Author Topic: New Gain/Distortion Pedal for Guitar (Read 119 times)

lbpesq · « **on:** October 28, 2006, 10:11:11 PM »

This week I picked up a Seymour Duncan Twin Tube pedal. Essentially a two channel pre-amp in a pedal. I just got back from the studio and I have to say I am VERY impressed! I've just been A/Bing amp set ups among the following:

Boogie Mark I (original)

Boogie Mark IIC+

Boogie Mark III

F-2B into power amp section of Crate PowerBlock

Crate PowerBlock

While I was doing that, I was also A/Bing the Twin Tube with the Boogie lead channels. I didn't even bother throwing my Analogman silver modded Tubescreamer into the mix - I don't need to test it to tell that it doesn't come close to the Twin Tube. This pedal by S. Duncan contains two military grade mini tubes that, according to the literature, act like 12AX7s. It has two channels: rhythm and lead. One footswitch chooses between rhythm or lead. The second footswitch chooses between rhythm/lead and true bypass. Both channels have gain and volume and there is a bass and a treble pot that controls both channels. The rhythm channel could easily be set for a second lead with a different tone. This thing seems capable of anything. Santana-like clean/saturated tone was easy to dial in. Surprisingly, it really held it's own against the Boogie lead on the I and IIC+. I liked the pedal better than the Mark III lead! It even sounded damn good through the PowerBlock! (which itself sounds surprisingly good). This was the first time I tried out the F-2B. It also sounds great - the idea of a rack system with my SF-2 and BBE Sonic Maximizer sounds very tempting. Though I might wind up wanting to trade the F-2B for an F1-X for the effects loop. You guys using F-2Bs, how do you hook up an SF-2? I'll be using the IIC+ at my gig tomorrow, along with the Irwin? guitar (as a back up and for a couple of songs) - both virgins. I'm going to wait until next time to add the Twin Tube - I don't want to add too many new things at a gig. The only negative about this pedal is the size - it takes up a bit of real estate on the pedal board. Otherwise Joe Bob sez two thumbs up!

Bill, tgo

jalevinemd · « **Reply #1 on:** October 29, 2006, 12:08:28 AM »

Here's the Guitar World demo of the Twin Tube.

Twin Tube

Bill...it looks like a fantastic pedal. I searched long and hard and wasted money on several overdrive/distortion pedals before finally finding my winning combo. For my ryhthm and lead tones I use a Fulltone OCD and EH Metal Muff, respectively. For little lead breaks (not full on solos), I kick on my Keeley Java Boost on top of the OCD. The Java Boost is a great little pedal. Kind of a morph between a treble boost and an overdrive. I'd read the reviews of the Twin Tube, but never got to actually see one before buying the other pedals.

Regards,

Jonathan

pace · « **Reply #2 on:** October 29, 2006, 07:22:25 AM »

Thanks Bill for the review, and Jon for the link.... When my friend decides it's time to take back his V-Twin, this will probably be it's replacement....

lidon2001 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 29, 2006, 03:07:04 PM »

How about using one pickup per channel on the F2B and each channel into a different Boogie for your Series guitar? (only for experiment, I assume lugging two Boogies for a gig would not be ideal weight-wise) I would also be interested in hearing your review of cascading channel A into B on the F2B as gain/master type setup using a mono guitar.

Thanks,
T

jalevinemd · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2006, 11:04:51 AM »

As per Bill's recommendation, I ordered a Twin Tube from GC and have it waiting for me to pick up after work. Couldn't find one in any Sam Ash or GC to try out. Was in NYC a couple of weeks ago and couldn't find one at Manny's, Rudy's or Sam Ash. So either they suck and no one carries them or their so hot they don't stay on the shelf too long. Hoping for the latter.

So far, I'm using the Fulltone OCD for a classic overdriven sound from my Hiwatt. I add the Keeley Java Boost for a little extra rhythm punch and for some leads/lead breaks. For flat out soloing 70's AOR style (Schon/Richrath ect...call me a loser) I love my EH Metal Muff. Depending on the sound I need, I'll sometimes kick on the Boss EQ on top of any one of those pedals.

Now that I think about it, why did I order the Twin Tube in the first place? Oh well, I'll let you know.

Regards,

Jonathan

lbpesq · « **Reply #5 on:** November 30, 2006, 04:03:15 PM »

ooops

(Message edited by lbpesq on November 30, 2006)

lbpesq · « **Reply #6 on:** November 30, 2006, 04:03:36 PM »

Jonathan:

I suspect you won't be disappointed.

Bill, tgo

jalevinemd · « **Reply #7 on:** November 30, 2006, 08:44:01 PM »

Bill,

Excellent sounding pedal, though it won't make the main board that I use with the Hiwatt (currently my primary amp). The OCD does a wonderful job of approximating the sound of my naturally overdriven Hiwatt. I find that the Twin Tube colors the sound a bit too much, though it's still a wonderful tone. I'll use it either with the Marshall or Fender. Not at all sorry I bought it. Great pedal.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #8 on:** December 03, 2006, 11:25:59 AM »

Love it with the Fender Deville! It's found a home.