Top 10 Distortion & Overdrive Pedals Of All Time - (Agree or disagree?)

Let's rank the top 10 distortion/overdrive pedals of all time, why not - what else have you got to do?!
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[@crappyfellow]

I own a NOTAKLON from JHS. It's the best sounding overdrive pedal that I've ever owned and that's saying a lot. I'm 72 years old and started buying pedals in the 1960's. You guys should get one of these gems. You won't regret it.

[@RobChappers]

Well it would be crazy of me to ignore the advice of someone with this much experience so I shall definitely try and check one out :-)

[@capitanvonchickenpants8492]

Mine arrived today!!

[@newgunguy4176]

*notacentaur

[@ekuzy]

Mine should be shipped in two weeks time!

[@cuda426hemi]

Of course at 72 I finger you can't hear over 6-7k Hz anyway so..... I kid, BUT Get your best cans and go online and take the test - mouseclick by mouseclick one Hz at a time; you'll be shocked is all I will say. I'm 70 and multitrack every day playing all instruments, can still speed pick n pluck and dreading the day I can't. Good on you, too. I heard a really good Klon clone is the Tumnus but I have my eye on Notaklon and even the Ghost kit from Stew Mac is intriguing. I'm Gibson SG guy (Tony Iommi Monkey is my latest SG) I'm wondering what guitar you are distorting or Notakloning..... 🎸

[@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.

[@seancollins3106]

I love that you included an OG tube screamer, and 3 boss pedals (albeit, waza, but still)!! too many people forget that old school gear is still really good.

[@gergemall]

St Louie Missouri l love the Blues driver pedal .

[@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!

[@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.).

[@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.

[@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!!

[@fatseaturtle]

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

[@erickubica9998]

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

[@daemondsconcero]

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

[@Jacobus-or6vf]

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

[@Idontlikethisever]

The gritador spoke straight to my heart :)

[@aj45045]

From your list I have some pedals or clones of some as Tubescreamer and Bluesdriver. Ones that I'd like to have are Red Rox and Savage, that's the tone I aim for. My list of drive pedals that would make on my top 10 list (the ones that I've owned or tried): 1. Friedman BE-OD 2. Ramble FX Marvel Drive 3. Wampler Plextortion 4. J. Rocket Animal 5. Suhr Riot 6. Xotic BB Preamp 7. Lovepedal Purple Plexi 8. Hermida Zendrive 9. MI Audio Crunch Box 10. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Honorable Mentions: Fulltone OCD v1.3 Caline Mark 4 Digitech Bad Monkey Digitech Screamin' Blues

[@robertdonosobuchner3129]

I think you can make another 100 videos about drive pedals... There are so many wonderful pedals all around the world. The most important thing is, that you find the one that makes you really happy. And after a while you will find the next incredible drive pedal that don't let you sleep....

[@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.

[@Gitfiddle]

What a great video. Some new ideas and some old standards. Thank you for not simply picking the usual suspects. Great recording too. Sounded excellent

[@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!

[@steveweilhart2359]

very entertaining as always with the Chappers love the Chapman Tele style GTR beautiful sounding my favorite pedal on my board now is the Abasi Pathos

[@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 .

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnmundt7834]

Pretty solid list, drive is such a personal taste but lots of great ones in there

[@andydalton4463]

Sick t-shirt and album to match :)

[@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.

[@sajisguitar]

I wondered why you didn't mention Snake oil Very thing, and here you are! You didn't disappoint!!!!😃😁

[@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)

[@5hane_]

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

[@damasterkarej]

I have Marshall DSL. I love the sound. That's why I use only and exclusively TC Spark. Just cookin' dat tubes, man.

[@RobChappers]

Koocindatubes

[@erik.liebenberg]

Would love to see a podcast style episode with you and Rabea talking about your years gigging together and stories of the road.

[@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

[@musicalruss]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@jea783]

Very interesting and useful. However as a Canadian, i was surprised that there is no mention of REVV pedals .

[@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.

[@eb7912]

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

[@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

[@pinkcricketer1921]

While I don't hear many others talk about it, I have always been a fan of the DOD Super/Supra Distortion.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I bought a Boss/JHS Angry Driver & just couldn’t vibe with the Blues Driver side of the pedal, but the Angry Charlie side was great. I sold it because it just collected-dust & use an OD-3 into a JHS Notaklon for drive now.

[@fendafred]

I might try out a Browne Gritador or a Gallows in the morning drive (I dig the embedded reverb). There are lots of drive pedals out there but the Way Huge Saucy Box is also worth trying as it stacks very well in front of any drive pedal and sounds good whatever the amp (even my Fender '57 Pro Amp and its 15" speaker). Benson preamp is a great always on pedal to turn your clean amp into Marshall and Tonecity King of Blues is a bargain that works very well with the Benson. T-Rex Mudhoney II is also great if you need two shades of distortion in a compact pedal.

[@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.

[@LordoftheSnakes]

Personal choices are great, but would love to compare ones you love and ones you hate. Would be interesting to hear ( and can you hear that on phone speakers)

[@andrewpappas9311]

Definitely happy to see the DS-1 and BD-2 on here, the DS-1 alongside my Boss OD-1X were my first two guitar pedals (I got those simultaneously) and are still some of my absolute favourites and not to mention it’s an absolute classic pedal used by everyone from Kurt Cobain, John Frusciante, Peter Steele, Dave Navarro, Joe Satriani and numerous other people and a friend of mine has a BD-2 that she uses as her primary drive pedal and absolutely swears by it saying it’s the best gain pedal she’s ever played and her favourite pedal in general. Definitely some of the GOATs of guitar pedals, Boss stuff is always built like an absolute tank and I still love it.

[@juliochingaling5824]

Excellent

[@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

[@Jonathan-ih7qp]

As I was watching I was wondering if you were going to include one of the Snake Oil Pedals, and in my opinion you may have sold yourself short a little bit with only an honorable mention. I currently own about 425 boost/OD/distortion/fuzz pedals and The Very Thing is seriously one of my favorite ones.

[@francoislouw181]

That pot plant standing on the couch bothners me

[@stockholm1752]

Paul Cochrane Timmy, Boss SD-1, RAT, Marshall ShredMaster, TC E Dark Matter,… The list goes on and on, and on. So many good ones. A Top 10 List can only be decided by personal preference and experience.

[@reverendg5937]

Where is the Rat Pedal? No list at all. SMFH

[@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.

[@kendickinson8307]

I have a few dirt pedals (LOL) and I've gotten to the point where I feel that most of them are rather interchangeable. Then... out comes the Gritador. Yes, it's another dirt pedal, but listen to the harmonics that are popping out of that thing when you play double stops. That is supreme.

[@RobChappers]

Agreed the Gritador is insane

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@banksy_5150]

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

[@brianschiller4053]

Wampler dual fusion is my favorite

[@wellyforpm]

I think I have been playing an evh 5150 for too long, the only gain pedal on my board is a mesa boogie boost pedal and an old boutique fuzz pedal I picked up a few decades ago.

[@jamescrum668]

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

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Kernom Ridge.

[@TheDenfender]

OCD V2 working for me at this time , paired with a boost (Pettyjohn) or a milder drive that is treblier… an older Nobels ODR-1 used to work wonders thru an 80’s JCM 800 50 watt … you’ll find that certain amps and pedals seem to work better together … earlier I was getting good tone straight into a Boss Katana 100 …. astounding amps imho for little money ,I paid $200 for mine in a pawnshop … tone is in the ear of the beer holder

[@walterppk1989]

Grrrrrrreeeetings!

[@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.

[@plantagenant]

Never found a distortion pedal I liked. I find it easier to get the sound out of the amp as much as you can and then a cleanish boost when you want "more".

[@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.

[@adamfstewart81]

Looking good, buddy! Been working out?

[@boomba64]

Love the skindred shirt

[@coryjones]

HHAHA that intro got me good

[@shanedingz]

Wampler triple wreck. Ran through a custom silverface Twin. All the gain you’ll ever need, with the warmth of the sun…

[@caelenselke-minogue]

TS808, Klon, Blues driver, Rat, DS-1, MT-2, SD-1, blues breaker, 5150, be-od

[@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.

[@tonitepponen5321]

What tuning are you playing? Or did I miss it?

[@sazen5987]

What do you think about vintage mxr Distortion+ ?

[@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

[@GabrielSkolderblad]

The best I've ever tried is the Boss DS1X

[@JammoJay]

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

[@JoePearsonGuitarist]

I came for the riffs

[@LDACG]

Cannot disagree with any of them. That said, it seems that the really good ones are best left to the pros. I would love to add any one of these to my board, but for what purpose? I cannot play well enough to make the guitar sing through thee pedals.

[@ColorfieldMedia]

A list with no ProCo Rat is no list.

[@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.

[@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

[@LDACG]

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

[@thejustinkates]

Empress heavy menace dude

[@shadyburnike264]

Revv G3 is my favorite

[@thepeetjournal4469]

I miss the Rodenberg Luke pedal

[@stefpenfield5918]

Couple Voodu Valves online for $300 right now. Rocktron baby.

[@RobChappers]

Ffffffffffff

[@GuitarBailey]

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

[@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’.

[@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.

[@haus05]

i knew rob would plug his own pedal lol

[@shanewalton8888]

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

[@hernindio99]

Ohhhhh yeaaah metal zone baby

[@jeffreystayman375]

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.

[@DrankZappa]

Gallows 💯

[@jakollee]

No love here for the OCD, or the Plimsoul?

[@darryllim5215]

I like how the plants are in random placements haha 😂

[@aris9125]

Why not the Tight Metal Pro 2?

[@user-ci3hb4qo2u]

Believe it or not the Boss metalcore is a very good pedal 😮😊!!!!!