Need a good distortion pedal

Pedals are subjective, but, the FD-2 for that setup is a good bet.

 

Go to a music store and get a Bad Monkey. Low$$.
If you ever find something better you will have found a very good OD pedal.

 

You need the Emma Reezafratzitz. The best distortion pedal ever designed.

http://www.emmaelectronic.com/emmarw/page1/page3/page3.html

 

Indyguitarist modded boss DS-1 should suit your needs. He offers a bunch of different mods for the DS-1, sounds like you want one of these two.

DS-1 Classic Rock Soundclip:
http://www.indyguitarist.com/soundclips/ds1-classicrock.mp3

DS-1 Vintage Soundclip:
http://www.indyguitarist.com/soundclips/ds1-vintage-605.mp3

 

Fulltone OCD or maybe an Ibanez Tube Screamer should do the trick.

 

Radial Tonebone Classic - has one 12AX7, and cleans up well like a good all tube amp.

I've seen good reviews for the new Maxon tube 880 and 881 distortion pedals. Not heard one yet, but am curious...

 

IMO: The Reverend Drivetrain II is an absolute killer pedal for the price, and well designed.

 

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!

Rick

 

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.

www.throbak.com

 

he's asking for distortion, why are we suggesting tubescreamers, and overdrives.

I dont own one, but have heard a menatone KOB, that sounded like what you are looking for.... might still be too dark though.

I guess i should ask... what is classic distortion?

 

+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.

Great for playing classic rock.

 

Howdy,

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

Anyway, take care,
Mass

 

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.

http://www.tonebone.com/tbone_classic.htm

you may also want to look at the tri-mode, which can be somewhat described as a classic on steroids:

http://www.tonebone.com/tbone-trimode.htm