Pros:

• It has a nice amount of gain and a somewhat mid to high rangey tone that gives your tone a nice growl.
• The OD808 is well made with quality components
• It’s a reliable pedal that is built like a tank

Cons:

• It doesn’t have a wide range of tone possibilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s0IfyT8r6o

Check The Latest Price On The Maxon OD808

Friedman BE OD DLX Overdrive Pedal

The original BE-OD Deluxe pedal is back and better than ever! This outstanding overdrive pedal provides the perfect mid-range balance that guitarists value so highly. Add either smooth or sharp highs, three different types of distortion, and a wide-range gain control. Also included are bright and blend switches to add extra edge or “hair”. This pedal is perfect for the professional and the home guitarist.

The BE OD DLX is an absolute monster of a pedal! But more on that later, right now we’re going to focus on why it’s so good. The BE OD DLX has a wide frequency range which gives it a nice and smooth mid range sound. It’s not as harsh or muddy like some overdrives, and it does have a touch of distortion. It has quite a wide clean tone which makes this pedal a great option for the musician that wants to have control of their sound. In addition, this overdrive is extremely well built and durable, it will last you for many years to come.

The BE OD DLX pedal can be used for mid range rock and metal music but also has quite a wide range of tone possibilities which makes it excellent for jazz players as well.

Pros:

• It has a smooth and warm mid range tone.
• It has adjustable controls that give it a wide amount of tone options.
• The DLX is very well built with high quality components.
• It has a strong casing that will definitely protect your investment.

Cons:

• It’s a little pricey but it’s worth it, especially if you value well crafted and reliable pedals.
• It has a wide range of tone possibilities that makes it hard to pin point a particular tone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtP17X0clI4

Check The Latest Price On The Friedman BE OD DLX

JHS Moonshine V2 Pedal

The Moonshine V2 is a well-built overdrive pedal. It has a very smooth and warm tone that is perfect for rock or metal music. It has 3 modes which are low, medium, and high which makes this pedal great for anyone with different levels of experience. It has a pretty simple design with only one foot switch but for what it lacks in complexity, it makes up in tones. This relatively simple pedal is great for blues, jazz, country, rock, and metal players.

The Moonshine V2 overdrive pedal is built with high-quality components which are another reason why this pedal is a great purchase. The casing is made out of durable hard plastic which will ensure that your investment will last you a long time. It has jaws that will keep it from accidentally falling, which is a great feature to have. All in all, the Moonshine V2 is a great overdrive pedal for beginners and pros alike.

Pros:

• It’s easy to use and has 3 different modes.
• It has an incredible range of tones for its price point.

Cons:

• The knobs can sometimes be difficult to adjust without having to hold it and bend down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnO6HHEAHuM

Check The Latest Price On The JHS Moonshine V2

Our Best Metal Overdrive Pedal Conclusion

These are the top 5 overdrive pedals that I would recommend for metal guitarists. They are all great choices and each of them is very different from the next. The decision ultimately comes down to what kind of tone you’re looking for, so choose the tone that’s right for your playing. If you have a pedal that you are absolutely in love with and don’t believe that I’ve mentioned it, let me know by leaving a comment below and checking out these best metal distortion pedals as well.

The post THESE 5 Best Overdrive Pedals For Metal For Crazy Tone! appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

The main difference between the Blues Driver and the Tube Screamer is the guitar tone.  The Blues Driver has a warm and bluesy overdrive tone while the Tube Screamer is more bright and gnawing in tone.

Design and quality of build of Blues Driver

Underway for over three decades, the Blues Driver has remained basically unaltered since its underlying discharge. It’s proceeded with prevalence lies with its tough, visit prepared form and the warm, tube like twisting it produces. Utilized across sorts it can do everything from conveying an unobtrusive mash to clean tones to high-increase soaked lead tones.

It is a basic pedal, with three handles controlling the level, addition and tone. With these three controls clients can accomplish a wide scope of various sounds. Like all exemplary Boss pedals, it is worked to withstand the full afflictions of the street. Housed in a strong metal suspension this thing can endure all the thumps, drops and lager spills it’ll confront while being gigged.

Design and quality of build of Tube Screamer

Since the 80s, the Ibanez Tube Screamer has been one of the most well known overdrive pedals available. Utilized over all kinds, from blues and nation to shake and metal, players of all styles use it in various manners to accomplish various sounds. It is unequivocally manufactured, intended to endure long stretches of gigging. The huge number of looked for after 80s models despite everything being sold on eBay and Reverb are a demonstration of how well they endure.

Like the Blues Driver, the Tube Screamer has only three control handles – drive, tone and volume. In contrast to the Blues Driver, the controls are somewhat more delicate and permit clients to make a more extensive scope of tones on account of it having the option to produce more pick up and the tone control having a progressively articulated impact on EQ. While maybe not exactly as indestructible as the BD-2, the Tube Screamer is in any case a determinedly manufactured pedal that will endure being kicked around in front of an audience and slammed about in the rear of a van.

Is there any difference between the sound of Blues Driver and Tube Screamer?

Up until this point, the contrasts between the two pedals are insignificant; both are positively manufactured stomp boxes with indistinguishable controls. The greatest contrast between them lies in the sound they make and how guitarists use them in their apparatuses.

The Boss Blues Driver is so well known and acclaimed because of its smooth, responsive sound. At low increase levels, it gives your sound a rich, warm overdrive that has a great deal of symphonies’ richness. Notes ring out plainly however have the additional bites and continue on account of the pressure of the contorted sign. This application is utilized a great deal in nation and blues music, when guitarists need some additional smash on their spotless tone for leads and performances. It is likewise utilized as an independent twisting pedal. Put before a perfect amp with the addition turned up, it gives a lot of coarseness and mash for rock and grit style cadence guitar. Numerous guitarists like to place it before a previously contorting amp for an additional increase and level lift for lead work. At the point when utilized this way, it gives an exceptionally full, warm solid which loans itself well to shake and blues performances along the lines of Gary Moore or Guns N Roses’ Slash.

While the Blues Driver has a warm, full stable the Tube Screamer is unmistakably all the more gnawing and splendid. This is because of the generous mid-extend help the hardware gives the sound.  For the sound of the guitar on its own the Tube Screamer can be off putting because of this gnawing quality however when put with regards to a full band blend, the sound of the cylinder screamer truly enables the guitar to slice through. Hence it is utilized by a ton of expert guitarists as a fast and simple approach to EQ their sound. Put before a perfect amp with a moderate measure of drive, it gives a rough, honky tone which loans itself to crude blues and rock performances. While a few guitarists do utilize it as a committed twisting pedal to get grimy sounds from a perfect amp, the sound can be excessively weak. The most famous utilization of the Tube Screamer is before a messy amp, used to drive the amp into full metal and hard rock levels of increase and immersion. While any overdrive will do this, the Tube Screamer is so broadly utilized as a result of the mid-run help and somewhat low end cut. This “fixes” up the sound of a grimy amp, making a much more clear and cutting guitar sound that is ideal for everything from current stone to whip and passing metal. It is additionally broadly utilized related to other twisting and fluff pedals. Numerous Big Muff clients place a cylinder screamer with the increase low yet level high after the fluff pedal to give it a mid-lift and make the sound more clear. Numerous guitarists use it along these lines to straighten out the sound of exemplary contortion pedals, for example, the Boss DS-1.

Which one should you select?

Picking between the Blues Driver and Tube Screamer and doesn’t really simply come down to which sound you like, however how you mean to utilize it. In case you’re an expert or semi-professional guitarist who plays a great deal of gigs, the Tube Screamer is likely the smartest decision because of its capacity to enable the guitar to slice through a live band blend. It is this mid-substantial apparent quality that truly separates it from different overdrives and is the reason it is so broadly utilized by the professionals. Be that as it may, in case you’re searching for a pedal for recording and home use which will make the guitar sound better in seclusion, the more full tone of the Blues Driver is your most ideal decision. The class and style you play is additionally a significant thought. The glow of the Blues Driver can make it excessively wooly sounding for present day metal, while the gnawing clearness of the Tube Screamer makes it excessively weak for use in grit or outside the box rock. In case you’re a blues and nation player searching for an increasingly unpretentious overdrive, both do quite well and are broadly utilized. In case you’re after a smoother, adjusted lead tone, the Blues Driver is the most ideal decision yet on the off chance that you need a more honed, cutting tone pick the Tube Screamer.

Conclusion

If you are still confused about which one to select among Blues Driver and Tube Screamer then you must understand that the former is best suited for Country and blues players searching for a smoother crunch sound, making use as a mutilation pedal in front of a spotless amp, grunge, rock and outside the box overdrive and use with a disengaged guitar and the latter for modern rock, metal, searing leads, cleaning a fluff or mutilation pedal and tightening the sound of a misshaping tube amp.

Further reading:

• What Are Good Guitar Pedals For Beginners To Start With?

The post COMPARED: Blues Driver vs Tube Screamer Guitar Pedals appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Quick Links To Our Best Overdrive Pedal Recommendations

• Fulltone OCD V2 – OUR TOP OVERDRIVE PEDAL CHOICE! The sound and tone is excellent and the simple controls make it super easy to dial in your guitar tone.
• Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer – Boost your metal guitar tone with one of these awesome pedals. Some nice gain and versatility here!
• Boss Blues Driver (BD-2) – A perfect option for blues guitar players.
• Wampler Hot Wired V2 Brent Mason Signature – Country guitarists will love the tone this provides.
• MXR Timmy Overdrive Mini Pedal – An excellent pedal for classic rock players.
• Fender Santa Ana – Worship guitarists should add this to their guitar signal!
• Ampeg Scrambler Bass – Can’t forget the bass players!
• Keeley D&M Drive – Boutique overdrive guitar tone.
• JHS Morning Glory – Excellent for people looking to just add a small amount of gain to their signal.
• Electro-Harmonix Soul Food – Great choice for guitarists that use humbuckers like a Les Paul.
• Friedman Amplification Motor City Drive – For the tube loving guitarists!
• Tone City Sweet Cream – Looking for a creamy tone? Look here!
• Suhr Eclipse Dual Channel Overdrive Distortion – Amazing dual channel pedal option.
• EarthQuaker Devices Palisades – Guitar tones are amazing when you pair this pedal with a Marshall amp.

The rule of thumb is that every recording that features a guitar, and which was produced in the last 6 decades, has to have applied the overdrive effect somewhere. No wonder you’re interested in finding the best overdrive pedal for your needs. We’ll get to that, but let’s first answer some of the questions you have in mind.Ready to be the king of tone?  Keep reading!

Do I Need Overdrive?

Everyone could use a bit of this in their life. The overdrive effect has, to a large extent, defined the sound of electric guitars for as long as they’ve been in existence. Well, almost. Any guitarist worth their salt will have at least one overdrive pedal at their disposal.

Not that it’s absolutely necessary, but it can prove handy in many different situations. When you’re performing on stage and want to set the guitar apart from other musical instruments, an OD pedal is your best bet. And when you want to tone it down for some quiet practice, it still has your back. These might just be the most important effect in the world of guitars.

What Does an Overdrive Pedal do?

The overdrive effect was born in the days of tube amplifiers. These huge monsters, with their vacuum tubes and all, would sound like they were breaking up when cranked up loud. This effect would respond to the weight of your touch; the signal would distort as you dug in harder.

An overdrive pedal is designed to recreate the same effect in a saner, more controlled fashion. You don’t quite get the earth-shattering crunch, but rather a smooth, subtle effect that responds to your touch. These top overdrive pedal options achieve this with the help of solid-state transistors, diodes and op-amps.

Do I Need Both Overdrive and Distortion?

Well, yes and no. You see, overdrive pedals and distortion are two different species within the same family. Both effects are simulated electronically, but a distortion pedal will be much more aggressive than its overdrive cousin. Whereas the latter simply mimics an overdriven tube amp, distortion chews up your tone and creates something totally different. As such, each effect will have its own niche of application.

But then again, there are certain circumstances that necessitate combining the two effects (a.k.a. stacking). Like, for instance, when you want to add some sustain and volume for lead lines? Use the two pedals hand-in-hand, with overdrive coming before distortion. On that note, it’s time to look at the best stompboxes to add to your signal chain currently available.

Our Best Overdrive Pedals Recommendations

1. Best Overdrive Pedals Ever – Fulltone OCD V2

“Out of this innocent-looking pedal came a gritty tone that immediately lit my ears up like a Christmas tree! I was hooked and had to get one for myself” – one reviewer after having a dose of the Fulltone’s Obsessive Compulsive Drive to this list.

Most people agree that the original OCD, the one just described, is among the very few guitar effects pedals that can convincingly emulate an overdriven tube amp whilst providing decent headroom. Not ones to rest on their laurels, Fulltone improved it over several iterations then decided to overhaul the transparent circuitry for the OCD V2. The input section was redesigned to raise impedance, resulting in better interaction with guitar pickups.

Meanwhile, a buffered output shields your signal from unwanted influence. That is, it allows you place the pedal anywhere on your board without messing up your sound. An internal switch for changing between ‘True Bypass power’ and ‘Enhanced Bypass’ has also been included.

Other than that, the Fulltone OCD V2 hasn’t changed much. It still comes with three controls like its predecessor (Vol, Tone & Drive knob), plus a HP/LP toggle. This switches between High- and Low-Peak modes; the former when you want to ramp things up, while the latter provides a less aggressive effect. That means you can sculpt your tone to fit just about any application. What more could you want from a stompbox?

Pros:

• Tonal variation and versatility
• Easily adjustable using the knobs on the pedal
• Die cast and aluminum construction for durability

Cons:

• Some may find this pedal to be too noisy, especially with high gain levels.

Our Rating –
 5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Fulltone OCD V2

2. Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more iconic pedal than the Ibanez Tube Screamer – our pick for best for metal. This particular one, the Ibanez TS9, is a 1992 reissue of an earlier model that had been declared the top rated pedal by several guitar magazines. Plus, it’s inspired so many other pedals that it deserves a place on the Rock n’ Roll Walk of Fame.

Still, the Ibanez Tube Screamer good overdrive pedals live on as a modest green stompbox with 3 little knobs: Drive knob, Tone and Level. These help you adjust the amount of gain, tonal character, and output signal respectively. Save for the large LED battery status indicator on the unit’s face, there’s nothing to give you a glimpse of how capable the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 is.

But as the adage goes, you should know better than to judge by the cover. The Tube Screamer has a uniquely-bright and biting overdrive with lots of sustain. You get ample room to influence the effect through your picking style. Dig hard for a bit of character and punch, or pick light to let the effect fall back a little.

Now, don’t expect any earth-shattering, face-melting high-gain sounds, as the Tube Screamer name might suggest.  Rather, the Tube Screamer your go-to pedal for a pleasant dynamic overdrive effect.

While not a metal player, Stevie Ray Vaughn was known to use the Ibanez Tube Screamer from time to time as well.

Pros:

• Provides a range of tones, from a slight grit to heavy distortion.
• Excellent at boosting and thickening guitar signal with the built in boost circuit.

Cons:

• Can often be too bright.

We also have a great Ibanez Tube Screamer vs Boss Blues Driver article as well.

Our Rating –
 5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

3. Boss Blues Driver (BD-2) Overdrive

The year’s ’95, and the indie classic ‘Wonderwall’ is taking Oasis to new heights. Meanwhile, Peal Jam’s ‘Better Man’ has been ruling Billboard rock charts for nearly 2 months, so it’s clear that grunge is still going strong. And what do Boss do? They release the blues-centric and aptly-named Blues Driver BD-2 which is also our top pick for best for blues.

Now, it would be grossly misinformed to credit Boss good overdrive pedals for bringing blues back to life. But the BD-2 did bring a different tonal palette to the mainstream. And the rest, as they say, is history.

So, what makes the Blues Driver tick? At its core, the BD-2 Blues Driver is designed to provide subtle-to-moderate distortion. It recreates the soft, creamy, valve-like OD tone associated with blues and country music. However, it can also give you a good dose of grit when you turn up the gain knob. Speaking of which, the BD-2 is incredibly simple to use, featuring just 3 controls (Tone, Gain and Level). With this trifecta, you can concoct everything from subtle and tasteful to edgy and saturated.

Still, the tastiest use of this pedal could be as a pre-effects chain primer; you know, for sculpting your clean tone before it goes down the chain. The BD-2 will very likely earn a permanent spot on your pedalboard once you try it out.

Just a quick note – if you love BOSS, there is also the BOSS SD-1 drive pedal as well. The Boss SD-1 is also a great drive pedal fro Boss.

Pros:

• It has a Bluesy Tone.
• It is one of the few pedals that can give you overdrive with a little more natural overdrive tone.
• The pedal is really good at handling live playing.

Cons:

• It only has one mode which when set to high can sound too distorted for some people.

Our Rating –
 4.5/5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2A1YdFbsfc

Check The Latest Price On The Boss Blues Driver (BD-2)

This overdrive also works well with specific amps – check out this on overdrive pedals for Blues Jr.

4. Wampler Hot Wired V2 Brent Mason Signature Overdrive

In a world full of digital tube screamers, the Wampler Hot Wired V2 stands out for its analog circuitry. Analog circuits have a substantially broader operating range than their digital counterparts And unlike the latter, they can handle any value within the specified range.

So, what does that mean in the real world? Analog circuitry makes the Wampler much more touch-sensitive than your typical stompbox, which translates to a higher degree of control. The pedal is so responsive you can tweak the tone just by changing your picking style. Or, alternatively, it could give you a hard time getting things in line — sensitivity can be a double-edged sword.

Still, the Hot Wired V2 has another neat trick up its sleeve. It’s a two-in-one, similar to its predecessor, featuring both overdrive and distortion channels. With volume, tone, gain and bass-boost controls for each, you can craft anything from the subtle to the absurdly-outrageous. And the best part? The two channels are stackable. Crucially, Wampler have simplified the layout of the controls for the new version, making them easier to work on the fly. If that sounds good enough, the Wampler Hot Wired V2 overdrive pedals can be yours today.

Pros:

• Top-quality components
• Fully reworked circuits with more aggressive voicing and increased output volume
• Custom LED, nonlinear reactive load for power amp simulation

Cons:

• Pretty expensive, but worth the price if you have deep pockets!

Our Rating –
 4.5/5


Check The Latest Price On The Wampler Hot Wired V2 Brent Mason Signature

5. MXR Timmy Overdrive Mini Pedal

Don’t want a pedal that costs as much as your ax? No problem — the Timmy Overdrive Mini is built by MXR Custom Shop in conjunction with Paul Cochrane and it is our pick for classic rock. As you might recall, Mr. Cochrane is the brains behind the Paul C Audio Timmy Overdrive, one of the most sought-after guitar OD pedals out there. Partneringyour guitars with MXR was his way of bringing his concept closer to the masses.

Basically, what the MXR Mini overdrive pedals does is take the original Timmy’s formula and pack it into a smaller chassis, with a few budget cuts here and there to lower the cost. The Mini’s ability to recreate the transparent overdrive for which its godfather is revered can be traced to the LF5353 op-amp under the hood. A high-gain, high output piece, the LF353 helps the Mini achieve the same at a fraction of the cost.

Paul’s genius can be seen in the Mini’s clever overdrive tone and clipping controls. The EQ is tailored so that bass is controlled in front the clipping circuit, and the treble after. This helps retain the character of your signal while making it easier to achieve a clean boost. And because the pedal’s a mini, it will fit neatly anywhere on your board.

Pros:

• Has a big sound for such a compact size.

Cons:

• Not enough variety in the tone controls for my liking.

Some related options – Best Distortion Pedal For Classic Rock – Top 8 For 2021

Our Rating –
 4/5


Check The Latest Price On The MXR Timmy Overdrive Mini Pedal

6. Fender Santa Ana Overdrive Pedal

It’s not often that you find ‘Fender’ and ‘pedal’ in the same sentence. Before launching the Santa Ana Overdrive, our choice for best for worship, as part of six new releases for 2018, Fender hadn’t made any decent stompboxes in 3 decades. That, of course, doesn’t mean they don’t know a thing or two about pedals. This is the same company that gave us the magical Fender Blender and Fuzz-Wah, after all.

And while the Santa Ana OD isn’t half as innovative as its granddads, it still carries some weighty credentials, and thus deserves a closer look. Housed in a stylishly-folded racer red chassis adorned with silver and black knobs, the Santa Ana makes a pretty good first impression. Beneath the housing lies FET circuitry designed to give you “valve-amp style drive with none of the noise or maintenance issues.”

You get 2 switchable voices designated ‘A’ and ‘B’ — the former is bright and sharp with a percussive-like chime. ‘B’ is contrarily dark and well-suited for toning down excessively bright amps. A 3-way EQ section facilitates tone shaping, while the second footswitch offers additional clean boost for gain and output level.

Ultimately, the Santa Ana has the potential to become a handy “Swiss-army knife” pedal. It offers everything from fat lead tones to hard rock crunch, and the switchable boost lets you add some sustain/compression. More importantly, the gain responds perfectly to the volume knob of your guitar.

Pros:

• The tone of this pedal is very rich. It’s a smooth overdrive that doesn’t sound crunchy
• It has an adjustable gain, so you can customize it to your sound
• It also has a switch to change from a more vintage overdrive to a more modern one

Cons:

• The knobs on the back feel kind of cheap, like they may break off easily if you’re not careful. But otherwise it’s sturdy.

Our Rating –
 4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Fender Santa Ana Overdrive Pedal

7. Ampeg Scrambler Bass Overdrive

The Ampeg Scrambler Bass Overdrive Pedal, our pick for best bass overdrive pedal, exudes practicality from the moment you pick it up. It’s packaged in an all-metal chassis for roadworthiness, while a flat-black finish gives it the mystic look that a bassist would want. A quartet of knobs marked with white lettering makes the pedal easier to work with in the dark — anyone who’s struggled on a dimly-lit stage will appreciate Ampeg’s thoughtfulness.

Now, four knobs would obviously equate to 4 controls — these are drive knob, blend, treble and volume. ‘Drive’ lets you vary the amount of overdrive from barely-audible to a hefty thump, while ‘Treble’ injects a tone ranging from warm to snarly and nasty. On the other hand, ‘Blend’ lets you choose how much of the raw signal you want mashed up with the dirt. Finally, ‘Volume’ adjusts the output level.

The Ampeg Scrambler Bass OD pedal has no EQ section. While this can be limiting somehow, you can still cobble up tones of all shapes and forms using the 4 controls. And because the pedal inherits circuitry from Ampeg’s BA-Combo amps (known for their stellar verbal feedback), you’ll never want for fidelity.

Pros:

• tone-rich and the range of overdrive tones is very wide.
• a lot of control over your sound.
• can achieve a lot of different sounds.
• very versatile pedal – also works as a distortion pedal with some tweaking.

Cons:

• noise issues, some people say that it has less gain than other pedals out there.

Our Rating –
 4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Ampeg Scrambler Bass Overdrive

8. Keeley D&M Drive

A two-in-one featuring OD and clean boost sections that can be stacked or used separately, the Keeley D&M Drive overdrive pedals are designed in conjunction with tone maestros Mick Taylor and Daniel Steinhardt. The latter took charge of the drive channel, while Mick provided inspiration for the boost side — hence the name D&M.

Now, if you’re not aware, Daniel and Mick have lots of experience in all things guitar between them. They even host a weekly YouTube series called “That Pedal Show”.

Back to the pedal, the Drive section is tailored to provide loads of saturated gain without sounding boxy or over-the-top. On the Boost side, you can expect a decent chunk of headroom with a pronounced mid-hump. Again, this is just enough to make your sound pop without being exaggerated.

Still, what really makes the D&M stand out is the sheer amount of opportunities to be had from stacking the two sections. The pedal gives you the option to put boost before or after drive — a purple unicorn in the world of stompboxes. And crucially, the input and output jacks accept TRS cables, meaning you can split the two channels akin to having two standalone pedals. Pretty neat, right?

Pros:

• High quality raw materials
• Great tone killer with the “Dry Mix” feature.

Cons:

• Not really suited for boosting tones, the sound can get muddy and overly compressed when you use it in an overdrive mode. The “Dry Mix” feature helps solve this problem but at the cost of those high end frequencies that give solos and riffs their bite.

Our Rating –
 4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Keeley D&M Drive

9. JHS Morning Glory

What happens when you add just the perfect bit of salt & pepper to a dish? It brings out all the sumptuous flavors without making the food taste like something else, right? That’s what the Morning Glory, our pick for best light gain, does to your sound. It accentuates every note and adds the responsive nuance missing from your amp, without bringing in anything that your tone doesn’t already have.

Under the hood, the Morning Glory overdrive pedals are packaged as a low- to medium-gain OD based off the Marshall BluesBreaker circuit. Three basic controls (vol, drive and tone) were originally provided, but things improved significantly with latter updates. A bright-cut toggle was added on the Morning Glory V3 to match the EQ with one’s rig. This was then replaced with a more powerful boost circuit on its successor, the V4, and a gain-boost toggle added as well.

The Morning Glory V4 also provides more headroom which, when combined with the multiple gain stages and easily-manipulable EQ, makes the pedal extremely versatile. On its own, it will add some natural overdrive to your amp while still retaining the character that made you buy it (the amp) in the first place. And if you’re a stacker, you’ll find that there isn’t a pedal that the Morning Glory won’t pair nicely with. Grab it today and see for yourself.

Pros:

• the bass is very punchy.
• the treble response is satisfying.
• high sustain, when all controls are at 10 (with a humbucking guitar) the note has a long decay with a slightly “buzzy” texture.

Cons:

• There can be an undesirable distortion when the guitar’s volume knob is at max (even if only one string is played) and when both the volume knob and tone knob are at max, there can be buzzy distortion too.

Our Rating –
 4/5


Check The Latest Price On The JHS Morning Glory

10. Electro-Harmonix Soul Food

You’ve obviously heard of the Klon Centaur, a stompbox that is as legendary as it’s brilliant. Utilizing clever circuitry, and perhaps a bit of voodoo, it was the first compact overdrive pedal that could boost a signal without upending its tone significantly. The Soul Food, our pick for best for humbuckers, is Electro-Harmonix’s rendition of the Centaur. It sticks to the Klon motif with a compact chassis featuring just 3 knobs (Treble, Vol, Drive); plus a dual-gang control and TL072 op-amp beneath the hood.

That means the Soul Food will provide the same glassy overdrive and clean boost tones as its godfather. Although, it does make a commendable attempt to craft its own identity, unlike most other Klon clones (or just Klones). This it does by switching from germanium diodes to silicon, resulting in a thinner sound; a dirty amp might help if you find it too dull.

And now the elephant in the room — distortion/fuzz/overdrive all in one for your guitars? Well, this pedal does provide loads of headroom thanks to its boosted power rails. This gives you plenty of room for tuning. Take ‘Drive’ all the way up and you’ll get a crunchy, fuzzy OD. Or just keep it down for the clean boost. Of course, it’s not to say that the EHX Soul Food pedals are a bona fide jack-of-all-trades; just a little more versatile than its price tag suggests.

Pros:

• Airy, versatile sound.
• Gives you that classic Marshall Bluesbreaker sound.

Cons:

• Can be noisy at high volumes and some frequencies can become harsh or brittle sounding.

Our Rating –
 4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food

11. Friedman Amplification Motor City Drive

The Friedman Amplification Motor City Drive, our pick for best tube overdrive guitar pedal, wants to recreate the breakup of an overdriven tube amp on your pedalboard, similar to the OCD V2 you saw earlier. Unlike the latter, though, it doesn’t use MOSFET clippers to achieve that. Instead, Friedman just crammed a 220V 12AX7A preamp tube into the pedal.

Now, anyone who knows a thing or two about preamp tubes will tell you that the 12AX7A is as serious as it gets. A miniature vacuum tube with high-voltage gain, it’s typically used in advanced Hi-Fi setups and tube guitar amps. Running full power at 220 volts, the 12AX7A helps Friedman’s pedal deliver a harmonically-rich fuzz untypical of an emulator. Five knobs (Volume, Level, Drive, Mid and Bass) are provided to help you get the most sonic mileage. All controls are passive, so you can freely plug into a clean or dirty amp with no worries.

So, where’s the catch? Well, on one hand, the Motor City Drive is quite power-hungry, so much so that it even comes with a 12V adapter. That, combined with the sizable footprint, will limit you in where you can place it within the chain. Not exactly cheap but, if you want a legit tube-driven pedal that won’t adulterate your sound, the Motor City Drive will prove a worthwhile pick.

Pros:

• The pedal has a unique sound that captures the best of classic and modern overdrives.
• It never sounds too heavy .
• The pedal is perfect for those who want a heavy, clear, or light overdrive with lots of sustain.

Cons:

• The price point might be high for those looking to purchase their first overdrive.

Look here for more tube distortion pedal options.
Our Rating –
 4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Friedman Amplification Motor City Drive

12. Tone City Sweet Cream Overdrive

Maybe it’s because it has ‘Sweet Cream’ in its name. Or perhaps it’s down to the unbelievably-low price tag. There’s just something that makes this Tone City stompbox irresistible and our pick for best creamy overdrive pedal.

A look at the specs reveals that it has an input impedance of 500k, while output stands at 10k. So, pretty much low-gain territory. Experienced gearheads will tell you that a low-gain OD pedal can be an invaluable friend in the tone workshop. It’s what you turn to when you want to roughen up a clean tone just a little bit, or improve the harmonic response of other pedals. You know, the knotty stuff that sometimes ends up with you throwing up your arms in frustration.

With the Sweet Cream OD, you’ll be spending less time fiddling with knobs, and more with your fretboard. Actually, you won’t be working any knobs at all — not in the traditional sense anyway. The pedal comes with a more modern ‘touch’ control knob that adjusts overall feel and response. If you’re a particularly-fastidious tone chaser, with more knobs on your pedalboard than digits on your limbs, the Tone City Sweet Cream OD can be a lifesaver.

Pros:

• Very versatile pedal and can be used for blues, country and rock.
• Analog circuit that has tons of headroom, meaning you are getting the full sound of your guitar.
• It’s built with a heavy duty cast aluminum case that’s both durable and good looking.

Cons:

• The only real downfall to this pedal is that it doesn’t come with a true bypass power switch; however, it does still have a buffer switch which allows you to play without any loss of tone or signal quality.

Our Rating –
 4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Tone City Sweet Cream Overdrive

13. Suhr Eclipse Dual Channel Overdrive Distortion

The last few years have witnessed a huge swing towards the “amp in a box” concept. You know, pedals designed specifically to turn any clean amp into a roaring, overdriven monster. Suhr deserves credit for bringing this idea into the mainstream with the release of the Riot a decade or so ago.

At first glance, the Eclipse, our pick for best dual channel overdrive pedal, looks like it’s designed to drive on the legacy of its older stablemate. Featuring two channels with independent volume, gain and tri-band EQ, the pedal will instantly give you a 3-channel rig when you pair it with a clean amp. Both channels, while sonically identical, can be voiced independently to suit almost all of your playing needs. This unique voice control lets you fine-tune the pedal’s top end response for the specific amp you’re playing through.

Suhr have designed the circuitry in such a way that you can power the pedal with 9-18V depending on how much headroom you want. As such, Eclipse will provide enough gain to take low-output pickups into maximum sustain and liquid compression. Granted, the upper reaches will sound a little over-saturated with poweful humbuckers. But because the Eclipse employs passive circuitry for the EQ, it will still sound amp-like and natural.

Pros:

• The output stage is very reactive to an amplifier’s volume controls, so you can get really heavy distortion tones with a lot of variance in dynamics.
• The guitar pedal has a broad range of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz sounds from mild tones for bluesy lead passages to pulverizing barroom stomps by adjusting the Drive knob.
• The pedal is true bypass.
• There are two channels available for dual use so you can have one channel devoted to boosting and the other with a more distinct effect like distortion.

Cons:

• Price.

Our Rating –
 4/5


Check The Latest Price On The Suhr Eclipse Dual Channel Overdrive Distortion

14. EarthQuaker Devices Palisades

You’ll recall that Ibanez’s Tube Screamer concept has inspired lots of pedals over the years; the EarthQuaker Device Palisades, our choice for best overdrive pedal for Marshall amp, is one such TS variant. It’s modeled off the TS-808, a moderately low-gain OD stompbox with a light bottom end and a potent boost in the upper mids. But unlike most Screamer wannabes, the Palisades tries to make a statement of its own. And that statement takes the shape of 2 rotary switches, 2 toggles, 3 footswitches, and 5 knobs.

Wait, hold on a second… Don’t EarthQuaker know that Tube Screamers are supposed to be simple? What are you supposed to do with all those controls? The Rotary switches are for voice and bandwidth; the knobs for volume, boost, tone, Gain A, and Gain B; Toggles for buffer on/off and normal/bright; footswitches are for bypass, boost and Gain B.

If that seems like too much of a handful, you’ll be glad that it equates to over 30 variations on the effect’s character. That means you can dial in just about any dirty tone you’ve ever dreamed of. And not just a bunch of Screamer knockoffs, but also a whole new load of gravelly effects bordering on distortion and fuzz effects. Not to mention the good old transparent overdrive.

Pros:

• It has a beautiful sound to it.
• It can be adjusted easily.
• It is versatile in its use.

Cons:

• The battery doesn’t last very long.

Our Rating –
 4/5


Check The Latest Price On The EarthQuaker Devices Palisades

Best Overdrive Conclusion

Isn’t it funny that what was once taboo is now encouraged the world over? The idea of overdriving your amp was originally seen as a mistake but, thanks to the efforts of the pioneers, overdrive has grown so popular that everyone wants a piece to create the sound and be the king of tone. As you can see, they come in all manner of forms which also applies to distortion pedals. Some promise to leave your tone unadulterated, while others will let you push the boundary of what can be considered a good guitar sound. The choice is all yours; be sure to choose a pedal on the market and for the money that provides the flavor you want, for the kind of money you’re comfortable forking out.

More similar options:

• What are overdrive pedals used for?
• 5 Best Overdrives For Telecaster Picks Sounding Awesome!
• 8 Best Overdrives Under 100 Options For You!
• 5 Best Overdrives For Tube Amp For Sick Tone!
• 10 Best Distortion Pedal Options For 2021 To Melt Your Face!

The post 14 Best Overdrive Pedals With Top Gain & Tone 2022 appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Quick Links To Our Top Overdrive Pedals For Humbuckers Recommendations

• Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive Overdrive – OUR TOP CHOICE! The overdrive guitar tone from these pedals is a perfect pairing with a good amp and humbucker equipped guitar.
• Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer – Classic – our runner up choice. Lots of gain giving an amazing sound. This effects pedal is awesome!
• Electro-Harmonix Soul Food Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal
• EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder Overdrive
• Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Guitar Effects Pedal

To get started, let’s just jump into which of these best overdrive pedals that we choose.  Or if you are looking for something slightly different in guitar pedals, check out these top fuzz pedals or these best fuzz for humbuckers.  We even have a great article on the best tube distortion pedal choices and overdrive pedal for tube amp options.

Our Overdrive Pedal For Humbucker Pickups Recommendations:

Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive Overdrive

If you’re looking for a great overdrive pedal, we have one that will blow your mind.

It has three different modes and can be used with bass, guitar or both at the same time. You can also use it as an EQ boost to make your sound stand out even more.

The Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive Overdrive is a versatile pedal that will help you create some of the most amazing sounds you’ve ever heard! We know once you try it, you won’t want to go back to anything else!  I love this one when paired with a Les Paul.

Check The Latest Price On The Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive Overdrive

Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer – Classic

The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer is one of the most famous overdrive pedals in history. It’s been used by guitarists from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Joe Satriani and everyone in between.

The Tube Screamer was designed with a single purpose – to give you the warm tube tone you get when your amp has just a little bit of distortion effects, but not too much. This way you can play at lower volumes without losing any tonal definition or clarity.

You’ll notice that it doesn’t have an EQ knob like some other overdrive pedals do, which means it won’t change your sound as drastically as something like the Boss DS-1 would if you were looking for more gain than what this pedal offers on its own. That said, there are still plenty of ways to shape your tone using different guitars and amps with this pedal!

Also check out our Tube Screamer vs Blues Driver comparison.

Check The Latest Price On The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer

Electro Harmonix Soul Food Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal

The Soul Food is a versatile, easy-to-use overdrive that delivers transparent tube amp tones at any volume. It’s the perfect pedal for blues, country, funk and rock players who want to add just a little color to their sound.

With its simple three-knob design and no switches or complicated menus to navigate through, it’s ideal for beginners looking for an affordable way to get started with pedals. But experienced players will love how this little box can cover so much sonic ground!

You’ll be able to dial in everything from warm bluesy crunch (think SRV) all the way up to full out screaming leads (think Billy Gibbons). And you can use it on both guitar AND bass! Use it as your main distortion or kick in the fuzz circuit when you need some extra girth. Or run them together for super thick tone!

The Soul Food runs on standard 9 volt DC power – 2.1mm center negative plug adapter included but not necessary if using with most modern effects pedals which operate at 9VDC 200mA minimum.

Check The Latest Price On The Electro-Harmonix Soul Food

EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder Overdrive

You’ve been looking for a pedal that can give you the sound of a vintage amp, but with more gain and sustain.

The Small Signal Shredder Overdrive is just what you need to take your tone to the next level. With its three-band EQ, it lets you shape your tone any way you want it. And if that isn’t enough, there are also two different soft clipping options to choose from—one for tight crunchy tones and one for smooth overdriven sounds.

This pedal will allow you to get all those classic rock tones without having to carry around an amplifier or stack of amps! It has everything you need in one small package so that when inspiration strikes, all you have to do is plug in and play!

Check The Latest Price On The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes Small Signal Shredder

Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Guitar Effects Pedal

The Boss BD-2 Blues Driver is one of the the most popular pedals in the world.

It’s a great way to get that classic overdrive sound, and it’s easy to use with just one knob.

You can use this pedal for blues, rock, metal or even country music! And you can also use it as a boost pedal if you want more volume out of your amp. This is an awesome guitar effect pedal for any guitarist who wants to add some extra flavor into their tone.

Check The Latest Price On The Boss BD-2 Blues Driver Guitar Effects Pedal

Some Other Things To Consider

Overdrive pedals are remarkable and they are among the quintessential elements on the pedalboard of any guitar player. When choosing an overdrive pedal for a guitar with humbuckers, it is important to consider how you want it to work for you. Below are some of the ways in which it could work for you:

Complementing Your Guitar Tone

Overdrive pedals can be used by players to complement or enhance an amplifier that is already overdriven. One reason could be to focus or fill in particular frequencies for a sound which cuts through the mix in a better way. Additionally, it is great for adding a larger and more intense sound and incorporating a new gain stage to the signal chain.

To achieve this, you should set the amp to your ideal overdrive level. After that, it will be left up to you experimenting with the controls of the pedal. There is a Double-Double Overdrive that produces lots of options via its two separate OD circuits and distinct Bass and Treble controls. You should tweak these until you get a sound that works well with the natural overdrive of your amp.

Boost

Sometimes, all that is needed is a touch of boost to give the signal some color. Simply put, you can bump up your guitar signal output so it is mostly clean but will have the slightest bit of tonal coloration. This is similar to producing the sound of a blackface kind of amp on “10” but the volume is lower.

You can produce a colorful boosted sound by setting the amp to your ideal clean setting. Use the Double-Double Overdrive to select Hi or Lo for the ideal tonal profile and let the Drive knob remain almost fully counterclockwise. After this, the Treble and Bass controls can be used to shape the signal sound and the Level control to set the amount of boost you want. Obviously, taste will differ but this is a good starting place.

Replace

From time to time, the sound of the overdrive pedal is so great that this is all you want to hear. Pretty much, this approach is the “plug in and go” but if your pedal is tweakable, you should spend time to determine the breadth of available options. When starting out with a clean amp, this also provides a clean slate. Set the amp and tweak the pedal to your liking.

Amps

The blackface and the plexi are two of the most popular styles of amp currently available. Blackface-style amps produce a sound that is more scooped and cleaner. Typically, plexi-style amps produce a more mid-focused gain. Similar to the different types of gear, you must figure out they type of sound you want before choosing the better amp for you.

If your guitar that has single-coil pickups is run through a blackface-style amplifier and the overdrive signal is sounding a bit thin, you should try to turn up the Bass and Drive on the Double-Double Overdrive. If your humbuckers guitar is run through a plexi-style amp, you can try accentuating and boosting the mids to produce searing solo that can cut through the band’s cacophony. Try to bring the Drive down and lower the Bass setting while allowing the amp to provide most of the distortion.

Pickups

The majority of players use humbucking pickups or single coil pickups. Typically, single-coil pickups produce more highs and lows (a more superior tonal range) with a lower output. Humbuckers produce a higher output and produce a more focused sound in the low mids and mids. But how does this impact the overdrive pedal settings? Well, a great-sounding setting configuration with humbuckers pickups like Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio, like those found in Les Pauls, might not sound that remarkable with single-coil and vice versa.

For example, to get a good baseline with the Double-Double Overdrive, the Volume and Treble should be set at noon, Bass should be off and the Drive set to very low. Pay attention to how everything sounds and make any necessary adjustment. If your single-coil signal needs beefing up, choose the Hi setting or use a preamp. You will also want to roll off the Treble, turn up the Drive and add some Bass. To tighten up the humbucker signal to produce a more focused lead tone, you should go for the Lo setting with Treble at 2 o’clock, the Bass off and Drive to taste. It ultimately depends on what goals you want to accomplish; for example, should the overdrive sound complement the tonal profile of the pickups or provide it with something that is missing?

More reading – What are overdrive pedals used for? Overdrive or distortion pedal?  Best overdrive pedals for metal.  Best overdrive for Marshall

The post CHECK THESE 5 Best Overdrive Pedal For Humbuckers appeared first on Happy New Guitar Day.

Quick Links To Our Top Overdrive Pedals For Deluxe Reverb Amps Recommendations

• Ibanez Tubescreamer – OUR TOP CHOICE!  This distortion / overdrive pedal needs no introduction – just hear the guitar tone and sound! This is the one for you too!
• Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive Overdrive – our runner up choice!
• Maxon OD-9
• Boss BD-2 Blues Driver
• Fulltone Full-Drive 2
• Boss SD-1
• Electro-Harmonix Soul Food Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal

Whether you are a blues player who would like to add some amount of sizzle to your solos or a jazz guitarist who is searching for a slight boost, you will find overdrive pedals to be an essential addition to your guitar tone. This is a remarkably useful effect that provides you with familiar rock guitar tones ranging from crunch to subtle grit. Combining any of these with a Fender Deluxe Reverb amplifier is an excellent way to get the guitar tone you are looking for.

Note – I excluded one pedal – It’s a great pedal, but the Boss FDR-1 is more made to emulate the tone of this amp and not necessarily to add overdrive on top of it.

Our Overdrive Pedal Reviews

Some of the best overdrive pedals for the Fender Deluxe Reverb are highlighted below:

Ibanez Tubescreamer

The Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer overdrive pedal is among the guitar effects that has achieved an almost mythical status. The pedal is basically an unassuming, green stompbox that is equipped with three small knobs; however, in the right hands, this device packs a wallop. The TS9 has been relied on by diverse guitarists like blues legend Stevie Ray Vaughan and Kirk Hammett, Metallica lead guitarist.

Manufactured in the 1970s, the TS808 was the first Tube Screamer. By early in the 1980s, the TS9 was launched but it did not stick around for long. Between 1985 and 1992, Ibanez made a few Tube Screamers but each paled in comparison to the TS808 and TS9. One of the memorable ones is the TS5 Sound Tank, which was a little affordable plastic version made early in the ’90s.

This classic, analog masterpiece was missed by the guitar world; therefore, Ibanez reissued the TS9 Tube Screamer in 1992 and the TS808 in 2004. If there was a rule that you could only own a single distortion pedal for your entire life, there are sound arguments that it should be a Tube Screamer.

This is not a hefty distortion pedal, it is an overdrive pedal. The sound is warm, crunchy, smooth and midrange. This delivers a sweet overdrive sound that results from pushing a tube amp just past its breaking point. If you are a blues, country or lighter rock guitar player, this could be what you are looking for. The pedal sounds quite fine with a solid-state amp; however, it truly lights up a tube amp. Any distortion pedal will assist in more forcefully pushing a tube amp into overdrive.

The Tube Screamer is definitely my top choice to pair with a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp.

Also feel free to take a look at our article on choosing between a Blues Driver or Tube Screamer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92bctx3OYVY

Check The Current Price On The Ibanez Tubescreamer

Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive Overdrive

The Fulltone Obsessive Compulsive Drive (OCD), has existed for over 10 years. Mike Fuller, its creator, introduces an updated version every so often. However, in spite of all the tweaking, a number of guitarists still view the OCD as being among the finest overdrive/distortion pedals. This is because it is among the few drive pedals that convincingly captures the response and sound of an overdriven tube amp.

Fuller has tinkered once again with his classic circuit and launched a V2 version and it is the best one yet. This version has controls for tone, drive and volume, a 3PDT footswitch and a high peak/low peak (HP/LP) toggle switch. The new features include an “Enhanced Bypass” switch and a selectable true bypass. The enhanced bypass switch returns tone loss and dynamics from multiple effects and cables that offer pop-free switching.

It has a new output buffer that enables your sound to stay consistent regardless of where the OCD is placed in the signal chain. Furthermore, for more sustain, it decreases loading in the hard-clipping stage. There is also a new Class A-configured 2N5457 JFET input piece that amplifies the previous impedance to one mega ohms from 330K. This has resulted in a smoother response when switching between humbuckers and single coils. It also produces warm, full overdriven tones with authentic tube-like response.  This is also a good overdrive for guitars with humbuckers.

Check The Current Price On The Fulltone OCD Obsessive Compulsive Drive

Maxon OD-9

The Maxon OD-9 Pedal might resemble an old favorite; however, the similarity ends there. Better-quality circuitry along with the new chip produce the super smooth dynamic craved by overdrive guitarists. Level and Drive controls tweak the guitar volume and intensity while brightness is adjusted by the Hi Boost/Hi Cut tone controls. It comes with a die-cast zinc case, 3-year warranty and also features true bypass switching. It delivers a broad range of tones ranging from shattering screams to subtle cries.

A signal-distorting diode located in the negative feedback loop of the amplifier stages is used in this pedal and it contains the JRC4558 IC chip. As such, it distorts the signal right in the amplifier section and this produces a milder, smoother and more natural sounding distortion. Additionally, this is why the IC type utilized in the circuit has a huge impact on the tone of the pedal. This unique design was developed over 20 years ago by Maxon and it was an industry first which is still popular today.

The new circuit of this pedal uses output resistors that are different from its predecessor. After the initial release of the pedal, it was found to be highly susceptible to noise because of a buildup of static electricity. To boost performance, the manufacturer increased the values of the output resistors but kept the same positions of the original. This change has no audible effect on the sound is produces, except for reducing undesirable noise levels. Furthermore, the pedal has True Bypass Switching to deliver uncompromising and natural tone in bypass.

Check The Current Price On The Maxon OD-9

Boss BD-2 Blues Driver

Without a doubt, Boss effects pedals are among the most widespread and recognizable stompboxes available on the market, achieving iconic status as an essential of the music industry. Even though many have attempted to replicate this recipe for success, only few are capable of creating pedals that combine Boss’s signature balance of affordability, quality and tone.

With this pedal, the first thing you will notice is its high-quality construction, which is something a number of players might not expect because of its fairly inexpensive price tag. It is solidly built and has adequate weight to give the entire package a premium feel. It is surely designed to withstand the beatings of live performances.

The manufacturer describes the BD-2 as a pedal that is designed to deliver the sort of emotive distortion and warm overdrive typically set aside for 30-year-old tube amps; this is a crunchy yet creamy tone for which blues guitars are known. While a bit of the responsiveness warmth that many players associate with the tube amp overdrive is lacking, this pedal has the capacity to produce a surprisingly broad variety of subtle and moderate distortion.

While everyone might not find its grit and overdrive perfect, this pedal really delivers as a clean boost pedal. The gain knob is all the way down, which makes the tone clean up almost totally, enabling the level knob to be used either to boost or cut the signal guitar volume. Additionally, the BD-2 is durable, quiet and priced reasonably, giving it all the makings of a remarkable boost effect. It likely edges out a number of dedicated boosters because of its capacity to deliver distortion on demand.

Check The Current Price On The Boss BD-2 Blues Driver

Fulltone Full-Drive 2

This pedal has become an industry standard where overdrives are concerned and has been chosen above the competition in a number of guitar magazines. In Guitar Player Magazine, the Fulltone Full-Drive 2 even copped the top place as the “Best Stompbox” in the Reader’s Choice Poll. It is quite user friendly, versatile with many options for remarkable sounds and it can be useful in virtually any guitar rig. The latest version has a Mosfet switch, which delivers some additional improvements.

There are controls for boost, tone, volume and overdrive and two toggle switches on the Fulldrive 2. The first switch alternates between the Vintage, FM and Comp Cut overdrive modes and ranges between clean boosts and medium overdrives. The other switch alternates between Standard and Mosfet. This pedal can be run by a 9V DC power supply or by way of a 9V battery. When it is engaged, a green LED will shine as an indication that it is on and a red LED is shown whenever the boost feature is engaged; both of these lights are very bright. It is a true bypass and as such, when it is not in use, it will not be stealing tone from the guitar signal. Additionally, when engaging the pedal there is no “pop.”

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Boss SD-1

As suggested by the name, this pedal produces the sound that comes forth when overdrive is kicked into high gear. It is priced reasonably and contains all the features that are found on standard Boss pedals; this indicates that you will get reliability, sturdiness and quality tone. There are a few things to talk about on this that makes it a great stompbox, we will start with the features.

The pedal is actually quite basic and is packed in a light green casing. Only the essential controls are offered; however, it still delivers a lot of space and sonic versatility to move your sound into various directions.

As is typical with pedals manufactured by Boss, this has a single In jack, an LED status indicator, a single Out jack and a big on/off foot-switch. It can be powered via a standard power adapter or by a single 9V battery, both of which have to be purchased separately.

As previously noted, only the essentials are included in the device. However, each knob is extremely precise, which allows you to dial in any kind of tone ranging from full-on roar to light drive. There is a total of three knobs, the Drive, the tone and the Level.

Among the remarkable characteristics of this pedal is how well it imitates the tube vibe. For instance, the drive level can be affected by the way the guitar is picked and strummed, which is precisely how the tube overdrive operates. However, even without these details, it produces high-quality tones with much versatility.

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Electro-Harmonix Soul Food Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Pedal

The Soul Food from Electro-Harmonix is basically a blatant attempt to provide a reasonably priced version of the Klon Centaur, which is one of the most hyped and mythical pedals ever made. As such, this incredible work of art is unsurprisingly rich with options and features. You have the option of choosing the Buffered Bypass or True Bypass; this is tremendously useful in itself when a fuzz pedal is used ahead of it in a multi-pedal setup. It has boosted power rails which offer major headroom exposition and boost and remarkable sound output with extremely fast responsiveness.

This Soul Food uses a dual-gang gain control and a TL072 op-amp and this is designed to make the volume and gain controls more interactive. However, the level of clean boost that it delivers to your fingertips is the real magic of this overdrive pedal.

Additionally, there is a switchable buffer that provides help if fuzz pedals are used ahead of the Soul Food in the signal chain. When you switch off the buffer, it will function like any standard true bypass pedal. The general build quality is precisely what is expected from Electro Harmonix; it is rugged and designed for real-world gigging. Additionally, the Soul Food is equipped with treble, gain and output controls and it also works remarkably as a down-and-dirty overdrive or as a clean boost.

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Conclusion

Many individuals assume that pricier overdrive pedals to pair up with a Fender Deluxe Reverb are always going to be superior to their less expensive counterparts; however, this is not always the case. Typically, the more costly pedals have more controls or they are made with high-level engineering quality towards a particular purpose.

Additionally, adding these to your pedal platform can deliver more sonically as well. However, less expensive best pedals are still able to offer desirable sounds even if they are not made out of the same quality components or may not be as versatile. For example, the original Ibanez Tube Screamer guitar pedals still made its way on the rigs of some of the best guitarists in the world.

Just to also mention – these pedals also work well with other amps like the Twin Reverb, Fender Tone Master Deluxe, 64 Custom Deluxe, Vox AC15, etc.

Note – we also did similar posts on the overdrive pedals for tube amp, best overdrive pedal for telecaster, best overdrive pedals for Fender Blues Jr amps and a detailed post on the tubes that are in the Fender Deluxe Reverb.  Check it out too!

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