Get The Nobels Sound And More! | Truetone Overdrive Pedals

Summary

In this video, RJ compares the original '90s Nobles OD1 overdrive pedal with two modern True Tone pedals, the VSXO and Jaekel and Hyde, which feature modified versions of the Nobles circuit. The comparison highlights how the left side of both True Tone pedals is inspired by the Nobles overdrive, with additional features like a clean mix knob and bass control. RJ provides demos of each pedal, showcasing the tonal differences and unique features, such as the built-in noise gate on the Jaekel and Hyde distortion side. Ultimately, RJ evaluates the similarities and differences, offering insights into how these pedals stack up to the original Nobles sound.

Takeaways

• 😀 RJ compares an original '90s Nobles OD1 pedal, beloved by Nashville and LA session players, to a discontinued Visual Sound Open Road pedal in a previous video.
• 😀 Visual Sound eventually rebranded to TrueOne, known for their power supplies and pedals, and sent RJ two pedals: the Jaceland Hyde and the VSXO.
• 😀 Both the Jaceland Hyde and VSXO pedals feature dual overdrive and distortion circuits, with the left side of each modeled after the Nobles overdrive.
• 😀 RJ sets up a pedal board with a Loop switcher, comparing his original Nobles R1 to the two TrueOne pedals, demonstrating their similarities and differences.
• 😀 The left side of both TrueOne pedals (VSXO and Jaceland Hyde) offers a modified Open Road circuit, resembling the Nobles overdrive, but with added features like a clean mix knob.
• 😀 The Jaceland Hyde features a clean mix knob, allowing a blend of clean and overdriven signal for tonal customization, similar to the Nobles' dynamic response.
• 😀 The Nobles OD1 has a distinct 'cushy' feel, with more focus in the frequency spectrum, and reacts dynamically to picking intensity, cleaning up when backing off.
• 😀 RJ prefers the sound of his original Nobles with lower gain settings, but he explores the higher gain responses of the TrueOne pedals, noting the importance of the bass knob.
• 😀 The right side of the VSXO pedal offers additional features, such as a clean mix, multiple clipping options, and a base switch to adjust tonal settings, including Tube Screamer-like sounds.
• 😀 The Jaceland Hyde, one of TrueOne's original dual overdrive pedals, features both a Noise Gate on the distortion side and a bright switch to enhance tonal flexibility, earning RJ's praise as a new favorite.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video compares an original '90s Nobles OD-1 overdrive pedal with two TrueTone (formerly Visual Sound) pedals, the VSXO and JaKel & Hyde. The focus is on comparing the modified left side of these TrueTone pedals with the original Nobles OD-1, followed by a demonstration of the pedals' sound and features.

What is special about the left side of the TrueTone VSXO and JaKel & Hyde pedals?

The left side of both the TrueTone VSXO and JaKel & Hyde pedals is based on a modified version of the Nobles OD-1 circuit, which is a popular overdrive pedal among Nashville and LA session musicians. These modifications include added features like a clean mix knob and bass control.

How does the clean mix knob affect the sound of the JaKel & Hyde pedal?

The clean mix knob on the JaKel & Hyde allows the user to blend clean signal with overdrive. When set fully clockwise, it produces just the clean signal. As the knob is turned counterclockwise, more overdrive is introduced, allowing for a more dynamic and customizable sound.

What is the difference between the sound of the original Nobles OD-1 and the TrueTone VSXO?

The original '90s Nobles OD-1 has a more focused frequency spectrum, with a characteristic 'cushiness' and dynamic response when playing. The TrueTone VSXO, while similar, offers a slightly clearer sound, especially when the bass control is dialed down, making it less muddy compared to the original Nobles.

How do the TrueTone pedals handle higher gain settings?

The TrueTone pedals, like the VSXO and JaKel & Hyde, tend to get a bit fuzzy when the gain is turned up high. The bass knob on the VSXO can be used to adjust and reduce muddiness, but the high-gain settings still retain some fuzziness, particularly on the JaKel & Hyde pedal.

What role does the bass knob play in shaping the sound of the TrueTone pedals?

The bass knob on the TrueTone pedals adjusts the bass response. It allows users to fine-tune the low-end frequencies to their preference, either cutting or boosting the bass. The Nobles OD-1 is known for having a bit more bass than usual, and the TrueTone pedals offer a similar range but with more control over the bass frequencies.

What makes the JaKel & Hyde pedal unique compared to other overdrive pedals?

The JaKel & Hyde pedal is notable for being one of the first dual overdrive pedals ever created, originally released in 1997. It pairs an overdrive circuit with a distortion circuit, offering a wide range of sounds. Additionally, it includes a built-in noise gate on the distortion side and offers multiple clipping and voice options for further sound customization.

What are the clipping options available on the TrueTone VSXO?

The TrueTone VSXO has three clipping options: A (no diodes, low gain organic sound), B (two LEDs, medium gain with bright character), and C (three signal diodes, high gain with a smooth asymmetrical sound). These options allow users to choose different tonal characteristics and gain levels based on their needs.

What does the voice switch on the JaKel & Hyde pedal do?

The voice switch on the JaKel & Hyde pedal allows users to toggle between two different tonal characters. Position A is more in line with the classic JaKel & Hyde sound, while position B offers a louder, more open, and slightly more aggressive tone.

How does the noise gate function in the JaKel & Hyde pedal?

The JaKel & Hyde pedal includes an internal noise gate on the distortion side, which helps to reduce unwanted noise when using high gain settings. The noise gate is subtle and natural, making the pedal feel quieter and more controlled. It can be turned on or off using a mini slide switch inside the pedal.