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]

Originally Posted by guitarboy373

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.