Cornish SS-2 vs. SS-3

[Wheeler004]

Are there any substantial differences in these pedals aside from the tone control? How useful is the low cut on the SS-3? Was the low cut introduced on the SS-3 because the SS-2 was too boomy/heavy in the low end, or was it added just for the sake of increasing the pedal's versatility? I would love to hear from folks who have owned/played both... Thanks!!

[BigMuffPI]

Some players thought that the SS-2 was a little too boomy when used on a 4x12", which led Cornish to add a low cut-control. That's what I've heard anyway. I've owned both versions, and have to say that the feature which seperates them is very useful indeed. Makes the SS-3 more flexible and you can dial in the bass after preference.

[NeilYoungFan]

Originally Posted by Wheeler004

Are there any substantial differences in these pedals aside from the tone control? How useful is the low cut on the SS-3? Was the low cut introduced on the SS-3 because the SS-2 was too boomy/heavy in the low end, or was it added just for the sake of increasing the pedal's versatility? I would love to hear from folks who have owned/played both... Thanks!!

I have a SS-3 and never played the SS-2. According to the Cornish site, they are the same, with the added low-cut on the SS-3. No tone differences between the two. It is also stated that with the SS-3 you should have the low-cut knob turned full clock-wise to get the bass responce of the SS-2. This means that the SS-2 would have more bass (beware, even though they are labeled low-cut and high-cut, they are traditional controls. Turned clock-wise they add and not cut).
Now, in my opinion the SS-3 is a bright pedal per se. Especially as you turn up the sustain knob, the pedal gets really bright. So, I've found myself setting the low-cut knob at 3 o'clock or full up all of the time. Taking into consideration that I mostly play humbuckers, this means to me that I could live very happily with the SS-2, too.
So, generally it's good to have more versatility, but I don't think anyone would have problems with the SS-2 lacking the low-cut control.

[KennyM]

I have or had both. They're the same except for the low cut. I got rid of the SS-2 and bought an SS-3. Some amps, in particular my D13 FTR37, have a big bottom which the SS-2 made a little too woofy. the low cut solves this problem nicely.

I would probably opt for the SS-3 in most cases just for the low cut. When you need it you really need it even though most amps I leave it full up which is essentially identical to the SS-2. Love these pedals.

[huw]

I own the SS3, never played the SS2.

Using my standard rig - Les Paul into Fender Super - I always have the bass cut set to full up ie not removing any bass. As a previous poster mentioned, this can be a bright sounding pedal, so usually there's no call for cutting bass.

However, if I have to use a different amp, specifically one that is thick sounding in the bass, I find that the bass cut is wonderfully useful for tailoring the amp's low end to my style of playing.

As an example, I use a 1960s Watkins Scout for home playing, which has a single tone control & is a very thick sounding amp. Without the SS3 in the chain it can be difficult to use the LP's neck pup. With the SS3 added, & the bass cut tuned in, it's a very satisfying setup.

Oh - and I have the SS3 switched on all the time whenever I play.

[bigaust]

I wouldn't go without the low and hi-cut knobs. Personally, I wish the G2 had them..come on G-3!!

[MeMota]

How would you describe the ss3 / 2 compared to any more affordable pedals? I expect the quality to be better; just wondering what camp it's in.

For example, with a kot4 and a Tim, do I not need to keep lusting after the Cornish?

[KennyM]

I wouldn't compare the Cornish pedals to other pedals. I think they compare more to amp pre amps than actual pedals which is why they only really work for me into a really balanced clean sounding amp. Yes, the range of gain and distortion will compare to other pedals, but I find them to function very differently than almost any other pedals I've ever tried.

While I love these pedals most people that are looking for an OD like a Tube Screamer, Klon, etc. to pound the input of their already somewhat cooking amp usually walk away from Pete's pedals scratching their heads as to what all the hype is about. Into a full sounding clean amp they are magic..... well, to me anyways.

[NeilYoungFan]

Originally Posted by MeMota

How would you describe the ss3 / 2 compared to any more affordable pedals? I expect the quality to be better; just wondering what camp it's in.

For example, with a kot4 and a Tim, do I not need to keep lusting after the Cornish?

The SS-3 is a Germanium based, very well balanced overdrive with a fuzzy character. I myself haven't heard any other pedal that sounds like the SS-3.

[kakev]

Originally Posted by MeMota

How would you describe the ss3 / 2 compared to any more affordable pedals? I expect the quality to be better; just wondering what camp it's in.

For example, with a kot4 and a Tim, do I not need to keep lusting after the Cornish?

To my ears the Butler Tube Driver is somewhat close to SS-3 but ss-3 has more solid woodier tone. I guess with additional eq the TD might get very close to the SS-3. I've had both Tim and KOT v4 and those are definately not same sounding as Cornish pedals. Great pedals though.

Cornish pedals are really frustating when used at home. But with band and cranked Hiwatt they really do the trick like no other.

[MeMota]

Thanks guys, appreciate the response.

Interesting thoughts about having a clean amp. I have to think about that - I've just ordered a Tone King Metropolitan which is somewhat bf in the clean channel but more flexible. I'm not about high gain (even though this amp can do that) but a broken up tone (and clean tone) is my thing - which is partly why I've gone for this amp as its power scaling is supposed to be excellent. Cleans are supposed to be excellent too though.

kakev, interested in your comment about Cornish being frustrating used at home. Why is that? Reason I ask is that I'm now destined to be a home player - who has a ball doing so, but not cranked in a band. SS3 (or any Cornish) not going to be good for me?

[kakev]

Originally Posted by MeMota

kakev, interested in your comment about Cornish being frustrating used at home. Why is that? Reason I ask is that I'm now destined to be a home player - who has a ball doing so, but not cranked in a band. SS3 (or any Cornish) not going to be good for me?

I just think those Cornish pedals sound so much better when played little louder. Same thing with tubedriver and big muff (or fuzz face for that matter). I can get very nice tone at home with regular tubescreamer but not with those i mentioned. Reason might be rest of my rig, none of my amps really are suitable for home use anyway. So, with more home suited rig those might work even at low volume. Just my 2 cents, many propably disagree