Small Fry/Dirty Little Secret Question

[Slackerprince]

I am interested (GASSING) for both the Barber Small Fry and Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret and wondering if they can achieve the level of Distortion of a Boss DS-1 (Keeley).
I'd want to make room on my board for either of those pedals, but want something that can move past Overdrive into Distortion, so I can lose the DS-1.
Anybody have either or both those pedals and can share the info?
Thanks!

S

[alguit]

The Small Fry has much more gain on tap than does the DLS, very different pedals.

Both can be articulate and sweet sounding, with the DLS being very much in the Marshall camp and the Small Fry often touted as one of the best Dumble-like pedals. It's more flexible than that but DOES evoke some of that flavor.

There's plenty of samples on Youtube-good luck with your search!

Alan

[Slackerprince]

Not looking to SOUND like a DS-1, but to achieve the LEVEL of Distortion that a DS-1 does.

S.

[Slackerprince]

Anyone else?
Thanks for any help!!!

S.

[plan-x]

Small fry has as much gain as the DS-1, and maybe more. Especially introducing the dynamic circuit increasing gain/sustain. The problem is, it is such a clear articulate pedal that it won't sound as dirty as the DS-1. If your looking to trump the DS-1, the Dirty bomb will bury it.

[Slackerprince]

I hear you.
I KNEW I should have bought the PT Pro!

S.

[Liquid_Mojo]

The DLS has quite a bit of gain on tap, especially in the Rawk position. It has more gain then my Analogman DS-1 and my Tonebone Hot British.

[Slackerprince]

Originally Posted by Liquid_Mojo

The DLS has quite a bit of gain on tap, especially in the Rawk position. It has more gain then my Analogman DS-1 and my Tonebone Hot British.

Now we're talkin'.

s.

[mgarrison99]

I've owned both. You'd definitely get to where you're desiring with the Small Fry. it is such a great pedal and more versatile than the DLS. the DLS is a "foundation pedal" and makes your amp very Marshally but i don't consider it a distortion box.

[Slackerprince]

Originally Posted by mgarrison99

I've owned both. You'd definitely get to where you're desiring with the Small Fry. it is such a great pedal and more versatile than the DLS. the DLS is a "foundation pedal" and makes your amp very Marshally but i don't consider it a distortion box.

Thank you.
Excellent example of a helpful reply.

S.

[Automatic L.]

Simply, an overdrive can have as much gain as distortion pedals. But it simply won't sound like one. Like how you can decorate an apple to make it look like an orange, but when you eat it, it just won't taste like an orange.

[whiteop]

I have a modded DS-1 that I modded (I do all of my own mods) and I'd say it's sort of old school distortion but still has a sweet tones and is very useable but it's not that versatile in terms of what the Small Fry can do as it has 3 different diode clipping settings and a different type of distortion that's not quite as articulate as the DS-1. The Small Fry is an excellent pedal for live playing too and it can get pretty distorted if needed. I'd say it's more of an overdrive than a distortion but it can get pretty gnarly. It also has a very smooth type distortion like butter for lead playing...