my fuzzy and distorted history in overdrive

Most people who play guiar go through a fair amount of distortion, fuzz and overdrive pedals before they find one that works for them at least in the majority of siuations.

My first pedal was an MXR Distortion+, the guitar player I played with at the time had a Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi which was the only other logical choice at the time. Later I briefly used a Boss Super Feedbacker Distortion which would have been great if I liked that squealing Strat sound, which I don't and infact have most of my life chosen semi hollowbodys.

After switching to a Rat 2 and being much happier I still managed a fling with a Tech 21 XXL, which I know is totally unhip but I think it's an under rated pedal. Finally I stayed with the Rat for good.

Over the years I have built up a vast collection of fuzz boxes. Many classics, weirdos and so many that really are cool. I am amazed at the variation on what can be done with a few parts and am always on the look out for pedals, especially square wave 60's fuzzes with a small part count.

Although The Rat is what I reach for to play I do use other pedals on recordings, switching effects for different parts of songs can add flow to tracks. Some have such specific sound that may only work in certain passages and of course with specific guitar and amp combinations.

As a long time user of The Rat distortion pedal I was was very excited to find this page. Personally I use both a "Tone knob" Rat and a Rat 2.

Some of my favorites for recording include the Maestro Bass Brassmaster, MGI Fuzz (which I think is the same as a Clark) and the Fender Blender. I also often use the SansAmp on certain guitars.

GEAR LUST

The following is a list of some of the new gear I've been dreaming of this year.

Enjoy my perversions (in no particular order):

I have always enjoyed Theremin, long before the obnoxious trend made them into a misunderstood novelty and a bad noise joke The Eowave Persephone has the ability to slide from one note to another but is configured more like a ribbon controller. It's an elegant thing really.

I've been a fan of the whole MoogerFooger line and have bought most of them. The Moog Music MF-107 FreqBox looks like a winner to me, whether it's another EH Microsynth type of thing or something new I'll bet I love it.

The thing about AudioCubes is that they look fun. Now don't get me wrong, I can't foresee someone doing a riveting and rocking live performance with them BUT in the studio or if one is just feeling arty...

okay, anyone who likes Speak & Spells is going to dig the Flame MIDI Talking Synth

We all know that touch screens are whats happening. Here are a few products that make music fun and touchable. Mononome Korg Kaoss Pad KP3, Electroplankton

For the modular lover who doesn't want his or her waveforms stock: Wiard synthesizers

Ciat-Lonbarde electronics makes electronic instruments that look like art and sound like lizards gnawing at your temples.

Continuum is the coolist controller for the Microtonal set

You can filter out or duck quak to death anything with Ebbe und Flut

A special mention needs to go to Bleep Labs who's product not only cute and fun but also works nicely with modulars. For an idea of it's size, see it pictured below with an Oberheim SEM and Steiner Microcon.

A lot of gear comes out each year and only small amount of it finds it's way into my fantasies, even less will make the final cut in terms of what I think is worth plunking down hard earned cash on. Aside from having to be 1. good 2. something that inspires creativity and 3. special

Plus I do have an ongoing habit with Doepfer who keep putting out interesting and affordable modules for their A-100 modular Synthesizer.