Vertex Effects Steel String Drive mk 2 Overdrive Pedal Demo

[@sweetwater]

Shout out to Mason Marangella for bringing this sweet pedal by, it was a blast to play! Rock or Jazz? Let us know which setting you liked the most!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

🙏🙏🙏

[@KeannuReevezzz03]

not good sweetwater

[@blizzbee]

Overall, it makes the sound "bigger" and "fuller" without actually louder. Subtle but important to those who value such change.

[@MatthewHyatt]

@Odell Mateo more of a balanced boost. It doesn't even out pick attack dynamics, just makes it seem like you're playing through two cabs.

[@ericfricke4512]

Exactly. I mostly play clean, and so I'm of course into the intricacies and minute details of clean tone, just like some people are really into the minute differences in overdrives/distortions/fuzzes.

[@beetlespacexdragon7815]

Wow! Just what I’ve been looking for: a pedal that doesn’t mess with my clean tone...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Love this! Couldn’t have done it without the amazing Don Carr!

[@jdoblesentido]

Hi! Can this pedal be used as a preamp? I own a torpedo cab m+

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@jdoblesentido with the Cab M any drive pedal can be used as a preamp since you have power amp sims, speaker sims, and even other preamps available inside the Cab M software. So, yes, you could.

[@real_fjcalabrese]

NOTE: If you are reading this and you are not Don Carr, please remember you're not Don Carr.

[@Roxanneredpanda]

Thank god

[@bobamato1]

What does that mean? He isn't me, either.

[@starflyer4660]

Brilliant!

[@BernardDiaz-s5u]

I'm me and unique.

[@CraigRMerriman]

I have the Steel String pedal and have ordered the Mk II. That's my always-on pedal. It is very noticeable if the pedal is off. It's just great pedal. I'm excited to get my hands on the Mk II.

[@cmath8577]

I’ve watched a few SW videos and must say this is my fav performance by Don so far. Heard him through a variety of amps etc. His playing here seems to complement the gear or the gear complements his playing

[@pedrolantyer]

I own one Steel String Clean Drive V1, it's possibly one of the best overdrives I ever played or heard, the sound is crystal clear, it gives you a huge boost without creating the frequencies other Overdrive pedals make. I used to own a Boss BD-2W alongside it, and the difference between this and the Blues Driver is colossal, that's even more impressive considering the SSCD only costs 41$ more than the BD-2W (I bought the SSCD for 220€, and the BD-2W for 179€). It's not only a good pedal for overdrive but that clean boost actually does wonders when you are playing metal with a Distortion or Fuzz Pedals (It used to do wonders with my Fuzz Face)

[@mattmanley7118]

Great another pedal that I need

[@michaelyolch79]

I own this pedal and the ULTRA-PHONIX. Both are fantastic! :)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for the support Michael!!!!

[@michaelyolch79]

@@VertexEffectsInc What year did you guys begin?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@michaelyolch79 unofficially in about 2005 (out of my college dorm room), but the corporation and Vertex Effects was established in about 2010.

[@michaelyolch79]

​@@VertexEffectsInc Thank you. I was hoping to hear more of the whole story in your "About Us" section of your website. I think players (at least I do) enjoy hearing the stories about how guitar-related companies started and came to fruition. Anyway, I hope to learn more about your history on your website in the future. Regards.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@michaelyolch79 check out the interview with Mitch Gallagher on Sweetwater's KZbin channel, we talk some about that in the video :)

[@jordandangelo180]

Sounds great. I have version 1 and it’s one of the best pedals I own by far. I also own a TDrive and an Ultra Phonix HRM and they all are great overrides and unique in their own right but the Steel String does something special. I really like to use it with a little bit of gain and delay because you get a amazing sustained tone.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for the support Jordan!!!

[@taterlysaladman9377]

try the ultraphonix overdrive it's better than the hot rod modded

[@jordandangelo180]

Taterly Saladman I have the one too lol. It’s one of my favorites. It might be my favorite overdrive. I own a new version of be Duellist and I have to say I’m kind of disappointed with it. I prefer the Ultra Phonix, HRM and Steel String. The Blues Power is also a really good overdrive. Best overdrive under $150...MXR Sugar Drive...that thing is no joke. It’s like a Klon and a Tube Screamer in 1 pedal.

[@jordandangelo180]

That example at 8:28 no Fender amp sounds like that clean without a compressor and then you have the squashed tone which is cool but this adds the sustain and slight color of a compressor without sounding like a compressor which is really cool. Stacks like a dream too. Steel String with the Jan Ray is another superb OD tone especially on my SuperSonic, Orange or Princeton. .

[@EpicStuffMan1000]

sounds like it'd make a cool preamp before a cab sim/power amp for people who really like a pushed clean but aren't allowed amps on stage. cool pedal

[@UnremarkableMarx]

If you aren't allowed an amp on stage, you're at the wrong place brutha

[@andybrown6981]

Thats true, we do see his man all the time. This is the first time though, that I am, listenming wattching, not skipping.

[@massimos6863]

Awesome playing and awesome sounding Pedal ❤🎸👍👍

[@jerrymckenzie6205]

Good stuff

[@alonsol2344]

Best cross over in the pedal world.

[@bwitt4673]

We all know Mason has made mistakes in his life that he has admitted to and tried his best to make amends. We have all made mistakes in our Lives and Thank God above that he does not hold many of our wrongs against us. Mason no doubt makes a great pedal. I feel bad for those who likes to hold grudges . Well I say Kudos to Sweetwater’s forgiveness and are willing to sell and Promote Mason’s great talent for making pedals. For me Mason you are Totally Forgiven and I look forward to purchasing this great pedal. It sounds great and Thank you for not Giving Up. Rock On🎸🎸

[@wilmer33086]

I think the same way as you Billy Witt. We all make mistakes and my respect for Sweetwater for promoting his products. I’m almost close to having a couple of Vertex Effects pedals, one being the Steel String Mk2 and the other will be TONE SECRET. Proverbs 28:13___Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy..Thank you Mason and Thank you Sweetwater!!!! Great Pedal!!

[@WhataDayDan]

What did he do?

[@MatthewHyatt]

@@WhataDayDan he rebranded some crappy wah pedals he bought from China and they called him out on it.

[@KeannuReevezzz03]

nope, because we all know if he wasnt caught he would still be cashing out on rebranded pedals

[@albertplaysguitar]

@@KeannuReevezzz03 maybe... It's a tough one because he's still out there working his business, seemingly putting out good products and pleasing his client base. Running a business is hard, and maybe he was young and dumb back then? (And like wayyyy skinnier). Any thoughts on Rob Chapman?

[@organjoe]

Helps a lot if the pedal is turned on and off several times in a demo, comparing clean signal to the effect. Not enough of that here IMO. I like Don a lot, and the pedal is interesting.

[@andybrown6981]

ir certainly matches with chords - ie ruthm guitar as it is made to assist. I like it.

[@demantoid418]

I like it... what is the power requirements mill amp??? thanks

[@VertexEffectsInc]

demantoid 9VDC about 10mA

[@johnbrown1851]

I'm trying to decide between this one and the SSS. I don't use IR , just pedal and amp.

[@jwstout007]

Get you a tone guru that will look at your gear the way Mason looks at the tone in this video ;)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Jason S 😂😂😂

[@frankgeick3641]

Mason said they developed this pedal with a Hot Rod Deluxe; so the EQ to a Dumble sound won't be there with other amps. Does anyone use this pedal with a non-Fender amp?

[@TMoody]

Here we go again.... I keep this pedal addiction up I am going to be in the poorhouse.... I mean, thank you Sweetwater.

[@helheim8952]

This pedal is so good. Do you guys have any other cheaper version/clone of this pedal?

[@dingusfuzzklonnkt2755]

It's $99 right now

[@petebelew]

​@@dingusfuzzklonnkt2755 doubled to $199 now😔

[@Dwoed]

Don in his comfort zone\m/

[@frankiecalabro2617]

Mason is a great dude, brilliant pedal maker!!!! The SSS is awesome!!!

[@mattmanley7118]

Tempted to get one of these for myself or the hermida zen overdrive but I'm not sure which one. In terms of the zen I don't really care if it's made by Lovecraft or not but I know that they can generally be pretty overpriced

[@MrSmiley1964]

FWIW My Zen Drive was replace by a Lovepedal Amp 11 that I found since watching this video. I just got called back because someone responded to a comment I left which happens as you know.

[@MrSmiley1964]

@Andrew Lester Yes they are

[@j.rozman7016]

Empress ParaEQ can go even further ;)

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Joe Rozmanassa that’s great but it’s hard get gain and compression out of this.

[@Roarwhy0710]

Would you recommend putting this through the front, or FX loop?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, Rory! Thanks for your message, hope you're well and safe. Good question. Since the pedal is meant to represent the preamp of a D-style amp, it could go after the preamp of your current amp. The downside of that is if you have other effects in that chain. If you use higher gain, it could adversely affect the response of anything after it. In the front, same situation in that the design is after your drive pedals. There is no "wrong" way, so please experiment and place it where your ears and hands say it's best. Please contact us direct with other questions as you have them! Robert Williams, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 2371, [e-mail]

[@kenodysseys]

Vertex. Questions please for you. Which one would you suggest for... -my Strat -amps hot Rod deluxe and classic 50. - power supply can do 9,12,18 -which version do you recommend original or mark 2 for lowest floor noise, most head room ok both tone and if desired higher gain. I already have a TS9 and boss BD2 so I’m thinking your steel strings would be the tone ticket I’m looking for with possibly stacking if I wanted to experiment. Thank you. Hopefully you reply soon. There is a couple older versions still available here and there. Thank you.

[@albertplaysguitar]

Well, I'm no Mason, but I suggest you've got nothing to lose by trying things out. The key is to rid yourself of specific expectations and be as open as you can toward any piece of gear. Then, and only then, will find happiness... Also, keep the receipt.

[@kindofblue85]

The gain structure sounds also different To the first version ....

[@dustinarnold79]

Does vertex still sell wha wha pedals?

[@CreamyBone]

Wonder what kind of shenanigans he's up to now

[@CABohol]

Nice

[@MrSmiley1964]

Always hate the way my sound card sounds when listening to these kinds of videos. It sounds like it might knock my Zia Drive off the board. But do I want to start chasing that Dumble tone?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Broke Dick Dawg if you didn’t put the word “Dumble” around it, it would, at the end of the day, be a super colorful clean boost with compression, mid range bump, and low gain.

[@patrickrosington1174]

Get a 59 tweed bassman clone. Dumbles are mostly modified tweed bassmans and honestly sound worse IMO of course. Obviously dumbles sound great. Ive played a few. But I prefer my 63 jtm45 or tweedbassman. Or brown face vibroking any day

[@MrSmiley1964]

@@patrickrosington1174 Then why the kult of Dumble? The Bassman is prob my least favorite Tweed. I'd easily take a Vibro-King over one of those any day.

[@zackbrown206]

Do I really need this or can I not just dial in these tones on my amp? Please input.

[@billwilliams6338]

I don't hear any compression at all it just sounds like a clean boost pedal flat eq no color. What type of compression are they talking about? because its not the squeezing type compression like it red hot chilli peppers under the bridge song has compressor pedal on the guitar

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The Steel String produces amp-like compression similar to how a combo amp would compress right as it starts to break up!

[@thestuffmikedoes2309]

Prime example of people listening with their eyes

[@donniefisk2252]

Just buy a tube screamer folks . TS and a super reverb , vibroverb, any clean tube amp really .

[@psychotogether5114]

All the plebs have those already.

[@herbertsilonga7099]

Im waiting for him to switch the pick up to 2 and 4, and he didnt

[@yuliefelice5643]

❤

[@m.malina6797]

It's called a pre-amp. Save yourself over a $100. :) All kidding aside this is definitely a niche effect.

[@leehenderson8132]

Don Carr be a picker of status.

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

Up next a an empty box that does nothing. It does not color your tone in any way. And it will be just like you like it. Expensive. This pedals are just a volume pot and a knob essentially.

[@keithremedy]

That’s probably the most inaccurate statement you can make. Regardless of mason being an ass in the past. This pedal is pretty remarkable

[@chrisledrew5091]

I keep scrolling but all I keep hearing is talk. I’d like to hear the pedal.

[@karimgurrola6472]

I would totally hit the like button, but it has 666 likes right now, and I don't wanna ruin that U.u

[@inko_p]

Dumble in a little box...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes!!!!

[@davidparkes7977]

Sounds like a bango are you guys serious

[@PolaOpposite]

Too much talking... let the pedal do the talking.

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

This dude is just about naming names. Filthy marketing!

[@Ottophil]

He’s a doctor though.

[@KeannuReevezzz03]

@@Ottophil a liar too, rebranding something cheap and selling it for a crazy price

[@Ottophil]

chino Mndza i don’t consider that a lie. Thats business. You’d be suprised if i told you how common this is. Even outside of guitar electronics

[@KeannuReevezzz03]

@@Ottophil thats not business to buy a bbe wah, put his label on it, talk about it on youtube claiming " the parts are handmade in the US blah blah blah " and selling it for double the price, if you are talking about companies rebranding stuff yes its true, but they wont talk about this stuff is made in the US and that they designed it

[@johnmcarthur86]

This pedal is nothing more than a Bad Bob Boost clone. Not an honest company. Don't be fooled by marketing and branding. Absolutely not worth it for the money.

[@keithremedy]

😆you must have not used one before. I use it even when I’m using my silver sterling they’re great. These play great with fender amps too

[@johnmcarthur86]

@@keithremedy That's totally fair. I just think they're a bit expensive for what it actually does!

[@BrianElliot]

@@johnmcarthur86 that's quite different than saying it does nothing. This pedal is the foundation of my pedalboard. There's nothing like it out there unless you get a dumble amp or clone of a steel string singer

[@simonconnell7256]

Also, how much is a bad Bob boost. More than this pedal is.! I love all these Internet judges, juries and executioners. So brave and righteous and pure sat in their mum's basement never doing anything of worth.

[@stardawg77]

I’ve used this pedal and it literally does nothing. 👎

[@francispetaluma]

Waaaaaasy too much talking!

[@Miles2theHorizon]

Sweetwater should be ashamed of promoting this brand since the owner is a proven fraud and liar. A simple web search will answer questions about the particular issues which have been many and continue to this day. Since there are many companies that make pedals and most of them run by reputable people, why would someone choose to enrich a crook? Why would a "reputable" retailer promote a business that clearly has many ethical issues to say the least? Sad.

[@KeannuReevezzz03]

exactly, the apology was clearly an "oops I got caught"

[@KeannuReevezzz03]

before I even knew about the issue, something just didnt sound right when I heard mason talk

[@trevorf2098]

Let me guess? You're a saint who has never had to face up to something and learn and grow and continue on in the world trying to be a better person? What do you want the guy to do, crawl into a hole and die. Know one is making YOU support him. Obviously I don't know the guy. But I've emailed with him and he went out of his way to help me out and give me advice on something that had nothing to do with his products, which he didn't have to do.

[@iamchets]

@@trevorf2098 people always need something to bitch about.

[@albertplaysguitar]

Since this video dropped, I sometimes wake up all sweaty in the middle of the night yelling in tears, "Why Sweetwater... Why???" Next time I buy a product from them, I will NOT be eating their candy...