Build Suggestion

[jcbak]

Looking for suggestions for a OD/Dist pedal.  Using a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, which I like on the clean channel, but the drive channel gets a muddy (not comfortable modifying the amp).  Looking for a pedal(s) for classic rock/blues.  Using a Strat and Les Paul (the LP gets particularly muddy with the burstbuckers - can only use the bridge PUP).  What pedal works best for each guitar?  Heard demos of the Blues Breaker clone but understand it gets a little bassy which might not be good for this amp.  Plus....any suggestions on how to stop building because I can see this becoming a problem.   Is there a Pedal Builders Anonymous?

[jn777]

ive tried the bluesbreaker in a fender pro jr., crate v32 and a hot rod deluxe, and it sounds awesome on the deluxe!! and good on the other two.   Using the clean channel on the deluxe, the blues breaker is really punchy and really good for my taste.
I would recommend that one to go with your hot rod deluxe.

Edit: forgot to mention that i used with an american fender strat.

[bipedal]

One of the many Tube Screamer variants might be good if you want to dim some of the LP's muddiness with that amp, since it cuts some lows.  A TS may not be the best for rhythm, but can be quite tasty for leads, plus it is a great learning circuit as there's lots of info out there on mods for tailoring tone to taste.

Have you checked out any of the projects at runoffgroove?  Several ROG builds seem right up the classic rock/blues alley, and most have sound samples to give you a taste...  It might be interesting to run something like the peppermill into your amp with drive channel set just at edge of break up...

Enjoy.

[jcbak]

Thanks.....  Didn't know about runoff groove.  Nice site.

[drewl]

For some good smooth distortion I've built a couple Distortion+ type circuits but made them a little less harsh, even added a tone control to some with some great ideas I found around here.
Simple but effective builds.