Dumb question re: tubescreamer

[Farview]

It's very common to put a Tube Screamer, OD808, SD-1 or other overdrive type pedal up front of a tube amp and especially in front of hi-gain amps. Often with the pedal gain (overdrive) fairly low and with the volume at unity gain. They'll tighten the bottom and the tone control almost acts like an exciter adding clarity. kp-

So they are using it to curb the low end going into the amp. Wouldn't a different choice of pickups be more efficient?

 

[Keiffer]

yeah pickups matter... but OD pedals add tone options not available otherwise...

 

[TelePaul]

That would be useless if what you need is a push/boost. The tube screamer isn't really a distorion box, it was never meant to be.

Now that everyone builds amps with more gain than you would ever really need, these things aren't really necessary.

man i have to disagree... this pedal is just evil in its gain.

 

[Farview]

man i have to disagree... this pedal is just evil in its gain.

I guess I'm just old school. The last time I used one of these was before I modded my JCM800 for more gain. I went to Laney after that, then Mesa. I never needed any more gain than those amps had. I was also using custom wound pickups. I guess I'm just spoiled.

 

[Keiffer]

I guess I'm just old school. The last time I used one of these was before I modded my JCM800 for more gain. I went to Laney after that, then Mesa. I never needed any more gain than those amps had. I was also using custom wound pickups. I guess I'm just spoiled.

It's not about more gain... and not sure how custom wound pickups add to the equation

 

[Farview]

It's not about more gain... and not sure how custom wound pickups add to the equation

I had the tone that I wanted without having to use any pedals. Everyone that I know that did use or continues to use them, do it for the added gain boost.