Pedal to tighten up a metal tone

[AngryGoldfish]

I'm looking for a pedal that'll tighten up the low-end of my Soldano Avenger and drive it a little harder, for more djent and gain. I know the standard answer would be to purchase a Ibanez TS9. But I was wondering whether there was an alternative, even just a more unique and flexible version of the tubescreamer. I had my heart set on a Boiling Point, but to be honest, I think it might be better just to get a pedal that did the one thing and did it especially well.

Any recommendations?

[Blix]

Old Boss OD-1 excels at just that.

[Improbable Joe]

I'm not sure if the Boss OD-1 is the right pedal, but it is certainly the right idea. You'd be better off buying a basic overdrive, even a really cheap one, that does exactly that one thing you want. Better than spending $350 on a Boiling Point that you can dial in perfectly... but you're paying $300 for the dozens of other sounds it can do that you don't care about.

[guitarz1972]

Maybe try a compressor.

[AngryGoldfish]

I don't mind getting a Rockbox, because I know I'll find a use for the other sounds. But right now I need a simple overdrive that helps tighten up a metal tone, more so than the other cool things the BP has.

I was thinking of going the same route but cheaper with the Super Signa Drive or the NOC3 Pure Drive. But again, I'm buying a pedal that isn't really designed for one awesome purpose. It's designed to be good at lots of different tones; tones I don't really need right now.

[Improbable Joe]

Maybe try a compressor?

Seems like you have money to burn, even if you don't need to burn it? If so, then just get the Boiling Point and save yourself some misery.

[AngryGoldfish]

I think a compressor would make the sound too slushy and muddy. I play at loud levels with quite a bit of gain - less than most metalheadz, but certainly more than your average TGP'er - and I think a compressor would turn my amp into something I won't want.

I don't have money to burn. That's one of the other reasons why I don't feel confident going with something I won't find a full purpose for - the Rockbox.

[mrbill]

Menatone None More Black?

[Blix]

I agree, a compressor wouldn't help at all.

If the budget is tight, borrow someones Boss SD-1, it's not that different from the OD-1.
What those do is that they cut some of the lowest lows without making your low end thin.
A Tube Screamer does this to, but it gives you a possibly annoying mid boost as well.

[Improbable Joe]

Originally Posted by AngryGoldfish

I think a compressor would make the sound too slushy and muddy. I play at loud levels with quite a bit of gain - less than most metalheadz, but certainly more than your average TGP'er - and I think a compressor would turn my amp into something I won't want.

I don't have money to burn. That's one of the other reasons why I don't feel confident going with something I won't find a full purpose for - the Rockbox.

Then I'd go with the "basic OD pedal" attempt, and find a nearby store with a generous return policy or a willingness to let you bring your entire rig into the store.

[Maltese Fan]

TS9 or SD-1 should do it.

[AngryGoldfish]

When you say "basic OD", do you mean a Bad Monkey or a SD-1?

I haven't played the Menatone None More Black, but the one demo on Youtube makes it sound awesome. I don't think it's what I'm looking for though.

[Phillip_H]

Would the Timmy be suitable for this purpose? If so, how would you set it?

[Improbable Joe]

Originally Posted by AngryGoldfish

When you say "basic OD", do you mean a Bad Monkey or a SD-1?

Either. Both. A Delta Lab or Danelectro even. Most gear today does one thing acceptably well and probably won't break. Since you're looking for a pedal to do one thing, just about any pedal could be "the one" for your purpose.

[AngryGoldfish]

I might try and get a Visual Sound Route 808. I trust their pedals.