Need an overdrive suitable for keyboard

[isildur100]

Hi,

I need to build myself an overdrive pedal that works well with a keyboard. Basically, I want to use fender rhodes type sounds and add a bit of grit to it.

I have tried a couple of guitar pedals but I believe there is an impedance problem, anyways it sounds bad...

Any suggestions for a circuit that could work well, even if it requires a mod?

Thanks

John

[aron]

Most keyboards will have an overdrive built it. In any case, try a Tube Screamer type pedal and adjust the circuit for more bass. See GeoFex.com article on the tube screamer.

[jkokura]

I knew a guy who used a Sansamp of some sort for his keyboard to overdrive it. I don't remember which, but perhaps you could check their products out and see.

It's kind a hassle, but if you have a good guitar shop you can go to, haul all your keyboard and amp gear down there and audition all the overdrives you want till you find one that gives you the sound you're looking for. Before I build pedals I used to do that looking for a new/different pedal. Nothing worse than buying something only to be unhappy later on (done that - TS-7?).

Jacob

[isildur100]

Hey thanks for the suggestions guys .

I have found another thread here about plugging line level devices in guitar pedals and basically the consensus is to put a passive volume pedal in front of it.
I will try that with the pedals I have at the moment.

I have the Blue Magic which is a smooth overdrive and I may just need to change the input cap and possibly add a volume pot right at the input. Hopefully this will work, else I will try the TS as suggested by Aron.

Thanks again!

John

[Ed G.]

I'd try the minibooster. Jack Orman originally used it on a mini-moog keyboard. I bet it'd overdrive just nicely.

[caress]

depends on what sound you're looking for...
what amp are you using?

try a rangemaster on rhodes with an easyface blend pot on the front end to add just a touch more low end.  or even just a sho...