Best distortion pedal for hard rock without being "metal"?

[tremoloman]

Which pedals do you find work best for hard rock without being a full-blown metal pedal?

I need a good heavy crunching pedal that adds sensitivity to perform pinched harmonics and tapping easily without being too "metallic" or noisy. I currently use a DOD Death Metal for 80s sovers which works decent but has way too much treble. Even running through a Boss EQ cannot tone down this beast.

Here's some of the songs we're doing, so you can get an idea of what I'm looking for:

• Ozzy Osbourne (Crazy Train, Over The Mountain, Flying High Again)
• Ratt (Lay It Down, Round and Round)
• Skid Row (Monkey Business, I Remember You, Youth Gone Wild)
• Van Halen (Ain't Talking About Love, Hot For Teacher, Somebody Get Me A Doctor)

If you can offer any suggestions I'd love to hear 'em!

Thanks in advace,
tremoloman

 

[SuperSwede]

I havent played much hard rock, but I had a Boss Turbo Overdrive that was glorious when you wanted those sounds. More drive than you need in that one!

 

[tot_Ou_tard]

I've heard this phrase many times. Just what exactly are pinched harmonics?

 

[Spudman]

Trem
You have to check out the Radial Tonebone Hot British pedal! I've had mine for about a week and have been pretty busy with work so I'm just getting around to messing with it.
So far I have tried many of the diagram settings in the manual and they are spot on. My own settings are really nice too. It is very, very versatile and uses a tube to get the crunch. All I have to say is that its pretty amazing. I'm going to use it at a gig this Saturday and will post a review after a thorough workout. Can you say "sustain for days?"
Just messing on my own I've found out that I can sound like almost any British tube amp and any British tube amp modified/hot rodded! Shazam! Smokin!
If you can find a store that has one I recommend that you check it out.

 

[Spudman]

Pinched harmonics are a false harmonic created when you kit the string with your pick and the edge of your thumb or finger at the same time. There is a good example in the middle of one of the first verses in 'Hotel California' and the solo on La Grange. Billy uses them often.

 

[tot_Ou_tard]

Trem
You have to check out the Radial Tonebone Hot British pedal! I've had mine for about a week and have been pretty busy with work so I'm just getting around to messing with it.
So far I have tried many of the diagram settings in the manual and they are spot on. My own settings are really nice too. It is very, very versatile and uses a tube to get the crunch. All I have to say is that its pretty amazing. I'm going to use it at a gig this Saturday and will post a review after a thorough workout. Can you say "sustain for days?"
Just messing on my own I've found out that I can sound like almost any British tube amp and any British tube amp modified/hot rodded! Shazam! Smokin!
If you can find a store that has one I recommend that you check it out.

Have you heard of the Duncan Twin Tube? I'd like to try that out.

 

[tot_Ou_tard]

Pinched harmonics are a false harmonic created when you kit the string with your pick and the edge of your thumb or finger at the same time. There is a good example in the middle of one of the first verses in 'Hotel California' and the solo on La Grange. Billy uses them often.

So what is a false harmonic? I know some physics & never heard the term before. I'll give a listen to those tunes.

 

[duhvoodooman]

Pinched harmonics are a false harmonic created when you kit the string with your pick and the edge of your thumb or finger at the same time. There is a good example in the middle of one of the first verses in 'Hotel California' and the solo on La Grange....

....and any of a number of Roy Buchanan tunes. Roy was the acknowledged master of the pinch harmonic.