Why I Like Boost More Than Overdrive

Overdrive or Boost, whats the difference and when should you use either one?

Thanks to @sweetwater for sponsoring today's video, heres the gear I used in this video.

Vertex Boost (affiliate link)

Origin Revival Drive Compact (affiliate link)

Source Audio ZIO Analog Boost (affiliate link)

Xotic Effects BB Preamp (affiliate link)

Xotic RC Boost V2 (affiliate link)

JHS 3 Series Overdrive (affiliate link)

Supro Royale 1X12 Combo (affiliate link)

Two Notes Torpedo Captor X (affiliate link)

Gibson USA Les Paul 50's Spec (affiliate link)

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[csiszerg]

+1 on the "less gain is more" approach. Also should noted that if the amp is well behind it's edge of breakup a clean boost can be used as a simplified volume pedal (for solos, etc.)

[VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for the shout out Rhett! Great video!

[IamMusicNerd]

This is one reason I love the Wampler Pantheon. It is one of the few OD pedals that lets you switch between soft or hard clipping, as well as basically turning it into a boost pedal when you turn the gain down but the volume up. So versatile.

[KenCarver]

A well done, non-overly technical explanation of two different audio events. And bravo for addressing the "you don't need as much distortion as you think" issue. Some of my favorite "heavy" tones are from the 80's era Judas Priest albums. And of course, Malcom Young used tones just this side of country clean and got a huge tone in the context of AC/DC.

Greetings from Austin, Tx!
K

[LeoMrz]

I play drums but always try to learn about other instruments to meet the best sound a band can get. I really appreciate things you explain for that purpose

[drewleuci]

Take a shot every time Rhett says “edge of breakup” in all his vids and you’re hammered

[bolillo]

I’m a mainly metal guitarist and I totally agree, I’ll put a boost (or an overdrive with very little gain) in front of my amp and it really tightens up the sound; it’s great.

[johnsawyer]

If I could only use one pedal for the rest of my life, it would be the zvex SHO boost. It was one of my first pedals that really made me LOVE pedals. Keep up the great work Rhett! :)

[johnpannella]

Wonderful video Rhett, I love doing stuff like this. By the way, I have a Quad Cortex coming on Friday, thanks to you. I have always been an old school tube amp guy, I dipped my toe into the digital world with the HX Stomp, also thanks to you. Now moving onto the Quad Cortex. I was inspired by the video you made putting your board together for some of your recent gigs with the QC at the core of the board. Looking forward to it and thank you! Your videos are great an inspired me to start a YouTube channel. Just getting into it and learning a ton from you.

[prd.]

Awesome tutorial!
I knew the difference between the two going in, but learned a lot about making them work together

[kampalaband]

I think this is why there are so many great overdrive and boost combo pedals. Really useful to have both at your feet depending on how you set your amp.

[Damaraja]

If anyone is interested in trying some boosts and is willing to install the circuit boards (pots included) into an enclosure, I’ve got loads of boost-type circuits stacked up in my ever-growing stock of effects pedal builds. I’ve built all kinds of boosts, from treble to full range, jfet, mosfet, IC and so on, as preamp, straight boost, and all things in between. Most, if not all, get the job more than done and add lots of snap to your signal. If needed I can throw them into an enclosure for you, but I know I’ll be less inclined to open the flood gates if it means I must drill the enclosures to house a million circuits. What Rhett says is true when it comes to boosts, and since I can’t possibly use all the circuits I’ve built, I figured I’d give the generosity route a go. Otherwise, I just have to put them on heavy rotation and/or use them as boosts in multi-effect pedals in the future. Aloha, D 🤙

[Burst]

Drybell’s Unit 67 is also a great boost worth checking out! It’s a clean boost, with a 2 band EQ, an optional dedicated range master style boost knob, and a blend knob for a 1176 style compressor. Very versatile!

[alancampbell]

Kudos for including the clipping diagram, very nice. Double kudos for making it transparent.

[Guitaropenmind]

Excellent presentation to the point, no fluff. Awesome tones and great playing, thank you !

[TJauernigElectronics]

The fine line is boosting for the desired clipping but staying within a useable volume level for your playing situation.

[jeremyt_mendoingwell]

Nicely done! I like the way you helped us explore ALL the options. Thought-provoking and it always makes me head straight to my rig to try this stuff out. Thanks, Rhett!

[tcmi]

Every new guitar player who is wanting to use pedals should watch this video. The teaching is perfect!

[overdriveguitarchannel]

I always prefer to keep my dynamics as much as possible, without sounding harsh or too up front . The most important factor for whether I like a drive is the compression characteristics

[sidgb]

I’m preferring boosts over drive I have an EP Boost, been tinkering with a tube screamer as a clean boost but I think it’s gonna get pulled off the board, I also like the pre amp on my tremolo pedal the Fender tre-verb as a boost it adds sparkle to the sound really subtle.

That being said the Origin Effects revival drive compact pedals are really good.