Recommended Boost/Overdrive to build for Twin + Les Paul

[bryantabuteau]

Hi,  looking at my next build and I'd like to find a simple pedal that will provide a decent clean boost, and also a nice overdrive for my Silverface Twin.  I'm Playing through a les paul with seymour duncan 59's and would like something that works well with humbuckers.   I built a dist+ a while ago, but that was way too harsh, i still need to experiment with diodes to tame that, but it was very artificial sounding and had way too many highs through my twin.  

I want the clean boost just for level changes mainly, and in a small number of situations for a preamp saturation type thing.  I like the clean i have with the twin, but i also need to be able to switch to a nice overdrive while retaining my clean, so *just* a clean boost will not do.  

Any suggestions?  I see alot of nice schematics floating around, but theres almost too many for me to try

[hippo]

HI this is my first post on the Forum, Iplaay LP std with a super twin reverb amp, I don't know what kind of suond are you looking for, but I think that mxr dist+ and microamp is all you need for a good crunch and lead sound , is there any other experience?

[tcobretti]

I'd say that a good place to start would be a treble booster, or a fetzer valve (from http://www.runoffgroove.com), or both.  A treble booster will add a bit of distortion, and the main difference between the Brian May treble booster and the rangemaster is the type of transistor.  Meanwhile the fetzer valve is very much like adding another tube in front of your fender.  It's a clean boost, but adds a lot of character.  

So, your quietest setting could be just the amp, then louder would be the amp and the fetzer, then the loudest would be all three.

[RDV]

IMO the best way to go for your particular rig would be a Tube Screamer type circuit because it will add mids that your twin is missing and also give a very smooth overdive if wanted.

Your Dist+ needs Germanium diodes to sound smooth IMO. They are available from Aron.

RDV

[Torchy]

crp

[javacody]

I still prefer the minibooster for hammering the preamp. I use RG's suggsted mods with J201's and go from just boosting the guitars clean signal to a decent, crunchy OD.

I would also recommend a tube screamer, but with the following mods:

more bass (cap is switchable to still provide mid-range hump if I want it)
more distortion
less distortion
different clipping diodes (I use 3 on one side and 2 on the other for more transparent clipping and assymetrical distortion)
replace 0.22uF tant caps with poly
replace 1uF NP electro caps with poly
808 output buffer resistor values[/list:u]

[petemoore]

Jfet Stage, could be Sparkle, Fetzer or Minibooster. These are pretty easy going and easy to build.
 TS Type, either a TS like RDV suggests or Tube Reamer...or any other incarnation of diodes in an OA"s feedback loop. IMO tweeking [innards like the diodes] with ones rig turned up to 'normal' usage levels should be done.
 Perhaps tuning the DIST+ Will make it less harsh...increasing the value of the LP Filter cap [across the diodes] will tame high end harshness, the HP filter cap [input cap] could be adjusted in value to allow the 'right' amount of low end into the circuit, and into your amp. Between that and the diode swaps and turning the gain knob and testing, perhaps the DIST+ can find it's voice with the amp/guitar that you also like.

[AL]

I am currently playing a Les Paul Custom through a '72 Quad Reverb and I am using a Tube Screamer (TS-5) with the Distortion turned way down. For me, it sounds absolutely amazing. Apparently this is what TS's were made for. I get a wonderful, full overdrive - not too harsh but just enough to get "the sound" I've been looking for. Nothing grainy or distorted but a nice full sound that still has some clarity. What type of music are you playing?

AL

[mat]

Hi,

I recommend the Blue Magic with smooth pot mod (i also changed few caps here and there). I just came from band rehearsals and it just blew my mind (trough diy tubeamp). Closest to the Larry Carlton sound so far. Remember it does not give very much overdrive but what it does it does with style   I also like the Torchys modded Tube Reamer very much. It a bit more trebly than BM but a wonderfull pedal also  :!:

cheers,
mat

[R.G.]

'course, there's the Rangemaster...

[bryantabuteau]

Thanks for those, I really appreciate the suggestions.  I'll have a good look over all those pedals and post back when I decide whati'm going for  

thanks again.

[brett]

Hi.  I play an RGZ through a blackface Musicman (Fender's Co after selling Fender to CBS).  It has a similar tone to what you describe.  Try a tubescreamer or a bluesbreaker (my personal favourite - it's over at tonepad.com).  For higher gain, there's the Odie.
cheers

[bwanasonic]

For a clean boost, I really like the AMZ Mosfet boost. I have tried it with a silverface twin, and really liked it. I use mine with a Rivera Quiana, and it works great for both clean and dirty channels. As for an OD, that is just so subjective. Try a TS variation, or maybe an ROG *amp-sim* type circuit. The Rangemaster could work if you increase the input cap. The stock value might induce severe bleeding from the ears with a twin. Hell, I've heard some people get a killer sound with a Boss BD-2 and a Twin.   I'd try a *personalized* TS first.

Kerry M

[bryantabuteau]

Okay, had a look at the schematics, and i'm looking at :
clean : fetzer valve or a minibooster (probably both ).
overdrive : Tube Reamer or a Straight TS808 clone.

one question....can the tube reamer clean up well?  I want something that won't still be hard out overdrive at minimum drive settings.  I heard a clip of the tube reamer on someones site at minimum drive and it still sounded quite distorted.  is this an accurate reflection of the pedal?