Simple utility overdrive recommendations

[Jove]

Hey guys, I'm a dyed in the wool amp cranker and have never been one to clamor after different overdrive pedals. If I'm going for more saturation I always prefer to use a fuzz/treble booster because I look at it more as an addition to my amp tone rather than shaping my amp tone. If that makes sense..

Well, with the volume wars between us players and the sound men, there are sometimes when I just can't crank the amp even if I'd like to and that makes something like my treble booster worthless because the amp needs to be cranked for it to sound decent.

I like to keep a small board and try to stay utilitarian when it comes to pedals because I get option anxiety pretty easily and tend to have a vintage mentality. (Would love no pedals if I could get away with it.)

But if I HAAAD to buy an overdrive pedal, what would you guys recommend? Clearly transparency and an organic nature are of the highest importance.

Here are some options to generate discussion:

-I am up on the list for KOT so can pick one of those up. Perhaps the most versatile, transparent option I have right now. I can use it as a clean boost in times when my volume isn't a worry. (Sidenote on that is that I don't really NEED a clean boost, since I love using my fuzz/treble booster for that.)

-The Blackstone Overdrive seems right up my alley in regards to: small, transparent, simple (like the set it an forget it nature of the flush knobs)

-Throbak ODB. This is more just me using it as an excuse to get another fuzz. But i've heard that the versatility of these pedals can do some good things for different setups. Plus I have the perk of versatility where I can use it as a fuzz when I DO get to crank the amp. Then again, the other side of that is that it lacks in the simplicity department.

I'd like something ultimately that sounds great and I'm sure all three of those pedals do (as well as the 20 others I will be recommended to in this thread.) But perhaps while you're thinking of recommendations, consider that I like things with an overall simple nature.

Also, guitars are Les Paul and Tele into a Victoria 35310. So think tweed!

Thanks,

J

[BAN]

KOT works great at louder volumes; that would probably be a good fit if you can at least crank the amp a little. I used a Red Snapper with my Vic 45410 and loved it quite a bit at all volumes.

[Blakemore Effects]

Hmm. Tough question. Honey Bee?

[78deluxe]

Originally Posted by Jove

-I am up on the list for KOT so can pick one of those up. Perhaps the most versatile, transparent option I have right now. I can use it as a clean boost in times when my volume isn't a worry. (Sidenote on that is that I don't really NEED a clean boost, since I love using my fuzz/treble booster for that.)


J

This.

[WoodyStrat]

No brainer, the KOT. Works fabulously with my tweed stuff and if you do like it, I will buy it for what you paid for it!