Stompboxes for Boost (DS-1, TS-9, etc)

[MidnightFlamed]

I thought I'd ask Jemsiters how they use boost pedals in front of their tube amps? I dug out my TS-9 the other day and couldn't seem to find much that would really improve my soloing tone. How do you guys EQ these pedals for boosting? Anyone have any tricks they'd like to share?

[vaijem777]

I've used a TS-808 and a TS-9 in the past, but the best I've found for an outright clean "boost" has to be the Fulltone FatBoost. It'll give you a pure 20+db of clean boost with NO change to your EQ. I've used it both as a boost, and to put at the end of my signal chain when using my stomp box pedalboard. It more than makes up for any signal loss that the pedals cause.

[Lonely Raven]

SRV and VAI use pedals for boost. Usually it's with the distortion turned
down or off, tone adjusted to your liking, and level cranked.

IMHO the DS-1 isn't much of a boost pedal. It will add plenty of distortion
even when cranked all the way down.

Pedals that are listed/called "Overdrive" are usually designed to be boost
pedals.

Basically what you want from a boost pedal is the added/boosted
harmonic content, on top of the added drive into your preamp tubes.
IMHO, boosting a solid state is almost a complete waste of time.
But I think the key really is the added harmonic content.

[mike777]

There is this trend to always recommend pedals that produce low-moderate levels of distortion. SOme pedals that produce higher distortion levels have the right tone but can be adjusted to produce lower distortions (less noise and mud). Feel free to try anything. I like using a Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion with a Fender Strat Plus (Fender Lace Sensor S.C. P/U's). I get the signal strength of a humbucker but a very unique tone and it's not too noisy the way I use it.

Mike 777 Haug

[vaijem777]

I chose the FullBoost because I've already got a TS-808 in my chain and really don't care for any additional distortion. I guess it just makes sense to me that if you're actually looking for a BOOST pedal, then a pedal that is actually designed to adds a boost and nothing else would be ideal. I loev the TS-808, but it is an overdrive pedal. It's designed to overdrive the amp, causing distortion (even if it IS very slight). I find that the FullBoost also helps give piezo pickups a very nice "edge" while maintaining crystal clear tone. I've not found any other pedal to do this, least of all any overdrive pedal. I like my cleans to remain as clean as possible.

[Lonely Raven]

You have a reall 808?

[vaijem777]

I've got (2) "real" TS-808s: one main one for live use, and one backup. Got them right when the prices started to go sky high! I think I paid $250 for both of them about 5 years ago. I don't leave home without one! I've also got most of the other "808" series (except for the OD-80 and an original TS-9, along the rest of the "9" series (except the ultra-rare Super Tube Screamer) I had a little over 120 pedals at one time, but I'm down to a solid 50 or so right now. Of course, most of them don't get much use now that I've got the rack system

[Reaper]

Vaijem, where can I find specs and stuff for that Fullboost?

[vaijem777]

You should be able to find all that you need at www.fulltone.com All of the Fulltone pedals are hand-made and are true-bypass. I have/have had 6 different pedals, and have loved each one! (The Ultimate Octave is all over Satriani's "Crystal Planet"...great pedal!)

[bduersch]

I just picked up a TS9DX, and as far as boost goes, I think it's great. It doesn't have lots of distorted gain, just lots of boost. It also doesn't seem to shape the tone as much as the Boss pedals (DS1, DF2) that I've been using. I like it so much, I'm planning on picking up another TS9DX for my backup rig!

My settings for the TS9 are: drive 12:00 level 2:30 tone 1:00
I switch between running it in standard TS9 and TS9+ modes.

I use it with both a Marshall JMP1 and Mesa Triaxis, and it great with both. Gives me just enough of a boost for those over-the-top solos without making everything turn to mush.

--B

[gkelm]

I've found that TS9s don't have a lot of volume boost...it's more of a tone shaper (rolls off bass giving the effect of upper mid boost). Depending on the type of flavor I want I'll use a TS9, SD-1, Vox Valvetone, etc. for a little nudge into a tube amp amd/or distortion pedal. For a straight clean boost, I find a Boss GE-7 with just the volume level raised works well (I'm sure the Fulltone is sweter, but I'm cheap . You can also do a little shape for your boost as well if desired (a little mid boost can help leads cut through).

vaijem777- you have the pedal disease worse than me! I have about 30-40 around now, and really need to get rid of some that never get used. I've never dabbled in the boutique stuff...usually stick to the "under $100 used" stuff...but maybe that'll be the next step.
Greg

[Satan's Little Helper]

The best sounding, most transparent boost/dist pedal I've heard is the Barber Duel unit. I like it better than Fulldrive & much less stale than a TS-808.