Sparkle Drive MOD - MOD Tone Tour

[@TheBeachBoyBeatle]

I had just bought a TS-9 from Guitar Center and Ben who was ringing me up asked if I had heard of the Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive MOD pedal. I had not and got the Tube Screamer, came home, plugged it in and while I was fiddling with it, I found this video. I called Ben back up, boxed up the TS-9 and went back to GC and got this pedal. Simply awesome!

[@oscarsanchez298]

This was actually my first guitar pedal, I did not really put it on my board as I had way too many overdrives and distortions on it. I am currently planning on overhauling my board, and this is definitely going back on.

[@dcaldwell1003]

The Sparkle Drive in general is THE best 808 concept. It has been my go-to OD pedal now for 10 years. Can't wait to get my hands on a MOD. Two on the floor will be even better than one.

[@anthonydallago2971]

+dcaldwell1003 I could use two, If I had space on board.

[@SunTeleLeo]

hear hear! i think i can do that eq with an eq pedal i have the old version - awesome! still keeping the old version... the blend knob is the thing! overall i prefer to keep it all simple... compressor overdrive delay... another pedal that blew my mind is seymour duncan vise grip - check these 2 together out!

[@timwhite5562]

I've been a luthier (well, more of a repair tech) for 16 years, and building and servicing amps and pedals for close to 10. To this day i just cannot figure out why the Sparkle Drive is SO underappreciated to the degree that, IMO it SHOULD be one of the most popular TS overdrive pedals ever. Everything about it should be enough to have made it more popular. I can remember in the mid 2000s, Tube screamers were so maligned, and "mid-hump" had became almost a blasphemous term and trait. On forums, someone would ask for people's opinions on an OD, and the common response was "uhh, stay away, it's essentially a tube screamer," in a tone usually reserved to warn someone about a pedophile that just moved in on your block. I remember posting a comment along the line of "it's funny, as negatively as everyone seems to view Tube screamers and midrange in general, i will wager anything that 5 or 6 years from now, everyone will want tube screamers again." As for those of us who still saw the benefit of these pedals however, pickings were slim, especially if you wanted a TS808. As hard as it may seem today 10-12 years ago there weren't all these boutique and small pedal companies out there, when you were looking for a pedal you basically had those companies that have always been around;: Boss, Ibanez/Maxon, DOD, mxr etc. Smaller builders were starting to become more popular, but everything they were putting out were really expensive, way more money than they really should have been. If you wanted an actual Ibanez or Maxon tube screamer you could buy a new TS9 for about $80, while the TS808 reissues were $180. I didn't really known a lot about pedals and how they were built at the time, none the less I thought that $180 for one of those was just highway robbery. That was later reinforced when I actually did know it was inside of them, and discovered that essentially ts808 is just a ts9 with a different op amp (that while yes, they were discontinued, there were still TONS of them to be found for around $5) and 2 pairs of resistors that used different values THAT'S IT. The most popular mods that i was doing for people is converting TS9 to 808s. However, while the ts808 reissues were $180 , the voodoo lab sparkle drives were around $80. Upon looking at the schematics imagine my surprise when I discovered that all the sparkle drive was were a ts808 with a parallel input and the ability to do a wet dry blend.. and I'm not saying that it's almost exactly a ts808, I'm saying IT IS a ts808. Most people that use tube screamers don't use them as like a dirty channel for a clean amp in the way they do with distortion or other "amp in a box." they are intended to be used to help push a tube amp into deeper saturation or stacked with other dirt pedals, while adding a little bit of their own clipping to it. But one of the biggest uses for it is to kick on for guitar solos because that mid-range helps you really cut through the mix and get that single note articulation. While a common complaint with them is that you know they lose some of that bass and treble you would think that being able to have a tube screamer that you can actually add your clean tone in it to add articulation with instantly be making it one of the most popular tubes screamers you could buy, for some reason it never has. To this day with the resurgence of people wanting to buy klon centaurs because of how the mixing of clean and overdriven sound makes it articulate and "transparent," why the Sparkle Drive to still seems to be overlooked. I've always been confused by the assertion that Klons are such a transparent overdrive, because I don't find them to be all that transparent I hear a Klon and I know somebody's using a klon, if you remove the clean preamp and only had the overdrive preamp, you'd find them to not be as transparent as people think, personally i find the Timmy to be far more transparent. My advice for those that are interested in an overdrive that does that klon thing but don't really like the overdrive section, try one of these. Personally for a single coils and strats and things I actually prefer the way huge pork loin to do that Klon thing for me, though i prefer a Klon for some humbuckers.

[@mattgilbert7347]

This man speaks the truth. The Pork Loin (and other Way Huge dirt boxes like the Fat Sandwich) is well underrated. The Sparkle Drive Mod and Giggity mastering preamp are two incredibly versatile and underappreciated pedals.

[@fiqriadrilez4251]

I also feel the same way, this pedal should get serious attention among guitarists. I admire your dedication in becoming a pedal technician. your experience was amazing, may i know what other pedals should be given special attention?. I'm so bored with the current popular pedals.

[@johndrowe5281]

Glad to see that I am not alone in my usual loquacity 😂. However, I need only say tonight, “bravo”. Well-spoken and commendably(and humbly) reported pursuit of the electronic side of guitar music. Thank you and have a great Christmas season 🎄🎅🏻 🫶✌️♾️🎸👨🏼‍⚕️.

[@timwhite5562]

@@johndrowe5281 thanks, I just reread it and realized that I probably should have done a proofread. I wrote it and am still thinking "WTF does that mean?" Though I am mildly amused by the pedophile reference.

[@johndrowe5281]

@@timwhite5562 I will pretend mildly “amused“ means something different to you (from me), and that it was not a Freudian slip…🙄🤔😄. You were on a roll. 🫶✌️♾️🎸👨🏼‍⚕️. 🎄🎅🏻🎵🎶🎶🎵

[@dryrubribs]

whoever did the demo, kudos for glorious noodling!

[@donwalker7518]

Love that you kept the gain on 10 throughout the entire demo. Had this pedal on my board for over a year now. Haven't come across anything to kick it off yet. Thanks! Great pedal!

[@GuitarDoog]

It would have been nice for you to demonstrate the range of the tone control on the different settings. Your default tone may be a bit dark for some ears.

[@sexyguitarboy69]

I agree. But judging by the tone pot setting, you can bet that there will be way more highs on tap.

[@jamesprice6381]

SO versatile, just bought one, why i waited so long il never know GRT job man!

[@bertrandmajorik6589]

BASS player herer, in my local ads, 80 CAD, your video convinced me, thanks.

[@Sooth_Sayer]

Great demo James! I have a Giggity, cant wait to get this!

[@voodoolabofficial]

There's nothing but guitar to SD MOD to amp!

[@sexyguitarboy69]

Nice to read, but self praise. If some user had written this, it would be good advertising.

[@DavidFeilyMusic]

Do you suggest putting the giggity after the SDM in your chain?

[@MrKadidle51]

I love this pedal. Very versatile, priced reasonably, stackable. Its just a great value and sound. Thanks VDL's!!

[@arishojaiee6483]

First two modes are what I’m after and that clean signal ability!!

[@arethosemypants]

I own this pedal. Made in the USA, in and output jacks on the top, and sounds great. I LOVE this pedal. The only problem is deciding which of the four modes to use because they all sound good.

[@middle_pickup]

Original mode still sounds the best to me.

[@pcollenyt3683]

The GAIN was always on MAX, and the TONE always rolled down. Not a very good demo, IMO. I would have expected more from Voodoo Labs when demoing their product.

[@voodoolabofficial]

They're a custom set that Rob Timmins from Arcane made for me with some specific requests. Just let him know that you want the custom set made for "James Santiago" and I'm sure he can do something for you!

[@Mistergibsonsg1]

It sounded muddy because James forgot is has a tone knob that was turned 3/4's of the way down. This pedal is truly awesome! If it had a foot switch to change the mods there would be a lot of room on a lot of pedal boards! LOL!

[@dugefresh3311]

Would have been nice to hear it without the highs choked out by the tone knob being at 9:00...would like to hear a little chime out of it...sounded muddy that way and didn't give me a good idea of the sound...

[@Ilovewyatt01]

Doug 99 Definitely way too muddy. I agree.

[@anthonydallago2971]

+Doug 99 I kinda think the same thing.

[@zackeriah87]

Thanks again for the video James, keep on rockin my man!

[@rokspodcast2571]

Took my recently purchased Plimsoul back to GC after seeing this...Wow. Simply the nest OD I ever used, and I've used many. The ability to mix clean signal back in is so good. Simple, sounds good, not to big of a box, perfect.Tele into a fender superchamp with a SDM, love it.

[@ClamsAnonymous]

I also have a Plimsoul, and while I still love it...it's been off my board ever since I got the Sparkle Drive Mod. Super versatile overdrive....it's so juicy...

[@MtheBass]

Sounds like this and the Giggity have been worth the wait... very cool...M

[@TheVoiceofUnreason]

would this essentially be analogous to jumpering the clean/dirty channels on an amp like the old Marshalls/Hiwatts? cheers 😎

[@johndrowe5281]

Nice demo of the “mod”. With the LP #2 sounded a wee mushy. My speakers or pick-ups or settings?🤷🏼‍♂️.

[@voodoolabofficial]

A preamp mod voicing selection that might be ideal for one instrument and sonic taste might not be ideal for another. Between the clean blend and tone control, you can always add in some clarity. Or just select a mod more to your liking right out of the gate for the guitar and rig you are using. ;)

[@sargentppeper]

Try the BK Butler before the Giggity with Marshall settings and then into a Strymon El Capistan, Boss DD-2 or the Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man. The Sparkle Drive Mod is great too in place of the BK Butler! :)

[@palanmat]

how about for versatility, add a foot selector instead of a knob for the mod selection? 4 led's below showing which mod you're in..I've been using the OG sparkle drive for years and years and don't take it off my board ever, and would probably switch over to the mod if the mod selections were easier to get through.

[@leynardvista4239]

Love my sparkle drive pedal.... nice demo ✌️✌️✌️

[@hosoiarchives4858]

Does this work as a boost pedal?

[@ForViewingOnly]

A very desirable pedal, thanks Voodoo Labs. I'm the kinda guy who wants it all, so I'd probably end up modding this pedal to allow me to have foot switch control of the 3 types of drive, and maybe a footswitch for either clean mix or 100% drive. Then this pedal would be ridiculously versatile!

[@ChrisBuonoGuitar]

Lemme know if you do that. chris at chrisbuono dot com.

[@WarmothGuitarist]

I was just thinking the same thing. I'd add an output to have a volume/expression pedal to control the clean blend and also an output for a footswitch box to select the mods.

[@jdminor7b5]

I was curious to know if you set the Giggity like a Marshall and then turn on the BK Butler... can you get the EJ tone? Have you tried it that way?

[@sargentppeper]

Thanks James for the info! :)

[@Mistergibsonsg1]

Hmm, add more clean or backing off the gain. What's the diff?? James, great job on the van halen vid. Just awesome.

[@anthonydallago2971]

+Mistergibsonsg1 I get the point of this question. but all other gain pedals (that I know of), when you back off the gain there is still a tone change from when the pedal is off. When you blend in clean, the clean is exactly like the pedal when off. so it sounds more un-messed with.

[@sargentppeper]

Hi James, Thanks so much for posting these wonderful demos on the Giggity, Sparkle Drive Mod, the EJ Fuzz Face and Capistan Delay! I just picked up both EJ Fuzz Face and Giggity. I have a BK Tube Driver as well, but now after seeing this, I'm gonna pick up the Sparkle Drive in a few days! What is your order chain for these pedals from your guitar? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks again! :)

[@swmorgan515]

Dang. I need this pedal now.

[@sargentppeper]

ps. The pickups you mentioned on your early 90's maple neck Strat has the Arcane Vintage Style pickups. I would like to order some right away. Is there a certain model name for these pickups? Thanks so much again! :)

[@rossw73]

Have it, love it

[@ThaWimpa]

Hi there, you mentioned something in your video, but just to be absolutely sure: Is the only difference between this mod and the old Sparkle Drive that this is included 3 mods?

[@hope_and_love]

But what does it sound like when it's not at 100% gain?

[@shckltnebay]

how about a pedal jack for the clean mix control

[@aitken1965]

TBH, every setting sounded a bit woolly and fizzy to me. I didn't hear much bite or articulation in the notes.

[@carakenio]

Great improvement of the pedal! Hey I thought your last name was SANTIAGO, but I've just heard is SANIAGO, cool !

[@sususegar]

i like this. but the size is a bit of a problem.

[@CounterRevolutionary]

That's what she said.

[@thomasramsey6642]

It's quite small

[@ching-hsiangyu9687]

Dude you sound like Joe Banamassa! I damn love it!

[@geirolav2]

I dont think he sound like jb at all.

[@andystephenson5407]

Yeah bro I didn't catch that but okay

[@RorysIrishTour]

+Marius Hjertø (MariusHj) jb is already allocated to jeff beck, sorry.

[@Distantfieldproductions]

very nice!

[@TheGuitarWitch]

This demo is awesome. Sparkle drives are the best. Sparkle Drive Mod was used on this track. Celso-So Long Feat Disciples Of The Crow Music V

[@slickcross]

True bypass?

[@SunTeleLeo]

yes

[@mav5150]

Classic Tubescreamer 808 is not a distortion, is more like a gain box !! or what the rest of the pople call it an overdrive pedal !

[@AXLROSE4LYF]

sold

[@richardmg5927]

Is it me or it sounds a bit like eric Johnsons tone

[@duffman18]

Well he uses a voodoo labs sparkle drive so yeah

[@MrJimmy01001]

That´s a Demo

[@JhOtheGuitarist]

Top !!

[@TheStrataminor]

oh yes there is,,the guitar cord....bwahahaa...ok Dad joke..I will go to my room now...

[@yobhsiFehT]

Reflective knobs are one of the worst things ever:P

[@ozzyismetal]

To be fair, anyone buying a TS style overdrive looking for anything resembling metal-type gain is barking up the wrong tree.

[@TheJofrica]

However, TS is super excellent for boosting an amp that is capable of metal settings

[@Bognerman14]

I think the new Ibanez 30th Anniversary TS is a bit better and simpler to use.

[@Ilovewyatt01]

Hmmmm..........too muddy for my taste. I'll pass.

[@skatetodeath666]

he had the tone only at about %6 as you can see lol that E plains re muddy tone that you get from having the tone down on anything.

[@TheJofrica]

Also, when you blend in the cleans, the muddiness goes away. That's kind of the idea behind the clean blend option