Fulldrive 2 original vs. Mosfet. Which is better??

[demea26]

And why? I'm looking to pick one up in the near future and was looking for clarification as to the pros and cons of both.

Thanks

 

[guitarz1972]

I've got the MOSFET and like it very much.

They sound a bit different, supposedly one is brighter than the other (I think most say the MOSFET is brighter). MOSFET version gives you a bit more in terms of features with the MOSFET switching.

 

[s360guitarist]

May depend on your rig as the MOSFET does appear to be a bit brighter...

 

[demea26]

It would be used in front of a Fender Super Sonic 60 head/cab using Les Pauls for rock/pop covers

 

[Moods]

Both are very nice pedals. I always find myself playing in vintage mode with any of the versions. I recently tried all of models from earliest none comp cut to the Mosfet versions and I clearly like the pedals produced from 96-98 the best. Favorite being a 1/98 pre FM blue pedal. I am selling a killer '96 orange non comp cut version because I like the 98 so much. The earlier versions seem more musical for lack of another term. They respond to the volume knob on the guitar and sit in a band mix less "honky".

The newer versions seem like they oriented toward a more all-around sound from smooth OD to grittier OD. Never had a problem with brightness with any FD2 but the newer versions see a little grittier and fizzier on the top end. Not my thing. I prefer other pedals for a grittier tone. Love the FD2 for smooth OD.

<M

 

[Jon C]

I agree with Moods, I've owned 3-4 FD2s and the one I liked best was my first, a pre-FM blue one from around '98, wish I still had it.

That said, the MOSFet version I have also does OK and I use it on the Vintage setting almost all the time, as Moods does.

 

[Fulldrive-1]

I've heard 'em all, starting with my original 1995 "Fulldrive 1."

I think the orange and early blue FD2 (pre-flat mids) are the smoothest and warmest. With the toggle switch in Vintage mode, they sound like my oldie.

Then there were the Flat Mids models, which were less warm and gainy.



The MOSFET models are a bit brighter even with the Mosfet turned off.

But I'd bet that none of these distinctions would be noticeable with a band at stage levels.

 

[Geosh]

I like my 10th Anny MOSFET (the red one) with the white circuit board. It isn't as bright as the blue MOSFET FD2s and doesn't get as gritty as quickly either. It sounds more like my pre-MOSFET FD2 did and I like it very much. I also like having the option to play in MOSFET mode if I want to. Sometimes I find the standard mode too dark and the MOSFET side brightens it right up.

 

[1973Marshall]

May depend on your rig as the MOSFET does appear to be a bit brighter...

The MOSFET is brighter, has more bark and bite and richer and more obstrusive mids! Great for cutting through a band

and...

THAT IS WHY I SOLD IT!!!

The original was more balanced, warmer and sweeter and that's what I had used for years and preferred. Did many gigs with the mosfet and kept missing the touch and feel of the original. The Mosfet is good with an amp that lacks the mids and bark like a Twin or blackface Bassman head, but the FD2 Original is the bee's knees.

 

[Jon C]

I like my 10th Anny MOSFET (the red one) with the white circuit board. It isn't as bright as the blue MOSFET FD2s and doesn't get as gritty as quickly either. It sounds more like my pre-MOSFET FD2 did and I like it very much. I also like having the option to play in MOSFET mode if I want to. Sometimes I find the standard mode too dark and the MOSFET side brightens it right up.

interesting... that's the one I have, too, and I doubt I could tell the Vintage sound from the '98 pre-FM blue one without a careful A/B ...

 

[Moods]

interesting... that's the one I have, too, and I doubt I could tell the Vintage sound from the '98 pre-FM blue one without a careful A/B ...

Believe me Jon, you could tell the difference in a band mix in about a second. Each era sounds more alike than differnent but the feel, focus and texture is instantly noticeable when flipping them on a A/B box in a band mix.

I have been happy with every FD2 I have played. Its a great pedal. I've heard the 10th Ann. pedal sounds exceptional. That is the only FD2 I have not owned. Since I find myself in vintage mode all of the time and I generally want smooth out of that pedal I didn't see a need. I wouldn't mind trying a 10th to check out the Mosfet option again with the smoother circuit. The standard Mosfet version worked well for me but it didn't last long once I plugged in my old blue FD2 side by side in a band mix. It was fizzy by comparison.

<M

 

[gibsonguitar1988]

I like my MOSFET but haven't tried an earlier one.

 

[Geosh]

I have been happy with every FD2 I have played. Its a great pedal. I've heard the 10th Ann. pedal sounds exceptional. That is the only FD2 I have not owned. Since I find myself in vintage mode all of the time and I generally want smooth out of that pedal I didn't see a need. I wouldn't mind trying a 10th to check out the Mosfet option again with the smoother circuit. The standard Mosfet version worked well for me but it didn't last long once I plugged in my old blue FD2 side by side in a band mix. It was fizzy by comparison.

<M

From what I have been told, there are 2 different versions of the 10th Anny. Ones with the white circuit board and ones with the green PCB. The one with the white board is the one that sounds like the older FD2s. The one I played with the green PCB sounded just like the newer blue MOSFETS.

 

[Jon C]

Believe me Jon, you could tell the difference in a band mix in about a second. Each era sounds more alike than differnent but the feel, focus and texture is instantly noticeable when flipping them on a A/B box in a band mix.

I have been happy with every FD2 I have played. Its a great pedal. I've heard the 10th Ann. pedal sounds exceptional. That is the only FD2 I have not owned. Since I find myself in vintage mode all of the time and I generally want smooth out of that pedal I didn't see a need. I wouldn't mind trying a 10th to check out the Mosfet option again with the smoother circuit. The standard Mosfet version worked well for me but it didn't last long once I plugged in my old blue FD2 side by side in a band mix. It was fizzy by comparison.

<M

probably right (you know I trust your ears after all these years)

Of course, I had to look - mine's a green board 10th Anniv. (bought Aug. 2007) Rev. 1.4 ...

If any of you have the red 10th Anniv. FD2 MOSfet with the white board, can you tell me what the Rev. # is for those?

I'm curious if it's the same as the green or not.

Thanks,
Jon

 

[schwa]

I'm no expert, but I have owned a Mosfet and two non-mosfets.

For me, the mosfet sounded great, except it was too bright. The other two are much warmer, I actually keep the tone at or above 3 o'clock on those.

I prefer the non-mosfets, and usually play on comp-cut mode. (into Marshalls)