Any thoughts on the ZVex SHO?

[Hulakatt]

Looking around for a new booster and have been intrigued by these for awhile. What are your experiences and thoughts?

[Chrome Dinette]

I like them, though I currently don't have one on my board. I suggest trying to find a used 2-in1, as you have more flexibility with that one. Some folks find the sho to be too bright, but I think whether or not that is a problem depends a lot of your guitar and amp situation.

[Muse FTW]

GAH Search Function!

[Hulakatt]

yeah, I used the search function and found people praising it and slamming it but never really why. The best info I got so far is from Analogman's site.

[youandme]

too bright....! i used it as a clean boost for solos and cutting through....no good for me...was really too bright and harsh,and no mid content for cutting through or adding grit for solos...bought a katana,and it rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!! check one out if you can...with the pull knob you can also get mid and grit for solos as well as an amazing clean boost with the knob pushed...sweet highs,enough bass,and great mid content made it perfect for me...(i use a tele through a divided by 13 cj-11)

[ChitownTerror]

I love my SHO. I hate boosts that add a lot of mids or other coloration-- they sound way too smooth and processed for my tastes. The SHO works a lot better with my amps too, or as a line booster.

So, I guess it really depends on what you're looking for? :D

[JoeyHarley]

I love my SHO. I hate boosts that add a lot of mids or other coloration-- they sound way too smooth and processed for my tastes. The SHO works a lot better with my amps too, or as a line booster.

So, I guess it really depends on what you're looking for? :D

same here. first time i plugged it up with the band they all noticed the difference. it's now my American Express of pedals.

[andy888]

its a good pedal but i prefer the RC booster

[jackbart1960]

Build one it's lke ten parts!!!!
Peace. J.J.B.

[cporche]

scratchy pot thing drove me crazy.

[mbargav]

What amp(s) do you play? IMO/IME, mosfet based boosts don't work with all amps.

[Hulakatt]

Marshall 20watt L&B
Silvertone 1484
5e3

[cottontips]

Sorry to hijack, but this is relevant to my interests. I was wondering if anyone has any experiences stacking the SHO with ODs like the OCD or perhaps, their experiences playing through clean fender amps (like a twin reverb).

This story of brightness is leading me to think that this aint a good combo...particularly with single coils...

[antbosca]

I've had one for years and never given it up because it is useful for occasional seasoning. Like some others here though I find it bright and, frankly, harsh. It bites like an angry dog.

was wondering if anyone has any experiences stacking the SHO with ODs like the OCD or perhaps, their experiences playing through clean fender amps (like a twin reverb).

Yes, I like it with an OCD. The OCD can fatten things way up and then the bite of the SHO becomes more of an asset. However, I do not think that a Fender amp would be the best platform for this combination. Haven't tried it though so...

[JoeyHarley]

Sorry to hijack, but this is relevant to my interests. I was wondering if anyone has any experiences stacking the SHO with ODs like the OCD or perhaps, their experiences playing through clean fender amps (like a twin reverb).

This story of brightness is leading me to think that this aint a good combo...particularly with single coils...

i hit the sho first and leave it always on and think it sounds great with my fender "civic" strat into a 100w bassman, drri, and my 333 jca20h. it stacks amazingly well into my ts9 as well, and cranked it provides a really smooth sounding od on it's own.

[jjhaller]

I've been using one for many years, and will continue to do so. I have it last sitting on top of my amp, always on. The sparkle it adds is awesome.

[mbargav]

Marshall 20watt L&B
Silvertone 1484
5e3

Can't speak on the Silvertone or Marshall, but for the 5E3, I'd definitely go for a treble booster before a SHO. Ditto for AC30 style amps. FWIW, I love my SHO, but use it more as a buffer/to add "sparkle" than as a boost.