Danelectro Drive vs. Transparent Overdrive

[schenkadere]

Has anyone used both of these pedals? Can you tell me the major differences? Which has higher gain? I know the Drive has a single tone knob and the TO has the concentric bass/treble knob(which is in a terrible spot and a pain to adjust).

Thanks!

 

[markb]

I've used both and I kept the Drive.

The TOD is nice, it can be smooth with the treble and bass turned down in a TS kind of way or you can boost the tones to make it more open. There is always a slight mid hump but not the nasal honk of a Screamer. It doesn't do clean boost very well although there's tons of level available, it just sort of vanishes with the gain turned right down. The gain comes on a bit fast and you'll need to use your guitar volume to get edge of dirt tones. OTOH it can do a fine classic rock crunch.

The Drive is more aggressive and gritty but will do the clean boost thing very nicely as it seems to hold together better with the gain turned right down. It's capable of good sustain and bloom with the drive up, this also brings in a low mid hump for extra body. It's quite transparent. It is very like an OCD v1 with the switch stuck on HP. See this comparison for how close it gets. Like you say, the single tone control is easier to operate but is less powerful than the active treble and bass knobs on the TOD.

They're both very responsive to the guitar volume and picking force. I'd say get both, they stack nicely and you're not going to be much out of pocket if you decide to sell one on.

I kept the Drive because I found it the more all round useful pedal. I'd have kept the TOD if I didn't have an SD-1 that does what the TOD can do and more IMO.

 

[Spudman]

Hopefully Robert will be able to chime in here too. I think he has both. I will too in a few days. Right now I just have the TOD so I can't compare, but Mark is right just get both. For half a Benjamin you'll be in pretty good shape with plenty of dirt options.

 

[schenkadere]

Sounds like the Drive for me.

I have an SRB 8008 + on order so don't wan't to spend much more...should pair up nicely.

 

[Spudman]

an SRB 8008 +

What's that?

 

[bigG]

Hopefully Robert will be able to chime in here too. I think he has both. I will too in a few days. Right now I just have the TOD so I can't compare, but Mark is right just get both. For half a Benjamin you'll be in pretty good shape with plenty of dirt options.

Robert has vids on youtube and on dolphinstreet.com of both. Check 'em out and see what you think, schen. The TOD is very transparent (duh), seems to just add some bite and a bit of sizzle - not alot of OD or grit.

 

[oldguy]

Sounds like the Drive for me.

I have an SRB 8008 + on order so don't wan't to spend much more...should pair up nicely.

What's different about it compared to the EPB SRB808 Plus 2 in 1 Dual Overdrive you just sold?

 

[schenkadere]

What's different about it compared to the EPB SRB808 Plus 2 in 1 Dual Overdrive you just sold?

Well...I sold that one and it instantly became the huge mistake regret sell. I immediately reordered a single to stack with my Hardwire Tube Overdrive. This one does have the new 3 way fat boost upgrade. Once I didn't have it any longer, I knew how much I needed it. One of those dumb sells.

 

[Robert]

The Drive has more gain, and can be more aggressive sounding. The T OD is for lower gain stuff, and works great for just getting a fatter, richer tone. The Drive can work as a regular overdrive pedal, but it sounds a bit different than a TS9 or similar.

 

[schenkadere]

The Drive has more gain, and can be more aggressive sounding. The T OD is for lower gain stuff, and works great for just getting a fatter, richer tone. The Drive can work as a regular overdrive pedal, but it sounds a bit different than a TS9 or similar.

Well...I'm not a fan of the OCD at all. I had v1.3 and v1.4...sold both immediately...not my cup of tea. I prefer a warm, compressed,smooth OD...no grit or fizz. If the Drive is supposed to be an OCD knock off, maybe it's not for me.

I know the prices are great on these, but don't the knobs drive you nuts?

 

[Robert]

I am mostly fine with the knobs, but I would prefer them on top, yes. I set them and forget them so it is not a big deal.

Try the T OD - it is very smooth.

 

[schenkadere]

I am mostly fine with the knobs, but I would prefer them on top, yes. I set them and forget them so it is not a big deal.

Try the T OD - it is very smooth.

Cool....thanks.