Maxon OD-9 vs. Fulldrive II

[Jwmell]

I'm looking for another overdrive to pair up with my BD-2 (running through a Vox AC30CC2). I've tried the Maxon and I like the sound of it but I've really been wanting to try a Fulldrive II, but they're hard to come by at music stores to test out. Anyone know how the two compare side-by-side? I'm trying to stay with an OD that will sound relatively close to what my Vox's Top Boost channel sounds like. Also, anyone know where I can find some FDII sound clips on the net? Thanks

[Wilbo26]

Well I've never tried an OD-9, but I can tell you the FDII is a fairly smooth overdrive and will get somewhat compressed when you kick in the boost and have it turned up. Lots of sustain available and its fairly versatile, but it won't get very raunchy.

There's a fulldrive clip here:

http://www.wildwestguitars.com/media.htm

[Cary Chilton]

maxon Od-9

[Cusack Effects]

Between those two, the Maxon OD-9 would be my preference.

[sanhozay]

No contest to my ears. The Fulldrive is a multi tasker that sounds great in all modes. The layout is killer and the boost side can take the gain to sustain territory not anywhere on the OD-9's radar. The Fulldrive can run at 18v for even more headroom and smoother gain. I use it with a Maz 18 and it's the go to box for a stinging blues tone. I have the three toggle version; Comp Cut, Flat Mids & Vintage. I almost always use it in the FM mode, run at 18v. Buy the Fulldrive!

[Fixxxer]

fd 2 hands down
[run it at 18 volts as well]

[Wilbo26]

Yeah the FD2 really needs to be going at 18v to do it justice IMHO.

[Jwmell]

thanks guys! i actually just found a guy at my college about an hour after i made this thread who has an fd2. He's letting me borrow it for the weekend. I already love it. It's the older model though (blue w/ cream knobs) and the two way toggle (not 3). But I'm definitely enjoying it so far! it really has a nice sound when put in front of my BBE sonic stomp.

[Wilbo26]

thanks guys! i actually just found a guy at my college about an hour after i made this thread who has an fd2. He's letting me borrow it for the weekend. I already love it. It's the older model though (blue w/ cream knobs) and the two way toggle (not 3). But I'm definitely enjoying it so far! it really has a nice sound when put in front of my BBE sonic stomp.
In my opinion the difference between all the versions really isn't that big. I actually have the 10th Ann. Mosfet version, and previously had the Blue 3 way toggle, and the differences are pretty subtle. If you end up buying one of the newer versions just know that you'll have the sounds in the push/pull version plus a few extra options that are nice to have.

[dankayaker]

For the TS tones get the Maxon
For the more versitle pedal get the FD II

[Wilbo26]

How does the OD-9 compare to something like the Maxon OD-808??? I'm assuming its just the Maxon version of the TS-9?

[screamtone]

Wow. I've got a OD-9, an FD2 and an AC30CC2. For me, neither of those pedals really excel with the AC30. FD2 in FM mode is alright, but for me the mids in any tube screamer-type really take away the character of the amp. Don't ask me for recomendations, because I still haven't found anything I'm happy with for that amp. Maybe I need to break out the Blues Driver. I retired it because the jacks were getting squirelly.

[Wilbo26]

Wow. I've got a OD-9, an FD2 and an AC30CC2. For me, neither of those pedals really excel with the AC30. FD2 in FM mode is alright, but for me the mids in any tube screamer-type really take away the character of the amp. Don't ask me for recomendations, because I still haven't found anything I'm happy with for that amp. Maybe I need to break out the Blues Driver. I retired it because the jacks were getting squirelly.
Well he was asking what would sound close to what his top boost channel does...not what would work well with it. But that is a really good point. Can we assume you want to use it with a clean AC30??? There are a LOT of options out there and maybe a TS style overdrive isn't the best with an AC30. I don't have enough experience with them to really comment.

[Mr. Kite]

This looks cool, Maxon OD-9 Pro+
http://www.maxonfx.com/9/od9+/

[Jwmell]

hmm, that does look like it could be fun. looking at price it looks like it jumps about $50 up from the regular OD-9, which would make it about the same as the FD2 Mosfet. It'd of been nice if they would've made the boost feature in "button" form like the FD2. I'm actually heading to a new shop in St. Louis tomorrow which carries both Fulltone and Maxon. So maybe I'll get lucky and can do some side-by-side comparisons.

[Cary Chilton]

the fulldrive is nice for chords, but actually lacks real bass and adds lower mids... I found it very coloring and not very good for lead work....

[Wilbo26]

hmm, that does look like it could be fun. looking at price it looks like it jumps about $50 up from the regular OD-9, which would make it about the same as the FD2 Mosfet. It'd of been nice if they would've made the boost feature in "button" form like the FD2. I'm actually heading to a new shop in St. Louis tomorrow which carries both Fulltone and Maxon. So maybe I'll get lucky and can do some side-by-side comparisons.

Certainly try the FD2 before you buy. I paid $150 for my Mosfet version used and I love it, but its certainly no holy grail of OD tones, and the Fulldrive is one pedal I have found to be something people either love or hate. And some people can't decide and constantly sell and rebuy it. To put it in ridiculously simple terms...if you like Trey Anastasio's tone then the FD2 is well worth checking out. With the boost turned up you can hold notes on certain frets literally for days. I mean hit the note and it doesn't stop until you shut off the pedal or move your finger. But overall it stone is very boring for some people apparently, so you really must try it and decide for yourself.

[Wilbo26]

the fulldrive is nice for chords, but actually lacks real bass and adds lower mids... I found it very coloring and not very good for lead work....
What was your setup?

[Cary Chilton]

67 plexi marshall, les paul - could not get any better ;)

[Wilbo26]

For the record I paid $150 for my FD2 Mosfet and I wouldn't have paid a penny more. I would say pay no more than $120 for a blue version and cap yourself at $150 for a Mosfet. A local place here, which I love to dealth, has had a blue FD2 for $199 for a while, and ever time I go in I just have to laugh because its just silly.

[Wilbo26]

67 plexi marshall, les paul - could not get any better ;)

Errrrrrr.......If I had access to a 67 plexi....well...lets just say I wouldn't waste my time with OD pedals. :moon

Of course...the one time I did have one available for a recording session...I hit a chord...heard the most amazing tone I have yet to hit me in the face, and then the thing secreted a smell that reminded me of a burnt grilled cheese. I ended up finishing that song in the studio with a GCB-95 Crybaby and a Blues Jr. And it sounded ****ing great. The sadness that happened after the failure of that basket weave marshall was more than enough to push me through. :thu:

[dankayaker]

Wow. I've got a OD-9, an FD2 and an AC30CC2. For me, neither of those pedals really excel with the AC30. FD2 in FM mode is alright, but for me the mids in any tube screamer-type really take away the character of the amp. Don't ask me for recomendations, because I still haven't found anything I'm happy with for that amp. Maybe I need to break out the Blues Driver. I retired it because the jacks were getting squirelly.



Try the Tim or Timmy. great pedals and very transparent.

[cdmat76]

How does the OD-9 compare to something like the Maxon OD-808??? I'm assuming its just the Maxon version of the TS-9?

For the maxon od808/od9 stuff I did a small comparison here (a french forum). The playing is rather sloppy, even for the Sunday Guitarist I am, but i did the samples really quickly :)
http://www.guitariste.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=236601&highlight=maxon+od9

Concerning the Fulldrive question. I own a Fulldrive 2 Mosfet and I can get the sounds of the od808 and the od9 from it quite easily, as well as the "usable" tones obtained by combination of the 2 maxons, using the boost. By usable I mean there's not as much gain on the fulldrive 2 than with the 2 maxon gains maxed, still I never use them this way because it sounds quite bad (to my ears). Most of the times when I use them simulateously, the first is dialed as a boost for the second (which is often dialed the same way, i.e. with low gain and volume maxed). It gives a kind of ballsier and more compressed TS sound for solos. And i can get these sounds with the fulldrive 2.
To me the fulldrive is a kind of TS++ which can be used to obtain a TS sound but also the intersting sounds of 2 combined TS.
my 2 cts :)

[Grap]

To me the fulldrive is a kind of TS++ which can be used to obtain a TS sound but also the intersting sounds of 2 combined TS.
my 2 cts :)

Merci mon vieux ;)

I stack a Keeley TS-9 Mod + and TS-9 Baked mod on my board in place of my FD II FM. Why? I use a Boss BCB-60 because I'm a lazy Englishman and the Fulldrive desn't fit the required form factor for that board.

Bon chance mon ami.

[Alex Law]

To level the playing field, this thread should really have been the OD-9 Pro+ vs. the FDII. The OD-9 Pro+ is set up out of the box at 18V (converted internally, and switchable to 8V). And, it has a boost mode to bring it up to FDII boost territory.

However, the Maxon is a lot quieter than the boosted FDII, and a lot more immediately satisfying. I'm one of those people who have bought and sold more than four FD2 versions... And I'll probably buy another some time. Just to have one. But for now, I think the Maxon is great.

See, the thing is, if the FDII had a volume control for the boost side, it'd be a much better pedal... It's sort of like a really dumb stripper. It's great to look at, fun to play with all the twiddly bits, but after a while it gets annoying and you have to send it off into the world for someone else to enjoy.

[Jwmell]

For the record I paid $150 for my FD2 Mosfet and I wouldn't have paid a penny more. I would say pay no more than $120 for a blue version and cap yourself at $150 for a Mosfet. A local place here, which I love to dealth, has had a blue FD2 for $199 for a while, and ever time I go in I just have to laugh because its just silly.

Wow, $150 is a good price, I can't say I've ever seen one for that price. Now what about the new Maxon OD-9 pro+? Does $199 seem steep for that too?

Another quick question. The new Maxon runs at 18v, and I read earlier that the FD2 is much better ran at that voltage. Is there any modification that needs done to run it at 18v instead of 9v?

One more option I considered last night. Would say an OD-9 coupled with a boost pedal of some sort be more effective than the FD2 with the boost built into the pedal? Just an idea I had. I mainly just want the "boost" feature for times when I need a lead to cut through the mix.

[cdmat76]

Another quick question. The new Maxon runs at 18v, and I read earlier that the FD2 is much better ran at that voltage. Is there any modification that needs done to run it at 18v instead of 9v?
no, you just have to plug it.. It's written on the Fulltone site. Never tried as far as i'm concerned.

[cdmat76]

Merci mon vieux ;)

de rien de rien ;)

[Jwmell]

Sounds good, I'll check it out on the site.

[gregory49]

I have the Fulldrive II, the new version.It's definitly my choice for TubeScreamer Tones.

[Cary Chilton]

grill cheese! LOL funny Sh#t! I have a lot of pedals to slam my plexi, or fenders. The Fulldrive is best with a scooped Fender, but wretched with a plexi unfortunately.

[cdmat76]

grill cheese! LOL funny Sh#t! I have a lot of pedals to slam my plexi, or fenders. The Fulldrive is best with a scooped Fender, but wretched with a plexi unfortunately.
As All tubescreamer do.... :) TS mid-hump is more friend with scooped fendery tones than with british oriented amplifiers...

[Mullet Kingdom]

Fd2

[willyboy]

No contest, FD2 MOSFET run at 18v is the winner.

IMO the FD2 has the better build quality, versatility, tweakability, and sound. Looks prettier too!

[jamison162]

This looks cool, Maxon OD-9 Pro+
http://www.maxonfx.com/9/od9+/

Shhh man, don't be telling everyone. This pedal is a real sleeper, it's been discussed a couple of times here but noone pays it any attention. I just picked up a used one for $150. This is one great pedal and I predict will catch on at some point. Probably be the flavor of the month for Feb. or March. It's the real deal.

[partsocaster80]

Wow, $150 is a good price, I can't say I've ever seen one for that price. Now what about the new Maxon OD-9 pro+? Does $199 seem steep for that too?

Another quick question. The new Maxon runs at 18v, and I read earlier that the FD2 is much better ran at that voltage. Is there any modification that needs done to run it at 18v instead of 9v?

One more option I considered last night. Would say an OD-9 coupled with a boost pedal of some sort be more effective than the FD2 with the boost built into the pedal? Just an idea I had. I mainly just want the "boost" feature for times when I need a lead to cut through the mix.

I have had an FD-2 since 2003, the early version with just the pull pot for the comp-cut and I also have a Maxon OD-9 which I use with a Toadworks Meat Jr clean boost.
I bought the Maxon and Toadworks together to use in place of the FD-2 (which I'd bought second hand in near new condition to replace a battered old stock TS-9) this new set-up allows me to set the OD-9's volume to match my amp for overdriven rhythm tones and use the Meat Jr for solos OR use just the Meat Jr for clean solos (similar to the FD-2 with comp-cut on).
The FD-2 is a great pedal when using the overdrive channel only but I found it to be very hissy with the boost switch engaged and this gave me saturation increase but no volume increase. The only way I could get the FD-2 to increase volume on the boost (and without the annoying hiss) was to have comp-cut on which wasn't practical for the tones I needed on stage.
The FD-2 is a great studio pedal where specific tones for specific parts might be the order of the day, to my ears, it has a more muscular "british" type tone than the OD-9.
I play through Fender Super Reverb and Custom Vibrolux Reverb amps, the FD-2 sounds particularly good with the vibrolux but a little non-descript with the Super. I've used the OD-9 with a fully cranked Marshall 800 series reverb half-stack, I thought the FD-2 would have been a better choice for the Marshall. Never played either through a Vox sadly.

[Triangle]

I'd look into the other pedals that Maxon offers too. They have a huge assortment of overdrives and they have pretty good descriptions of what the differences are.
OD-820
VOP-9
OSD-9
OOD-9
OD-9
OD-9 Pro+
All offer a different take on the tubescreamer sound.

[americananalog]

How does the OD-9 compare to something like the Maxon OD-808??? I'm assuming its just the Maxon version of the TS-9?
OD9 is smooth and clear, it's a refined TS9 with a clean, pure sound. The OD-808 is more like a raunchy TS9 with some added thump in the low mids.

[PedalOnPedalOff]

fd 2 hands down
[run it at 18 volts as well]


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