Which low gain overdrive? Any recommendations?

Jimbro66

For most gigging I use the natural breakup of my DRRI amp for on-the-edge and crunch tones, backing off the guitar's volume to clean up. The amp has power scaling to keep volume reasonable. Then my Ethos Overdrive is used for soloing, etc.

I'm experimenting more with a looper for electric guitar, which I've previously used only with acoustic guitar, so I want to get those on-the-edge and crunch tones into the loops - which means a pedal before the looper and the amp run clean. The Ethos is very versatile but always has at least a hint of that mid-rich Dumblesque sound and will not give me the pre-looper transparent crunch I'm looking for. So I've been looking at what pedal will achieve what I want, including being pick-responsive and cleaning up on the volume control. I use an ES-335, an Esquire and a Tele with humbuckers.

I tried a J Rocket Blue Note Tour Series which was really pretty good. The Tour Series version unfortunately doesn't have the Hot Switch of the discontinued original version but it's OK for my need. I'd like to also try a ThorpyFX Peacekeeper when I've got a chance. Any other suggestions please? The pedal needs to preserve the guitar tone faithfully with no mids emphasis, which rules out many od pedals, and I don't need high gain.

slacker

I suggest trying a Fulldrive 2 with the FM mode (flat mids).

TheMarlin

Mad Professor Sweet Honey. 

(Cheap version, Joyo Sweet Baby)

also, Timmy and Barber Burn Unit.

jpttaylor

I'd have a look at the DOD 250. Clones can be had cheap, and it's neutral in the EQ until you get into medium/high gain territory.

stefken147

Caroline Guitar Company Haymaker Even if I didn't have one for sale I'd be suggesting it, or the Blackout Effectors Mantra with low gain mod. 

ThePrettyDamned

You could do much worse than a boss od-3, though it may have a hair too much gain. The timmy is good, too. 

The od-3 is pretty transparent, certainly nothing like a tubescreamer (which most dumble style pedals tend to lean towards). 

JD50

As others have suggested DOD250 or Boss OD3, I have both. I think the DOD might be my favourite boost/OD.

Alnico

Thorpy Peacekeeper.

It's all kinds of awesome and exactly what a low gain OD should be, to my ears.

jaytmon

+1 for the Timmy, very transparent and as little crunch as you like - will work as a clean boost too. Personally I find it doesn't sound as good with more gain, but works well for that on the edge sound. 

Beexter

Barber Gain Changer

Jimbro66

Thanks for all the suggestions, which are much appreciated. Definitely the Peacekeeper is on my list to try and the Timmy also but I'll have a look at all the pedals that have been suggested here. The DOD250 interests me because the compressor I occasionally use is an ancient DOD FX80B and it's great.

I need to get myself over to Andertons, where they have a large selection of pedals, armed with your list of suggestions. Perhaps having a look at them on You Tube first, although that can be painful as you know

Thanks again.

JohnPerry

Nobels OD1, XTS Imperial, both brilliant and v transparent

pintspiller

SD1, Guvnor

Sporky

Subdecay Liquid Sunshine is excellent for that. My favourite low-gain just-breaking-up pedal.

vasselmeyer

Either some form of Timmy (there are several clones around) or a TC Spark Boost.

Sassafras

Way Huge Pork Loin.

My favourite low gainer.

lasermonkey

Subdecay Liquid Sunshine. Still my favourite just on the edge of breakup overdrive and sounds wonderful with a SF Twin Reverb.

jaytmon

Forgot about the Liquid Sunshine. One of the sweetest sounding low gain pedals I ever sold. 

noisepolluter

Another liquid sunshine vote. Also, the 'low gain' channel of a T-Rex Mudhoney II is great for this type of thing. plus you get a really good cruch/lead channel with independent controls.

JezWynd

Beexter said:

Barber Gain Changer

Either this one or else The Barber Direct Drive if you prefer a smoother overdriven sound. Both excellent pedals.

Dan

+1 for a Timmy of some sort. Used it with a few Fender amps ive brought (and sold!) and give a great edge of breakup transparent low gain overdrive.