Re: Magic moments



"Jim" wrote in message news:VeCdnZgs0rTg9cjTnZ2dnUVZ_tKdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

On 8/24/2011 12:42 PM, Charmed Snark wrote:
Jim expounded in
news:J-SdneArsOkycc7TnZ2dnUVZ_qqdnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:

On 8/23/2011 8:22 AM, Charmed Snark wrote:
..
90% (or so) of the distortion pedals using discrete
components use a FET (field effect transistor) of some
kind. Others are sprinkled with opamps, which may use FETs
in their front ends, depending upon the parts used.

I think it's a safe bet to say that the vast majority of
all distortion and overdrive units sold to musicians rely
on opamps and clipping diodes. Not FETs (which can sound
better, but are usually found in more expensive units and
"boutique" types).

You'd be surprised!

There was a site I visited recently, where all the effects and
schematics (& sound samples) were listed. Of all the effects,
most had FETs and/or opamps.

Yes, diodes feature prominently in the distortion pedals also.
But all the "good stuff" usually went beyond the simple diode
configuration.

Snark.

My point was actual sales: "the vast majority of all distortion and
overdrive units SOLD..."

I rarely run OD or distortion effects into a clean amp. I do own a Line
6 DM4 (OD/distortion box modeler) that I can use into a clean amp. And
if I did rely more on pedals, I might buy or build some with FET's.

I'm generally pushing an already overdriven tube amp with the pedal. So
when I feel the need, it's usually either my original TS9 modified to
808, or even the VERY basic gray DOD 250 (that I built on perfboard).
Both opamp with clipping diodes (in different parts of the circuit for
different results). They work because I'm just "flavoring" an already
saturated tube amp. The tubes are still the most important link in the
chain.

When I'm using a saturated tube amp, a "better" FET pedal may actually
be "too good" for my purpose. Why? Because it may not have the edge
that I'm looking for. I'm often grabbing the pedal because I want my
amps OD or distortion to be more aggressive.

However, If I took my pedals set up for a saturated tube amp and played
them into a clean amp? They'd be harsh and a bit buzzy. They would NOT
sound as good as the popular FET based pedals.

Different tools for different jobs!

**************
This is a bit OT, but relates to SS OD. I have noticed that many SS ODs, and maybe some tubes yield a distinct "rattle" on the attack of each note in moderate overdrive. I don't like it at all, and I'm wondering what causes it.

Tony D

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Magic moments
    ... Others are sprinkled with opamps, ... And if I did rely more on pedals, I might buy or build some with FET's. ... When I'm using a saturated tube amp, a "better" FET pedal may actually be "too good" for my purpose. ...
    (alt.guitar.beginner)
  • Re: Magic moments
    ... Others are sprinkled with opamps, ... When I'm using a saturated tube amp, a "better" FET pedal may actually ... If I took my pedals set up for a saturated tube amp and played ...
    (alt.guitar.beginner)
  • Re: Magic moments
    ... Others are sprinkled with opamps, ... When I'm using a saturated tube amp, a "better" FET pedal may actually ... If I took my pedals set up for a saturated tube amp and played ...
    (alt.guitar.beginner)