I'm lookin' for a good , classic sounding distortion pedal . Not a dark metal pedal . Lookin' for suggestions . I play a strat and a les paul classic through a Fender HotRod Deville. Thanks
I had the Emma and I did like it alot but it just wasn't quite bright enough . I think that it was the best distortion pedal I've had yet but a little too dark. The FD-2 ; I've heard nothing but good things about it however nobody has told me that it actually is a distortion pedal . It's hard to try these things out yourself y'know.
The Fulltone OCD is a good fit if you want a classic OD/distortion with some teeth. If you're looking for smooth the Love Pedal Eternity will do the trick. They're actually overdrive pedals but both offer up plenty of gain edging into distortion territory and both can be plenty bright.
It's $250, but I just received a new Robert Keely modified TS-808 TubeScreamer w/True Bypass and it's the best OD pedal I've played. Extremely natural overdrive that's crystal clear with no muddines (sp?) at all. Highly recommend!
I like my Hotcake for classic tones. Some say it only sounds "great" with EL84 or EL34 amps, but it sounds pretty good through my Champ II w/ 6v6s. Sounds absolutely killer through the Carmen Ghia (EL84).
Well hell, I'll add another to the mix - T-Rex Mudhoney. Nothing I've found sounds better when paired with an EL84 amp. :RoCkIn (Sounds good with other amps too, but just magic with my Matchless or Top Hat.)
You need a good Fuzz Face clone. It defined classic distortion. It sounds great with a Strat and a Les Paul. Many good makers out there to choose from.
Go here to listen to some clips of mine (the Fuzz Haze) with a Strat and a Les Paul. The amp is an 18 watt clone powered by EL84's also.
+1 on the Robert Keeley modded TS. I just got mine and I'm really happy with it. There are different versions I have the TS9 808 mod plus $159 USD, did not go for the the true bypass (+$50). Gives an added overall crunch to my tone, just set it and play.
Try out the Jeckyll & Hyde. It is an overdrive/ distortion pedal by Visual sounds. Current overall rating on Harmony central (30 some odd users) is at a 9.2
In addition to my earlier suggestions which I still stand by, I also recommend the tonebone classic pedal. Extremely versatile distortion pedal that sounds great driving a clean amp with headroom to spare, or even a solid state, and can get you pretty much any distortion sound you want.