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visserman
Platinum Member
1072 Posts |
 Posted - 08/10/2007 : 11:05:49
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Does the world really need this?
Well no, but since I was playing around with so many pedals, I could not resist to find out what the differences are between any of the Boss overdrive pedals.
For tests I used Fender Twin Silver Face with a Fender Single-coil guitar [a Lead Two], kept the controls on the overdrives just far enought to get the amp to break up a little.
Off course, I should have done these tests with different amps, speakers and humbuck guitars as well, but time did not allow this.
Anyway I would like to believe that the results will not be that different from what I have found so far.
Another note: I did not test the OD-2 because I do not have one.
Compared all of the overdrives agains the Ibanez TS808, 9 and the 10. Why? Because it seems to be the mother of all overdrives. Not sure if this is true, but it is very popular and comes up on a lot of websites so therefore I did include it here.
To keep things really simple I could sum up the results like this:
All overdrives will add something to your sound, so here is what they add:
OD-1 brightness and a hint of midrange
SD-1 brightness [you can almost get the sound of the OD-1, but SD-1 will go furhter, so more flexable really]
OD-3 bass
BD-2 Almost nothing!!!, YES very transparent pedal, and from almost nothing it can to more extremes in the TS Turbo area.
TS808,9 and 10 Midrange, more than the OD-1, but its sound is close to OD-1, but it had more to offer and is more flexalbe than OD-1
Okay now the insane questions: Differences between stock TS808,9 and 10? Very little, more cosmetic and therefore your mind may play games with you. Pricedifferences between 808 and 10 are huge. Worth it? You may anser this for yourselve!!
Differences between different OD-1 [first version, later ones]? again, very little. Some days I feel first version OD-1 is much better, but at the moment I feel the differences are very little.
Differences SD-1 {Jap/Taiwan]? I could swear a few days ago the Jap did sound better, then tried the next day and guess what? So my mind but have been seeing ghosts. I even tried it with other people, and I guess they felt like they had to say what I was thinking, but really I guess they also felt that there is very little difference.
Right, so this sum-up is not final, they are my foundings anno August 2007, so if some of you have some of these pedals, do your own tests and post them here so we can discuss.
When I will have time, I will do more tests with the Bassman, Selmer and will also use the Les Paul to see if I get any different readings on this subjec.
For now enjoy the sun while it is still out there today!! |
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Leeroyfunk
Silver Member
United Kingdom
400 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2007 : 12:01:29
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| Pretty much the general consensus, i.e. BD-2 is very transparent, SD-1 is a bit thin and OD-3 the bass-master. I'd be interested to hear side-by-side comparisons with a humbucker-equipped guitar: I had the SD-1 and it didn't sound too bright, it just robbed all of the bass from the bottom 3 strings - The OD-3 that replaced it didn't have that problem... |
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Goran
Double Platinum Member
Sweden
2203 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2007 : 12:37:37
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Thanks Visserman, I agree that BD-2 is very tranparent (and a favourite of mine).
But what about SD-2, don�t you have that one? I like it very, very much in the crunch mode, more transparent than BD-2.
Regarding OD-1, does it sound to bright to be used with the ultra-bright Twin? I had a Silverface Twin during the late 70�s and 80�s and a (probably) 14-pin OD-1 (bought it new ca 1978) and I thought it was too bright (OD-1). Switched to SD-1 and tamed the treble with the tone control.
I wish I had the Twin now, it must be a very good amp to use with pedals. At those times I had only a couple at the same time, remember that the best sound with the Twin was with MXR Distortion +.
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StratoSphere
Double Platinum Member
Canada
2232 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2007 : 13:35:49
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awesome test, visserman.
goran, i agree that the SD-2 is awesome and THE most versatile Boss OD. my favorite is the OD-1 though. i use it with a Fender Partsocaster and a vintage Kustom amp into a EH-2. this setup does sound way too bright but i use it with neck pickup only for leads. it sounds wonderful. i dont even think about using the bridge pickup with this setup...welcome to harsh city.
 i love the old amps though. |
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ChristoMephisto
Platinum Member
Canada
1288 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2007 : 16:52:05
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The SD-1 and the TS series are really close in design of where the frequency corner is. They both have an input (hipass) to the IC of 88.5-72MHz.
And the same midrange output (lowpass) of 720MHz. The TS has different resistor/cap combos having more gain at some stages. Other than a few caps, resistors and different clipping, the SD-1 can be modded to emulate a TS, so are very similar.
http://www.muzique.com/schem/filter.htm
http://www.geocities.com/overdrivespider/SD1/sd1.htm
the OD-1 has a 338MHz at the lowpass cutting out most of the bass
I recently got a 'new' SD-1 MIJ to replace my severely modded MIT one.
Even replaced the IC to RC4558P which is way cleaner than the 4558DD
The TS is cleaner sounding, a nice smooth overdrive, whereas the SD-1 is a nice dirty overdrive.
Don't forget the asymmetrical clipping gives it a different sound as well, contributing to the tube sound. Symmetrical is good for playing rhythm. |
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ronster
Gold Member
Australia
645 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2007 : 13:43:30
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nice review visserman. I really quite like the BD-2 but I think it really needs humbuckers to get more out of it.
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 08/14/2007 : 04:27:33
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I used a od2 for about 12 years solid as my main overdrive with a ds1 or a fz3..i still have them all and od2 is still in the guitar case for emergencys or if someone got up to jam and they needed a bit of dirt on their sound... imho the od2 is a bit overlooked and it's only lately that people are starting to take notice ..i use mine mainly in mode 1 and i only stopped using it because with my active strat the pickups are too hot for boss overdrives/compressors to handle,but i'm back using my ol' american standard strat mostly now at the moment.....these days i'm sort of happier with the pedals boosting my signal than a preamp in the guitar.....i was checking out scott henderson on you tube and he is getting an amazing sound with his suhr strat and some pedals.... |
Edited by - FRANZONI on 08/14/2007 15:50:01 |
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visserman
Platinum Member
1072 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2007 : 12:03:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Leeroyfunk
Pretty much the general consensus, i.e. BD-2 is very transparent, SD-1 is a bit thin and OD-3 the bass-master. I'd be interested to hear side-by-side comparisons with a humbucker-equipped guitar: I had the SD-1 and it didn't sound too bright, it just robbed all of the bass from the bottom 3 strings - The OD-3 that replaced it didn't have that problem...
I will try doing those tests, but need some time, but it will get done!! |
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visserman
Platinum Member
1072 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2007 : 12:14:20
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quote:
Originally posted by Goran
Thanks Visserman, I agree that BD-2 is very tranparent (and a favourite of mine).
But what about SD-2, don�t you have that one? I like it very, very much in the crunch mode, more transparent than BD-2.
Regarding OD-1, does it sound to bright to be used with the ultra-bright Twin? I had a Silverface Twin during the late 70�s and 80�s and a (probably) 14-pin OD-1 (bought it new ca 1978) and I thought it was too bright (OD-1). Switched to SD-1 and tamed the treble with the tone control.
I wish I had the Twin now, it must be a very good amp to use with pedals. At those times I had only a couple at the same time, remember that the best sound with the Twin was with MXR Distortion +.
Heh Goran and Strato,
I left the SD-2 out because I feel it is a hybrid pedal [just like the OS-2], both of those can create overdrive and distortion, so not really just one overdrive.
In terms of both your comments on transparency of the SD-2, I agree, it is great, tend to use cruch mode more, but yep it is great.
Another very transparent pedal I left out is the Pro Co RAt, this in boost mode is very transparent as well. Left that one out because I feel it is more of a distortion pedal [or perhaps one of those which can do so much more]
Goran about the Twin: I do like the amp a lot, bought mine about 8 to 9 years ago. I had someone to replace the printingboard, because the orginials are made out of cardboard!! and this makes the amp hiss a lot.
I cannot believe the prices these sell for these days, I guess I bought it at the right time. As mentioned before, at the same time I also wanted to get a Marshall JMP, and found one but felt it was too expansive. Now these are even higher in price.
I have seen some more Twins, but it is really difficult to test them in shops, I feel I need to sit down and play with them for a while.
Anyway I have a goodsouding one, so let me forget about doing more tests.
This whole testing thing drive me insane. Whenever I am in that mode [which is very often.........] I just play same old stuff.
When I can forget about this comparision-thing, I am much better at making music.
The whole testing things for me serves the purpose of knowing what kind of combinations sound good and what some of the pedals stand for. When I am in the middle of recording I dislike it to get off into testing mode, as it spoils the mood for creation.
On the other hand it is useful to have a lot of different sounds, and to use them. We can all sum up albums of songs where people just used same gear. Cannnot really understand that, but then I guess some folks may not think about different sounds, or think: "Heh we use PRo Tools"............... |
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visserman
Platinum Member
1072 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2007 : 12:16:22
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quote:
Originally posted by FRANZONI
I used a od2 for about 12 years solid as my main overdrive with a ds1 or a fz3..i still have them all and od2 is still in the guitar case for emergencys or if someone got up to jam and they needed a bit of dirt on their sound... imho the od2 is a bit overlooked and it's only lately that people are starting to take notice ..i use mine mainly in mode 1 and i only stopped using it because with my active strat the pickups are too hot for boss overdrives/compressors to handle,but i'm back using my ol' american standard strat mostly now at the moment.....these days i'm sort of happier with the pedals boosting my signal than a preamp in the guitar.....i was checking out scott henderson on you tube and he is getting an amazing sound with his suhr strat and some pedals....
Well the OD-2, is it not very similar to OD-1? Just giving you more options?? |
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visserman
Platinum Member
1072 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2007 : 12:24:23
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Hi Goran,
Just another one of your comment which I overlooked:
OD-1 very bright through Twin?
Well on the bright channel I have the highs on about 5 or 6, mid similar, bass on about 4. Overall sound of this is fine, not too bright, and I use the bright-boost switch as well.
Overal the OD-1 is not too bright, as it can give you that Midrange Marshall sound.
I guess your findings are based on what you knew in the past about tone, and as time has moved on you have learned a lot more, and changed your views and conceptions about certain set-ups, so I think today, if you were to try same set-up, you would come to different conclusions.
I myself have this very often, and this is why I prefer to keep all my gear, and just swap and change things, so there may be times that certain amps [or combinations] will not be used for a few years.
AS mentioned before I have used my small amps a lot since 2004, and really it is just recently that I have started to use my bigger amps, and I really like it, and have different ideas about it now as well.
Would also be interested to use more lesser known amps, because Marshall, Vox and Fender are the ones which are so commonly used on recordings, but they may also be the ones which do sound most characteristic. Oh I overlooked Mesa, as they also have their own sound really.
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FRANZONI
Double Platinum Member
Ireland
3543 Posts |
Posted - 08/15/2007 : 13:30:49
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| sorry visserman ..i never had a chance to play either the od1 or the od3...is mode 1 on the od2 similar to the od1..if so i like it a lot...!! someone posted once that mode 1 in the ph2 was similar to the ph1r...again i don't know as i never played either the ph1 of the ph1r....if boss were doing this on the second editions of the pedals why did they stop...??...i.e give the 0d3 an od1/od2 mode to choose between..... |
Edited by - FRANZONI on 08/15/2007 13:31:14 |
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visserman
Platinum Member
1072 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2007 : 10:43:45
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quote:
Originally posted by FRANZONI
sorry visserman ..i never had a chance to play either the od1 or the od3...is mode 1 on the od2 similar to the od1..if so i like it a lot...!! someone posted once that mode 1 in the ph2 was similar to the ph1r...again i don't know as i never played either the ph1 of the ph1r....if boss were doing this on the second editions of the pedals why did they stop...??...i.e give the 0d3 an od1/od2 mode to choose between.....
Not really sure if the second editions of bosspedals will give you the sounds of first editions as well. I would have to try that with certain pedals.
As for the PH2, again I do not really know if mode 1 is the same as a PH1. I tend to think not, because PH2 sounds so "modern". I do not have a PH1, but have some older phasers [mainy Ibanez]from the 70s and they sound nothing like mode 1 of the PH2, much more subtle.
But then one may not be able to compare Boss to other brands because Boss had their own slant on sounds anyway, well for most pedals that is.
Heh I do not blame you for now knowing the sound of the PH1 or OD1 as there are so many pedals to try and you can not own them all, and if you would, you certainly would have certain favourites anyway, so really...........
Coming back to newer versions of boss and whether they give you the older sounds, well I think some of them try, there is the new Phaser PH5?? or PH3, anyway the latest Bossphaser, well that one does have a lot of settings and some of the are supposed to give you the sounds of older phasers, but they are not really exact replicas of the PH1, more like "something which will give you the flavour of a vintage phaser" |
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visserman
Platinum Member
1072 Posts |
Posted - 08/18/2007 : 10:49:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Leeroyfunk
Pretty much the general consensus, i.e. BD-2 is very transparent, SD-1 is a bit thin and OD-3 the bass-master. I'd be interested to hear side-by-side comparisons with a humbucker-equipped guitar: I had the SD-1 and it didn't sound too bright, it just robbed all of the bass from the bottom 3 strings - The OD-3 that replaced it didn't have that problem...
Okay I have now done some tests and kept your remark in mind about the SD-1. Well whatever pick up-setting I tried, I could not to get it to sound bad really. Used same amp, same approach, plus I did dial in more overdrive to see what would happen, really liked the sound.
Different from single coil? More pronounced, but that is what we would expect eh?
I did notice more difference between my Jap. SD-1 and Taiwanese one, the Jap sounded closer to the TS9 [similar kind of chip??]
Overal the main difference with the single coils was that the humbuckers made the pedals sound less bright and trebly, so humbuck + OD1 gets you quicker to older Marshall sounds, but then again that is due to the characteristic of the humbucks.
Still it is interesting to see how some pedals react to your pickups, and yes, some may sound a little more pleasing to the ear. |
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All Boss Overdrives Tested, Plus TubeScreamer.
