Top 10 Mind-blowing Distortion Effects!

[@HereticMonalith666]

Excellent video as always and amazing playing. Surprised not to see a RAT, JHS Morning Glory or Fulltone OCD in there but I guess there so many hundreds of drive pedals in the world. Thanks Rob

[@Jonathan-L]

I too, expected the RAT.

[@jordieg-us4ee]

​@Jonathan-L for the price that it is & the simplicity. The Rat cannot be beaten I think

[@fingolfen01]

Thanks for the shout out on the Dimetrodon!!!!! :D The rest of the list is solid as well - though there are a couple I haven't tried yet!

[@deckert618]

My 'end of the world' never gonna get another pedal is Boss BD-2. I just can't quit it. :)

[@Mr.Steve-O]

💯

[@matijabo]

true!

[@sarniaguitarguy9405]

I've had the MT-2w and the DSL 40 for 5 years now, both from the videos I watched of your recommendations. No regrets at all. Still practice with both.

[@florisvanlingen]

The Boss Super Overdrive SD-1 should be on here just based on how great it sounds with most Marshall style amps(JCM800, SLP etc.).

[@richardsmith9615]

And Fender's. I remember doing a blind test about 10 years ago, searching for my first drive/distortion pedal. Testing against a few other nice pedals and some not so nice stuff, it was between the Blues Driver and the SD1. Playing through a Fender Hotrod amp, it really knocked my socks off.

[@rustyl.6358]

I bought the RedRox on your recommendation. It's incredible! I play LP PAF mostly. Having it alone, or in front of a preamp, allows the most incredible tones! Thanks! Never miss you here or with Lee.

[@mattroach5382]

Here's my favorite. Klon KTR into a high wattage Black-face Fender with 6x 6L6 tubes (180 watts) and 12 inch speakers. Not because it's perfect, but because of it's unique marriage of perfections and imperfections. When I stand in front of that specific pedal /amp rig and play, it sparks a wonderful creativity. I started with a Timmy, then went to a Soul Food, then was lucky enough to get a demo and then buy a KTR. I've used the same one amplifier for the last 12 years, found it in a small guitar shop in rough shape for $500, slowly put money into restoring the wiring, tubes ect., and I truly love it. Six 6L6 tubes, and 180 watts. Stays clean even at volume 10. A true masterpiece, and with pedals even better. I hope everyone out there finds their favorite pedal and amp

[@guilletjean-jacques5107]

pour ma part j ai acheté la Warm audio centavo qui etait tres bonne , puis j ai renvoyé et acheté la marshall blues braker qui etait pas mal mais je l ais renvoyée , et j ai finallement commandé une Decibelclics Golden Horse , qui est juste exeptionnelle , a present je cherche une pedale de distortion , j hesite a acheter la Marshall guvnor .

[@fatseaturtle]

The Automatone looked CRAZY! My first OD pedal was a Klon clone and then a King of Kings. Lovely Top 10.

[@Nomadic_psyche_]

Really great review video. Clear, quick, articulate. I appreciate a review video that’s straight to the point! Would love to have seen more rhythm examples when showing off the pedals, is all I was missing. However this video really helped me!

[@ColorfieldMedia]

A list with no ProCo Rat is no list.

[@markmullins2756]

I think I'm gonna buy a chapman guitar

[@mortonwilson795]

Fun stuff - some there I hadn't come across. Paul Crowther's Hot Cake or Double Hot Cake also well worth a look - been using them since the mid '70s, still my 'go to' in the studio.

[@TypeoS]

Glad to see the metal zone on the list! I have been playing one for years and love it.👌

[@dastardlydave1455]

Great list Rob!! You showed me the Mr Black Thunderhawk when I met you during the bus tour in Cleveland. I'm suprised it didn't make your list. Cheers!!

[@Jacobus-or6vf]

NICE one Rob. Much Appreciated. IF time allows, a Top 10 REVERB unit would be great. Cheers

[@chrisdee5032]

I'm Irish but i lived in Trowbridge for a while about 20 years ago! I remember buying a Marshall amp from a music shop but i don't remember the name of it. I think it was near the post office and there was an old vinyl record store and a fishing tackle shop on the opposite side of the street. There was also a club round the corner called the Psychic Pig! Man that place was awesone lol!

[@erickubica9998]

Great Video! I’m really liking the Revv G3 right now

[@dvaoa2910]

The Savage for the win. And good to see the MZ getting some love...whoever discovered that putting it through the loop is a game changer was a boni fide genius. My under the radar contender...EHX's take on the TS with the East River Drive. Also, the MXR Sugar Drive, the Blammo Blues Blaster and finally, for girthy metallic majesty, the Empress Heavy.

[@gigaha]

Never heard of Gallows - thanks for the tip! Enjoyed your list. My favorite for recording is the 1981.

[@gigaha]

Just an update: I was able to track down a Gallows, and the reverb is surprisingly good. The drive section is crunchy, but I was hoping it would get fuzzier on the Brazen setting.

[@heavybrett-al4082]

😂 I've got a tiny addiction for distortion pedals, I love them all...but so many times I always end back on the Boss mt2 (my head is always in the zone)

[@filtermat]

Ok Boss Ds-1w and Blues Driver, I would have considered also Revv G3, Soldano Slo, Nobels Odr-1, J rockett The Dude, Ehx Glove and Walrus Fundamental Drive

[@concero]

Hey Rob, awesome looking guitar, best one of yours I’ve seen!

[@DreidMusicalX]

I liked that Badcat. I need to get one now. Thanks for helping me spend more money. I have a lot of distortion pedals and later swang over to more of just OD pedals and one that stays on my board is under $50.00US. Its crazy good sounding and doesn't color your tone and just boosts that bottom end and tightens it up from being flubby. Caline Capt Silver CP-76. It has a TS9 and 808 switch and the TS9 is where my pedal lives.

[@nohillforahighstepper]

I'm currently running a Fulltone OCD, Nobles OD1, Keeley Nobles Driver and a Walrus 385. I can get a wide variety of OD and distortion tones by stacking those in different configurations. I took the 808 off my board this winter and put it in my showcase. Maybe it will make my grandkids rich...lol. I'm considering replacing the OCD with a Wazacraft Blues Driver...

[@OliverGuitarforall]

Very good vidéo ❤

[@Smart-Alex]

Took me a lifetime to finally realize that a Tube Screamer in front of a crunchy amp is my favorite OD sound. Fun fact: Sammy Ash (RIP), grandson of Sam Ash, named the Tube Screamer.

[@mikehutton3937]

Admittedly I'm an eviolinist, but the best distortion pedals I've tried (and I've tried a few) are the Source Audio Soundblox Pro Classic Distortion and Multi-Wave Distortion pedals. Not cheap, and I do understand people have had bias against digital, but they're super adaptable, with built-in EQ, and presets! Wouldn't go anywhere without one or the other.

[@5hane_]

The Wampler Euphoria has to go in here for me. Works everywhere on any amp

[@jerryhorton5708]

Nice selection here, Rob. Being more of a low gain guy myself, I was enamored of the Gritador (again. Like every time I hear it). Love Browne Amplification stuff. And the BD-2W is an astounding pedal.

[@musicalruss]

Glad you’re keeping the memory of Stagg Music alive, happy days

[@MSNGR415]

First pedal mod I ever did back in 99 was named the red rock. Only I painted it red and threw a bunch of sand grain in the paint to make it feel like a rock.

[@glennjoslyn385]

Great Video.. However.. If you've never tried the Friedman Dirty Shirley Overdrive Pedal.. You're missing the Boat! Give it a Go! Thanks, Glenn from Colorado

[@pinkcricketer1921]

I don't disagree with any of your selections! Others I am sad not to see; the Hotcake, or better yet, the Double Hotcake. The Blues Breaker is my all time favorite overdrive sound. The Summer School Science Fair is a dual pedal that is a Rat and a Tube Screamer, and you can blend them. The Tsakalis Six is an amazing combination of a boost, a Timmy, and a Blues Breaker. Finally, the Double Barrel, Notaklon, and Pack Rat from JHS.

[@em001868]

Great playing as usual... but Dude!! Metal Zone? And no MXR?

[@GoCreateSomething]

Love the green box and the Metal Zone. Have you never tried a Friedman BE-OD? Gain for days with a trim pot inside if you want it to be kinder and gentler. Plus it literally has a knob labeled 'tight' so you can excise the flubby bottom end. Or leave it in. Suit yourself. When I was trying it, my choices were it or the Soldano pedal. Both sounded good but the BE-OD is the one that got the prom date.

[@t3hgir]

Never owned a RAT style distortion but in Fractal-land I LOOVE the sound of the "Fat Rat" just run through the Axefx mic preamps,cab and delay/reverb, no amp required... Great lead tone for me.

[@francoislouw181]

That pot plant standing on the couch bothners me

[@333lefty]

Ya need to add an number eleven...the MI Audio Super Crunch Box V2...or the previous ones.....they pretty much do what all the others do in one package.

[@GabrielSkolderblad]

The best I've ever tried is the Boss DS1X

[@CSchribbzzz]

I wonder how these boss pedals compare to their katana counterparts. I remember when that amp came out, you and Lee were just blown away, especially with the MK2.

[@Acesneights5150]

Rob would you run a distortion with a EVH 5150 50 watt 6L6 combo blue channel? This might sound nuts but I’m not getting the bite I want thanks Bob!

[@eb7912]

The sd1 from boss is also wonderful. Greetings from France 🙌

[@robertwillett4122]

Rob, the Bad Cat is sick. Nice to see you back with the Captain. I'm in Florida. I'm big time, big-time fan of yours. I don't know why I love the English accent. My dream is a nice woman from the U.K. that I could take care of. The world is going into a direction Im not liking. I want to ride off into the sunset with my English woman. My ancestors are from the U.k. I'm English in my gene pool, but a native Floridian. I don't know how this .message got out of hand. But Rob, you have had your highs and lows. To me your in the guitar God status. If those blind fold challenges are rigged. You have the best hearing and Knowledge is power. I hope you stay in the interwebs until you decide to retire.Yes, i can remember the long ass hair. Rock on my friend. If your ever on the west coast of Florida. Which is a great place. Hit me up in Naples.. I'll take you to my best fishing holes. Rock on.

[@brian770]

whats the diff between a overdrive pedal and a distortion pedal? seems like they both do the exact same thing?

[@clarissaanaferreirasieiro2127]

I love the Boss DS1 my first ever gain pedal , i just got the Boss OD3 definitely a pedal that i will ever get rid off , sounds amazimg

[@matth2868]

The main thing I hate about these videos is that there's been enough time to dissect all these pedals. Back in the day they just sounded cool. Now I'm at an age where I second guess myself.

[@geoffcorb]

Would have been interested to hear your thoughts on Boss Waza craft v Boss, only because some of the big stars who swear by Boss pedals had them and toured them before Waza craft was born.

[@banksy_5150]

JAFOD... Just kidding you gotta love them, I was always a fan of the old T-rex alberta 🔥🤘🎸

[@StavrosECC]

Overdrive: DOD250 ... Distortion: REVV G3

[@jamescrum668]

Rob, the pedals sound great but that's one sweet sounding guitar!!!!

[@orionasgardzero7793]

Bogner Ecstasy Red and Blue, Friedman Be Od, Tsakalis Room 40, Diamond Fireburst, Rodenberg SL-OD

[@electricmeatpuppet]

Some top tier choices there!

[@Jonathan-ih7qp]

Love the Diamond Fireburst, but never hear anyone else talk about it.

[@WoodsyGuitars]

The Rodenberg is class

[@GundogJake]

The Rodenberg TB Shakedown is also class… 808 and 909 with bass switch in one box. My fave 👌

[@MrJamesthefrog]

Bogner blue is fantastic

[@ryanspencerlauderdale687]

Not even gonna lie or use a product ad for this comment. That Chapman Chris Robertson looks insane. I might check that one out.

[@santiagomujica-vh3kx]

Hey Rob, BOSS rules forever. Chapman guitars are awesome and incredible Quality and Sound. Very Collectibles. Have You Chapman guitar pics for free ? Thanks.

[@kenphillips3282]

Try the Unobtainium by Crazy Tube Circuits… awesome and on Pete Thorn’s board… I have 3 boards and therefore 3 Unobtainium. Would not be without them, just sayin’.

[@TheAdjacents-ABQ]

The one exception to my previous comment is the one form Seattle.

[@andydalton4463]

Sick t-shirt and album to match :)

[@shanewalton8888]

Funny how none of the pedals that won the Andertons blindfold challenge were on your list. ( Diesel, EVH, Metalcore, Friedman)

[@coldacre]

apart from the BOSS & Ibanez…. dont agree with the rest as I’ve never heard of them, or seen anyone using them. Top 10 Distortion & Overdrive pedals of all time (in order of oldest to most recent): Crowther Hot Cake ProCo RAT Ibanez TS808 BOSS HM-2 BOSS DS-1 Marshall ShredMaster BOSS BD-2 Fulltone OCD Paul Cochrane Timmy Analogman King Of Tone

[@keithb5612]

Might be an idea to do a OD and Distortion Effect Pedals list separately.... The Keeley Filaments snd and Walrus Audio Eras are nice distortion pedals.

[@zaporoshti3392]

no Suhr Riot or Revv G3?

[@davidisenberg125]

no MXR distortion + ..... worked pretty good for randy rhodes and jerry garcia sir chappers ......

[@JonadanandtheFreaks]

Where's the BOSS ML2?

[@hernindio99]

Ohhhhh yeaaah metal zone baby

[@JoePearsonGuitarist]

I came for the riffs

[@odyssey6684]

What is your signal chain for the recording? I didn't hear a bit of harshness in the treble that I've heard in the past. Great to see some classics from Boss and Ibanez. The low end of the Blues Driver is amazing. The Metal Zone I've been able to get some good sounds with so long as the tone controls aren't set too extreme. One of my favorites is the Jam Pedals Rattler. There's something about the thing that makes me smile. Sounds like it's coming apart - really cool.

[@RobChappers]

Pedals straight into my Victory RD1, I tweaked the EQ of my amp just slightly warmer

[@Falconryder]

I don't know what to do with a list like this that leaves off the Rat, the Klon, but includes the Metal Zone. Different strokes I guess. I did like the Savage, which I never heard of.

[@ezencrow]

I was here for the RAT! Where is it now!

[@ultravirez]

The more ODs you hear the more similar they get.

[@tboyz1]

Marshall Guvnor2 - alive and well in New Zealand 👍

[@JammoJay]

No mention of the Tone City Golden Plexi's yellowy golden goodness?!

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Kernom Ridge.

[@walterppk1989]

Grrrrrrreeeetings!

[@DDS.D4V3]

Should of used a boss metal core 2

[@davidschaer]

they all sound absolutely the same to my ears.

[@ericolson326]

I wouldn't have known you were changing pedals if you hadn't told us. Sounds like one consistent amp tone with the guitar's volume knob rolled up or down a bit from clip to clip. 🤷

[@coryjones]

HHAHA that intro got me good

[@sazen5987]

What do you think about vintage mxr Distortion+ ?

[@Rolftorres]

Where is the best pedal ? Boss OD-1?

[@haus05]

i knew rob would plug his own pedal lol

[@Franky-zc3xx]

Where was the Rat? Where was the Guvnor? 😪

[@guilhordas]

Bb preamp the best of all times

[@thepeetjournal4469]

I miss the Rodenberg Luke pedal

[@samhealey7603]

This came at a perfect time whilst i'm shopping for my first ever OD pedal. I am, however, thinking of an OD/boost combo pedal to go into the Blues Jr. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

[@RobChappers]

Boss EQ

[@samhealey7603]

@@RobChappers Thanks, Rob. Will check it out!

[@vorpalblades]

DOD BiFet Boost NuX Lacerate Boost

[@DanielDavis730]

Aftermath

[@bbrotherton6345]

I notice that Silver Linings and Tumnus are absent. Humm!

[@jerrymartinez2160]

you should consider checking out the duelist by jesse davey....holy smokes. have it on my board for almost 5 years and nothing comes close

[@BOSSenjoyer]

DS-1 and RAT

[@rockinbobokkin7831]

A Skindred shirt? Sick

[@chrisegg7936]

boss threw millions in the trash by not naming the blues driver the "crunch box" or something

[@GuitarBailey]

You didn't mention any of the dsp overdrive from any of the multi units??? Hmmm. Seems pedals still do it better

[@gavinrayment4107]

Boss HM2w rules over them all . A great indie like sound if you turn it down a little.

[@matmarchi]

Well, you’ve gotta get them all

[@chrisgeorge4325]

What no Klon or RAT? Hmmm

[@z4570]

How bout the Visual Sound"s Son of Hyde?

[@aris9125]

Why not the Tight Metal Pro 2?

[@mylogify]

Plumes?, man also that Friedman BE-OD pedal...

[@MightyGoodMooShu]

Surprised by not including a Rat. Also no need to as we all know it is superior and need to help the newbies out.

[@timnotbrianmay]

They're all great! But, maybe... You never tried Greg fryer mayday, a Boss BC2, a Hughes and kettner cream machine, and what about the boss turbo overdrive ?.. to name a few... So many others... The rat!!!!!!!!!!

[@swovy5]

I thought the Tubescreamer was designed after the Maxon green box?

[@BoyAditya]

Maxon was the maker/builder of tubescreamer, before ibanez finally make themselves. But Tubescreamer (and the other pedals, back in the day) inspired by Boss OD1.

[@RobChappers]

@@BoyAdityaCorrect 🤘🏽

[@DrankZappa]

Gallows 💯