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Vintage threads from the first ten years
Overdrive vs. Distortion
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 4/21/2003 12:50 AM |
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Greg P. |
Overdrive vs. Distortion This may seem like a dumb question, but here goes: What is the technical difference between an overdrive and distortion stomp box? I am using a variety of tube amps, 72 Marshall 50w, Fender Pro Jr. and 59 Bassman RI and am looking for a stomp box(s) that will respond to the instruments volume control in much the same manner as the amps. Haven't found a stomp box that allows me to clean up my signal via guitar volume control. They all seem to introduce some degree of eq when activated. Seymour Duncan has a pedeal that claims to boost the pickup signal by up to 25db, without 'coloring' the guitars pickup output. If my idea of overdirve is correct, this sounds like an overdrive pedal. |
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| 4/21/2003 2:21 AM |
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| LFOscalator | Overdrive will boost the sound as well as add a slight amount of distortion to simulate a moderately overdriven tube amp. In theory an overdrive should not color the sound in terms of EQ other than slightly distorting it. In practice, some manufacturers do the lack of coloration thing better than others. A distortion pedal simulates an extremely overdriven tube amp that also adds a fair amount of coloration to the sound. For example, they are intended to make a Fender Twin sound like a Marshall. Lot's of coloration involved. LFO |
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| 4/23/2003 1:43 AM |
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| Greg P. |
Thanks LFO, Finally, after all these a well articulated description of overdrive and distortion. I was pretty much on the right track, however your ability to explain the differences in laymens terms is greatly appreciated. Greg P. |
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